Thomas Jefferson spent his life in public service followed by a very active retirement and Jefferson signed many autographs, signatures and signed letters in these positions. As Governor of Virginia Jefferson signed documents of an official nature. Jefferson’s letters signed as Governor concerned the colonies affairs. As a delegate to the Continental Congress Jefferson’s autograph and signatures are much scarcer than the period of his governorship. While George Washington’s Secretary of State, Thomas Jefferson signed letters concerning the affairs of the new country and Jefferson also signed official printed versions of the individual Acts of the New Congress. Documents signed as Washington’s Secretary of State were not commonly required by the new government.
Thomas Jefferson’s Autographed Signed Letters and Documents
Jefferson’s autographed signed letters and documents as President were always saved by recipients and today’s collectors have benefited by their availability. Jefferson signed many types of documents: appointments to the many different Federal positions being filled in the new government, ships papers, sea letters, and most frequently, Jefferson signed land grants which were always saved in families as proof of ownership of the land.
Thomas Jefferson’s Signature Alone is Much Less Common
Thomas Jefferson’s signature alone is much less common. He lived in a time before admirers asked for autographs – the separate signatures encountered are ones that have been removed from documents or letters.
Thomas Jefferson’s popularity among collectors of autographs, signatures, signed letters and documents is from many different standpoints: as the author and Signer of the Declaration of Independence, as a Virginian instrumental in the founding and design of the University of Virginia, as the author of The History of Virginia, as the President who purchased Louisiana from France and commissioned the Lewis and Clark expedition, and also as the retired statesman who worked ceaselessly to improve his Monticello estate.
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