21To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Henry Latrobe, 19 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr Latrobe presents his most respectful Compliments to the President U.S.—& thanks him for the Inventory sent him. Mr. Latrobe’s object in going to Philadelphia is to take some measures necessary for the supply of sundry materials for the Pblic Bldgs, & articles of furniture for the Presids. house. He intends to return without fail on the 2d. of March. Before the President’s journey to...
22Benjamin Henry Latrobe to Thomas Jefferson, 5 April 1811 (Jefferson Papers)
The high respect & attachment which I have always professed and very sincerely felt for you has not been proved by the frequency of my letters to you. But knowing how much your time & mind are occupied by correspondence of infinitely more importance, I have never had the vanity to believe that I am entitled to intrude upon you with t special occasion.—Another reason,—the reason indeed which...
23To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Henry Latrobe, 7 December 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
I fear I have done wrong in printing the letter herewith sent without communicating to you the Manuscript. My only excuse is this: that having postponed the fulfillment of my intention so long that I found there would be difficulty in getting the letter printed after congress had met,—I at last wrote hastily, & the little pamphlet is the production of three nights, between the hours of 10 &...
24To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Henry Latrobe, 27 August 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
As I could not be well spared myself, I sent down my Clerk to the Quarries, immediately after writing to you, and as soon as the business would permit, I followed him, and made such arrangements, as that we have now all our most heavy stone in the Yard, and shall not probably be again at a Stand for stone. The architrave is set round the East semicircle, & by Friday evening the three Stones...
25To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Henry Latrobe, 11 November 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
We have put in the frames of the Pannel lights on the whole of the West side of the dome and are now engaged in putting in those on the East. I find it impossible to save the Center light on the South side, and indeed it would have been better to have sacrificed the two next east & West of them,—for the roof in that part is so flat, that I fear we must cover it with Lead. I will endeavor so to...
26To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Henry Latrobe, 23 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
To the President of the United States of America. The Report of the Surveyor of the Publick buildings of the United States, at Washington March 23d. 1808 My Report on the progress and state of the publick buildings of the United States in the City of Washington during the year 1807 has been delayed untill all the work performed at the Capitol and the Presidents house could be measured and the...
27To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Henry Latrobe, 11 September 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Since your departure the public Works have made regular progress, nor has any thing occurred which would have authorized, my trespassing on your time by a letter.—I have been since then in Philadelphia & New York, & returned hither about three weeks ago.—The confinement of my wife & the loss of our child has since my return delayed the statement I am now going to make of the present situation...
28Benjamin Henry Latrobe to Thomas Jefferson, 2 July 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
The occasion of my writing to you at present is to solicit your sanction to a voucher of expenditure which, without it, cannot pass the treasury, but will leave the amount chargeable to me individually.— The supper given, according to a custom, which I cannot but think a good one, to all the workmen at the Capitol was so arranged (as it to its being furnished), with M r Steele Stelle ,—that he...
29To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Henry Latrobe, 6 January 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
Since my arrival in this city I have endeavored by enquiries here, & by writing to New York, Boston, & Albany to procure the glass necessary for the lights of the Cieling of the Hall of Representatives, and have been entirely disappointed. I have therefore sent by the Packet an order to England of which a duplicate shall follow by the first opportunity, and, unless the Vessel should be lost we...
30To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Henry Latrobe, 5 May 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
I have waited till this late hour for the list of his Workmen, & of all the blocks which are now on the Yard which Mr Blagden has promised me, & which is necessary to the completion of the scheme of the progress of the workg which I have to submit to you. I find so many of our Blocks, on examination, to be cracked by drying, that my statement, is incorrect, in as far as the work expected to be...
31To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Henry Latrobe, 21 April 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
A Report has just now been made to the House on the public Buildings. It contains all the arguments that can be adduced in favor of the appropriation & the best defence that could have been urged as to the deficit. To me it is highly flattering, a circumstance not less pleasing to my self love, & useful to my professional standing, than agreeable to every feeling of my heart in reference to...
32To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Henry Latrobe, 23 March 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
I most sincerely regret your continued illness.—The weather prevented till Saturday any measures being taken to lay out the grounds. Today I am engaged in it.—A contract for the Wall is made.—As soon as the stakes are driven the diggers will go to work. At the capitol we have this morng recommenced the external works. The plaisterers are lathing the cieling.— with high respect Yrs. DLC :...
