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Thomas Jefferson Signed Letter Transmitting Acts of the 2nd Congress, Including the Fugitive Slave Act & The Establishment of the US Mint
THOMAS JEFFERSON Signed Letter Sending the Fugitive Slave Act Autograph * PSA
$30,000.00
Guaranteed Authentic
American founding father and third President, Thomas Jefferson, important letter signed while serving as Secretary of State under George Washington. Dated April 19, 1793, Jefferson writes transmitting official copies of the Acts passed during the 2nd Session of the 2nd United States Congress. Interestingly, the letter is signed by Jefferson on 18th anniversary of the Battle of Lexington and Concord.
Most notably, the Acts Jefferson transmits here include the Fugitive Slave Act of 1793, one of the earliest federal laws addressing slavery across state lines. The law made it a federal offense to assist escaped enslaved individuals and established the legal framework for their capture and return, even from free states. It effectively ensured that those who escaped slavery could be pursued indefinitely, heightening tensions between North and South in the early Republic.
At the time, it was standard practice for the Secretary of State to circulate newly enacted federal laws to each state. This served both as a formal courtesy and to place them on official legal notice, making the transmission of the Fugitive Slave Act to Rhode Island, where resistance to its enforcement was already taking shape particularly significant. Although each state Governor received a copy this is one of just two copies of this letter we have been able to locate.
The second session of the second Congress was one of the most formative in American history, establishing key pillars of the young nation including the Coinage Act of 1792 which created the U.S. Mint, as well as strengthening the federal judiciary and national defense. During this period, Vermont was admitted into the Union.
Letter is in remarkably clean condition, some areas of toning and staining. Bifolium with the 2nd page showing signs of having originally been laid down. Transmittal folds, letter measures approx. 7.5" x 9.25".
Own a one of a kind, original piece of American history! The perfect gift for the Revolutionary War collector, autograph enthusiast, or History buff. A must have addition to any collection.
Sold as is, as shown.