Thomas Jefferson to Marten Wanscher, 30 November 1803
To Marten Wanscher
Washington Nov. 30. 03.
Sir
I have recieved a letter for you, which appearing to have come from Germany I do not hazard to send, till I know where you are, as the late fever in Alexandria obliged many to leave it.
Mr. Dinsmore was here lately. the Parlour & Hall at Monticello are ready for plaistering. the Domeroom will be so before the spring; and probably some of the bedrooms above: so that the plaistering for the next season will be a job of length: and renders it proper for me to attend to the circumstance of price, which I always thought too high at the rate I paid you before. I can get the best hands for plain plaistering at a dollar a day, but I would give you the preference at that price as you have been employed already in the business. I shall be glad to learn from you whether you wish the job at that price, and I shall govern myself accordingly. Accept my best wishes.
Th: Jefferson
PrC (MHi); at foot of text: “Mr. Martin Wanscher”; endorsed by TJ in ink on verso.
The letter from Germany has not been identified.
dinsmore was here: see TJ to John Barnes, 3 Nov. 1803.
whether you wish the job: Wanscher returned to TJ’s employment in 1804, arriving at Monticello on 8 May and receiving his final payment on 6 Oct. (, 2:1126, 1137; TJ to Wanscher, 10 Apr. 1804). For his earlier work at Monticello, see Wanscher to TJ, 10 Dec. 1802.