Documentary History of the Construction of the Buildings at the University of Virginia, 1817-1828

While still at Poplar Forest, Jefferson received two letters from Hugh Chisholm, the
bricklayer working at the college, which have not been found, apparently indicating the
progress of the brickmaking and offering Jefferson a partnership in the brick manufactory.
"Am glad to learn that the bricks are in such forwardness," Jefferson replied to Chisholm on
the last day of August. "I wish you would by every week's mail drop a line stating what the
progress then is. I am anxious to know that the cellars are dug and their walls commenced
laying. but be careful to inform me in time and exactly by what day you will have got the
walls up to the surface of the earth; because there mr [David] Knight must begin, and by that
day I will make it a point to be in Albemarle, and have him there." Declining Chisholm's
offer of a business relationship, Jefferson gave his opinion of the quality of building in his
native Albemarle County.

I take no interest in the partnership I suggested to you other than as I suppose it
would be agreeable. however, in acting for myself I might indulge partialities, I
have no right to do so in a public concern. to have the work done in the best
manner, is the first object, and the second to have it done at a fair price for both
parties. I have offers from some of the best workmen in Lynchburg. the finest
plaisterer I have ever seen in this state is anxious to undertake with us. I
consider it as the interest of the College the town and neighborhood to
introduce a reform of the barbarous workmanship hitherto practised there, and
to raise us to a level with the rest of the country. on a trip to the Natural bridge,
I found such brickwork and stone-work as cannot be seen in Albemarle. I hope
we shall take a higher stand, and do justice to the high advantages that
particular portion of our state possesses.[71]

[71]

71. TJ to Chisholm, 31 August 1817, ViU:TJ.

University of Virginia Library

Brickmaking