Printed invitation to dinner at the White House, accomplished in Thomas Jefferson's hand, addressed by Jefferson on integral blank reads: "Th: Jefferson requests the favor of the honorable Mr. Read to dine with him on Thursday Feb. 4 1802 at half after three or at whatever later hour the house may rise...The favour of an answer is asked." Note: Nathan Read (1759-1849) most notably invented the first true high pressure steam engine in 1789. Read was elected as a Federalist to the Sixth Congress to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Samuel Sewall; he was reelected to the Seventh Congress and served from November 25, 1800, to March 3, 1803. He was not a candidate for re-nomination in 1802.

Separation at seams, toning, not examined out of frame.