Lincoln writes to Nathaniel Hay and places an order for a home-improvement project. Lincoln writes, "I wish to build a front fence, on a brick foundation, at my house. I therefore shall be obliged, if you will, as soon as possible, deliver me bricks of suitable quality, and sufficient number to build such foundation, fifty feet long; of proper width, and depth, under ground, and about two feet above ground." Abraham Lincoln to Nathaniel Hay, 11 June 1850, CW, 2:79-80.