Third-person ALS, one page, 8 x 5, February 10, 1800. In full: “Th: Jefferson will with pleasure serve Mr. Randolph’s friend as far as he is able; but it will be necessary for him to explain to Mr. R. the small extent of his present acquaintance in Europe in order to know how he may turn it to the best account. Some idea too will be useful of the probable range of travelling proposed by the gentleman.” Reverse of second integral page bears an address panel in Jefferson’s hand, “Mr. Randolph, North 4th Street 53.” Intersecting folds, some scattered light toning and creases, and a small spot to text lightly affecting a single word of text, otherwise fine condition.
Writing only two months before he became the Democratic-Republican nominee for president, Jefferson agrees to write a letter of introduction for the friend of possibly Edmund Randolph, a Virginia politician and a distant relative. Jefferson was well known abroad, having served as the United States Minister to France from 1784 to 1789, but although he made many friends in this position ten years earlier, he mentions, rather modestly, “the small extent of his present acquaintance in Europe.”
In what Jefferson would call the ‘Revolution of 1800,’ he led a peaceful transition of power to the Democratic-Republicans. With Aaron Burr, who was elected vice president, Jefferson rallied his party and prevailed in the election of 1800, becoming the third president of the United States. His victory was not celebrated in all circles, however: northern critcs called him the ‘Negro president,’ since his win was largely due to the Three-Fifths Compromise, a deal giving southern states more political influence based on their number of slaves. Fine association to Jefferson’s influence in Europe, written the year he would win the presidency. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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