Cost over-runs are not a new phenomena as evidenced by this 19th century letter regarding expenses for building a water closet (toilet) at the Marine Corps Barracks Hospital in Brooklyn, NY. Written and signed by Gideon Welles, it is an attractive letter on letterhead. 1 pg, in ink on Navy Dept. letterhead, it is dated Washington, Oct 15 1868. Directed to Maj. Slack, Quarter Master, Marine Corps. Partial text as follows:

Your letter of the 12th Inst. . . .is received. The reparing. . . is approved, but it seems to the Department that the price anmed is excessive for the amount of work proposed....it will be well to invite competition..."

Measures 7 1/2" x 9 1/2", in a modern, 14" x 16" frame. Letter is in excellent, clean condition with no visible damage.