Jefferson, Thomas, Third President

Autograph letter signed (Th: Jefferson"), 1 page (10 x 8 in.; 253 x 198 mm), Monticello, 26 September 1810, to James Dinsmore; light browning and scattered light spotting (more pronounced at folds).

Looney, ed., The Papers of Thomas Jefferson, Retirement Series, 3:119-120

Autograph letter signed (Th: Jefferson"), 1 page (10 x 8 in.; 253 x 198 mm), Monticello, 26 September 1810, to James Dinsmore; light browning and scattered light spotting (more pronounced at folds).
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Jefferson intercedes for John Hemings, half-brother of Sally Hemings.

One of Thomas Jefferson's slaves, John Hemings (or Hemmings) began work as an "out-carpenter" at Monticello, but he developed into one of the most skilled joiners and cabinet-makers in Jefferson's employ—slave or free.

Jefferson here writes to James Dinsmore, the Irish joiner responsible for most of the exquisite woodwork at Monticello. Dinsmore worked with Jefferson at Monticello from 1789 to 1809 creating elegant interior woodwork for the main house and was largely responsible for teaching John Hemings his trade. Hemings became the principal assistant to Dinsmore and then continued his fine woodworking for Jefferson both at Monticello and at Poplar Forest when Dinsmore went on to work on other buildings in Virginia, including the University of Virginia. A secluded summer retreat along the Tomahawk Creek, Poplar Forest served as a refuge for Jefferson well into his later years. 

Herewith Jefferson has a specific request for Dinsmore: "Johnny Hemings is just entering on a job of sash doors for the House at Poplar Forest, and tells me he cannot proceed without his sash planes & templet [template] belonging to them in your possession. They may come safely in a box by the stage, to the care of Mr Higginbotham. If you could send them by Sunday's stage you would oblige me."

John Hemings was one of three slaves who were immediately freed by Jefferson's will, and he also allowed him the continued use of Monticello's carpentry shop. Moreover, the will also allowed John "the service of his two apprentices Madison and Eston Hemings" until their twenty-first birthdays, when they too would receive manumission. Madison and Eston were the sons of Sally Hemings, and it has long been rumored—though never conclusively proven—that their father was Thomas Jefferson.  

No letter or document by Thomas Jefferson mentioning any member of the Hemings family has been sold at auction for seventy-five years.