From Thomas Jefferson to John Barnes, 4 December 1796
To John Barnes
Monticello Dec. 4. 1796.
Dear Sir
The advance of the cold season has now determined that my walls are not to be finished this year, and consequently not to be covered in. I shall have no occasion therefore to order any more sashes till the next spring. Those already made, to wit, 12. sets of trebles and 6. pair of doubles I shall be obliged to you to forward to Richmond to the care of Mr. Johnston, retaining the boxes of glass 18. by 12. furnished by Mr. Donath, to be used in Philadelphia for the sashes hereafter to be ordered. Be so good as to pay Mr. Donath a small balance due him as you will see by the inclosed letter which I leave open for your perusal. Also to pay Mr. Mussi for 2. boxes of sweet oil forwarded to me. Mr. Trump was desired to apply to you for paiment of his work as fast as delivered. I now inclose you a draught on Messrs. Harrison & Sterett for a balance in their hands of 184. Dollars, and I draw on you this day in favor of Wm. Wardlaw or order for 70. Dollars at 10. days sight. Not knowing exactly the paiments to Mr. Trump, and some other of the items of our accounts I do not know whether I am a little under or a little over my mark in your books. If you will be so good as to send me a state of our affairs all shall be put to rights immediately. I am Dear Sir Your friend & servt.
Th: Jefferson
PrC (MHi); at foot of text: “Mr. John Barnes”; endorsed by TJ in ink on verso. Enclosures: (1) TJ to Joseph Donath, 4 Dec. 1796. (2) TJ’s draft on Harrison & Sterett, 4 Dec. 1796, requesting them to pay Barnes $184 at three days’ sight (PrC in MHi; at foot of text: “Messrs. Harrison & Sterett Merchts. Philadelphia”).
A letter from TJ to Joseph Mussi of this date was recorded in SJL but has not been found. Also on this day, TJ wrote a draft on Barnes to pay William Wardlaw $70 as described above (PrC in MHi; at foot of text: “Mr. John Barnes Mercht.”). Daniel Trump of Philadelphia, who later completed other woodworking for Monticello, wrote a letter to TJ of 24 Sep. 1796, recorded in SJL as received 8 Oct. 1796, that has not been found.
SJL records a letter from Barnes to TJ of 22 Nov. 1796 that was received on 4 Dec. 1796 but has not been found.