Colonial Williamsburg Foundation Library Research Report Series - 0034
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation Library
Williamsburg, Virginia
1990
This volume is based on the first collection of notes prepared by Elizabeth Stubbs in April 1930 under the direction of Dr. Swem. This initial volume included every mention of the Capitol from official Virginia Colonial records such as the Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia, Hening's Statutes, etc.
To this had been added all references to the Capitol from the photostats collected in the Public Record Office, London, by Mary F. Goodwin and from the data collected by the research department from all known copies of the Virginia Gazette, the York records, descriptions of the building by travellers, and various manuscripts.
The material supplied by Mrs. Stubbs has been copied verbatim and effort has been made to check the additional material carefully.
A logical and historical division of the material into the First Building, 1698-1747 and the Second Building, 1747-1832 has been made and an index to each of these volumes prepared. The bibliography at the end of each volume lists the sources from which material was taken; the card file in the research office is a record of sources consulted which did not yield data on the Capitol.
The field workers who added the material for the revision were: Mary Goodwin, Leah lames, Eleanor S. Burr, and Carolyn Rosenberg. The revision and indexing were the work of Helen Bullock and Leah James. The accuracy and appearance of these volumes is due largely to Alda Bones who typed the first book and Byrne Hoen who typed the second.
Six copies of these books have been made and distributed as follows:
Harold R. Shurtleff, Director
Dept, of Research & Record.
HB/ab
Executive Journals of the Council of Colonial Virginia Vol. 1 Pages 398-393.2At a Councill held at James City the 20th October 1698.
His Excellency takeing into Serious Consideration the unfortunate Accident which this day happened to the State house by being burnt down & the Publick records & papers of this Countrey (there kept) which were forced to be hurryed Out & thrown into heaps do desireing the Opinion of the Councill what present Care Should be taken thereof likewise called into The Councill Chamber Such of the Noted Gentlemen of this Countrey as were present in Town of which appeared William Randolph Esqr Majr Lewis Burwell, Collo Philip Lightfoot Capt Wm Leigh Capt Gawin Corbin, Mr. Benjamin Harrison Majr Peter Beverley, Majr Thomas Ballard, Capt Miles Carey, Capt John Taylor Capt Wm Buckner & Capt. George Marable. It is considered & accordingly agreed that Mrs. Sherwoods brickhouse in James City (if it may be obtained) is the Most Secure & Convenient place for the present Lodging the said Records Whereupon the said Gentlemen being retired it is Ordered that Peter Beverley Gent. Clk of the House of Burgesses and Robert Beverley Gent Clk Genll Court do forthwith go to Mrs. Sherwoods & aske her Consent for the use of her Porch Chamber & Chamber Adjoyning in her said house for the said papers & the said Peter Beverley & Robert Beverly being returned report to this Board that She is satisfied & willing to Spare the Said roomes for that use.
It being represented to this Board that it is Suspected the State house was purposely and willfully Sett on fire. Ordered, that Phillip Lightfoot Esqr & George Marable Gent two of his Majties Justices of Peace for this County of James City being now in town together with Lewis Burwell William Leigh Benja Harrison John Taylor & Miles Cary Gent make Strict inquiry into the begining and Cause of the said fire & take what Orders Shall be necessary therein.
His Excellency being pleased to aske the advice of the Councill in what place the Genll Court Should now be held the State house being lost by fire It is the opinion & Advice 0f the Councill that the Same be held in the great Hall at Mrs. Sherwoods house 'till farther conveniencies are made, And Ordered accordingly.
Executive Journals of the Council of Colonial Virginia Vol. I Pages 405-406.3October 21, 1698.
By his Excellency ,
A Proclamation
Seale
Sr Edmond Andros Knt his
Majties Lieut & Governor
Genll of VirginiaTo all too whom these presents Shall com Greeting. Whereas by unhappy Accident the State house in which the Publick Records 8c Papers of this Countrey were Lodged was yesterday burnt down by which meanes in the hurry Occasioned by removeing the sd Records 8c papers Severall say hate happened to be scattered ear taken up by persons, & oat returned, I Doe by Advice in Councill hereby in his Majtyes name require & Command all persons that have found or know of any persons that have found or taken up any Bookes or papers which have been Scattered by reason of the said Accident of fire forthwith to Give Account thereof & bring or return the said Bookes & papers into the Secretaries office now kept at Mrs. Sherwoods brick house in dames City or to the Clerk of the County Court where they Live by him to be returned its they will Answer the Contrary at their utmost perills, And that the Sherriffs of the respective Counties Cause this Proclamation to be published at their Courts and all Churches Chappells & other publick places in their Said Counties Given under my hand and the Scale of the Colony at James City the 21st day of October in the . tenth years of his Majties Reign Annoque Dom 1688.
E. Andros.God Save the King
A Proclamation for bringing in the Bookes & papers which have been Scattered by reason of the fire.
Jenings Depty Secry.
Executive Journals of the Council of Colonial Virginia Vol. I Page 393.October 21, 1698.
Ordered, that Publication be immediately made in all publick places in James City that all persons that have found or know of any persons that have-found car taken up any bookes or papers which may have been Scattered by reason of the Accident of fire which happen'd to the State House forthwith give an account Thereof & bring the Said Bookes & papers into the Secretaryes office now kept at Mrs. Sherwoods brick house in James City. And Proclamations to be prepared for the whole Countrey.
His Excellency understanding that the Genll Records & papers of this Countrey both those belonging to the Assembly those belonging to the Genll Court & Secretaryes e" ice are altogether disordered & mixed one with the other desired the Advice of the Councill what further Care Should be taken of them It is the opinion & Advice of the Councill that the Same Should be listed as well all the papers as bookes & records & to be lodged in their Severall offices and that Peter Beverley & Robert Beverley being best acquainted with the sd Records performed The Same as Soon as Conveniently may be & that they return an Account of their proceedings therein.
Executive Journals of the Council of Colonial Virginia Vol. I Page 397.October 28, 1698.
William Randolph Esqr his Majties Attorney Genll haveing considered the Evidences taken relateing to the fireing the State house, made report that he could find no proof whereby to call any person in Question for the Same but only found some Circumstances in the depositions whereby Arthur Jarvis may be Suspected of doeing the same but not Sufficient to ground any proceeding thereupon.
4Executive Journals of the Council of Colonial Virginia Vol. I Page 409.At a Councill held at James City February 23, 1698 [1698/99]
Whereas the state house belonging to this his Majesty's Colony and Dominion hath lately (by accident) been burnt down, so that no there is no convenient place for the holding of the Generall Courts, and Generall Assembly's gar for transacting any other publick affairs of that nature and whereas there are Severall publick debts due bath in money axed Tobacco, as particularly a years arrears to the rangers on the heads of the rivers, and the rent of the house hyred of Mr. Sherwood for the Country's service, and severall other debts of that nature; and whereas there. are severall of his Majestys Royall Instructions to his Excellency which are of publick concerne and great Importance requiring the advice and assistance of a Generall Assembly, as particularly the building of a house for the Governour, and surveying the Colony, this board etc.
Executive Journals of the Council of Colonial Virginia Vol. I Page 410.5February 25, 1698 [1698-99]
Upon Consideration of a fit place for the reception and sitting of the house of Burgesses in the next Generall Assembly this Board are of opinion that the house where Mrs Sarah Lee alias Smith lately lied now in the possession of Mr. John Tullitt is most convenient for that purpose, and accordingly ordered that the said Tullit to repair and fit up the said horse, as shall be directed by his Excellency, and that he lag his claim for the charge thereof before the next Assembly.
A Collection of all the Acts of Assembly, now in Force... Williamsburg, Printed by William Parks, MDCCXXXIII, Page 113, 1699.A. D. 1699 Chap. XIV.
An Act directing the building the Capital, and the City of Williamsburg. (a)
(a) This Act is recited Verbatim in the 43d Chapter, Anno 1705, and declared to be in Force, and several Clauses are added, for the better Execution thereof; therefore it need not be printed at large.
The Acts of Assembly, now in Force, in the Colony of Virginia...Williamsburg, Printed by William Hunter, 1752; 1699.A. D. 1699 Chap. XIV.
An Act directing the building the Capitol, and the City of Williamsburg
(c) This act is recited Verbatim, is the 43d Ch Anno/ 1705, sad declared to be in Force, and several Clauses are added, for the better Execution thereof; therefore it need not be printed at large.
6From a photostat Copy of Act 14, April 1699 Session, which appears in a manuscript volume of acts dated 1662-1702. Jefferson Manuscripts, Library of Congress.An Act directing the building the Capitoll and the City of Williamsburgh.
