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Lot 393
Law, Thomas. Autograph Letter Signed "T. Law," 2pp., folded sheet with integral address leaf.Washington, July 18, 1804. Address leaf torn from opening with old folds. To George Logan with reference and critique of Hamilton-Burr duel, attendance at an Indian Dance attended by President Jefferson, correspondence to James Madison about civilizing Indians, and other political activities. Signed at the bottom of the second page.
Thomas Law, an Englishman who was one of Washington D.C.’s first investors, was married to Elizabeth Parke Custis, granddaughter of Martha Washington. George Logan was an American physician and U.S. Senator for Pennsylvania. Law begins his letter mentioning that he received one from Logan via noted naturalist C.S. Rafinesque, who "arrived just in time to accompany me to an Indian dance." On July 11, the first delegation of Osage Indians arrived in Washington, having been sent there from St. Louis by Meriwether Lewis. Law continues "The President [Thomas Jefferson] was there & a very great Crowd. I have been writing to Mr. Maddison a talk for the President to give the Indians recommending agriculture & a division of their lands to cultivators, this is the first step to civilization. Whilst they are only hunters, they must be constantly at war, & will in time be extirpated." Law was indeed qualified for such advice, having been a noted administrator for the East India Company.
The letter continues "How happy is this Country without Colonies, large armies &c. Bonaparte would make a bad President here." Next Law addresses the Hamilton-Burr duel, which had taken place the week prior. "Hamiltons untimely fate employs all tongues. Burr is lost for ever. Let us hope that this event will render dueling disgraceful. Revenge or Cowardice bring men to the feild - for common sense & religion are against the practise…" The letter concludes with a lengthy commentary on the ill effects of war, before turning to the election of 1804 which pitted Jefferson against Charles C. Pinckney of South Carolina: "…Genl Washington & Jefferson have not encreased offices or conferred appts upon their state favorites--Adams…may be regretted by Massachusets - of what consequence is it to any State whence the President is elected. South Carolina has done wrong and should her slaves create an insurrection, very few States would willingly risque their lives & spend their fortunes to suppress it." The letter includes a postscript mentioning John Bartram, with Law asking Logan to "pray desire him to send any seeds of American plants & flowers to Lady Rumbold Southampton Harts…" Excellent content.
Estimated Value $1,500 - 2,000.
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