The Indiana State sentinel., 1881-06-01
JEFFERSON A BOOK COLLECTOR.
A Letter Explaining His Methods and the
Results.

Results.
The following isa cutting from an old news
paper of 1915 TO Jefferson's letter offering his
library to the Government after the destruc-
ton of the Library of Congress at the burn
ing of Washington by the British in the sec
ond war with England. II shows him an
ardent bibliophile for fifty years explains
his methods of collecting and their results,
and affords striking contrast with the
methods pursued in these days by men of
similar tastes:
MONTICELLO, Sept. 81, 1915
DEAR SIR-I learn from the newspapers that
the vandalism of our enemy has triumphed at
Washington over science as well as the arts by the
destruction of the Public Library, with the noble
edifce in which ii was deposited. OF this trans
tertain but one sentiment They will see Nation
suddenly withdrawn from a great war, full armed
and full handed, taking advantage of another
it, unarmed and unprepared latter two
years offensive war; to indulge themselves in
acts of barbarism which do not belong to civil
lied age. When Van Client destroyed their ship
ping at Chatham, and De Ruyter rode triumph
antly up the Thames. he might in like manner. by
have forced all their ships up to London bridge
and there have burnt them, the Tower and city,
had these examples been then set. London,
when thus menaced, was near a thousand years
old; Washington is yet but in her teens.
i presume IL will be among the early objects OF
Congress to recommence their Ct lection. This
tercourse with Europe is attended with much
risk. You know my collection, its condition and
extent have been ffty years making 1t, and
what ne We Pesnyy % Gf & 70
voted every afternoon was disengaged for a sum-
mer or two. in examining all the principal boob
hands, and putting by everything which related
to America, and, indeed, whatever was rare and
valuable in every science; besides this l had
wGs in Europe in its principal
book marts, particularly in Amsterdam.
Frankfort Madrid and London, for such works
relating TO America as could not be found in Paris
so that in that department., particularly, such a
collection was made IS ca never again De affect
opportunities, the same time, industry, persever-
ence and expense with some knowledge Of the
bibliography of the subject would again be found
in-concurence. During the same period, and after
my return to America, ] was led to
procure also whatever related to the
duties of those in the high concerns Of
l suppose is of between 1900 and 10000 volumes,
while il includes chiefly all that is valuable in
science and literature generally, extends more
particularly 70 whatever belongs to the American
statesman: in the diplomatic and parliamentary
branches il is particularly full. 1t is long since
have been sensible II ought not " continue pri-
vate property and had provided that al my death
Congress should have the refusal of it at their
own price: but the loss they have now incurred
makes The present the proper moment for their
accommodation. without regard TO the small
enjoying il
ask Of your friendship therefore to make for
me the tender Of il to the Library Committee OF
;I,a G4ngress not knowing myself Of whom the Com
which will enable them to judge of its contents.
Nearly the whole are well bound, abundance OF
them elegantly; and of the choicest editions.
selves, and the payment made convenient to the
public. IL may be. for instance, in such annual
instalments the Law Of Congress has left at their
disposal stock of any of their late loans or of
any loan they may institute at this session. so a.
to spere the present calls Of urcountry and await
its days of peace and prosperity. They may enter.
nevertheless into immediate use of IT, as eighteen
/ or twenty wagons would place IL III Washington
/ in single trip OF fortnight.
| should be willing, indeed, to retain few Of
| the books to amuse the time / have yet to pass.
which might be valued with the rest, but not in
cluded in the sum OF valuation until they should
be restored at my death which would carefully
provide for, so that the whole library, il stands
in the catalogue at the moment, should be theirs
| without any garbling
Those should like TO retain would be chiefly
classical and mathematical, some few in other
| branches and particularly one of the five Ency-
| clOpedias in the catalogue; but this, il not ac-
ceptable would not be urged must add that
home to live, so that ii is probable some of
the books may be missing, except in the
| chapters OF law and divinity, which have
been revised. and stand exactly as in the
| catalogue. The return OF the catalogue will, of
course, be needed, whether the tender be ac-
cepted or not know that 1t contains no branch
of science which Congress could wish to exclude
from their collection. There is in fact ubject
| to which Member of Congress may not have oc-
| casion to refer. But such wish would not cor
| respond with my views of preventing its dismem-
berment. My desire is either 70 place il in their
hands entire, or to preserve Ii so here. l am en-
gagged in making an alphabetical index of the
authors names TO be annexed TO the catalogues IN
order to facilitate the finding of their names in
| the catalogue, which 1 will forward to you as
| soon as completed. Any agreement you shall be
| so good as to take the trouble of entering into
with the Committee l hereby confirm. Accept
the assurance Of my great esteem and respect.
| TIL. JEFFERSON.