Jefferson, Thomas

Autograph letter signed ("Th: Jefferson"), 1 page (9 3/4 x 8 1/8 in.; 247 x 206 mm), Monticello, 19 November 1819, to Dr Thomas Cooper in Philadelphia; browned, formerly folded, fold-tears backed with Japanese tissue, small chip in fore-margin touching one word. In a tan calf folding case.

browned, formerly folded, fold-tears backed with Japanese tissue, small chip in fore-margin touching one word. In a tan calf folding case.
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 reports on building progress at the University of Virginia.

He was anxious to have Cooper (1759-1839), then professor of applied chemistry at the University of Pennsylvania, as the "corner-stone" of a new faculty at Virginia, but clerical opposition to a man of such liberal religious views meant that the idea was eventually abandoned. In the present letter, Jefferson still regards the appointment as a certainty; he advises him on the transportation of his belonging from Philadelphia and describes the accomodations being prepared:

"Your letter of Oct. 25. was received here on the 4th. inst. my collegue of superintendance lives but 30. miles from me: but it is across the country, & by zig-zag cross posts which have retarded the reciept of his answer till yesterday. Your letter was communicated to him and he concurs with me in accepting all it's proposition which you may therefore consider as established, as we do your engagement on the terms of the resolution of the Visitors as modified by your letter of Oct: 25.

"The Pavilion intended for you (far the best of the whole) is so far advanced in it's interior work as to be certainly finished in the course of the winter. The garden however is not inclosed, and as it is to be done with brick, there may be a doubt whether the season is not too far advanced to risk it. On this subject I will consult the workmen and whenever you make up your mind to remove to it you had better give me as early notice as you can that the completion of every thing may be hastened. You will find it cheaper to pay the transportation of any valuable furniture, than to sell there & buy here. It can come by water to within a mile of Charlottesville.

"P.S. the Pavilion, besides a large lecturing room, has 4. good rooms for family accomodation. one of them below, large enough for your study & library; a drawing room & 2 bedrooms above. kitchen & servant's rooms below. the adjacent dormitories (14. f. square) can be used for your apparatus & laboratory."