Joseph Milligan, a Georgetown book dealer, had helped Thomas Jefferson acquire his library. When Congress agreed to purchase Jefferson’s library, Milligan went to Jefferson’s Monticello home to inventory and appraise the collection. He also supervised its packing and transportation to Washington and in this letter, assures Jefferson of its safe arrival.
Manuscript Division, Library of Congress
Letter from Joseph Milligan to Thomas Jefferson regarding inventory and appraisal of Jefferson’s collection, July 31, 1815
Rebuilding the Library of Congress
When British troops burned the U.S. Capitol in August 1814, they completely destroyed the Library of Congress, which was housed in the building. To help replace the lost books, maps, and other items, former president Thomas Jefferson offered to sell Congress his personal library of 6,487 volumes. Encompassing a broad range of subjects, it was the largest private book collection in North America. After debating the offer, Congress purchased Jefferson’s library for $23,950 in 1815. Jefferson’s collection is currently on exhibit at the Library of Congress.
Joseph Milligan, a Georgetown book dealer, had helped Thomas Jefferson acquire his library. When Congress agreed to purchase Jefferson’s library, Milligan went to Jefferson’s Monticello home to inventory and appraise the collection. He also supervised its packing and transportation to Washington and in this letter, assures Jefferson of its safe arrival.
Manuscript Division, Library of Congress
