Jefferson Collection: Brockenbrough, Arthur Spicer, and others. Letters Concerning the Founding of the University of Virginia, 1827
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Benjamin Wright to John Hartwell Cocke
August 18, 1827

Summit Bridge Dela Augt 18th 1827
My Dear Sir

    Your favor of 31st ult has been recd by my Son in NJ. and he has given me an extract from that part relative to Cement for a Cistern or Resevoir of large Dimensions for the University --

    The Cement has now become so Common and brought to market by every one that there is a good deal of spurious kind offered in Market -- I should therefore obtain it if I wanted a good quality of Peter Remsen & Co with their Brand upon it. they are Merchants of high standing in the City of NY and have always taken great pains to have the Cement Manufactured by careful men who are interested in preserving their good name as a security for a better price & better Market

    They have always asked 3 Doll pr Barrel -- but as I have not enquired of them, nor had occasion for any of their Cement for some time, I do not know but they have reduced the price something below what I have mentioned, they call each Barrel 5 Bushells -- but from trial I do not find it hold out by half a Bushell --

    As to the quantity which it will take for a thousand of Bricks. I have never had a fair opportunity to test it by experience, and indeed the difference in Masons or Bricklayers in the use of Mortar (some putting it in very thick) will make a great difference as to quantity pr thousand. the Mortar ought to be used thin and laid with care and the proportion of Lime and Sand ought to be for the face Work equal parts of pure clear fine sharp Sand & Water Lime and for the grouting it may be 2 parts Sand and 1 part Lime

    The Bricks ought to be wet as laid. and I should say that 6 or 7 Bushells of Lime to each thousand of Bricks would if used as it ought to be -- do the Work Well -- A thin Coat of mortar over the inside after done would be useful to fill all little interstices which may be left by the mason but if he does his work properly his mortar will be so thin as to make the joints between the Bricks very close, then to have each course grouted and the whole will set so as to admit Water in three or four Weeks and perhaps sooner a trial of it by a sharp point of Iron where it appears on the joints will test it -- as it becomes, if well tempered and good quality as hard as common Stone.

    It has the consistence and works like putty when it is well mixed with good Sand and a proper proportion of Water (say equal parts Sand & Lime) With much Esteem I am Dear Sir your friend


Benj Wright