WHEREAS the State house where the generall assemblys and generall Courts for this his Maties Colony & dominion of Virginia were kept and held hath been unhappily burnt downe and it being of absolute necessity that another building be erected wth all the expedition possible for the convenient siting and holding of the generall Assemblyes and Courts at a healthy proper do comodius place suitable for the reception of a considerable number and concourse of people that of necessity must resort to the place where the generall assembles will be convened and where the Councill and Supream Courts of Justice of this his Maties Colony and Dominion will be held and kept and forasmuch as the place commonly called and knowne by the name of Middle plantation hath been found by Coast experience to be healthy and agreeable to the Constitutions of the inhabitants of this his Majestyes Colony and Dominion haveing the naturall advantage of a Serene and temperate aire dry and champaign land and plentifully stored with wholesome Springs and the conveniency of two navigable and Pleast Creeks that Run out of James and York River's necessary for the supplying the place with privisions and other things of necessity Be it therefore enacted by the Governor Councill and Burgesses of this prest Generall Assembly and the authority thereof and it is hereby enacted that four hundd & seventy five foot squire of land lying and being at the ad Middleplantation wch path been already agreed upon by his Excellency the Governor Councill and Burgesses of this prest general. Assembly to be taken up and surveyed at a convenient place for such uses be the ground appropriated to the onely and sole use of a building for the generall Assemblys and Courts to be held and kept in and that the ad building shall for ever hereafter be caled and knowne by the name of the Capitoll of this his Maties colony and Dominion of Virga and that the Space of two hundd foot of Ground every way from the ad Capitol shall not be built upon planted or occupyed for ever but shall be wholy and solely appropriated and kept for the ad use and to no other use or purpose wtsoever and be it further enacted by the authority aforesd and it is hereby enacted that the ad Capitoll shall be erected and built in manner and forme according to the rules and dimentions following (viz) that 7 the sd building shall be made in the forms and figure that the foundation of the ad building shall be four Bricks thick up to or near the surface of the ground and that the walls of the ad building from thence shall be three bricks and a halfe brick thick try the water table and from the water table to the top of the first story three bricks thick and from thence to the top of the second story two bricks and a halfe brick thick the length of each side or parts of wch building shall be seventy five foot from inside to inside the breadth thereof twenty five foot from inside to inside and the first story or each part or side shall be fifteen foot pitch one end of each pt or side of wch Shall be semicircular and the lower rooms at the ad end fifty foot long and shall be parted by a wall from the rest of the building on each side or part wch other part shall be divided into four divisions whereof one to be for a large,, and handsome stairs Case that the midle of the front on each side of the ad building shall have a Circular Porch wth an Iron Balcony upon the first floor over it & great folding gates to each Porch of Six root breadth both and that four Galleryes shall be in the room below that shall be Baled the generall Court house the upper Story of each Side to be tenn foot pitch and be divided as shall be directed by the Comitees appointed to revise the laws that the two parts of the building shall be joyned by a Cross Gallery of thirty foot long and fifteen foot wide each way according to the figure herein before speecified raised upon Piazzas and built as high as the other parts of the building and in the Middle thereof a Cupulo to surmount the rest of the building Wch shall have a Clock placed in it and on the top of the ad Cupulo shall be put a flag upon occasion that the windows to each story of the ad building shall be sash windows and that the roofe shall be a hip roof with Dormand windows and shall be well shingled with Cypress shingles and that the great roomes below: of each building shall be laid with flag stone one part or aide of which building shall be and is hereby appropriated to the use of the Generall Court &, Councill for the holding and keeping of the ad generall Court and Councill therein and the severall offices thereto belonging the ether part or side of the ad building shall be and is hereby appropriated to the use of the house of Burgesses and the offices thereof and to no other use ear uses wtsoever and be it further Enacted by the authority aforesd and it is hereby Enacted that the Comitee appointed for the revisall of the laws are hereby impowered and required from time to time to inspect and oversee the ad building untill it Shall be finished and 8 to Covenant and agree with such and so many undertakers or overseer's of the ad building as they shall think fitt and to give such necessary orders and directions therein from time to time as they shall see cause for the Carrying on furtherance and finishing of the ad work according to the aforesd rules and dimensions and that the sd Comitee be likewise impowered by virtue of this act on the Publick account and Risque to send for out of England Iron Work Glass Paint Stone and all other materialls as they shall think necessary for and towards the Carrying on and finishing of the ad building and be it further enacted by the authority aforesd and it is hereby enacted that the ad Comitee as often as they shall have occasion for money for the uses aforesd shall from time to time apply themselves to the Governor or Commander In Chief for the time being to issue out his Warrant to the treasurer of this his Majestyes Colony and Dominion requireing him to pay zoo much money as they shall have occasion for not exceeding the sume of two thousand pds Ster. who is hereby impowered and required to deliver and pay the same to the ad Comitee upon such Warrt wch ad sume or sumes the ad Comitee shall account for to the next meeting of Assembly and also make report of their proceedings in the building the ad Capitoll and forasmuch as the generall Assembly and generall Courts of this his Maties Colony and Dominion cannot possibly be held and kept at the ad Capitoll unless a good towne be built and Settled adjacent to the ad Capitol! suitable for the accomodation and entertainment of a Considerable number of persons that of necessity ....
9Legislative Journals of the Council of Colonial Virginia Vol. I, page 257.April 27, 1699
Ordered that the Clerke of the Genll Assembly doe goe to all Such of the Gentlemen of the House of Burgesses as are in Town and Comand their Imediate Attendance upon his Excellency and the Councill in the Great Hall, which (by reason that the State house by an unhappy Accident was lately burnt down) is the place appointed for his Excellency the Councill to Sitt, in during This Generall Assembly.
The Gentlemen of the House of Burgesses Attended his Excellency and the Councill in the Great Hall, And His Excellency was pleased to Acquaint them, that Since the State House of this His Majesty's Colony and Dominion was lately by an unhappy Accident burnt down, he, by and with the Advice of the Councill had Caused a House to be fitted up far the Gentlemen, of the House of Burgesses to sett in, dureing this Generall Assembly; And that he had Comiconated some Gentlemen of the Councill to Administer the Oaths, Test and Association unto them who would Show them the place they were to sitt in but if they Knew of any better and more Convenient Place in ail respects for their Reception, His Excellency was well Satisfyed they should Make Choice of it.
Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia, 1695-1702 Page 135.10Wednesday May the 3d 1699.
A message from his Excellcy...
I doe recommend to you to have such a Pile of Buildings Erected so soon as possible as may not be only larger but more conveniently serve the publick Uses that which was unfortunately burnt the last ffall.
Fra: Nicholson.
Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia , 1695-1702 Page 147.Monday May the 8th 1699
Upon consideration of that: part of his Excellcys Speech relateing to the Erecting a building to serve for publick Uses &c therein the said Comtee have resolved That a State house be built and that Mr. Chairman pray Leave of the house and that the Comittee do sit againe on thirsday com Sevennight to take the same into further Debate and Consideration to wch the house agreed And
Ordered that the said Comtee of the whole House do sit againe 0n Thirsday com Sevven night, to take the same into farther debate & Consideracon as aforesd.
Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia, 1695-170211Wednesday May the 10th 1699.
The Petition of Mrs. Rachell Sherwood Setting forth a Claime for the Use of her house where his Exccy and. Council Sit And also for the other Roomes since the State house was fired made use of for the Secretarys Office std Assembly Records was read and referred to the Comittee of publick Claimes to report their Opinions therein.
Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia, 1695-1702 Page 160.Thursday May the 11th 1699.
An Order by his Excellency and Council beareing Date the twenty first day of October 1698 appointing Mr. Peter Beverly and Mr. Robert Beverly after the late unhappy dire of the State House to Sort & put in order the respective Records and papers belonging to the Secretys and Assemblies Offices and also the Order of his Excellency and Council beareing Date this Day relateing to the Same together with Petitions of the said Mr. Peter and Mr. Robert Beverly were Severally read and
Ordered. They be referred to the Committee of Claimes, And that the said Committee of Claimes be a Comittee appointed to view and inspect the Several papers Records &c and make Report thereof.
Executive Journals of the Council of Colonial Virginia Vol. I, page 435.12May: 16: 1699.
Whereas there are Severall matters of very great Import to be performed in the Intervall between this and the next Session of the Generall Assembly, as particularly the Revisall of the Laws, and the building of the Statehouse, neither of which con be concluded and finished by the next tall, So that there cannot well be another Session at that time and Likewise it will be too great a charge to the Country. . . and it may reasonably be hoped, that the Laws will be Revised and the State house well nigh finished by the month of September in the Year 1700 which will be a very fitt time for holding an Assembly, therefore
Resolved, that it be recommended to the Gentlemen of the House of Burgesses to take Care to raise money enough, to pay the publick Debts, already Contracted and build the State House, and also to make such other Sufficient provisions for the Security, Defence, and all other Contingencies which may happen to the Government, Soe that except upon some Extraordinary Accidents (which God forbid) or Direccons from England there may not be Occasion for another Session of Assembly untill September 1700.
Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia, 1695-1702 Page 167.Thursday May 18th 1699
A Message from his Excellency in writeing by Mr. Harrison was read at the Table as followeth...
You having desired me to continue my favour in Generall to this his Majesties Colony and Dominion of Virginia but particularly to the Colledge is another very great Obligation upon me for my useing all Lawfull wayes and meanes for the promoteing and Supporting the good of them, and therefore I do now cordially recommend to you the placeing Yor Publick Building (wch God willing you are designed to have) somewhere at Middle Plantation nigh his Majesties Royall Colledge of William and Mary which I think will tend to Gods Glory, his Majestic Service, and the welfare and Prosperity of your Country in Generall and of the Colledge in particular and will be a greater kindness then if you had given two thousand pounds for the Use of it.
Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia, 1695-1702 Page 168.13Thursday May 18th 1699.
The House (according to the Order of the day) Resolved itself Into a Comittee of the whole House to take into further Consideration and Debate the matters referred to this Day relateing to the Building a State House, and Cdr. Cory took the Chaire and after some time spent therein which he read in his place- and afterwards delivered in at the Table where the same were read as followeth
This Comittee having maturely considered and fully debated the matters to them referred relateing to the place for Erecting and building a State house after the nomination of several places
Resolved. That the said State house be built at the Middle Plantacon and
Ordered That Mr. Custis, Mr. Bassett, Mr. Robinson & Mr. Talliaferro do forthwith wait upon the Council and acquaint them that the House have had in debate and under their Consideration the place for building a State house, and have resolved that the said State house be built at the Middle plantation to which the House desired their Honrs Concurrence.
Legislative Journals of the Council of Colonial Virginia Vol. 1, page 263Friday May the 19th 1699.
The Councill haveing taken into their Consideracon the last written Message from the Burgesses, Acquainting their Honours that the House upon debate had resolved that the State house be built at the Middle plantacon, to which they desired their Honours Concurrence,
Resolved
Nemine Contradicente that the Councill doe Concurr with the said Resolucon Of the Burgesses & AccordinglyOrdered
That the Clerk of the Generall Assembly doe goe to the House of Burgesses and Acquaint them therewith.
Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia, 1695-1702 Page 170.14Fryday May the 19th 1699.
A Message in writing from the Council by Mr. Harrison read as followeth
Fryday day the 19th 1690 - By the Councill
The Council haveing taken into their Consideration the last written Message from the Burgesses acquainting their Honrs that the House upon Debate had resolved that the State House be built at the Middle Plantation to which they desire their Honrs Concurrence.
Resolved Nemine Contradicente that the Councell do Concurr with the said Resolution of the Burgesses and Accordingly.
Ordered That the Clerk of the Genll Assembly do go to the House of Burgesses and acquaint them therewith.
Legislative Journals of the Council of Colonial Virginia Vol. I, page 266.Wednesday May the 24th 1699.
A Message from the Burgesses by Mr. Taylor
May it please yor Honours
The Burgesses haveing resolved upon a place for the building or the Statehouse, & your Honours haveing Concurred with them therein, I am Commanded to Acquaint you that they desire a Conference with your Honours, to Consider of a Modell for the Statehouse, and what quantity of land will
Necessarily be required for that purpose, and also what will be the most proper Methods of Carrying on the Said building, And if it may Stand with Your Honours Conveniency they desire you will please to Conferr with them hereupon, this Afternoon, or as seen air yor Other Affairs will permit.
Resolved.
That an Imediate Conference be held with the Burgesses in the Great Hall upon the Subject Matter of the last Message,
Managers Appointed for the Said Conference, Richard Lee, William Byrd, Charles Scarburgh Esqrs And Accordingly
Ordered
That the Clerk of the Generall Assembly doe goe to the House of Burgesses, and Acquaint them that the Council (according to their desire) doe Agree to an Imediate Conference with them in the Great Hall:
Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia , 1695-1702 Pages 176-177.15Wednesday May the 24, 1699.
Mr, Leigh reported that the persons appointed to Manage the Conference with the Council upon the Matters relateing to the building a State House and the Land necessary for the same, had accordingly attended the said Conference and that their honours were pleased to deliver them a Plott or Draught of the building which he delivered in at the Table, and that they were pleased to Say they could not proceed to the matter relateing to the hand untill the same was laid out and a Plott or Draught thereof drawne
Ordered That the further Consideracon of the matters relateing to the building a State house be referred untill to morrow.
Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia, 1695=1702 Pages 177-178.Thursday May the 25th 1699.
Upon farther Consideration of the State house to be built being referred to this day and againe debated. The House agreed as followeth
That the Reuse be built according to the forms and Dimentions of the Plott or Draught laid before this House.
That the Ground appropriated for the State house be the Ground agreed upon by his Excellency the Governr Councill and Burgesses the 23d of this Instant and two hundred foot every way from the building not to be built upon for any other Account Whatsoever: .
Test the foundation of the building be four Brick thick up to the Surface of the Ground, three brisk and half thick to the 'Water Table, and from the Water Table to the Top of the first Story tree Brick thick axed from there to the Top of the Second Story two Brick and half thick.
The Gallary between the two buildings to be raised upon Piazos and built as high as the other Building, and the walls to be of the same thickness, and a Cupuloe to be in the middle of the Cress Building And that there to be an Iron Balcony upon the first floor in Each ffront.
That the Windowes be Sash Windows, and Roof a Hipp Roof with Dormant Windowes and well shingled with Cypress.
That one Building be appropriated to the Use of the Genll Court and Council and the offices thereto belonging.
That the other building be appropriated to the Use of the House of Burgesses and the Offices thereof.
That this Great Roomes below of each building be laid with fflagg stone.
That a Proviso be made in the Bill empowering the Treasurer to pay to the persons imployed to undertake or Oversee the building before the meeting of the next Assembly.
16what money the said persons from time to time may have Occasion for. not Exceeding the Sume of ffifteen hundred pounds for which the persons imployed and receiveing the same as aforesaid shall be Accountable to the neat Genll Assembly.
That the Committee appointed for the Revisall of the Laws be required and impowered to Article with Undertakers or other waies for carrying on and finishing the buildings according to the Dimensions aforesaid, and that they be likewise impowered to send for out of England Iron worke, Glass painte and other appurtences necessary to finish the said buildings.
That the said Comittee as often as they shall have occasion fear Money shall from time to time apply themselves to the Governor (or Comander in Chief for the time being) who is impowered and desired to issue his Warrant requireing the Treasurer to pay Such money ax he shall have in his hands not Exceeding the Summe aforesaid
Ordered That the Committee of Proposicions and Greivances do prepare and bring in a Bill directing the building of a State house.
Executive Journals of the Council of Colonial Virginia Vol. I, page 440.17May. 26. 1699.
Ordered, that Mr, Edwin Thacker be desired to goe, to Middle Plantation to assist Mr. Theodorick Bland in Surveying and laying out the Land for a Town.
Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia, 1695-1702 Page 182.Saturday May the 27th: 1699.
Coll Ludwell from the Comittee of Proposicons and Greivances to wham was referred to prepare and bring in a Bill for the building a State house reported that the said Comittee had accordingly prepared the Said Bill which he delivered in at the Table where the Same were real the first time and
Ordered A Second Reading And then The House adjourned till Monday Seven a Clock.
Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia, 1695-1702 Page 183.18Tuesday May the 30th 1699.
A Bill directing the building of the Capitol &c read A Second time and
Ordered. The said Bill be committed
A Bill for Lessening the Levy by the Pall and laying an Imposition upon Liquors for and towards the building of the Capitol and other Publick uses was read the third tine And
Resolved the Bill do Pass
A Bill for laying an imposicon upon Servants and laves imported into this Country towards the building the Capitol was read the third tine And
Resolved the Bill do pass.
Hening, Statutes at Large Vol. III, page 197.June, 1699.
April 1699 Session- 11th William III. Act XIV.
An act directing the building the Capitoll and the City of Williamsburg.
(This act, together with the title is repeated verbatim in the revisall of 1705, chap XLIII. and declared to be in farce; and several clauses added for the better execution thereof- It is therefore unnecessary to print it here.)
Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia, 1695-1702 Pages 188-189.19Fryday June the 2d 1699.
