News
By Mary Pumphrey
|
June 26, 2003
A collection of eight pieces of the correspondence of Thomas Jefferson, ranging from a one-page note concerning payment to the contractor hired to build a greenhouse at Monticello to a letter discussing the Lewis and Clark expedition, was offered for auction by Sotheby's in New York June 20th.
The papers were sold as part of a larger sale of fine books and manuscripts with an emphasis on Americana, Selby Kiffer senior vice president of books and manuscripts for the auction house said.
The letters, which fetched between $2,700 and $48,000 were sold anonymously to private American collectors he said.
The letters offer a valuable look into the diplomatic history of the young nation, History Prof.