An Invitation to Dine With Jefferson at the White House

[Thomas Jefferson]. Partly Printed, Partly Manuscript Document, 1p, on bifolium stationery measuring 8" x 5", Washington, D.C., November 2, 1807, an invitation to dine with the 3rd U.S. President, completed in the hand of Jefferson's secretary, in full: "Th: Jefferson requests the favour of Mr. Richards to dine with him on Thursday the 5th at half after three or at whatever later hour the house may rise. / Monday Nov. 2nd - 07. / The favour of an answer is asked." With integral address leaf. Remnants of wax seal with opening tear at verso. Expected folds and creases. Lightly toned. In near fine condition.

Jefferson used invitations to dinner at the White House to advance his agenda and make official Washington more social by getting to know members of Congress. Planning to make these dinners a regular occurrence, he created a printed form, which was the first of its kind to be used by a President. It is clear that the printed form was intended for use while Congress was in session, as it makes allowance for legislative sessions, which normally ended after the three o'clock recess.

The recipient of Jefferson's invitation was likely Matthias Richards (1758-1830), a member of the United States House of Representatives from Pennsylvania. He enlisted and served during the American Revolutionary War as a private from 1777-78, and was commissioned a major of the Fourth Battalion, Philadelphia County Militia in 1780. In 1788, Richards was appointed a justice of the peace and held this office for forty years. 

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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