Description:

BENJAMIN FRANKLIN
(1706 - 1790) American statesman, inventor, and author, Signer of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. A.L.S. signed twice, "Dr. Franklin" in the third person, 1p. 4to, [Passy], March 1783 to the Italian physician Philip Mazzei (1730-1816) writing in full: "According to Mr Mazzei's Report, Dr Franklin has the honour to inform him that there is no Court at Versailles on Tuesday next, consequently that he shall not be there. Dr Franklin desires the honour of Mr & Mrs Mazzei's Company at Dinner on Wednesday the 12th Inst. -- at 1/2 pst 2" Mazzei first met Franklin in London before the start of the American Revolution. In 1773 Mazzei moved to Virginia where he and Thomas Jefferson introduced the first commercial vineyard in Virginia. Mazzei returned to Europe in 1779 as a secret agent for Virginia and undertook the purchase of arms for use by the American rebels. Following the release of his history of the American Revolution in 1788 he became an unofficial roving ambassador in Europe promoting American ideals and institutions. A fine association piece. Usual folds else, fine condition. Nicely framed with an engraving and biographical plaque.

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June 3, 2010 11:00 AM EDT
Stamford, CT, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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