University of Virginia Library

Thomas Jefferson to A. H. Brooks

I recieved yesterday your favor of the 25th. it is certainly my opinion that you charge too
high for your work in covering with tin, and this opinion is founded mainly on information
from yourself. I learnt from you that a man can do a square a day of that covering. for this
your charge was 5. D 75 which I consider as too much for the earnings of a day. a box of tin
costing 13. D. does a square & a half. consequently the tin for a square is 8. D 67 and adding
your 5.75 brings it nearly to 15. D. the work is so simple that any person of common
understanding can perform it. we made a simple machine of two boards hinged together
which bends the tin as quick and as perfectly as the expensive machine you used. the last
row of houses has been covered very perfectly by a common negro man whose labor is not
worth more than half a dollar a day; so that these covers have cost but about 10. D. a square,
and our workmen asked that for heart-pine shingling. I have therefore (in belief I should do
a public good) recommended to my neighbors the substitution of tin-covering to shingling; I
have recommended the same to a gentleman having superintendance of the public buildings
in Washington, and being written to on the subject by one of the Commissioners of
Buckingham C. H. I gave him the opinion which truth and candour required, that your price
was much too high, and that I thought he could have it well done for 10. D. at this price I
hope the practice will become general, while I really think that your price will discourage
it's extension. my motive has been purely public good, & not at all to injure you, to whom I
assure you I wish prosperity & success, & that you possess my esteem and respect

Th: Jefferson

ALS (polygraph copy), DLC:TJ, 1p, with TJ docket "Brooks A. H. July 28. 22." Jefferson
made this copy on a coversheet addressed to "The Honble Thomas Jefferson Monticello"
and postmarked at Staunton on 19 March.