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  • I Cannot Live Without Books Baseball Cap - Library of Congress Shop
  • I Cannot Live Without Books Baseball Cap
  • I Cannot Live Without Books Baseball Cap

I Cannot Live Without Books Baseball Cap

$ 20.00

The quotation embroidered on this baseball cap was expressed by Thomas Jefferson to his friend John Adams in 1815. Jefferson wrote this to Adams after offering to sell his books to Congress.

Library of Congress is stitched on the back of the hat. One size fits most; adjustable back strap. Cotton canvas. Specify: BLACK (with white stitching) or KHAKI (with black stitching) 

The original letter from Thomas Jefferson to John Adams is in the Library's collections. Jefferson's letter in it's entirety reads:

[June 10, 1815]

I have met with, and very kindly and opportunely offered me the means of reprocuring some part of the library treasures which I have ceded to Congress to replace the devastations of British Vandalism at Washington. I cannot live without books, but fewer will suffice where amusement, and not use, is the only future object. I am about sending him a catalogue to which less than his critical knolege of books would hardly be adequate.

Present my high respects to mrs Adams and accept yourself the assurances of my affectionate attachment. Th. Jefferson


Ours exclusively.

#21305060