Lot 145: JEFFERSON, Thomas. Autograph letter signed ("Th: J") to Charles Clay (1745-1820), 25 May 1815. 1 page, 8vo, split at center fold repaired on verso .

JEFFERSON, Thomas. Autograph letter signed ("Th: J") to Charles Clay (1745-1820), 25 May 1815. 1 page, 8vo, split at center fold repaired on verso.

JEFFERSON MULLS OVER THE MERITS OF TWO POSSIBLE OVERSEERS in this post-presidential letter to his long-time friend and neighbor, the Anglican clergyman Charles Clay. "On the subject which has been passing between us I have had an offer from a person who has many proper points in his character, and would see both my plantations every day. Altho my inclinations are as they were before, yet there is ground for consultation with you on comparative merits. This suggests that while it may be necessary to sound the dispositions of the party first thought of thoroughly, it is best to commit me as little as possible, until I can communicate with you on the subject of the second offer..." Clay corresponded with Jefferson over many decades, and officiated at the funerals of Jefferson's sister Elizabeth and her husband Dabney Carr.