To his Excellcy ffrancis Nicholson Esqr his Maties Lieut end Governr Genl of Virginia
The humble Address of the House of Burgesses May it Please yor Excellcy
... To that part of yor Excellcys Speech recomending to have Such a Pile of buildings erected no soon as possibly as say not be only larger but store conveniently Serve the Publick Uses then that which vas unfortunately burnt the last Fall Wee hope wee shall fully answer the same by a bill for that purpose now lyeing before the House-
Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia, 1695-1702 Page 195.Monday June the 5th 1699.
Ordered. That the Surveyrs appointed to Survey and lay out the land on which to build the Capitol and Tonne do compleat and finish the whole work and then Exhibite their Accots to the Comittee appointed for Revisall of the whole Body of the laves of this Country and that the Said Committee do adjust the same and order payment out of the moneys which shall hereafter acme to the hands of the Treasurer of this Dominion from the Imposicon upon Liquors-
Coll Ludwell from, the Comittee to whom was committed for Amendments the Bill directing the building the Capitol and the City of Williamsburg &c Reported that the said Comittee had agreed upon the said Amendments and had directed him to report the Same and accordingly delivered the Same in at the Table where the said Amendments were twice read and agreed to by the house And
Ordered. That the said Bill be with the Amendments Ingrossed and read a third time.
Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia, 1695-1702 Page 198.20Tuesday June the Sixth 1699.
A Message from the Council by Mr. Harrison who brought in the Proporcons of the Publick Levy agreed to by the Council.
A Bill for Lessning the Levye by the Poll and laying an Imposition upon Liquors for and towards the building the Capitol and the City of Williamsburg &c. agreed to by the Council without Amendments.
Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia, 1695-1702 Page 196.Tuesday June the Sixth 1699.
An Ingrossed Bill, directing the building the Capitol and the City of Williamsburg &e being read then third time
Resolved The said Bill do passee.
Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia, 1695-1702 Page 197.21Tuesday June the Sixth 1699.
Ordered. That the Severall persons imployed about the Survey. of the Land on which to build the Capitol and City of Williamsburg be paid five pounds and three pence Sterling by the late Mr. Treasurer Bird out of the Moneys in his hand from the Imposicon upon Liquors
Legislative Journals of the Council of Colonial Virginia Vol. I, Page 275.22Wednesday June the 7th 1698 [1699]
An Engrossed bill from the Burgesses Intituled an Act directing the building the Capitoll and the City of Williamsburg &ea being read and some Amendments made thereto by the Councill the bill with the Amendments was read the third time and
Resolved, that the Bill with the Amendmts doe pass.
Ordered That the Clark of the Generall Assembly doe Carry the said Bill with the Amendments to the House of Burgesses and Acquaint them that the Councill, have Agreed thereto with the Said Amendments, whereto their Honours desire their Concurrence.
Post Merediem
A Message from the Burgesses by Mr. Buckner that (they had Agreed to an Engrossed bill, Intituled, an Act directing the building the Capitoll & the City of Williamsburg &ca with the Amendmts thereto proposed by their Honours and had Amended the Bill accordingly.
Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia, 1695-1702 Page 199.23Wednesday June the 7th 1699.
A MESSAGE from the Council by Mr. Harrison who bought in these five Bills vizt
A Bill appointing the Building the Capitol and the City of Williamsburg agreed to by the Council wth Amendmts and the said Amendments being read were agreed to by the house and accordingly made in the Bill
Ordered That Mr. Buckner, Mr. Cock and Mr. Talliaferro do carry the Bill appointing the building the Capitol and the City of Williamsburg And
...
To the Council for their View that the Amendments were made in the Said Bills according to their Honrs Proposicons And being returned
Mr. Buckner reported that they had accordingly carryed the said Bills and that their How e were pleased to returne the Bills to the House try then agreed to. according to the Amendments.
[Journal of the Committee of Revisal][NOTE: The London Public Record Office Journal of the Committee for Revisal of the Laws and Superintending the Building of the Capitol from 7th of July 1699 to May 10, 1741 accompanied a letter from Nicholson dated December 1701 and is copied here under that date.]Legislative Journals of the Council of Colonial Virginia Vol. III, page 1520 (Appendix).24Fryday July the 7th 1699.
The Comittee desired Collo Harrison a Member of the Comittee to Send for the following particulars for the use of the Comittee Vizt
Six Rheam of best Sort of writing paper.
four Rheam of large fine Royall paper.
Two gallons of best Recording Ink.
Two Thousand of best dutch quills
A pound of pounce
Three pieces of penny ribbon for Sowing papers.
A Demicap paper Booke of six quire bound in Vellum and Ruled for Records.
A Demicap Paper booke of ten quire So bound & Ruled.
The New Register Breuium1
Rastalls Entries2
The New Book of entries
A book of oathes containing the Oathes of all the
Officers in land and haveing Spent the rest of the day in business about the Capitall
The Comittee adjourned till to Marrow Morning Six a Cloak.Saturday July the 8th 1699.
Collo Hill haveing delivered to the Comittee Severall Papers which his Excellency gave hint when the Comittee went to Attend him with an address relateing to the Capitall in the prepareing and presenting of which togeather with an Invoyce of certain Necessaries to be Sent for cut of England for the Capitall most of this day was Spent [in] the Consideration of the Said papers...
Executive Journals of the Council of Colonial Virginia Vol. II, pages 1-2 . Also: Public Record Office, London 005 #1311, 709 D.54. Photostat copy.26July 12, 1699.
[Seal Impressed By his Excellency
on wafer.] A ProclamationWhereas the Committee appointed to Revise the whole body of the Laws of this his Matys Colony and Dominion and tea inspect and oversee the building of the Capitol, at their meeting at James City this present month of July have by their address signify'd to me that they have appointed a time and place of Sitting to agree with any Undertakers, Artists, oar Workmen that shall offer themselves to be employed in the work of building the Capitoll and have therein also prayed that I would notify the same to all his Majts loving Subjects, And for as much as it will conduce very such to the service and honour of his most sacred Majesty and the ease and benefit oaf all his Matys good and loving subjects inhabiting this his ancient and great Colony and. Dominion of Virginia that the said Capitol be erected and built with all possible edition in such manner as is by Law already provided and directed: I Francis Nicholson Esqr his Matys Lieut and Governour General of Virginia Do hereby give notice make known to all his Matys Subjects that the Committee pointed for the Revisal of the Laws and is inspect and oversee the building of the Capitoll will sitt at James the 6th 7th 8th & ninth days of September neat and will then and there be ready to receive the proposal of any person concerning what of the ad building he is willing to undertake either in the quality of an Undertaker, Overseer or Workman, and to make such contract or agreement with any person or persons that shall then and there apply themselves to them as shall be reasonable convenient and necessary, And I do likewise give further notice to all his Matys good and loving Subjects that the Said Committee appointed to revise the Laws of this his Matys Colony and Dominion will sitt at James City the first Wednesday in every moneth till the moneth of December next, at which time or times they will be ready to receive any preposition that may be made or sent to them by any person 25 persons tending to the Glory of God, the honour of his Majty, and the publick weal of this his ancient and great Colony and Dominion of Virginia in order to the compleating and perfecting of so necessary and good a work. And I do command all Sheriffs, that they cause this Proclamation to be published in all Churches Chappels Court house and other public places in their respective Countys and they will answer the contrary at their perills, Given under my hand and the Seal. of the Colony this 12th day of duly 1699 in the 11th year of his Matys reign
Fr: Nicholson
A proclamation giving notice of the time and place of the sitting of the Committee appointed to revise the Laws & to inspect and Oversee the building the Capitoll
God Save the King
Public Record Office, London C05 #1311, 68827September, 1st 1699.
Whereas by an Act of Assembly made ye 27th day of Aprill 1699 Entituled an sat directing the building of the Capitoll and ire City of Williamsburgh I am Impowered and desired to issue out of my gents to the severall Sheriffs of James Cite York & New Kent Counties comanding them respectively to Impannell four of ire , most able ,discreet freeholders in each of their Bayliwicks to Value and appraise the Land taken up a appropriated by ye said Act for the use of ye Capitoll & City of Williamsburgh According to ye directions of ire said Act Pursuant to whish I Francis Nicholson Esq. his Maj:ties Lieu:t Gover Gen:ll of his Colony & Dominion of Virginia, go will & require you to Impannell four of ye most able & discreet freeholders in pour Bayliwick noewayes concerned in Interest in ye ad Land nor anywayes related to the owners or propriaters thereof to meet at the Middle plantation on Thursday the 7th of the Instant September then & there together with light other persons appointed by ye ad Act upon Oathes to Value & appraise the Land and Ground taken up and appropriated by the said Act for the use of the Capitol do City of Williamsburgh in soe many & Distinct parts and parcells as shell be owned end claimed therein bar Severall different owners Propriators & Claimars thereof. And after such Valuation axed appraisements so* made the sd Jury shall forthwith return: the same under their hands and Seales to the Secretaries Office of this his Majties Colony and Dominion. Faile not to give due observence to this precept and make returns thereof as you will Answer the contrary at your perill also have you then & there this warrent Given under my hand & his Majties Seale of the Colony at James Towne this first day September 1699 in the Eleventh year of his Majties Reign.
ffr. Nicholson
To the Sherriff of James City County A warrant for Impannelling a fury to Value & appraise the hand Appropriated for the Capitoll & City of Williamsburgh.
