ALS as president signed “Th: Jefferson” (and in the text as “Mr. Jefferson”), one page, 8 x 9.75, November 1, 1802. Jefferson writes to Dr. William Bache. In full: “I received yours of the 26th mentioning that you would set out the next day for Richmond, there of course you would arrive on the 28th. Three days before I received your letter, as I had lodged money in Mr. Jefferson's hands, he might possibly pay you for 143.33 on sight of the letter I wrote you. But I now write to him to do it, and I inclose you an order on him accordingly for that sum, which however you cannot receive till the 3d. Be so good as to present my most friendly respects to Mrs. Bache and with my wishes for a pleasant voyage and a safe arrival at your destination, accept my assurances of my constant and affectionate esteem.” Bache (1773–1814), a grandson of Benjamin Franklin, was a close friend of Jefferson’s; Bache and his wife, Catharine, stayed with Jefferson at Monticello for several months in 1799, and later settled on a nearby farm. In his memoirs, Jefferson recalls his final visit to Benjamin Franklin’s deathbed, where Bache, then a young boy, was directed by his grandfather to hand him a document that the dying statesman then passed on to Jefferson. The other “Mr. Jefferson” the president refers to is evidently an untraced relative, likely his sole surviving brother, Randolph, or one of his many cousins. Intersecting mailing folds (one light fold touching signature), a few faint spots (one very slightly touching last name), and a few tiny holes to blank lower portion, otherwise fine condition. The letter is beautifully signed and clearly penned throughout. LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
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