Details:

Aaron Burr (1756–1836), third Vice President of the United States, handwritten docket on an original autographed letter signed (ALS) by Nicolas G. Dufief, dated December 1, 1803, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

The letter, addressed to "Aaron Burr, Vice President of the United States," concerns Dufief's proposed publication of a work on language. Writing in a respectful tone, Dufief explains that he had previously arranged for a gentleman in Georgetown to deliver a copy of the prospectus to Burr but, uncertain whether the delivery had occurred, was forwarding additional copies himself.

Dufief writes, in part:

"I requested a Gentleman of George Town the favor of having a copy of the prospectus of the work I propose publishing, handed to you as a mark of my respectful homage. As circumstances might have prevented him from fulfilling my wishes, I take the liberty of thus forwarding to you two copies of the same."

The letter concludes with Dufief's handwritten signature, "N. G. Dufief."

Of particular historical interest is the integral address panel on the reverse, addressed to "Aaron Burr, Vice-President of the United States, City of Washington," which bears Burr's own handwritten docket identifying the correspondence:

"N. G. Dufief, 1 Dec. 1803, enclos'g Prospectus of a new work on Language."

The address panel also retains period postal markings, including a "FREE" designation.

An interesting piece of correspondence with a direct association to Aaron Burr during his tenure as Vice President under Thomas Jefferson. Written in December 1803, the letter predates Burr's infamous July 1804 duel with Alexander Hamilton by approximately seven months.

The letter measures approximately 7.75 x 11.75 inches, with writing on the front and the integral address panel and Burr's handwritten docket on the reverse. Very good to fine condition with original mailing folds, scattered age toning and staining, and an irregular area of paper loss from the original wax seal removal. The affected area is adjacent to Dufief's signature but does not significantly obscure the principal handwritten text. Additional handling wear and postal markings are consistent with age and use.

Aaron Burr (1756–1836) was an American politician, attorney, Revolutionary War veteran, and the third Vice President of the United States, serving under President Thomas Jefferson from 1801 to 1805. A former United States Senator from New York, Burr became one of the most controversial figures in early American political history following his fatal duel with Alexander Hamilton in 1804. In 1807, he was tried for treason in connection with an alleged conspiracy involving western American territories but was ultimately acquitted. His political career, rivalry with Hamilton, and subsequent treason proceedings remain among the most extensively studied episodes of the early American republic.

Nicolas Gouïn Dufief (c. 1776–1834) was a French-born language teacher and author who worked in England and the United States. He became known for his publications on language instruction, including his influential work Nature Displayed in Her Mode of Teaching Language to Man, first published in 1804. The correspondence provides an interesting connection between Burr and an emerging figure in early American language education.

Authentication:
Includes a full letter of authenticity from JG Autographs, Inc.

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Reference sku: 11705 1419427-1