Sir, - A monument will be dedicated to John Neilson on Saturday, April 17th, in the Old Maplewood Cemetery in Charlottesville, Virginia. Neilson, from Ballycarry, Co Antrim, and trained in architecture, was banished in 1798. In America, he came into the employ of President Thomas Jefferson for the design and construction of Monticello, Jefferson's estate house, and the University of Virginia.
The John Neilson Memorial organisers in Charlottesville are interested in hearing from historians and Neilson family members. A pamphlet about Neilson's life and work is available on request. Further details from Kevin Donleavy, Box 422, Ivy, Virginia, 22945 USA.
As you probably know, there are only a few US monuments to United Irish exiles; we feel fortunate to be able to erect this monument to Neilson. - Yours, etc., Kevin Donleavy,
Ivy, Virginia, USA