Jefferson, Thomas, third President

Autograph letter signed ("Th: Jefferson"), 1 page (9 5/8 x 7 7/8 in.; 245 x 200 mm), Monticello, 22 April 1826, to an unidentified correspondent, evidently to a European bookseller; browned, neatly laid down on tissue, closing a few fold separations, some minor marginal chipping. Half green morocco slipcase, russet morocco spine labels.

Just weeks before his death, Jefferson writes about the procurement of periodicals and monographs for the recently opened University of Virginia. While Jefferson's activities anticipate Carlyle's declaration that "the true university ... is a collection of books," his school was so new that he admits that some of the books will have to remain crated until a library and bookcases can be built to accommodate them.

"Since my last of the 9th. I have received representations from the faculty of our Professors, on the subject of the annual importations of the Periodicals desired by the Visitors. they say that to answer their views it is indispensible that they should come at shorter intervals, quarterly, for example, at least. I must therefore correct the request in that letter, and pray you to direct your Correspondents to forward them regularly every quarter.

"I have been to the University since that letter; and examined the boxes of books arrived there. they are marked and numbered thus. C.H. & co. No. 1.2.3.4.5.6.7. – 9.10. – 12.13.14. – 16.17.18. in all 15. all appear in good order except one, which, being tumbled carelessly by a waggoner at Richmond, burst, without falling asunder, or losing any thing as far as we can judge. the room & presses to receive them are promised in early June. till which the boxes cannot be opened. The more I enquire into the want of books, the more I am satisfied that you would double the amount of your annual sales here, were the books on hand ready when asked for. I mean especially those of our particular recommendation. mr. Lomax our Law Professor engages to open his school on the 1st of July, with about 30. students on the spot, and probably as many more soon after. Thomas's Coke Littleton will be their 1st and immediate want, & Law Dictionaries of course." Prof. Lomax's principal text book—Thomas's edition of Coke's commentary on Littleton—is the same work that Jefferson called "the only basis on which a good lawyer can be formed" (see previous lot).