Thomas Jefferson Autograph Endorsement Signed

Revolutionary Warâ€â€œdated autograph endorsement signed, "In Council, Aug. 12, 1780. Referred to Col. Wood to have settled by a board of officers. Th: Jefferson," penned on the reverse of an ALS written by Hugh McGavock from the Albemarle Barracks, August 5, 1780, regarding several other officers contending with him for rank, "that new officersâ€Â¦appointed that never had a commission before should take command of all others of the same rank." Professionally inlaid to a slightly larger sheet and in very good to fine condition, with an area of repaired seal-related paper loss.

McGavock served as a recruiter and prison guard at the Albemarle barracks during the Revolution, and later enlisted in the Virginia State Line under Colonel Joseph Crockett. Owing to nepotism and disorderly paperwork, there were multiple instances in his military career where he encountered difficulties in obtaining the ranks and positions to which he was entitled. His own firsthand account of his wartime service can be found in the bounty-land records in the Library of Virginia.