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Thomas Jefferson autograph letter signed as President, datelined Monticello, 30 August 1807. Jefferson writes to James Oldham, a longtime woodworking joiner at Monticello, regarding an overdue payment owed him. The year of 1807 saw several additions to Monticello and it appears that Jefferson's accounts were strapped for funds, causing him to have to defer payment to Mr. Oldham. Letter reads in full,
''Sir / Your letter of July 26 came on to this place after I had disposed of all my August funds, which obliged me to postpone a remittance to you till the beginning of September. I have directed Mr. Barnes, the first week in that month to remit 100. D. to Mr. [George] Jefferson, on whom I inclose you an order to recieve [sic] it so soon as it shall have come to his hands. The balance of your account shall be remitted the first week in October, which I hope can be adapted to your convenience. I learn always with real pleasure that you meet with the employment which your skill & industry merit. I tender you my best wishes. / Th: Jefferson''.
The letter to which Jefferson refers, dated 26 July, was written by Oldham to Jefferson, reading in part (spelling errors uncorrected), ''Incloas'd is a statement of my Acct. which if convenient for you to settle shal be very thankful for: The prices as stated in the bill was fixed on the worke by two of the prinsable master-workmen of this place. I am Sir with Great Respect Your Obt Servt...P.S. have the graitest plentey of work on hand for this 18 months to come: the Last year prov'd very unfavorable have not receivd aney compensation for my Labour.''
It would take a little while for Oldham to receive his money; on 12 October 1807 Jefferson would write another letter, asking Oldham to call on George Jefferson in Richmond to pay the balance due him of $82.06. In that letter Jefferson also placed an order for additional materials, writing, ''I hae a job of 4 Pembroke tables on hand at Monticello, but we have not the Mahogany for the tops...will you be so good as to chuse & procure for me 2. Planks...of very fine mahogany...''
Single page measures 7.375'' x 9.75''. Fold and minor toning, overall very good to near fine condition with bold handwriting. With University Archives COA.
Thomas Jefferson Autograph Letter Signed as President, Regarding Overdue Payments to a Worker at Monticello: ''...after I had disposed of all my August funds...'' -- With University Archives COA
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