the papers of thomas jefferson 1 august to 30 november 1801
p for the first two months covered by this volume thomas jefferson is residing at monticello avoiding the rather sickly season in the nations capital . his mountaintop house finally has a roof and both daughters and their families come to stay with him . using cowpox vaccine received from benjamin waterhouse he undertakes what he calls my experiment the systematic inoculation of family members and slaves against the smallpox . p in washington the construction of buildings for the nations capital moves forward . the walls of the chamber of the house of representatives now extend up to the window heads with only three feet more to go . jefferson considers the erection of this chamber as well as completion of a good gravel road along rock creek as crucial for ensuring the destinies of the city . the interior decoration of the presidents house also progresses with draperies girandoles and a chandelier furnishing the circular room . his carriage is ready to be shipped from philadelphia . p as the city takes shape so too do the operating principles of jeffersons administration . he dispatches a letter to his heads of department outlining the mode & degrees of communication for conducting their business . in mid november he enters a period of intense activity in the preparation of his first annual message to congress soliciting suggestions but personally drafting the document that he will submit in writing in early december .