Jefferson, Thomas, third President

Autograph letter signed ("Th: Jefferson"), 1 page (9 7/8 x 7 7/8 in.; 250 x 200 mm) on a bifolium of wove paper, Monticello, 4 January 1824, to "Thomas M. Randolph of the legislature of Virginia now in Richmond," autograph address and franking signature ("free Th: Jefferson") on verso, reception docket by Randolph on verso; seat tear with loss, some minor fold separations to integral blank. Half blue morocco folding-case, blue morocco spine labels.

Christie's New York, 13 November 1987, lot 91

Jefferson sends his son-in-law a syllabus for the study of the law. "In compliance with the reqest of Colo. Bowyer, conveyed through you, to furnish a list of books proper to prepare his son for the bar, I inclose you copies of two letters [not present], written formerly, and on occasions which called on me for full and mature consideration of the subject. these will not only specify the books to be read, but also the reasons for their preference, and the course of other reading auxiliary to the accomplishment of a well prepared lawyer. above all things I would press on him the procuring of Thomas's edition of [Sir Edward]Coke['s commentary on Sir Thomas] Littleton, as being the only basis on which a good lawyer can be formed. any importing merchant in Richmond could obtain it from London within 4. or 5. months; as could the importing booksellers; but these would lay on their 10. Dollars of profit. Colo. Bowyer is free to make what use of these letters he pleases. perhaps they might be useful to some young students if permitted to be printed, to which, in this case, I have no objection. there is a mr. White in Richmond, a printer, who writes me that he wants something to do, & perhaps would print this on his own account. it would make a pamphlet of a single sheet only, and might sell during a session of the legislature."