THOMAS JEFFERSON, Monticello, to PETER S. DU PONCEAU, Philadelphia., 1820

Scope and content:

TJ requests information about John Sanderson who proposed to publish a multi-volume biograhy of the Signers. TJ explains that he has already sent information on George Wythe to Sanderson and received the first volume in return and found it "superiorly written; exhibiting mind, information & polisth, a little too florid perhaps for the sober style of history ...." Believing that Sanderson might apply to him again for information on other signers TJ asks Du Ponceau about Sanderson and his purpose: "What is his character moral and political, does he write for money or fame, etc? Information as to these particulars must govern my confidences ...." TJ promises to burn Du Ponceau's reply as soon as he has received it.

Physical description:
ALS. 1 pp., with attached addresss leaf. Deposited by Albert H. Small.

Access and use

Location of collection:
University of Virginia, Special Collections Dept.
Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library
University of Virginia
P.O. Box 400110
170 McCormick Rd
Charlottesville, Virginia 22904-4110
Contact for questions and access:
POC: Special Collections Public Services & Reference Staff
Phone: (434) 243-1776
Fax: (434) 924-4968
Parent restrictions:

The collection is open for research with the following exceptions: Patrons must view a copy or microfilm of materials unless prior permission to view originals has been obtained from senior Special Collections staff.

N 545, MSS 9090-a is restricted. No access without written permission of the owner.

Parent terms of access:
Copyright has not been evaluated for the items in this collection. Visit our Permissions and Publishing page for more information about use of Special Collections materials. The library can provide copyright information upon request, but users are responsible for making their own determination about lawful use of collections materials.