Jefferson Quotes & Family Letters

Dear Sir,

Balt 7. June 1816.

Mrs Nicholas arrived here yesterday at two o’clock having suffered no fatigue whatever from her journey. I am sorry that it is not in my power to announce the birth of a grandson yet, but I hope to have that pleasure in the course of a few days.

Mr Godefroy will with great pleasure undertake the embellishment of the Capitol Square, and I am sure you will not find in this country a man of more taste or one better suited for such concerns than he is. It is not in his power to say how much he will charge for the job, as he is unacquainted with the ground and with your precise object. but he desires me to say that he will go to Richmond on the condition of your paying his expences to & from and whilst there and will leave the compensation to your generosity or he will himself settle it, when with you. I can assure you that you will find no difficulty with him on this score and particularly as he hopes that he may extend his reputation, by the trip, and get other employment either in architecture or engineering. He is considered by all who know him as a man of great taste and as adhering closely to the rules of art. and all his productions are remarkable for their correctness. you may therefore be certain that whatever he does for you, can stand the attacks of the severest critics. He & Latrobe are employed by us, for the erection of the Exchange. He will await your reply to this, and I am very anxious that it should be favorable.

We have letters from Robert as late as April—he was very well and his affairs thriving.

Mrs Nicholas had the pleasure of seeing John yestrday evening—as he did not leave us, for the ship, until eight o’clock. He is very much pleased with his situation and is a great favorite with Capt Creighton, who says he will make him a first rate officer.