Note that
A warrent in ye same forme of that above issue to ye Sherriff of York County and Another to the Sherriff of New Kent County.
Public Record Office, London 005 #1311, 68928September 1, 1699.
William the Third by the Grace of God King of England Scotland France &, Ireland Defender of the faith &c. To Thomas Cowles Charles Hansford and George Keeling Gent. Greeting. Wee Doe hereby authorize and appoint you or any one of you to be at Middle plantation on Thursday ye, 7th of this instant September then do there to Administer to the aura that shall be Impannelled to Value and appraise the Land appropriated by Act of Assembly to ye use of the Capitol & City of Williamsburgh the Oathes appointed by Act of Parliamt to be taken in Stead of ye Oathes of Allegance and Supremacy the Test and ye Association mentioned in an Act of Parliament in ye, 7th. & 8th yeares of Our Reign Entituled an Act far the better Security of his Majsties Royall person and Government and an oath for truly Valueing & appraising the sd Land according to ye, ad Act of the performance of which you shall make return to fur Secretaries Office at James City. Witness- our trusty & well beloved Francis Nicholson Esq. Our Lieut. Governr Gen:ll oaf Virginia at James Towne under ye scale of Our Colony this first day of September 1699 in the Eleventh yeare of our Reign.
ffr. Nicholson
Public Record Office, London C05 #1311, 69129September 8, 1699.
In obedience to an Act of the General Assembly begun at James City ye 27th of Aprill 1699, being ye fourteenth Act of the sd Sessions Entituled an Act for the directing the building the Capitoll & ye City of Williamsburgh Wee of the Jury whose names are underneath written being first sumond by Virtue of a warrant from His Excy Francis Nicholson Esq. his Maj:ties Lieut & Governor Gen:ll of Virginia to the severall Sherriffs of ye Counties of James City & York & New Kent and sword by Virtue of his Excys Dedimus for the purpose directed to Capt. Tho. Cowles & Mr George Keeling. Have accordingly mett upon the place in ye sd Act assigned for the building of the Capitol & City of Williamsburgh at ye place comonly called and known by ye name of ye Middle plantation and there Viewed the sd Land, and gone round the bounds of ye Same with Theodorick Bland the Surveyor that laid out ye sd Land and having to ye best of our skill and Judgments maturely considered & weighed the premises doe Mutually & Unanimously agree that Each & every of the Propriators after his or their Particular part or parts of Land appropriated to ye use of ye City of Williamsburgh is laid out in distinct parcells by the Surveyor and claimed by ye sd Propriator or propriators he or they shall receive Twenty Shillings current & Passable money (in this Country of Virginia) for every acre of Land soe laid out. Dated under our hands & seales this 8th day of September 1699.
(Seal)
Joseph Ring foreman John Hockaday Warwick Mohun Wm. Browne Robert Read Peter Crutchfield Alex: Walker Wm. P. Pinkethman Jeremiah Laundey John Frayser Leml Smith Junr Alex Walker Junr
Executive Journals of the Council of Colonial Virginia Vol. II, page 29. Also: Public Record Office, London C05 #1311, 712.30October 26, 1699.
By his Excellency
A Proclamation
Whereas by one act of Assembly made at James City the 27th May of April Last is the Eleventh year of his Matys reign entitled an let directing the building of the Capitoll sad City of Williamsburgh It is Enacted that a Capitoll shall be built in the City of Williamsburgh at Middleplantation for the holding and keeping of General Assemblys and General Courts therein. And whereas it is found necessary for his Matys Service that the General Assemblys and General Courts should be held at the said City of Williamsburgh as soon as conveniently may be And to the end that all people intending to provide for the reception and Entertainment of all such persons as shall attend the ad General Courts and Assemblys say have timely notice: I Francis Nicholson Esqr his Matys Lieut and Governour Genll of Virginia by advice of his Matys honble Council Do hereby give notice to all his Matys loving Subjects that the General Assemblys & General Courts that stall be next held after the tenth day of May In the year 1700 shall (God Willing) be kept and held at the said City of Williamsburgh. Of which all his Matys Officers Civil and Military and all other his Matys Loving Subjects are hereby required to take especial notice. I do card all Sheriffs that they cause this Proclamation to be published in all Churches Chappells Courthouses and all other public places in their respective Counties as they will answer the contrary at their perils. Given under my head and his Majtys Seal of the Colony this 26th day of October 1699 in the eleventh year of his Matys reign.
Nicholson
A Proclamation giving notice of the time of holding Genll Assemblys & Genll Courts at the City of Williamsburgh
E. Jenings Depty Secry
God Save the King
Custom Books, Public Record Office, LondonPhotostats.
Exportations of English Manufactures from Xtmas 1698 to Xtmas 1699. With an Estimate of their first cost or Value vizt
Page 20, 21 Brass wrot - 234:3:9 At 4£ 10s to 5£ P cwt 1115: 2:11½ Glass P Windows- 122 1/8 Chest- At 20s P chest 122:2:6 Iron Wrot 2907:1:75 At 56s P Cwt 8140:13: 6 Do Nails- 2573:2:10- At 36s P Cwt 4632: 9:2 ½ Oaker Red- 0:1:14:- At 28s P Cwt 0:10: 6 Page 24 Purbeck Stone- 6 Load- At 15:10: 0 Red Paint- 10 £.- At 3:15: 0
Executive Journals of the Council of Colonial Virginia Vol. II, page 7431May the 22, 1700.
At a Councill hold at James Citty.
Ordered that the Commander in Cheif of a Militia and the Sheriff of James City County. (icy such means as they think Cheapest and easiest do cause Six of -the smallest Pieces of Ordnance nor at James Town to be carryed to the City of Williamsburgh together with the great Shott and, all other things belonging to the Gunners stores (except the Powder) the said Peices of Ordnance and the Shott to be laid down upon or near the place designed for building the Capitoll and the other things to be lodged in some Convenient place in the Colledge of William and Mary in Virginia.
[NOTE: Account of charges for the Capitol from April 4, 1700 to July 20, 1703 filed under latter date.]
Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia , 1695-1702 Page 205.Fryday Decembr the 6th 1700
A Message from his Excelly by Mr. Wright
Gentl
I am commanded by his Excelly to acquaint you That his Indisposicon is such at present that he cannot come to the Court House and therefore Commands the imediate Attendce of every Member here in his Bed Chamber That he may Communicate to you Such things as are requisite.And accordingly the Burgesses went and attended his Excelly in his bed Chamber and his Excelly was pleased to say to this Effect
Gentl.I am taken so very ill that I could not come to the Colledge, otherwise would not have given you this Trouble...
Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia, 1695-1702 Page 206.32Saturday December the 7th 1700
A Message from his Excelly by Mr. Wright
Gentl
I came only from his Excelly to acquaint you That the respect and kindness which his Excelly bearer to this House is such that he presents the House with a Gown to be worn by Mr. Speaker when you have Elected and chosen such a one hee also presents you with a Staff or Mace to be born before Mr. Speaker after he is confirmed by his Excelly (as an Ensigne and Token of Honr and power) by true who is to be Commissioned to that Office- I am, also further Commanded to signifye to this House that his Excelly doth not in. the least doubt yor Candid acceptance of what he so Frankly and generously Offers.
Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia, 1695-1702 Pages 207-808.33Monday Decembr the 9th 1700.
Resolved. That it is the Opinion,of this House that One person may Execute both the Offices of Mace bearer and Messenger
Resolved. That an Address be prepared to render his Excelly the humble Thanks of this House for the favour of the tows anal Mace his Excelly has teen pleased to present the louse withall and to pray his Excelly to Commissionate such person as he shall think fitt to perform the duty of Mace bearer and Messenger.
Ordered. That Mr. Cory Mr. Corbin Mr. Harrison Mr Tayloe and Mr. Leigh forthwith withdraw and prpare an Address accordingly.
