Jefferson, Thomas (1743-1826) to John Trumbull re: his engraving "Declaration of Independence", Univ. of Va.
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02483 Author/Creator: Jefferson, Thomas (1743-1826) Place Written: Monticello Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 1823/07/15 Pagination: 1 p. + FF 26 x 21 cm + 1 engraving ; b&w ; 14.7 x 23.3 cm Order a Copy
With integral address leaf, free franked. Docketed by recipient. Jefferson agrees to subscribe to a copy of Trumbull's engraving of the signing of Declaration (Staufer 679) and also orders a print of Washington's resignation. He invites Trumbull to see the new University of Virginia and review his drawings for the Rotunda. Jefferson suggests an engraving of the University (never made) and extends his warm wishes to Trumbull. One engraving, "The Declaration of Independence", included.
Monticello July 15. 23.
Dear Sir
I always hear from you, and of you with great pleasure, and shall recieve [sic] the visit you promise with distinguished welcome and gratification. The copies of your engraving of the Declaration of Independence I shall be glad to recieve [sic] glazed and framed. Not overloaded with gilt, the glare of which is too much of a foil to the print. A narrow slip of gilt on the inner & outer edge of the frame, and black between them abstracts less of our attention [struck: to] [inserted above: from] it's [sic] principal. If packed in a tight box, and addressed to me, to the care of Colo. Bernard Peyton my correspondent in Richmond, and sent thither by the Steamboat or other vessel, it will probably come safe. Of the Resignation of Genl. Washington I shall be glad to subscribe for one copy, to be framed, glazed & forwarded in like manner. Perhaps you could bring them on with you in the stage which would be safer.
Independent of the motives of friendship to which we shall owe your kind visit, I can promise you a gratification well worth the trouble of your journey, in a visit to our University. I can assure you that, as a specimen of architecture strictly classical, you will find it unrivalled in this country, and possessing the merit of pure originality in the design. It is by such as yourself therefore that I wish it to be seen and judged. The building however which is to be it's [sic] greatest ornament, and in fact the key-stone which is to give Unity to all that is already done, will only have it's [sic] walls completed the present year, and will not receive it's [sic] roof until the next: but this your experienced eye will supply. It's [sic] Perspective would furnish a subject worthy of your pencil and of the burin of Mr. Durand. It would be a very popular print.
My daughter joins me in the welcome of which we give you the assurance, with that of our unchanged affections and respect
Th: Jefferson
[address leaf:]
free
Th: Jefferson
John Trumbull esq.
New York
[Trumbull's docket:]
Thomas Jefferson
Monticello July 15. 1823
Ansd. 1st Octo -- with prints
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