Jefferson, ThomasAutograph document signed ("Th: Jefferson") as third President, to the New Jersey legislature, explaining his reasons for not seeking a third term
One page (246 x 196 mm) on a leaf of wove paper, [Washington], 10 December 1807, being the final page only of Jefferson's autograph reply "To the Representatives of the people of New Jersey in their legislature" (see below), endorsed on verso "Answer of the President of U.S. 10 Decr. 1807" and, in another hand, "to the Address of NJ Legislature"; light browning, some splitting at folds, creasing at top right corner.
President Jefferson makes preparations to retire.
President Jefferson eloquently replies to the New Jersey legislature's message in response to the news he will not seek a third term in office: "Truth also obliges me to add that I am sensible of that decline which advancing years bring on; and feeling their Physical, I ought not to doubt their Mental effect. Happy if I am the first to perceive & to obey this admonition of nature, and to sollicit a retreat from cares too great for the wearied faculties of age."
With humility and deep gratitude, Present Jefferson continues: "Declining a re-election on grounds which cannot but be approved, I am sincerely thankful for the approbation which the legislature of New Jersey are pleased to manifest of the principles & measures pursued in the management of their affairs: and should I be so fortunate as to carry into retirement the equal approbation and good will of my fellow citizens generally, it will be the comfort of my future days, and will close a service of forty years with the only reward it ever wished."
Upon the inauguration of James Madison on 4 March 1809, Jefferson retired to Monticello, satisfied with his performance as a public figure and more than eager to become a private citizen enjoying the blessings of retirement.
The present manuscript is the final page only only of Jefferson's 10 December 1807 address "To the Representatives of the people of New Jersey in their legislature." On 1 November 1993, lot 107, Sotheby's sold the first two pages of this then-unidentified document by Jefferson; it is currently in the Gilder Lehrman Collection.
REFERENCE:"From Thomas Jefferson to New Jersey Legislature, 10 December 1807," Founders Online, National Archives, https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Jefferson/99-01-02-6954 (Early Access Document)
PROVENANCE:Mrs. Philip D. Sang (Sotheby's, 27 March 1985, lot 183)
Jefferson, ThomasAutograph document signed ("Th: Jefferson") as third President, to the New Jersey legislature, explaining his reasons for not seeking a third term
One page (246 x 196 mm) on a leaf of wove paper, [Washington], 10 December 1807, being the final page only of Jefferson's autograph reply "To the Representatives of the people of New Jersey in their legislature" (see below), endorsed on verso "Answer of the President of U.S. 10 Decr. 1807" and, in another hand, "to the Address of NJ Legislature"; light browning, some splitting at folds, creasing at top right corner.
President Jefferson makes preparations to retire.
President Jefferson eloquently replies to the New Jersey legislature's message in response to the news he will not seek a third term in office: "Truth also obliges me to add that I am sensible of that decline which advancing years bring on; and feeling their Physical, I ought not to doubt their Mental effect. Happy if I am the first to perceive & to obey this admonition of nature, and to sollicit a retreat from cares too great for the wearied faculties of age."
With humility and deep gratitude, Present Jefferson continues: "Declining a re-election on grounds which cannot but be approved, I am sincerely thankful for the approbation which the legislature of New Jersey are pleased to manifest of the principles & measures pursued in the management of their affairs: and should I be so fortunate as to carry into retirement the equal approbation and good will of my fellow citizens generally, it will be the comfort of my future days, and will close a service of forty years with the only reward it ever wished."
Upon the inauguration of James Madison on 4 March 1809, Jefferson retired to Monticello, satisfied with his performance as a public figure and more than eager to become a private citizen enjoying the blessings of retirement.
The present manuscript is the final page only only of Jefferson's 10 December 1807 address "To the Representatives of the people of New Jersey in their legislature." On 1 November 1993, lot 107, Sotheby's sold the first two pages of this then-unidentified document by Jefferson; it is currently in the Gilder Lehrman Collection.
REFERENCE:"From Thomas Jefferson to New Jersey Legislature, 10 December 1807," Founders Online, National Archives, https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Jefferson/99-01-02-6954 (Early Access Document)
PROVENANCE:Mrs. Philip D. Sang (Sotheby's, 27 March 1985, lot 183)
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
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.jpg "Source: Christie's")
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