LS signed as secretary of state, “Th: Jefferson,” one page, 8 x 9.75, June 25, 1790. Letter to the governor of Georgia. In full: “I have the honor to send you herein inclosed, two copies duly authenticated of the Act for giving effect to an Act intitled, ‘An Act to establish the Judicial Courts of the United States,’ within the State of Rhode Island and Providence plantations.” In very good condition, with silking on the reverse to repair separations and tears to horizontal folds, small chips and areas of paper loss affecting some words and portions of a few letters in Jefferson’s signature, and moderate spreading and mirroring to ink.
Rhode Island was the last of the original colonies to ratify the United States Constitution on May 29, 1790, less than one month prior to Jefferson's letter. Article III established only the Supreme Court while granting Congress the power to create lower courts as necessary—a modest example of the 'checks and balances' between the three branches of government. On June 23, Congress organized Rhode Island as one judicial district assigned to the Eastern Circuit, authorizing one judgeship, and Jefferson subsequently notified the nation's governors by sending copies of the newly passed statute. This letter represents the very beginnings of the United States, invoking the Constitutional powers granted to the federal government upon ratification. It is an early example of Jefferson's role in the creation of the American judicial system, an influence which would only increase during his term as president. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA.
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