Peter Maverick to Thomas Jefferson, 12 November 1822
From Peter Maverick
New York Novr 12th 1822
Esteemed Sir
The order received last summer by the hand of Mr Coffee could not be completed earlier than this time on account of the prevailing sickness, which caused me to remove from the city for several weeks, I now hasten to forward you an impression of it.
The proof is not perfect, but could not get a better one without delaying, it 2 or 3 days longer hope the execution will prove satisfactory.
You will please instruct me as to the number of impressions you require to be printed and of the quality of paper (that is to say whether it must be sized or unsized, thick or thin)
Peter Maverick
RC (MHi); dateline at foot of text; endorsed by TJ as received 17 Nov. 1822 and so recorded in SJL. RC (ViU: TJP); address cover only; with Dft of TJ to Eli S. Davis, 27 Aug. 1823, on verso; addressed: “The honble Thomas Jefferson late President of the U States.”
Peter Maverick (1780–1831), engraver and printer, was born in New York City. He trained under his father, Peter R. Maverick, who was an accomplished engraver. Maverick worked exclusively in New York City until 1809, when he moved his residence and main business to Newark, New Jersey. During his time in that city, Maverick first apprenticed Asher B. Durand and then took him into partnership, 1817–20. After the firm of P. Maverick & Durand dissolved, Maverick returned to New York City and operated independently. One of his specialities was engraving banknotes. Maverick prepared a ground plan of the University of Virginia in 1822, engraved portraits, and produced copperplate and lithographic prints. In 1826 he was a founding member of the National Academy of Design. Maverick died in New York City (; Stephen DeWitt Stephens, The Mavericks: American Engravers [1950]; Newark Centinel of Freedom, 30 Oct. 1810, 1 Aug. 1820; New York National Advocate, 16 Oct. 1817; New-York Evening Post, 16 Nov. 1820, 8 June 1831; Thomas S. Cummings, Historic Annals of the National Academy of Design, New-York Drawing Association, Etc. [1865], 28, 29, 123).