Thomas Jefferson to William J. Coffee
Dear Sir
Monticello Dec. 9 24.
When shall we get our roses for the Rotunda? the whole scaffolding of the building is
obliged to be kept standing only to enable the workmen to put up these small ornaments. I
am sure you have been using due diligence, yet our necessity obliges me to make this
enquiry. our instn will certainly be opened on the 1st. of Feb, and the Rotunda will be then
in a condn for use. I have been expecting also our plates from mr Maverick. accept the
assurance of my frdshp and respect.
Th: J.
ADftS, DLC:TJ, 1p, with TJ docket "Coffee Wm. J. Dec. 9. 24."; printed (extract), O'Neal,
Jefferson's Buildings at the University of Virginia: The Rotunda, 32. TJ made this draft on a
coversheet addressed to "Thomas Jefferson Esqr. Monticello." Coffee wrote TJ about these
ornaments on 11 September and 20 December.