33Benjamin Henry Latrobe to Thomas Jefferson, 5 November 1816 (Jefferson Papers)
When your letter of the 27 t of Aug t arrived, I was confined to my bed by a bilious fever. After my recovery two long absences from the city, and as much occupation as filled all my time, prevented my acknowledging the favor you have done me in communicating to me the very simple, & valuable invention it discribes . But what renders your letter more valuable, is the assurance it gives me of...
34To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Henry Latrobe, 3 April 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
I am sorry that the necessity of producing your Voucher to the officers of the Treasury obliges me to trouble you with the enclosed account of expenditures. For my own expenses I have not been able to obtain vouchers in detail, travelling principally with my own horses, and must depend upon the amount of the expenses of each journey, which are minutely correct, appearing reasonable to you. For...
35To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Henry Latrobe, 21 November 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Latrobe intended to have waited on the President this evening, but as he has returned the report, with his approbation, he will immediately cause two copies to be made of it, & then wait upon the President with them.— The Weather has for two days prevented the Gates being put into the Walls. If fair tomorrow the breach will be made & the Gates fixed.— DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
36Benjamin Henry Latrobe to Thomas Jefferson, 6 October 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
Having been absent from Washington I did not receive your letter of the 24 t of Aug t under untill about (sept. 7 th ) 3
37Benjamin Henry Latrobe to Thomas Jefferson, 7 March 1818 (Jefferson Papers)
I arrived here with my family on the 12 h of Jan y and a few days afterwards was taken ill of my old complaint, the Hemicran i a , a complaint in which no one, I believe, can more heartily sympathise with me than yourself, as I believe you are often severely afflicted with it. I was confined to my room for three weeks. Immediately on my recovery I was called to Annapolis to examine the bar at...
38To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Henry Latrobe, 2 May 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Since I dispatched my letter of this morning, I have gone over with Mr Lenthall the papers in the office, & the following is the result. Our large stone has cost $1.75 ⅌ perch such as we have always used at the Capitol; but small stone fit for the Wall, if mixed with larger, may be had at $1.12 ½ , say with Waste, and laying up close, $1.30 One man will lay a perch of Wall & point it on both...
39To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Henry Latrobe, 9 October 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
I forgot to mention this morning,—that since my measurement & certificate of Mr Barry’s account he has threatened that unless I immediately complete his measurement he shall charge two Dollars a day for waiting here, & he has stated that you had ordered that no money should be paid out of the funds appropriated to the President’s house untill his demands were satisfied.—I feel an objection to...
40To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Henry Latrobe, 19 July 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Since my departure from Washington, I find by constant correspondence with Mr. Lenthall, that all the works at Washington are regularly going on.—A difficulty has however occurred in procuring the boards for the roof of the Capitol of heart pine 12 inches broad.—Mr. King the Timber merchant at Georgetown has declined engaging to supply them on any terms. I have therefore written to Mr....
41To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Henry Latrobe, 22 December 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
In applying the appropriations of the last Session of Congress, of 110,000$ to the prosecution of the work on the South wing of the Capitol, & of 20,000$ to the service of the other public buildings, I have endeavored so to comply with your directions, as to forward the progress of the works to the utmost extent of the limited resources of this City. The mass of building which has been erected...
42To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Henry Latrobe, 4 July 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
I had the favor of your letter of the 1st. of July yesterday evening & have immediately taken the necessary steps to procure 6 Stonecutters,—but as this is the Anniversary of our Independence I have found it impossible to procure the attention of anybody today . Tomorrow, I expect to be able to make sure of as many as the city can spare. I have called the Master Stonecutters together, & have...
43To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Henry Latrobe, 10 November 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
I have been twice at the Pr. House in hopes of having the favor of a few minutes conversation with you before my departure; but was both times so unfortunate as to find you engaged, and at the same time to be so pressed myself that I could not watch the opportunity of speaking to you.— I have I hope left nothing in a state to suffer by my absence, & I shall return as soon as I can arrange my...
44Benjamin Henry Latrobe to Thomas Jefferson, 28 June 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
I have found so much pleasure in studying the plan of your College , that the drawings have grown into a larger bulk than can be conveniently sent by the Mail. If you can point out to me any convenient mode of conveyance within a few days, I should gladly avail myself of it. I have put the whole upon one very large sheet, which I am very unwilling to double; and to roll it on a stick will make...
45To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Henry Latrobe, 31 August 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I have been here for some time, 10 days, & shall remain untill every thing which requires my presence is compleatly disposed of, which will be the case I hope about the middle of next week. I will now endeavor to give you full information of all the circumstances attending the present state of the public buildings. 1. The Capitol.— The exterior walls are caried up perfectly as high as the tops...
