Appendix P
Selected Letters of Recommendation

Monticello Aug. 13. 23.

The bearer mr Richd. Ware Carpenter & House-joiner has been an Undertaker of the Carpentry & Housejoinery of some of the best buildings at the University. he has executed his work faithfully, skilfully and to our entire satisfaction. his conduct while here has been entirely correct, and I can recommend him to employment as an honest man and excellent workman.

Th: Jefferson

ADftS, DLC:TJ, 1p, with TJ docket "Ware Richd. Aug. 13. 23." Jefferson made this draft on a coversheet addressed to "Thomas Jefferson Monticello Charlottesville" and postmarked at Richmond on 1 November.

Dec. 16. 23.

The bearer mr Philips has executed much of the bricklaying at the University, and of the best work done there. I can truly recommend him for the excellence of his work and correctness of his conduct.

Th: Jefferson

ALS (polygraph copy), ViU:TJ, 1p.

[Monticello 25 September 1824]

The bearer hereof, Joseph Antrim has been employed, as plaisterer, to do the whole plaistering of all the buildings of the University of Virginia, which he has executed with fidelity and a skill of the first order. he is moreover of perfectly correct habits and conduct, sober, industrious, faithful, and worthy of any degree of trust which may be reposed in him. Given under my hand this 25th day of September 1824. at Monticello

Th: Jefferson

ADS, ViU:TJ, 1p [3044] with address "Mr. Joseph Antrim University'; ADftS, DLC:TJ.

Monticello Sep. 25. 1824.

The bearer Abia Thorn, of Phila a bricklayer by trade has done much of the brickwork of the University of Virginia, and besides some of the other buildings of the best workmanship himself and partner executed the walls of the principal edifice the Rotunda, than which I believe more beautiful and faithful work has never been done in any country. he is moreover sober, industrious perfectly correct in his habits and conduct of entire probity & worth, and as such I recommend him for any employ he may sollicit.

Th: J.

ADftS, DLC:TJ, 1p, with TJ docket "Thorn Abia." Jefferson made this draft on a coversheet with a mutilated address in the writing of James Madison, postmarked "Orange C. H. Mar 30th."