Your favor of the 3d. came to hand yesterday. whether it be best to insert the bars of the jail windows into an iron frame, or directly & separately into the stone [work], you can, on consultation with so many good judges on [the subject] form a much better judgment than I can, that I must forbear giving any opinion on it. that good white oak is better for every part of the roof than either pine or poplar, I have no doubt: yet it must depend on the practicability of getting it, & it’s price how far it may be best to substitute pine or poplar in unimportant parts. I do not think a floor of boards below the pavement necessary to prevent damp. the earth under a house of size is as dry as plank would be; and especially if the water falling on the roof is conveyed by pipes clear of the building. I hope the completion of the jail walls & roof before cold weather will be pushed to effect. Accept assurances of my esteem & respect.