46To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Henry Latrobe, 25 May 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I herein enclose the strongest specimen of the plant which under the name of Dryrot commits such ravages upon the timber of buildings,—which I had ever met with. It was taken from the timber upon which the principal piers of the Senate chamber were built. The timber itself is reduced almost to powder, being more decayed than any other part of the work. We have now pulled them all down, & I...
47To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Henry Latrobe, 14 March 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
I fear the largest Vessel which Mr. Foxall could Cast would be too small for a Cistern for the presidents house. A round Vessel might be indeed made of two Cylinder with a flat bottom. Last Year I proposed to Mr Foxall to cast a number of Flanched plates to make a Cistern, but he made some objection. However I will see him as soon as I can get out. At present I am confined by a most painful...
48To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Henry Latrobe, 12 September 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
In my last I informed you of some difficulties which had occurred respecting Mr. Lenthall and our carpenters. I have fortunately arranged every thing with bothe parties to my perfect satisfaction, and hope to derive advantage from the perfect explanation which has taken place. The work that has been done upon thereof has been entirely successful. The West part has not leaked a drop during the...
49To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Henry Latrobe, 24 September 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
Your absence from Monticello having prevented my hearing from you before this day, I had proceeded to carry up the Chimnies agreeably to the plan I sent to you. They must be capped as nearly level with the top of the Dome as possible, & I must contrive some kind of a sky light in the center of them. It would not well have done to have carried them straight up; for 4 of them would have come out...
50Benjamin Henry Latrobe to Thomas Jefferson, 17 June 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter of the 12 th curr t (P.M. 14 th June ) I have just now received, and am, more than I can express, flattered and gratified by the request it contains.—And not only is it pleasing to me, tha to find that after so many Years knowledge of my character & talents, while employed in the public service under your eye & direction, I still retain your esteem and friendship, but I have...
51To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Henry Latrobe, 1 September 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
To my no little surprize, but at the same time very much to the advantage of the progress of our works, I have not yet received a summons from Mr. Hay to attend the trial at Richmond, & from the course, which by the latest accounts, the proceedings appear to take, I almost think that, for the present at least, my testimony to the deceptions under which Colonel Burr attempted to raise a force...
52Benjamin Henry Latrobe to Thomas Jefferson, [ca. 26] December 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
The enclosed letter will prove to you that I have not been unmindful of your wish to have the rate of Carpenter’s prices at Philadelphia , as your rule of valuation for the work of the new College . M r Thackara is one of the most respectable citizens & mechanics in Philadelphia . He did the Plaisterer’s work, so much & deservedly admired, of the Capitol , & was sent for again, by but did not...
53To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Henry Latrobe, 20 June 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
I have been so unavoidably detained by the different persons with whom arrangements [were] necessary previously to my departure, that I fear I shall be unable to wait upon you before [one] oclock.— I therefore take the liberty to request you to give the necessary directions to my being furnished, agreeably to Mr Rodneys desire with the papers I have heretofore given to the executive,— as the...
54To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Henry Latrobe, 5 May 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I herewith transmit to You two sheets containing the drawings of the buildings proposed to connect the president’s house with the public Offices on each side The heighth of story indispensibly necessary in the fireproof of the Treasury (of which Wythe’s post also transmit a plan to the Secy. Treasury) as well as the general appearance, & the connection of the Colonnade with the Offices at...
55To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Henry Latrobe, 29 October 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
During your illness, from which I sincerely rejoice that you are recovering, I was unwilling personally to intrude upon you, & I am still fearful, lest a visit on business, might not yet be convenient to You. I beg leave therefore to request Your consideration, and indulgence, while I state to you in writing, what I should otherwise have verbally laid before you.— I have heard with great...
56To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Henry Latrobe, 7 July 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
I find considerable difficulty in getting a convenient & short road North of the President’s house, on the principle you proposed the evening before last.—I shall not therefore be able to lay a satisfactory project before You this day. I have in the mean time ordered the Mason’s to proceed Northward with the Wall already begun,—not Southward,—and tomorrow I hope to have something to submit to...
57To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Henry Latrobe, 27 April 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr Latrobe most respectfully requests the favor that the President will send him the design of the proposed method of completing the Capitol, as it contains the plan of the recess, without which no commencement of the work can be made. The bearer if convenient will take charge of it. DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
58To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Henry Latrobe, 6 July 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
The stone for the Steps of the President’s house is, in part arrived, & I am in hopes that the remainder will come up this week. It is now to be decided where it shall be wrought. GRAPHIC IN MANUSCRIPT If it could be prepared immediately on the spot marked ⊙ not less than 250 Dollars would be saved out of the expence of hauling & time which would be necessary if wrought out of the...
