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At the Institute’s core is the Gilder Lehrman Collection, one of the great archives in American history. More than 85,000 items cover five hundred years of American history, from Columbus’s 1493 letter describing the New World through the end of the twentieth century.

Jefferson, Thomas, 1743-1826 to James Oldham

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03897 Author/Creator: Jefferson, Thomas, 1743-1826 Place Written: Washington, District of Columbia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 8 June 1803 Pagination: 1 p. : address : free frank ; 25.6 x 21 cm Order a Copy

Discusses construction materials and methods used at Monticello. Suggests that it would be better to use riven pine slabs than linen. Includes a drawing of six parallel lines to show how the boards can be laid out. Mentions that if Oldham needs more help than just Lewis (a slave), contact Mr. Gabriel Lilly, who will do the job for less money than Mr. John Perry, who charges one dollar a day.

Jefferson, Thomas, 1743-1826
Oldham, James, fl. 1803

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