Thomas Jefferson Gifts Charles Willson Peale An Eagle Claw

(Philadelphia), March 12, 1797. Autograph note, signed in the third person by Thomas Jefferson as Vice-President of the United States and as President of the American Philosophical Society, to Charles Willson Peale: "Th: Jefferson presents his compliments to mr. Peele & returns him the papers he confided to him with thanks for the perusal. he also incloses the eagle's claw. he takes this opportunity of taking friendly leave of him. Mar. 12. 97." Additional signature ("Th: Jefferson"), added in another, later, hand at bottom right. One sheet, 4 x 7 3/4 in. (102 x 197 mm). Creased from old folds; docketed on verso. In mat with engraved portrait of Jefferson, and in frame, 16 3/4 x 12 in. (425 x 305 mm).

A rare note from Thomas Jefferson to American painter and naturalist Charles Willson Peale. Here, Jefferson expresses his compliments to Peale for papers he confided with him, and encloses an eagle claw, presumably for inclusion in Peale's celebrated Philadelphia Museum.

Jefferson and Peale were close friends and longtime correspondents who shared an equal enthusiasm for natural history and the desire to foster an American culture built on republican values. At the time of this letter, Peale's Museum occupied the greater part of the American Philosophical Society's (APS) Philosophical Hall at 5th and Chestnut Streets in Philadelphia. The first learned society in America, both Jefferson and Peale counted as members of the APS, with Jefferson then serving as its newly installed President (elected only 10 days earlier, on March 3, 1797)--a position he would hold through his term as Vice-President under John Adams, his two terms as President of the United States, until his resignation in 1815. In his role as President of the APS Jefferson encouraged the accumulation and diffusion of knowledge about the new nation, and as a friend of Peale, was a crucial supporter of his Museum, acting as a patron, assisting in the exchange and acquisition of specimens and artifacts, and serving as President of the Museum's Board of Visitors.

Rare. Among the earliest extant letters from Jefferson to Peale to come to market, and according to RBH, is the first to come to auction since 1987.