Thomas Jefferson Autograph Letter Signed in the Text While Secretary of State. One page of a bifolium, 7.625" x 4.5" (folded – sight), no place; March 20, 1793. Letter addressed to Captain [Nathaniel] Cutting in which Jefferson extends his compliments and writes that President Washington "counts on [Cutting] in the matter spoken of," a reference to Cutting's recent appointment as David Humphrey's secretary for an upcoming mission to Algiers. With integral address leaf. Docketed. It reads, in full: "Th: Jefferson presents his compliments to Capt. Cutting, and informs him that the President counts on him in the matter spoken of. The article of money shall be arranged. / Mar. 20. 1793." David Humphrey, who was engaged as the U.S. Minister to Portugal at this time, had been tasked with negotiating the ransom of American captives with the Dey of Algiers. In a letter written by Jefferson the following day, he informs Humphrey of the mission and Capt. Cutting's appointment, writing: "Mr: Cutting is allowed one hundred Dollars a month, and his expenses, which as soon as he joins you, will of course be consolidated with yours. We have made choice of him as particularly qualified to aid under your direction in the matters of account, with which he is well acquainted." The men arrived in September 1793, but the mission failed when the Dey denied them passports. The American prisoners remained in captivity until October 1796. The letter has been attractively matted and framed with a portrait of Jefferson to the overall size of 31" x 21". Not examined outside of the frame. Reference: "From Thomas Jefferson to Nathaniel Cutting, 20 March 1793;" "From Thomas Jefferson to David Humphreys, 21 March 1793," Founders Online, National Archives. Condition: Evidence of expert repair to folds. Small area of paper loss to corner of address leaf presumably caused by seal removal upon opening. Light scattered soiling. HID03101062020 © 2022 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved

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