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468

Sep. 5

Mrs. E.D. Cheney

Dear Madam:

If you determine to build at Charlottsville, you first require a plan of the proposed building. Of course I have no idea of the of the expense you propose to be at or the character or style of building. With a plan provided, I could contract, for you, with builders here, or Maj. Morse at Gordonsville could contract with some at Charlottesville. There is scarcity of work and sharp  competition among mechanics. I think the building can be created very reasonably. Lumber is cheap - about $18 for rough, and $30 to $35 for finer planed - such as clap boards and flooring. Plastering about 28 to 30 cts per sq. yard for two or three coat work. I mention these figures as some guide to your architect in his estimates. Carpenters wages from $2 to $4 and common laborer $1. Anything I can do will of course be done most cheerfully

Very Respy - R.M Manly