From Thomas Jefferson to James Oldham, 30 November 1804
To James Oldham
Washington Nov. 30. 04.
Sir
Your favor of the 26th. came to hand yesterday, and I now inclose you 40. dollars according to request. your order in favor of mr Craven shall be paid. I am sorry you find such difficulty in getting seasoned stuff at Richmond. if they really do all their house joinery with green stuff, they are much behind even what I had expected. however with respect to my work I can give the time you desire. does not kiln-dried plank answer for doors?
With respect to the late1 conduct of mr Lilly & Perry towards you as stated in your letter, I trust you know my line of conduct better than to suppose it could flow from any orders of mine. in fact I neither left nor have since given any instruction to mr Lilly which had any respect to you, nor have I had the smallest intimation of what is mentioned to have past between you, but in your letter. it is my rule never to take a side or any part in the quarrels of others, nor to enquire into them. I generally presume them to flow from the indulgence of too much passion on both sides, & always find that each party thinks all the wrong was in his adversary. these bickerings, which are always useless, embitter human life more than any other cause: and I regret that which has happened in the present case. I shall always be ready to render you any service I can, and conclude with my best wishes.
Th: Jefferson
RC (Sotheby’s, 20 June 2003, Lot 167); at foot of text: “Mr. Oldham.” PoC (DLC); endorsed by TJ. Notation in SJL: “40. D.”
40. dollars: TJ withdrew the money from the Bank of the United States to send to Oldham (, 2:1141).
1. Previous word interlined.