Thomas Jefferson to John Patterson, 8 August 1821
To John Patterson
Monticello Aug. 8. 21.
Dear Sir
We cover our buildings at the University with tin, and there is but one person in the state who does it. he charges us for his work 5.75 D a square which he does in a day. we think this unconscionable and would be glad to be relieved by employing another workman. he learnt the trade in Baltimore, and therefore I presume it can be known what is charged by the square there for putting on. I should be glad to know also the price of tin. we pay in Richmond 13.D. the box of 220. or 230. [she?]ets. I make no apology for putting this trouble on you, becau[se]1 I [a]m sure the interest you take in our University will induce you [to] render it that service. your friends in our neighborhood are well, and I salute you with affection & respect.
Th: Jefferson
PoC (DLC); on verso of reused address cover of Fernagus De Gelone to TJ, 19 May 1821; three words faint; at foot of text: “J. Patterson esq.”; endorsed by TJ.
The person who had been doing tinwork at the University of Virginia was Absalom H. Brooks.
1. Edge trimmed.
Index Entries
- Baltimore, Md.; prices in search
- Brooks, Absalom H.; and University of Virginia search
- building materials; tin search
- Patterson, John; and University of Virginia search
- Patterson, John; letters to search
- Richmond, Va.; prices at search
- tin; price of search
- Virginia, University of; Construction and Grounds; tinsmiths search