And they being withdrawne some time and returned
Mr. Cary reported That they had agreed upon an Address which he road in his place and then delivered it in at the Table where being againe read as follows
To his Excelly Francis Nicholson Esqr his Majts Lieut and Governr Genll of Virginia
The humble Address of the House of Burgesses
May it please yor Excelly
The House of Burgesses having this Assembly received an Extraordinary mark of yor Excellencys ffavour in the honors you have done then in presenting them with a Gown for the Speaker ire wear sad a Mace to be carryed before him humbly begg leave to pay our due Acknowledgmts and hearty thanks for the same And for that the House is of Opinion that he that bears the Mace may do and perform the duty of Messenger to the House humbly pray that yor Excelly will be please! to constitute and appoint Such a person as yor Excelly shall think fit to be both Mace bearer and Messinger to the House.
Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia , 1695-1702 Page 210.Monday Decembr the 16th 1700.
A Petition of Dionisius Wright far allowance of thirteen pounds two shillings for Chaires Tables &c for the use of his Majests Council upon their Removall to the City of Williamsburg with the Accot thereunto referred by his Excelly and Council to the consideration of the House.
Journals of ice House of Burgesses of Virginia, 1695-1702 Page 219Monday Decembr the 16th 1700
A Petition of Edward Jacquelin for allowance after the rate of Eight pads per Ann for the Council Chamber to his Hour at James City referred by his Excelly and Council to the consideration of the House
Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia, 1695-1702 Page 222.Monday Decembr the 16th 1700.
A Petition of Edmund Jenings Esqr Depty Secry That the Records remaining at laws City may be removed to the place appointed for keeping the Secretarys Office in his Maijts Royall Colledge of William and Mary ....
Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia, 1695-1702 Page 222.34Tuesday Decembr the 11th 1700.
Resolved That the Records of this Government which Stil remain at lames City be with all convenient Expedition removed from thence to the place appointed for keeping the Secrys Office in his Maijts Royall Colledge of William. and Mary adjacent to the City of Williamsburgh according to the Petition of Edmund Jenings Esqr Depty Secretary made to his Excelly and the Honble Council in that respect.
Legislative Journals of the Council of Colonial Virginia Vol. I , pages 282--283 .35Wednesday December 18th 1700
By the house of Burgesses
Tuesday December 17th, 1700Resolved
that the Records of this Governmt wch still remaine at James City be with all Convenient Expedition removed fry thence to the place appointed for keeping the Secretaries office in his Majts Royall Colledge of William and Mary adjacient to the City of Williamsburgh According to the peticon of Edmd Jenings Esqr Deputy Secrety made to his Excy and the Honble Councill in that respectResolved
That the records & papers belonging to this house & now lodged at dames City be with all convenient Expedicon removed from thence & placed in the Clamber appointed for the Clerke of this house in his Majts Royall College of W. & Mary adjacient to the City of Williamsburgh-Ordered.
that a Messuage be sent to the Councill to desire their Concurrence to the resolves of this house touching the removal! of the records belonging to the Secretys Office to this houseTest Wm Randolph Cl: H: Burg.
His Excellency and the Councill concurr wth the house in the precedent resolves & the Honble Mad Jenings Esqr is requested to cause the Same to be done with all convenient Speed-
Ordered
That the Clerk of the Generll Assembly do go to the horse of Burgesses and acquaint them that his fey do his Majties Honble Councill concurrs wth them in their resolves of removeing the records mentioned in the ad resolves and that the same shall be done with all convenient expedition &c placed in the places appointed. for then, in his Majts Royll College of William and Mary.
Customs Books, Public Record Office, London Photostats35-aExportations of English Manufactrs From Xtmas 1699, To Xtmas 1700 Wth an Estimate of their first Cost or Value
Page 26 Brass Wrot- 235:1:18- At 4£ to 5£ P Cwt.. 1059: 6:11 ¼ Page 27 Glass- 25032 P.- At 4s to 6s P Cps - 62:11:7 Page 28 Glass -P Windows... 110 Chest- At 15£ to 25£ P Chest 110: 0: 0 Iron Wrot- 2397:3:0- At 50s to 3£ P cwt 6593:16:3 Nails- .1872 :3 : 7- At 30s to 40s P cwt 3277 : 8: 5 ¼ Oaker- 2:0:0- At 25s to 30s P cwt 2:15: 0 Page 31 Stone Paveing- 2650 Foot- At 33:11:0 Stones Marble- ... At 4: 6: 3
John Norton to36
Robert Carter Nicholas
W.C. Nicholas Papers, Ac #5533,
U.Va. MSS.
London, 2 July 1769…
I have forwarded your Letter to Mr Perks & shall observe his directions concerning the Stone Steps for the Capitol I have a Correspce with that gent
18 Aug 1769
…
Mr Perks. . .has just retd me the order for the Stone Steps, which he says cant be executed there [Bristol?], shall order them here from Mr Oliver & gett them sent out as soon as possible.
Hening, Statutes at Large Vol. III, pages 213-214.August 1701 Session
13th William III.
ACT VI.An act giveing further directions in building the Capitoll and for building a Public Prison.
WHEREAS it is concluded to be more suitable and comodius for the Uniforms carrying on and finishing the Capitoll now erecting in the City of Williamsburgh that some alterations he state in the modell of the said Capitoll laid downe and expressed in an act of assembly made at dames City the 27th day of Aprill Anno Domini 1699,
Be it therefore enacted by the governour, councell and burgesses of this present generall assembly and the authority thereof, and it is hereby enacted, That the following directions be observed, vizt.
That the porches of the said Capitoll be built circular fifteen foot in breadth from outside to outside, and that they stand upon Cedar columns (if to be had) if not the same to be sect upon rather goad lasting and substanciall wood; that the arose building betwixt the two main buildings be of the same breadth with the mains buildings that all the great doors be arched, and that it be left to the comitee which now is or hereafter shall be appointed to oversee the building of the capitoll to direct what other doors shall be made therein, that the placeing the four galeryes be left to the committee which now is or hereafter shall be appointed to oversee the building of the Capitoll, and that they have liberty to take so much room out of the adjacent rooms as in their discretion they shall think fit for the carrying up a suitable pair of staires.
That the windows in the lower story be arched, and that the lower floors be raised two foot from the ground and that the comittee appointed to oversee the building of the said Capitoll have power and they are hereby impowered to send to wand fox all such materialls as are get wanting to finish Vie said works: .
... (Directions about prison)
And whereas the former lax for building the capitoll gave power to the comitee to make use only of two thousand pounds sterling, which sumo is well nigh expended,
37Be it therefore enacted by the authority aforesaid, and it is hereby enacted, That the said comitee as often as they shall have occasion far money for the uses of the capitoll or prison, shall from time to time apply themselves to the governor or commander in chiefe for the time being, to issue out his warrant to the treasurer of this his majestyes colony and dominion, requireing him to pay so much Money as they shall have occasion for; any former law to the contrary in any wise notwithstanding.
Legislative Journals of the Council of Colonial Virginia Vol. I, 296.Also: Public Record Office, London C05 #1409.38Thursday August 7th 1701.
Resolved That the House doth agree to the time appointed by his Excy & the Council for laying the foundacon of the Capitol and also to his Excy proposition that a Comtee of this house be appointed to Joyne with a Comtee of the Council to Consider of measures for the better doeing thereof and wht soever shall be proposed for regulateing the said building and workmen Employed in it.
Wm. Randolph Clk H: BurgAnd then he added
I am further Comanded to acquaint yr Hours that the House have Appointed Six of their Membrs to attend wht Number of o Council yr Excy & Hours shall think fitt and that they are ready to waite upon yr Honrs when you call appoint time and place.The Honbl Wm Byrd Esqr Jno Lightfoot Esqr & John Custis Esqr are appointed fortwth to Joyn in a Comtee wth Six of the Members of the House of Burgesses to consider of the Measures to be taken for laying the foundacon of the Capitoll and whtsoever shall be thought necessary for regulateing the sd building and workmen Employed in it, and the Comtee to be held in the great Room where the Comitee for revisall usually satt.
Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia, 1695-1702 Page 246.Also: Public Record Office, London C05 #1409.39Thursday Augt: the 7th 1701.
...Wee have Ordered the foundation of the Cappitoll to be laid to morrow if you have nothing to offer to they contrary but for the more speedy and well doing thereof I propose that you would appoint a Committee to joyne with a Committee of his Majts Honorable Councill and if possible to Sitt this day and when they doe I will tell them some Remarkes I have made upon the workmen &ca and will offer Something to them towards the well regulateing of them as likewise the Said Building...
ffr: Nicholson
Resolved That the House doth agree to the time appointed by his Excelly and the Council for laying the foundation of the Capitoll also to his Excellys Proposition that a Committee of this House be appointed to Joyne wth a Committee of the Councill to consider of measures and whatsoever Shall be proposed for regulateing the said building sad worm imploy'd in itt . . .
