Thomas Jefferson, 9 November 1813

JEFFERSON, Thomas (1743-1826). Autograph letter signed ("Th:Jefferson") to [Patrick] Gibson, Monticello, 9 November [1813].

One page, 142 x 202mm. Affixed to a mat and framed with an engraved portrait of Jefferson by J.B. Forrest after Stuart (mild soiling at lower left margin not affecting text, not examined out of frame).

On exporting grain and avoiding the British Navy. Jefferson asks Gibson for cash and advises that upon receipt "I shall immediately set out for Bedford to hasten down my flour from thence." He warns that the river was not deep enough to "yet float an empty boat." But Jefferson anticipated further delays from British warships patrolling and raiding the Chesapeake, and was "in hopes the winter gales will force the enemy from their stations in the bay, to cruise off the coast which will of course enable our produce to go out at the risk of some only being taken by the cruisers…" At the height of the War of 1812, the British Navy wreaked havoc on the Chesapeake, burning towns and seizing American ships throughout the summer and fall of 1813. The following year they would continue their raids, culminating in the burning of Washington and the unsuccessful attack on Baltimore.