ALS signed “Th: Jefferson,” one page, 7.25 x 9.75, March 10, 1797. Jefferson, six days after taking office as Vice President under Adams, writes to Mr. H[enry] Remsen. In full: “It is long since I have had the pleasure of addressing you, but being now so near you I could not return without dropping you a line on the subject mentioned to me lately interesting to yourself. I shall certainly bear the testimony so justly due to you which the delicacy of my position will admit. I wish it permitted a freer and more direct application. It is some time since I have had occasion to inquire whether or not I am in your debt. I suppose that I must be for newspapers and the prices [current. Be so] good as to draw on Mr. John Ba[rnes, my representative in Ph]iladelphia for any little [advances on purchases you have] made for me, and they will [be paid without any] special order from me, as I have given a general one. During the sessions of Congress, I shall be here to do it myself. The prices current are very important to me. I am with affectionate regard, dear sir, your friend and servant....” The recipient, Henry Remsen, Jr. (1762–1843), was former Chief Clerk in the Department of State who advised Jefferson on business matters related to Jefferson’s estate, Monticello. In very good condition, with a few light stains, light show-through from short ink docket on reverse (confined to margin), partial separations along folds stabilized by silking to entire reverse, and hole to central portion of text, resulting in loss of approximately seventeen words (expertly restored as bracketed above). Jefferson’s writing, and his signature in particular, is dark and distinct, while the skill of the restoration is such that the effect on the overall visual impact is minimal. LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