59To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Henry Latrobe, 18 February 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
Since the situation of my family has been such as to leave me at liberty to return to Washington, I have been detained here by the most distressing pecuniary embarrassments. They have arisen from the recoil of the notes issued by the Ches: & Del. Canal Company upon me,—which I took in payment & paid away again more than a Year ago; and also from the misconduct of the persons who were...
60To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Henry Latrobe, 21 March 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
I have made a design, and a bargain for your redStone at 20₶. If you will have the goodness to send it to me ⅌ bearer it will immediately be put into hand. The Italians conceive themselves, and indeed are under such obligations to you, that they insistd on presenting to You their Labors,—but agreeably to your wishes I have made the bargain which appeared to me reasonable on all sides. I have...
61To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Henry Latrobe, 17 November 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
In presenting to you the drawing of the Capitol, which I herewith leave at the President’s house, I have no object but to gratify my desire, as an individual citizen, to give you a testimony of the truest respect and attachment;—an attachment to which your high office adds nothing,—and which existed though not in the same degree for your character before I had the happiness to be known to you,...
62To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Henry Latrobe, 28 May 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the two letters you have done me the favor to write to me before me, the first of the 22d & the last of the 26th. just now received.—The former I should have immediately answered had I not on the 21st. transmitted to you my report on the whole system & its reasons which I had pursued in the arrangements of the ground round the president’s house. I am sorry to have commenced otherwise...
63To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Henry Latrobe, 8 November 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
I am so unwilling to take up your time unnecessarily, especially on my own concerns, that I take the liberty to write, rather than speak to you. During my stay here from the 10th. of April to the latter part of May, I stated to you an account, showing the inadequacy of my Salary of 1.700$ to cover the expenses induced by my appointment. You were pleased to say that it should be raised to...
64To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Henry Latrobe, 23 January 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I arrived here on Wednesday evening, having been 11 days on the road, 3 of which were spent in waiting till it was practicable to cross the Susquehannah. The last fortnight of my stay in Philadelphia was devoted to the providing of curtains to be hung round the house of representatives by direction of the Committee appointed to devise the means of rendering the Hall less objectionable on the...
65To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Henry Latrobe, 14 June 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
I arrived here about an hour ago,—having yesterday, broke the perch of my carriage, and this morning lost my way, so that I am several hours later than I hoped.—As soon as I can get my family in the house I have taken, I will wait upon you, probably about 6 o’clock. I have been through the Capitol and find every thing in good forwardness.—With the highest respect Yrs. DLC : Papers of Thomas...
66To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Henry Latrobe, 3 October 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
B. Henry Latrobe presents his most respectful compliments to the President of the UStates, & begs to know when he may wait upon him, or whether it is rather the wish of the President to come up to the Capitol when Mr Latrobe may attend him.— The Glass for the roof of the Capitol was brought up to the building this morning and will be begun to be put on on Monday.— DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
67To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Henry Latrobe, 14 June 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
As soon as I had put all my things on board the Vessel, I prepared to set off to Washington from Philadelphia, & the same evening recd. a letter from the Attorney general summoning me to appear as a witness at Richmond on Mr. Burr’s trial. I immediately sent my Son to Wilmington to represent to him the impossibility of leaving my family in the state they then were, without the common...
68To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Henry Latrobe, 13 September 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I have been this day honored by your letter of the 8th. and shall immediately take care, that the alteration in the North Wing of the capitol shall extend no further than to divide the room in the north west corner; leaving the Semieliptical Vestibule in its present state. I am, at the same time not a little apprehensive of the disposition of the Senate at their next meeting. On your arrival...
69To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Henry Latrobe, 31 March 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Dr. Salary of the Surveyor of the public Buildings Cr. Decr. 29 to March 1st. 60 days. By one Years pay 1804. 1.700 April 17th. 9 July 1. 13 Balance, loss on this Engagement 86. 62 Oct. 20.
70To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Henry Latrobe, 28 April 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
In the success of my exertions to compleat the South wing of the Capitol so far as that it shall be capable of receiving the House of representatives at their next session, I conceive all my professional reputation, & every evidence of the truth of my profession of attachment & respect to You to be at Stake,—& I beg leave therefore to assure you,—that whatever may be the event of my present...