110

Agrees to pay for a drawing despite Capitol Architect's criticism of it

James Monroe

Autograph Letter Signed, as President, to unnamed recipient,

explaining that the delay in reply was due to traveling and to pressing business, pointing out that his intention had been that Mr. Jay's drawing be exhibited in Washington, noting that [Charles] Bulfinch had criticized the drawing severely, nevertheless requesting that he pay Mr. Jay the requested $100, and making arrangements for the payment since he would soon be leaving for Albemarle. 1¼ pages, 4to, written on recto and verso of a single sheet; short closed separation at horizontal fold, minor loss at upper corners expertly repaired with paper.

Washington, 16 July 1822.

  • Notes: ". . . It is not my practice to dispute accounts, & much less, what encouragement I may have given Mr Jay to make the drawing he has done. I admit anything that he may say on the subject. But you will recollect, that I could have had no object, in a labor'd drawing, other than to exhibit it here, as an object worthy [of] the attention of our artists, & to do credit to the author. For myself, a sketch would have been as useful. I have shown it to Mr Bulfinch who has made a report on it, criticizing it with some severity, & I would now send the work to you, to be submitted to Mr. Bolton, were I not prevented by a motive of delicacy to Mr Jay. Mr Bulfinch says that 75 dol'rs would be a liberal compensation. Nevertheless I wish you to settle the affair for me, allowing one hundred dol'rs, if he still asks that sum. . . ."

    Charles Bulfinch (1763-1844) served as Architect of the Capitol between 1818 and 1829, designing the original wooden dome (later replaced by iron), completing it in 1824.
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April 9, 2026 12:00 PM EDT
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