1John Payne Todd to Thomas Jefferson, 14 September 1816 (Jefferson Papers)
I take the liberty of intr o ducing to you, M r Valaperta , an artist of considerable merit and reputation. His object in visiting Monticello , should he be so fortunate as to find you at home, is to ask your permission to take your bust in clay, or your profile in Wax with a view to work it afterwards in ivory, to perform either, he says will be attended with little trouble to you, and the...