Ordered
Thatbe a Committee to joyn wth a Committee of the Counsill to consider of propositions concerning the Capitoll and that they give their attendance upon the Same att Such time and place as shall be appointed
Mr. Cary Mr. Beverley Mr. Leigh Mr. Willson Mr. Corbin Mr. Robinson
Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia, 1695-1702 Page 247.40Thursday Augt the 7th 1701.
A Message from his Excelly by Mr. Wright
Mr. Speaker
In answer to the message sent by the house I am coded by his Excelly and the honourable Councill to acquaint this house that three of the honourable Councill are appointed to joyne in a Committee wth Six of the members of this house to consider of the Measures to be taken in laying the foundation of the Capitoll and what Shall be thought necessary for regulateing the said building and workmen imployed is itt And that forthwith in the great roome where the Comittee for revisall usually sateOrdered That the members appointed by this house attend the Councill according to the Said Message
Cdr. Cory from the Comittee of Councill and Burgess appointed to consider of propositions concerning the Capitol reported the proceedings of the .Said Comittee which he read in his place and then delivered them in att the table where being againe read the house took the Same into imediate Consideration and resolved as followeth
Resolved That it is the opinion of the house that far the better management of the workmen and Labourers that are and Shall be imployed in building the Capitoll itt is necessary an ordinance be made to prohibite ordinary keepers from Entertaining or Selling drink to any Such Workmen or Labourers wthout the Governours Lycense, or love from the Comittee appointed to Oversee the building of the Capitoll or of the Overseer that dayly attends the work
Resolved That all Ordinary keepers That `transgress the aforesd Ordinance be lyable to be put downe from keeping an Ordinary by the next Justice of peace and also fined according to law for Entertaining other peoples Servants
Resolved That all persons whatsoever be prohibited to Entertaine imploy or Deale with any of the Bricklayers and Carpenters imported into this Country and Covenanted wth to build the Capital wth out Lycense or Leave as aforesd under the Penalty of being fined according to law for Entertaining other peoples Servants
Resolved That the Overseer of the work be impowered to Comence Suit upon any the Occasions aforesaid.
Legislative Journals of the Council of Colonial Virginia Vol. I, page 596.Also: Public Record Office, London C05, #1409.41Fryday 8th Augst 1701.
The Honble Wm Byrd Esqr Jno Lightfoot Esqr and Jno Custis Esqr being apointed to Joyn in a Comtee wth Six of the Membrs of the House of Burgesses to considr the measures try be taken for laying the foundacon of the Capitoll & wtsoever shall be thought necessary for Regulateing the sd building and workmen Employed in it,
Returne the report in these following words
Memorandum
Proposed That an Ordr of Assembly be made and published for the better management of Workmen & Laborers that are and shall be Employed about the building the Capitol prohibiting all Ordinary keepers from Entertaining any of them or selling them any drink wthout leave or lycense of his Excy, the Comitee for Overseeing the building appointed by Law or the Overseer upon penalty of being putt down by the next Justice of the Peace from keeping Ordinary and being also fined according to Law for dealeing wth other peoples Servants.That no other Person whtsoever entertaine Employ or deale wth any of the said workmen &ca wthout the like leave undr penalty of being fined according to the sd Law.
That the Overseer have power to Commence suite can these Occasions.
And they further reported thus
Wee find Mr. Henry Cary to have been Imployed bar the Comtee as overseer of the building and workmen, and know not of a fitter person or better method.
And that foure of the workmen being called before us Seemed very ready & willing to go on wth diligence in the sd worke.
Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia, 1695-1702 Page 261.42Wednesday Augt. the 24th 1701.
A message from his Excelly and the Councill by Mr. Wright.
Mr. Speaker
I am ordered by his Excelly and the honourable Council to acquaint, this house that the Honorable Edmund Jennings Esqr John Lightfoot Esqr and Matthew Page Esqr are appointed d Comittee to consider of Severall propositions laid downe concerning the building of the Capitoll and that his Excelly and the Councill do recommend itt to the burgesses to appoint a Convenient number of 'heir house to joyne wth the Said Committee of the Councill in Consideration of the game and that the Said Committee do forthwith Sitt in the Secretary's OfficeOrdered That according to the Said message a Comittee be appointed to Joyne with a Committee was accordingly appointed Vizt
Mr. Bland Mr. Gough Mr. ffoster Mr. Thorowgood Mr. Harrison Mr. ffox Ordered That the Said Committee attend the Councill according to the message-
Severall propositions of Henry Cary relateing to the Capitoll which were referred from his Excelly and Councill to the Consideration of this house were read-
Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia, 1695-1702 Pages 261-262.Tuesday (Thursday) August the 21st 1701.
The Petition of Robert Snead for leave to lay before the house proposalls to undertake the building of the Capitall
Leave was given Accordingly
And therupon the house being informed That he attended att the doore wth the Said proposalls he was called into the House where being acquainted wth the leave given his he delivered the Said Proposalls and was ordered to withdraw-And being withdrawne
The Said Proposalls were readOrdered That the said Proposalls lye upon the Table to be perused by the Severall Members of the house
Then a notion being made and the question put
That Robert Snead be ordered now to lay before the house the Drafts menconed in his proposal) concerning the Capitoll-
Itt passed in the Negative.
Legislative Journals of the Council of Colonial Virginia Vol. I, page 304.43Thursday 21st Augst 1701.
The Comtee appointed to Consider of sevll Propositions laid down concerning the building the Capitall this day returned their report
Legislative Journals of the Council of Colonial Virginia Vol. I, page 301.Fryday 22d Augst 1701.
A Message from the house by Mr. Waters & others about an Ordnance of Assembly prohibitting the Ordnary Keeprs to Entertaine the workmen employed for Building the Capitoll and praying their Hours concurrence thereto was read the first time and Ordered a Second reading
Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia, 1695-1702 Page 263.44Saturday Augt the [2]3d 1701.
Mr. Bland from the Comittee of Councill and Burgesses last appointed to Consider Propositions relateing to the Capitoll reported the Proceedings of the Said Comittee which he reed in his place and afterwards delivered then in att the Table-
Ordered That the Said Report lye upon the Table
Mr. Waters reported that the persona appointed to tarry to the Councill apt Ordinance of Assembly prohibiting Ordinary keepers to entertains, the workmen imployed in building the Capitol had according to order Delivered the same and Desired the Councills concurrence thereunto-
Legislative Journals of the Council of Colonial Virginia Vol. I, page 301.Saturday 23d Augst 1701.
The Ordinance of Assembly prohibiting Ordinary keeprs to Entertaine the Workmen Employed for Building the Capitoll was read the second time for wch the Councill Consents wth some amendmts
Ordered
That the Clk of Genll Assembly do carry the aforesd Ordinance of Assembly wth the Amendmts to the house of Burgesses & acqt them that the Councel have consented thereto wth these Amendmts.
Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia, 1695-1702 Page 267.Monday Augt 25th 1701.
Then according to order the Amendments proposed by the Councill to the ordinance of Assembly prohibiting Ordinary Keepers to Entertaine the workmen imployed in building the Capitoll being read
The same were agreed to by the house and incerted in the Ordinance-
Ordered That Mr. Milner Mr. Applewaite and Mr. Sullevant forthwith carrye back to the councill the Said Ordinance for their view That the Amendments proposed by them are agreed unto and incerted to the Ordinance-
Legislative Journals of the Council of Colonial Virginia Vol. I, page 302.45Tuesday 26th Augst 1701.
A message from the House by Mr. Milner & others that the house had agreed to the Amenmts proposed to be made to the Ordinance of Assembly prohibitting the Ordinary Keeprs to Entertaine &ct the workmen Employed to build the capitol and acqt the House of Burgesses that the Council have consented as it is amended.
Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia, 1695-1702 Pages 272-273.47Thursday Augt the 28th 1701.
