document seal?

jhamner

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Dec 2, 2008
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I don't think I have ever posted this before, but my apologies just in case.
The object I am inquiring about is a small brass piece with a threaded end and a name carved into the other end. The name appears to me to be I.A. Coles.
I didn't think much about this until I was reading an article in our museum newsletter that said there was an Isaac Coles who served as personal secretary to both President Thomas Jefferson and James Madison. Specifically, his middle initial was "A" purportedly for Albemarle County in Virginia, This middle name was chosen to distinguish this Isaac Coles from several relatives with the same first and last names.
Further research details the fact that this Isaac Coles was raised on a large estate near Keene, Virginia--only about 15 miles from Monticello, and that he had a law office in Scottsville, Va. Lo and behold, that is where I dug up this relic! I don't know if there is any connection whatsoever, but it is an interesting story nonetheless.
I would LOVE to find pictures of some early documents with Coles' signature or seal on them to compare with this relic. If anyone knows of any, please let me know and THANKS!
 

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DCMatt

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Oct 12, 2006
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So... I assume you already know what the object is... And you are just looking for examples of documents from his law practice?

What is the date range of his office in Scottsville?
 

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DCMatt

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Oct 12, 2006
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Herndon Virginia
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Minelab Equinox 600, EX II, & Musketeer, White's Classic
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Here is the text of a letter from I.A. Coles included in the papers of Thomas Jefferson:

IAColes letter 1814.JPG

You might find other examples at the LOC or the Library of Virginia in Richmond.
 

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DCMatt

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Oct 12, 2006
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Herndon Virginia
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Minelab Equinox 600, EX II, & Musketeer, White's Classic
Primary Interest:
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Here is a scan of a letter from I. A. Coles to T. Jefferson. I saw a number of handwritten letters from him in the LOC database.

iacole LOC letter.png
 

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jhamner

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Dec 2, 2008
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So... I assume you already know what the object is... And you are just looking for examples of documents from his law practice?

What is the date range of his office in Scottsville?
I am thinking from the early to mid 1800's. I will try and research exact dates if i can, but there is precious little information about his tenure in Scottsville.
 

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jhamner

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Dec 2, 2008
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So... I assume you already know what the object is... And you are just looking for examples of documents from his law practice?

What is the date range of his office in Scottsville?
Sorry about the repost--I guess I have contracted the Can't Remember Stuff syndrome! Thanks for the letters--they are definitely hand-written and not stamped signatures from Coles.
What I would LOVE to find is a Coles document with the stamp I posted inked and presssed on one of his letters or impressed in wax either on an envelope or to seal a letter. Anyway, thanks for all your help and i will check out those other references you sent me. Jack.
 

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