Jefferson, Thomas, Third President, as Secretary of State

Autograph letter signed ("Th: Jefferson"), 2 pages (10 x 8 in.; 254 x 203 mm), Philadelphia, 26 August 1791, to Colonel Nathaniel Burwell; integral address leaf with red wax seal remnants; a few minute losses at folds of address leaf only; overall light browning.

Cullen, ed.,The Papers of Thomas Jefferson, 22:75-76

Autograph letter signed ("Th: Jefferson"), 2 pages (10 x 8 in.; 254 x 203 mm), Philadelphia, 26 August 1791, to Colonel Nathaniel Burwell; integral address leaf with red wax seal remnants; a few minute losses at folds of address leaf only; overall light browning.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

In the name of friendship, Jefferson offers information and advice. In his detailed letter, the Secretary of State discusses how the trustees of the estate of John Paradise were chosen: "I . . . am happy to be able to explain the appearance of a double employment of trustees in the affairs of Mr. Paradise. This is what was at first arranged, while I was in Europe. It was necessary to have trustees in London who might receive the proceeds of Mr. Paradise's estate and pay it to his creditors, and to whom the creditors might apply. Dr. Bancroft and one or two others were appointed by mutual consent of parties. But it was necessary also to have a trustee in Virginia into whose hands the estate might be delivered, free from the disposal of Mr. Paradise, except the part of the profits allowed for his subsistence. You were in like manner appointed by general consent for this, and it rests with you to do all authoritative acts concerning the estate here, and the remittance to England."

Jefferson proceeds to advise Colonel Burwell on how best to exploit the estate of Mr. Paradise in great detail, explaining: "On mature consideration & consultation with persons here more knowing than myself in public stocks, it appears clearly for Mr. Paradise's interest to subscribe his public paper to the loan opened by the general government." After spelling out percentages and pertinent details of such an arrangement, Jefferson closes his letter humbly: "I venture to suggest this matter, Sir, for your consideration, having no right to meddle in it otherwise than as a friend of Mr. Paradise and as the measure I would take were it to depend on my opinion."