11From James Madison to Benjamin Henry Latrobe, 24 July 1818 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your favour of the 8th. inst: and am much less surprised at your finding occasion for friendly criticism on one passage in the paper to which you refer, than that you did not perceive the occasions for others there in. In bringing into view Robertson’s explanation of the Origin of the Greenlanders, the object which ought to have been more clearly conveyed was rather to lessen the...
12From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Henry Latrobe, 15 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson presents his compliments to mr Latrobe and returns his report in which he will find some notes. they respect to a misplacing of the expences of the roads on the North & South sides of the President’s lot to the debet of the fund of 15000. D. for the Pr’s house & lot, instead of charging it to the fund of 3000. D. for avenues and roads. 2. a special statement of the account of the...
13From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Henry Latrobe, 26 April 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I took a note last night of the appropriations of the bill for the public buildings, they are as follow. for Debts 51,400. D. for the Wall round the President’s square } ‘so as to close this part of the expenditure’ 14,000. D. Planting the grounds Steps at the principal entrance South wing, finishing—11,500. D. North wing 25,000. D. We will consider these heads singly. Debts. under this head...
14Dolley Madison to Benjamin Henry Latrobe, 12 September 1809 (Madison Papers)
Incredulous, indeed must be the ear that recieves, without belief the “Varnished tale”—but most happy would it be, for you, could you listen without emotion, to the variety of falsehoods, framed but to play, on your sensibility. The letter I have this moment recd. from you, gives me uneasiness; because I find my conduct, which always contradicted any opinion, or expression against you, has...
15From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Henry Latrobe, 8 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
Having paid to mr Munro the amount of the glass I purchased from the public, I wish to say a few words in explanation. I was induced to take it, because of it’s convenience on the spot, & on your mentioning that it would be sold at what it cost the public, and would be a benefit to the public in taking off their broken fragments which were too small to be applied to any use for them. the...
16From James Madison to Benjamin Henry Latrobe and George Murray, 28 January 1811 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
28 January 1811, Washington. Accepts their invitation of 27 Jan. to serve as patron of the Society of Artists in Philadelphia. Supports the “laudable objects” of the society but regrets that his services “will consist more in favorable inclinations, than in the usefulness, which would be the best title to the distinction.” Conveys his thanks and an assurance to the society that “regarding the...
17From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Henry Latrobe, 20 April 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
The H. of R. having by a resolution requested me to take effectual measures for the completion of the S. wing of the Capitol by the commencement of the next session, it becomes my duty to be under a constant & well supported certainty that the work (except such internal stone carving as may be done at leisure hereafter) is making such progress as will admit it’s being ready by a fixed day....
18From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Henry Latrobe, 20 September 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
I found your letters of the 12th. & 14th. on my return to this place on the 17th. and such was the mass of business accumulated during my absence that I have not been able sooner to answer them. I am very happy that there is no doubt of the readiness of Congress hall for the meeting of that body. with respect to the North wing I like well all your ideas except that of introducing a Cupola...
19From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Henry Latrobe, 26 May 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
Since my letter of the 22d. mr King has shewn me the alterations of your original design of the Contour of the grounds around this house, & I find they are precisely what I proposed in my letter except as to the extent of ground to be allowed to the offices, which may be a subject of consideration hereafter. this is but the 2d. day of the Labourers working on the S.E. quarter, & it begins...
20Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Henry Latrobe, 12 October 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
Your’s of the 6 th is recieved, and with it the beautiful set of drawings accompanying it. we are under great obligations to you for them, and having decided to build two more pavilions the ensuing season, we shall certainly take select their fronts from these. they will be Ionic and Corinthian. the Doric now erecting would resemble one of your’s but that the lower order is of arches, & the...