Signed letter from Thomas Jefferson

In this letter, Thomas Jefferson (1743–1826), author of the Declaration of Independence and America's third president, writes to Henry Dearborn, his former Secretary of War, and addresses several topics. Autograph letters by Thomas Jefferson are fairly plentiful among collectors, so it is especially rewarding to feature one where he discusses exceptionally meaningful subjects.  

John Adams, signer of the Declaration of Independence and America’s second president: "I am happy to hear of his good health. I think he will outlive us all, I mean the Declaration-men."

Missouri statehood and the debate over slavery: "I rejoice with you that the state of Missouri is at length a member of our union. whether the question it excited is dead, or only sleepeth, I do not know."

The arrival of Gilbert Stuart’s "Edgehill" portrait of Jefferson at Monticello. It took 16 years, and considerable help from Dearborn, for Jefferson to receive the portrait from Stuart: "The portrait by Stewart was received in due time & good order, and claims, for this difficult acquisition the thanks of the family."