 | Documentary History of the Construction of the Buildings at the University
of Virginia, 1817-1828 |  |
Appendix P
Selected Letters of Recommendation
Thomas Jefferson
Recommendation for Richard Ware
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.
Thomas Jefferson
Recommendation for William B. Phillips
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.
Thomas Jefferson
Recommendation for Joseph Antrim
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.
Thomas Jefferson
Recommendation for Abiah B. Thorn
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."
| Documentary History of the Construction of the Buildings at the University
of Virginia, 1817-1828 | |