Our Collection

At the Institute’s core is the Gilder Lehrman Collection, one of the great archives in American history. More than 85,000 items cover five hundred years of American history, from Columbus’s 1493 letter describing the New World through the end of the twentieth century.

Jefferson, Thomas (1743-1826) to Henry Voigt

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03941 Author/Creator: Jefferson, Thomas (1743-1826) Place Written: Washington, D.C. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 3 December 1807 Pagination: 1 p. : address : free frank ; 23 x 19.5 cm. Order a Copy

Commissions Voight to make him a gold watch for his granddaughter.

Notes: Not in Bergh.

Washington Dec. 3. 1807.
Sir
Having no other friend in Philadelphia capable of executing my watch-commissions I am obliged to trouble you too often with them. I wish to get a gold watch for my grand daughter: not a mere bauble; but one just decently ornamental, but the works of which should be substantially good. A gentleman now in the house with me has a most elegant one, apparently a good one, for which he paid in Paris only 10. Louis or 45. D. If purchased here I suppose it would have cost the double, and I should be quite contented to get such a one for [inserted: the] double. [struck: less] If you can find one within that limit which you can recommend, I will thank you to take it for me, and in recieving information of the cost, it shall be immediately remitted to you. I mentioned this to mr Briggs, by whom I sent you my striking watch for repair, & he has probably mentioned it to you. I salute you with great esteem.
Th: Jefferson
Mr. Voigt
[address leaf:]
free
Th: Jefferson Pr. US.
Mr. Henry Voigt
at the Mint
Philadelphia

Voigt, Henry, fl. 1807
Jefferson, Thomas, 1743-1826

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