1To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Mills, 14 October 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
This opportunity, through the request of Mr. Latrobe, of writing to Mr. Jefferson I am happy of embracing, that I may again express the gratitude I feel for the unmerited attentions which I have received of him, which have been attended with so much pleasure and instruction to myself, by what has resulted—. Mr. Latrobe continues very ill, the nature of his complaint, you doubtless are...
2To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Mills, 20 December 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
When I had the honor of waiting upon Mr. Jefferson last, and delivering a letter, which was put into my hands by a Gentleman of Newcastle Del., it was my earnest wish to make some observations relative to the subject of that letter, but a consciousness of something of presumption seem’d to take away the ability from my tongue—I would now beg leave to communicate them, tho’ yet impressed with...
3To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Mills, 3 October 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
I take the liberty of presenting Mr. Jefferson thro’ my kind freind Mr. Barnes the drawings accompanying this, being designs for a Penitentiary house which have been laid before the Governor of South Carolina and met with his approbation, and which the next Legislature of that State will take into consideration for execution. Your acquaintance with Architecture will preclude the necessity of a...
4To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Mills, 13 June 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
The attentions that you have honor’d me with, since I have had the pleasure of being presented to you, whilst they call forth my unfeigned gratitude, embolden me to act in a manner which I sometimes fear may be viewed by you in an intrusive light, while with diffidence I now address you I hope the dread I feel of displeasing you in the smallest degree will operate in my favor, and prevent the...
5To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Mills, 16 June 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
When you have a leisure moment, I would take the liberty of requesting you to examine the enclosed design for a reaping machine , and to give me your opinion of the merits of the principle upon which it is founded. My knowledge of agricultural subjects is so limited, that I feel diffident of introducing to the public notice a machine of this nature, before I receive the advice and opinion of...
6From Thomas Jefferson to Robert Mills, 23 June 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I have duly recieved your two favors of the 13th. & 16th. in the former you mention your design of now offering yourself for business in Philadelphia, as an Architect. this you may certainly do with confidence after so many years devoted to the theory & practice of the art, and under the best direction in the US. as far as I am a judge I may safely affirm that the various excellent drawings...
7Robert Mills to Thomas Jefferson, 4 June 1810 (Jefferson Papers)
Being requested by “ the Society of Artists of the United States ,” now forming in this city to transmit to you a Copy of their “Constitution,” I would beg leave herewith to enclose it;—should the establishment of an institution of this nature meet your approbation, the Society would consider themselves much honored by your signature & support. The pleasure & readiness you have always...
8Robert Mills to Thomas Jefferson, 8 June 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
IN conformity to a Resolution of the SOCIETY OF ARTISTS OF THE UNITED STATES , I have the honour to transmit you a Report of their Committee on the Rise, Progress, and Present State of the Society ; together with a Catalogue of the original and other works in the Fine Arts now exhibiting at the Academy in this City. Permit me Sir in my private capacity to enquire after your health;—It has...
9Thomas Jefferson to Robert Mills, 24 June 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
I thank you for the copy of the Report of a committee of the Society of artists of the United States , which you were so kind as to forward to me, and which I have read with great interest & satisfaction. the growing wealth & population of the US. cannot fail to produce an increasing demand for the productions of the Fine arts; and the talents of the present members, the judicious institutions...
10Robert Mills to Thomas Jefferson, 28 January 1814 (Jefferson Papers)
Permit me to take the liberty of soliciting a favor at your hand, should you deem me worthy of the station for which I would ask the honor of your recommendation. My worthy friend and preceptor M r Latrobe having resigned his office as Surveyor of the Public buildings of the U S ts at Washington , and retired to Pittsburg to reside, and that office being now vacant, I feel desirous to apply...