Beschreibung:

JEFFERSON, THOMAS, President . Autograph letter signed ("Th:Jefferson") as President, to James Oldham, Washington, D.C., 8 June 1803. 1 page, 4to, tiny hole at one fold intersection, otherwise in fine condition [ With ] Autograph free frank ("free Th: Jefferson Pr. U S"), on integral cover sheet addressed by Jefferson to James Oldham at "Monticello, near Milton," brown circular "Washn. City" datestamp and "Free" handstamp, franking signature slightly obscured by datestamp, seal hole. CARPENTRY AND PLASTERING AT MONTICELLO From Washington, Jefferson instructs his overseer regarding the materials to be used in some construction underway at Monticello, and comments on the high price asked for laborers. "Yours of the 3rd. was received last night. Would not riven pine slabs make a better moveable cover for the plaistered part of the house, than linen? If slabs 10.f. long and 2.f apart were first laid cross ways thus horizontally [a small diagram is added here] and then others nailed up & down close & breaking joints and the nails clinched on the under side, it would hang together strongly, and might be laid on, & laid by in pannels [ sic ] very handily. If pannels 10.f. wide would be too unhandy, they might be only 8. or 6.f. wide. I think this would be best. Linen would soon be stolen. However if there be no other way effectual but linen, Mr. Lilley must get that for you, for we must not permit the plaistering to get wet on any account. "With respect to help, if Lewis be not sufficient, I must get you to consult with Mr. Lilley, who will endeavour to assist you , on better terms for me that giving Mr. Perry a dollar a day for a hand which he talks of asking. I could get the best housejoiner here to go for much less than that: but it seems not worth while for a mere job, & especially as a coarse hand I imagine will do...."