Jefferson, Thomas (1743-1826) to James Dinsmore
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC04964 Author/Creator: Jefferson, Thomas (1743-1826) Place Written: Washington, D. C. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 24 December 1807 Pagination: 1 p. : address : free frank ; 24.6 x 19.5 cm Order a Copy
Discusses instructions for a table at Monticello. Lists mahogany forwarded to Monticello by Oldham and copies out a note he received from Oldham about the wood planks and the delivery of them to the estate. Jefferson's note to Dinsmore instructs on the size of the table. He uses "I" as the notation for inches. Signed Th: J.
Oldham was a carpenter and housejoiner employed at Monticello. Dinsmore was a housejoiner who worked and lived at Monticello from 1798 until 1809. He was the principal joiner for the remodeling at Monticello.
Mahogany forwarded to Monticello by mr Oldham
f I
43 - 4 of St. Domingo wood
31 - 8 of Bay - - 1½ I
75 - 0
The two planks for tables measure 27. I. at one end and 26. I. at the other by 10. f. 3 I. long. I could not possibly find any wider; & supposed this could be made to answer. it is very nice & solid. there is very little of St. Domingo wood made use of here. the 1½ I. plank is Bay wood, and very good for the purpose intended. I have it nicely cased in a box, so as it shall not receive any damage in the carriage, and I expect a conveyance about Monday next.
James Oldham.
Dec. 24. 07.
Th: J. to mr. Dinsmore
Altho' the breadth of the above table planks is scanty and may occasion a little piecing in some of the leaves, we must not depart form the size of the table 2 f 3 I. by 4 f. 6 I. as that connects them with the tables they are to be used with.
[Address leaf:]
free
Th: Jefferson Pr. US
Mr. James Dinsmore
Monticello
near Milton
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