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 at the top within 10 feet, & all on one side of the center, and 12, also near enough & quite irregularly, to require being carried up, above the top of the dome: The finish we shall now make will answer your ideas best,—for they will not be seen more than 2 feet above the roof,—or perhaps less.—

We are getting on very well every where.—The freestone work at the Prest. House is the most behind hand.—With the highest respect I am

Yours faithfully