A letter by Thomas Jefferson discussing the right to bear arms will be auctioned on July 4th, valued at $90,000. Written in 1783 to Virginia Governor Benjamin Harrison, the letter addresses democracy and the Treaty of Paris. Jefferson asserts that citizens should be able to bear arms for defense, highlighting a significant perspective on Second Amendment rights. He also voices concerns regarding the ratification process for the treaty, reflecting the political uncertainties of that time. This is the first time the letter has been available since 1982, making it a historic artifact for collectors and historians alike.
Democratic citizens want "to exercise in arms for the defense of their country: of 80000 men able to bear arms among them it is believed scarcely any will refuse to sign this demand."
Jefferson expresses concerns that the Treaty of Paris might not be ratified by Congress in time for it to be sent back to Britain and made official. "We have yet but seven states, and no more certain prospects of nine than at any time heretofore."
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