In accordance with millions, I mourn the departure of our venerated Jefferson, the Benefactor of America, the friend of Washington, the friend of Man!

The hospitality, urbanity, suavity of manners, depth of erudition, and universal Philanthropy, of our venerated father will seldom be equalled; will never be surpassed. The reception I met at Monticello will be remembered through life; the counsel he gave me will be erased from my memory but in death. When the pulses of life, cease to beat, then, and not till then, will the precepts of the hoary Sage of Monticello, be of none avail.

Without quoting Poetical effusions, without further digressions, Permit me Gentlemen to revert to the purport of this letter, which I hope, I trust will meet your approval.

By the public vehicles of information, you are aware, that two months ago, I tendered to the Hon. the Common Council of New York, my services, and those of my Son, to complete a full length figure, or Statue of our departed Father. The memorial was unanimously accepted, and referred to the Committee on Arts and Science, who would superintend its being placed in the Banquetting Room of the Com. Council, on the Approaching Anniversary or Jubilee. Without money & without price (save actual expenditures for materials) I was “Deo et filio meo juvantibus”1 enabled in five weeks unremitting exertions to finish it, and place it in the Hall exactly at the hour of the dissolution of Mr Jefferson. Wonderful to me is this co-incidence, with the many others of that day.

The spirited manner in which the authority of New York celebrated that day stamps the worth of the Man, the delighted to honor. For my part I conceive the formation of his Statue one of the greatest boons given me by the “Author of Every good & perfect gift, The Father of Light.”2 Though dead in body to the world, the spirit of Jefferson animates our bosoms and will live forever. The Philanthropic and honourable tenor of his Last Letter to retrieve my injured fame,3 evidenced to me, a soul replete with love to Man, and love to his Creator. While this hand can wield the instruments of my profession; The Marble and the Brass shall not be spared to perpetuate his memory.

It may not be unamusing, to read a description of his Statue, as placed in the City Hall, Banquetting room.

“His lofty and majestic figure Standing erect; his mild blue and expressive eyes beaming intelligence and good will to his fellow men. The scroll of the Declaration, which gave freedom to millions clenched in his extended right hand, strongly contrasted with decrepitude of his Elder associate the venerable John Adams, gave an effect to the Whole, which will not soon be forgotten here. His left hand resting on the hip, gave a carelessness, yet dignified ease that pleased thousands. At his right hand was the Portrait Bust of the venerable Charles Carroll of Carrollton, like that of Adams clothed with white drapery. Beside and Behined these figures were placed various flowers & shrubberries. Immediately over the Head of the Author of the Declaration of American Independence, hovered the American Eagle, a civic crown suspending from his beak, was ready to drop on the temples, and crown with immortal honors the wisest and best of Men.[”] I leave to better writers the imposing effect of the group, mine be the task, to hand down to posterity the Image of our Jefferson, as he really was, and not as many would have or suppose him to have been. Rest assured Sir that His Likeness is perfect, and needs no comments from the hands of the Artist. If the Congratulations of Govr. DeWitt Clinton, His Hon the Mayor, the City Authorities of New York, and the general Mass of respectable Men, can affix the Seal of Truth in Likeness, rest satisfied, his beloved features will not soon be forgotten.

Now Should the University of Virginia desire to erect, in Marble or Bronze, a Statue to the memory of its founder, Be pleased Sirs to note, that John H. I. Browere, will be ready at all times, to complete such a work. Moreover, that Should appropriate funds at this Period be, lacking it matters not. He will finish one and await the pleasure of the Institution for pecuniary emolument. All that would be required at first, would be a sufficiency to defray actual expenditures for materials, and the indispensible requisites to the support of my young family.

And I am bold to say that we, are able to execute with equal skill, in this country the Works of the Old country. Pecuniary emolument never has been my aim. The honor of being favored by my Country biases sordid views. Should this proposition meet the approval of the Visitors of the Virginia University, and the citizens at large, A satisfactory Answer will meet with the cordial thanks of Gentlemen yours respectfully