1From Thomas Jefferson to William John Coffee, 9 December 1824 (Jefferson Papers)
When shall we get our roses for the Rotunda? the whole scaffolding of the building is obliged to be kept standing only to enable the workmen to put up these small ornaments. I am sure you have been using due diligence, yet our necessity obliges me to make this enquiry, our instn will certainly be opened on the 1 st of Feb, and the Rotunda will be then in a condn for use. I have been expecting...
2To John Adams from William John Coffee, 10 November 1818 (Adams Papers)
I Som three weeks ago took the liberty of writing to you in Concequen ce of the Advice of Mr Jefferson’s but he I fear will no longer have Permission to give Advice he being given Over by his Physicians, but that Sad news you no doubt—Sir are too well aquainted with now Sir as I must Shortly go to Washington and the Cold wether would hinder my proceeding in The Modeling Sir will your goodness...
3From John Adams to William John Coffee, 18 November 1818 (Adams Papers)
The distress of my family must be my apology for neglecting your two letters till this time. The information in your last, is as afflictive to me, as it is new. An uninterrupted personal friendship with Mr Jefferson, notwithstanding all political conjunctions and oppositions for forty three years has endeared him to me; and your account of his danger is a great addition to my other, almost...
4To John Adams from William John Coffee, 26 December 1818 (Adams Papers)
I cant help Expressing my great disapointment at not being favored with an answer to my Solicitaions so Long Past, I know that I am to you a Stranger and on that accnt feel sorry to trouble or Intrude on your time or retirement, but at the same time having executed busts of all the other Presidents its proper to have yours I have also a considerable wish to Employ my talents on your bust to...
5To John Adams from William John Coffee, 16 October 1818 (Adams Papers)
The Subject of which I write I believ you are Acquainted with by the Honorabl Thos Jefferson & lines he wrote to me relates to my being Employed—to take a Small Bust of you Head—I have being Employed by Mr J. Madison & his Excellence Mr Munro & many others of celebrity—in June last at Monticelo Mr Jefferson Inform’d me he had wrote to you on the Subject and of you willingness to admit me to...
6To Thomas Jefferson from William John Coffee, 1 January 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
To Promniss I have shiped the ornaments; and have inclosed an extra Bill of Lading fore M r A. S. Brockenbrough; so that directions may be sent to the Consigne to forward them according to your wish to the University. The Scooner whent to sea on the 29 and as the wether has been unusualy fine should conclude she may have reached her disten ed Port by the time you get this Information. This...
7To Thomas Jefferson from William John Coffee, 20 December 1824 (Jefferson Papers)
Sir you wish to know when you are to have the ornaments for the Rotunda; I answer that they are all finished, and only wait the Packing and Enshipment, to be on the way for your institution no time shall be lost on my part to get them under way and then the risk of the seas must be yours the Last was mine and I Insured them. I do not see any necessary directions to your People unless it is to...
8To Thomas Jefferson from William John Coffee, 11 September 1824 (Jefferson Papers)
I have just returned from a small Journey and found your very pleasing favour. altho I had made arrangments to have left the Northern states for a warmer winter residence as before mentioned to you—on the Commencement of october, Still I think it a Pleasing duty to Obey your wishes, in as Prompt a way as Possible. but cant say at the moment the time you may expect the ornament, however I will...
9To Thomas Jefferson from William John Coffee, 1 December 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
Seeing in one of the Prints of the day a Strange account of a Very Strange adventure you of Late unfortunately have undergon with a Strange man calling him self a Sculptor , because he has had the presumption to try to make a few Busts of four distinguished, Gentlemen—as If like four Painting, Makeing Busts constituted the necessary requisite for a great Artist, But this man, this Sign Painter...
10To Thomas Jefferson from William John Coffee, 27 March 1823 (Jefferson Papers)
I receved Valued favou a few howers after I sent to you my Last Letter and am sorry I have given you that Trouble. I also recved a Letter from Mr Brockenbrough of which I Cant help saying that I am not only Very much astonished but much disapointed, your Condesention to peruse the Inclosed Letter will Inform you of my dissatisfaction, you be so kind as to Inclose as soon as you & M r B. has...