President Thomas Jefferson Handwritten Envelope During War Of 1812 PSA

Title:
War of 1812 era Thomas Jefferson Address Leaf to Craven Peyton — Handwritten and PSA/DNA Encapsulated

Description:
Offered is a rare, boldly penned address leaf written entirely in the hand of Thomas Jefferson, directed to his Albemarle County creditor:

“Mr. Craven Peyton / Monteagle”

The one-page sheet, measuring 9.75" x 8", shows period folds and darkened edge toning, consistent with correspondence that had been sealed and folded for delivery. While unsigned and lacking postal markings, it is vertically docketed in another hand, likely Peyton’s, with the annotation: “Apr. 3d 1813”.

There is minor restoration: a neat seal repair at the top center where the wax seal once was, and a few isolated paper repairs—none of which affect the integrity or legibility of the writing. The piece is encapsulated by PSA/DNA, with authentication confirmed and preserved in a tamper-evident slab measuring 13" x 9.75".

Historical Context:
Craven Peyton (1775–1837), the recipient of this address leaf, was a prominent local merchant, landholder, and distant relative by marriage to Jefferson. Peyton had leased Jefferson’s Shadwell farm from 1799–1801. His wife, Jane Jefferson Lewis, was the President’s niece—daughter of Jefferson’s sister, Lucy. By 1805, Peyton had acquired Monteagle, the Lewis family’s estate southeast of Monticello, purchasing it from financially strained in-laws.

This address leaf is emblematic of Jefferson’s extensive and sometimes strained personal finances in retirement. His correspondence with Peyton—who served as both a family relation and a creditor—adds dimension to the personal challenges Jefferson faced after leaving the presidency in 1809.

Authentication & Encapsulation:
PSA/DNA Authenticated — Certification Number B85670264

• Authenticated as written entirely in Thomas Jefferson’s hand

• Encapsulated in PSA’s tamper-evident holder, viewable front and back

• Slab measures 13" x 9.75"

• Additional Documentation & Provenance: At buyer’s request, Historical Autographs Gallery will include an additional “Historical Autographs Gallery Certificate” signed by our company founder Luke Pascal at no cost.

Closing Appeal:
This Jefferson-addressed leaf—handwritten, authentically dated to 1813, and tied to his extended family network—presents a compelling artifact of personal and historical significance. With Jefferson’s script preserved and authenticated by PSA, it offers a glimpse into the financial relationships and family dynamics of one of America’s founding fathers in his post-presidency years. A valuable acquisition for early American manuscript collectors and Jefferson scholars alike.

Shipping Notice:
For insurance purposes, items sold over $600 may require signature confirmation upon delivery. Higher-value items, likely over $1,500, are shipped via FedEx 2-Day with Direct Signature Confirmation. FedEx provides the most flexibility when requiring a signature, allowing you to make special delivery requests directly through their tracking system. This ensures both security and convenience for the buyer.