Then a mocon was made that the house do forthwth proceed to the Consideration of the report of the Committee of Councill and Burgesses last appointed to consider of propositions relateing to the Capital
And after some Debate the mocon was agreed to
And thereupon the first report of the said Committee being read-
Wherein It is proposed That the Cross Gallory be built of the same breadth the main buildings is
Resolved That the house doth disagree to the Said report-
Then the Second report of the Said Committee being read-
Wherein itt is proposed That the Porches be built Circular fifteen foot in breadth from Outside to Outside anal that they stand upon Cedar Collums
Resolved That the house doth agree to the Said report with this addition That in. ease Cedar posts be not to be had they be Sect upon, posts of other wood-
Then. the third report of .the Said Committee being read-
Wherein Itt is proposed that all the great dores be arched and that itt be left to the Committee which now is or hereafter, Shall be appointed to oversee the building of the Capitoll do Direct what other Doores Shall be made therein
Resolved That the house doth agree to the Said report-
Then the fourth Report of the Said Committee being read
Wherein itt is proposed that itt be referred to the Committee that itt now is or hereafter Shall be appointed to 46 Oversee the building of the Capitol to consider and direct where the four Gallorys Shall be placed which are to be made in the roome the Generall Court is to Sit in-
Resolved the house doth agree to the Said report
Then the ffifth Report of the Said Committee being read-
Wherein itt is proposed that the Overseer that now is or hereafter Mall be appointed to Oversee the building of the Capital have liberty to take So much roome out of the Adjacent roomes as in his discretion he shall think f itt for the carrying up a Suitable pair of Staires-
Resolved That the house death agree to the Said report
Then the Sixth report of the Said Committee being read
Wherein itt is proposed that the windowes in the lower Story be arched
Resolved That the house doth agree to the Said Report
Then the Seventh report of the Said Committee being read
Wherein itt is proposed that the lower floor be raised two feet frost tile Ground-
Resolved That the House doth agree to the Said report
Then the Eighth and last report of the Said Committee being read
Wherein itt is proposed that the Committee appointed to oversee the building of the Capitoll have power to send to England for ail such material as are yet wanting from thence to finish the work
Resolved That the house loth agree to the Said report
Resolved That the house will to morrow morning consider the proposall of Robert Snead presented to the house on thursday last- concerning his undertaking to build the Capitoll-
Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia, 1695-1702 Page 274.Fryday Augt the 29th 1701.
Then according to order the house took into Consideration the proposalls of Robert Snead presented to the house on Thursday the one and twentieth Instant concerning his undertaking to build the Capitoll and after some time Spent therein a motion being made
And the Question being Putt
That a Committee be appointed to inquire into the proceedings of the Committee appointed tar inspect and oversee the building the CapitollResolved in the Affirmative And a Committee was accordingly appointed (Vizt)
Mr. Taylor Mr. Bland Mr. Barber Mr. Fox and Mr. Corbin Mr. Cook Ordered That itt be an Instruction to the Said Committee to inspect the Act Directing the building the Capitoll &ca and to Examine the proceedings of the Committee appointed by the Said Act to oversee the building of itt That they State the whole matter as itt appeares to them and also a particular Account of the moneys disbursed oar ordered by the Committee far that Service and report the Same to the house wth all Convenient Expedition-
Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia , 1695-1702 Page 281.48Thursday Septr the 4th 1701.
A Petition of William Randolph for an allowance of one and forty Shillings Disbursed for a trunke and Chest to remove a Assembly Records in sad far Sixteen pounds of Candles- being read
Ordered That he be allowed the Said Sume and that itt be added to the book of reports for Publick Claimes.
Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia, 1695-1702 Page 887.Fryday Septr the 5th 1701.
Mr. Tayloe from the Committee appointed to Inquire into the proceedings of the Committee appointed to inspect and Oversee the building the Capitol reported the whole matter as itt appeared to them which he read in his place and afterwards delivered in att the Table-
And thereupon the proposalls of Robert Snead presented to the house on thursday the One and twentieth of Augt last concerning his undertaking to build the Capitol being read and considered
The question was put
That the proposalls of Robert Snead concerning his undertaking to build the Capitol be rejectedResolved in the Affirmative
Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia, 1695-1702 Page 290.49Monday September the 8th 1701.
Resolved That a Bill be prpared for makeing Severall alterations in the Capital according to the Sevll resolucons of this house
Ordered That itt be referred to the Committee of Propositions and Grievances to prpare end bring in a bill Accordingly
Ordered That it be an Instruction try the Said Committee is prparing the Said Bill to consider of a Suitable prison, and to direct the modell and also to insert a Clause giveing power to the Comet tee appointed to inspect and Oversee the building the Capitol to make use of what mony Shal be wanting for finishing the Capitol and for building the Said prison-
Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia , 1695-1702 Page 293.Wednesday Septr the 10th 1701.
Mr. Leigh from the committee of Propositions and Grievances try whom it was referred to prepare and bring is a Bill for making Sevll Alteracons in the Capitoll &ca.
Reported That they had prpared the said Bill and intituled it a bill giveing farther directions is building the Capitoll and for building a Publick prison and then he prsented the bill att the table which was read the first time and
Ordered A Second reading to morrow.
Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia , 1695-1702 Page 295.50Fryday September the 12th 1701.
An ingrossed bill intituled an Act giving further directions in building the Capitoll and for building a Publick prison was road the third time And a Small amendment being made therein at the table and thrice read
Resolved The said bill do pass with the amendment.
Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia , 1695-1702 Page 199.Tuesday September the 16th 1701.
To his Exy ffrancis Nicholson Esqr his Majests Leiut and Governr Generll of Virginia-
The humble Address of the House of Burgesses
May it please Yor Excy
Wee his Majests loyall and dutifull Subjects and Burgesses now assembled having taken -into our Serious consideration yor wells Sevll Speeches and messages to this house this Session humbly take leave to represent to your Excelly our Severall resolutions and proceedings thereupon…
That as for carrying en the building of the Capitol and building a publick prison we hate Agreed upon a Suitable Bill far that purpose and left it to the Care of the Committee appointed. to inspect and Oversee the building of the Capitol with power tea apply themselves to your Excellency for what mosey they shall have Occasion for.
Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia, 1695-1702 Page 309.51Fryday September the 19th 1701.
Ordered That the Committee for Publick Chimes carrye the said Bill and bill giving further direction in building the Capital and for building s publick prison to the Council and desire their Concurrence thereunto And also acquaint the Council that the House has now no business before them.
Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia, 1685-1702 Page 309.Wednesday September the 24th 1701.
An Ingrossed Bill intituled an, Act giveing further directions is building the Capital and for building a Publick prison being returned from the Council by Mr. Wright and with it Proposalls of severall Amendments to be made therein which if the house should agree to the Same the Council would agree to the Bill-
The said amendments were read and agreed to by the House and inserted in the Bill accordingly-
Ordered That Mr. Leigh, Mr. Corbin, Mr. Beverley, Mr. Bland, Mr. Robson, and Mr, Gough carrye back the said Bill to the Council for their View that amendmts are made therein according to their proposition-
And they being returned Mr. Leigh acquainted the House that they hail delivered the said Bill to the Council-
Legislative Journals of the Cecil of Colonial Virginia Vol. I , page 314 .52Wednesday 24th Sept. 1701.
A Bill Entituled an Act Giveing further directions in Building the Capitoll and for building a Public Prison Read the third time wth the Amendmts
Revolved That the Bill wth the Amendmts doe Pass.
Legislative Journals of the Council of Colonial Virginia Vol. I, page 325.Thursday the 2d October 1701.
The House of Burgesses Attending His Excy was pleased to Signe these following Acts Vizt
…
An Act giveing further directions in building the Cappitol and for building a Publick Prison,
The Journey of Francis Louis Michel53
Virginia Magazine of History & Biography
Vol. 24, page 25.October 2, 1701-December 1, 1702.
...Four years ago the late King William ordered at Middle Plantation which is now called Williamsburg in his honor, a large building, a so-called College, together with a State House to be erected. He contributed 4000 guineas to it. The Governor now resides there. It is, moreover, because of the convenient place or situation, and also because of the many springs which are there, a large place, where a city is intended and staked out to be built. There are at present, besides the Church, College and State House, together with the residence of the Bishop, some stores and houses of gentlemen, and also eight ordinaries or inns, together with a magazine.
York County, Virginia54
Deeds Orders, Wills
Book 11,October 24, 1701.
Whereas itt is thought necessary for ye better management of ye workmen and labourers that are and shall be employed in building ye Capitol that a due restraint be putt upon them for their more regular living in order to the better persueing their worke.
Be itt therefore by this present General Assembly and ye authority thereof declared instituted and ordained and is hereby declared instituted and ordained that no Ordinary Keeper whatsoever shall entertain or sell drink to any workman or laborer that is or shall be employed in or about the building of the said Capitol without the leave or lycense first had and obtained of his Excellency the Governor or of the Committee appointed to oversee the building of the Capital, and in the absence of the Governor and the Committee of the overseers appoynted or that shall be appoynted to attend the said work, the aforesaid overseer from time to time giving an account of his... to his excellency the Governor or to the aforesaid Committee, And that whatsoever Ordinary Keeper shall transgress, this ordinance shall immediately thereafter be lyable to be supprest by the next Justice of ye peace from keeping am ordinary and alsoe to be fined according to the lave against dealing with other peoples servants: And be itt alsoe by this present general Assembly and the authority thereof declared instituted and ordained that whatsoever person without leave or lycense first had tad obtained in manner and force aforesaid mentioned shall entertain imploy or deal with any of ye bricklayers or carpenters imported. into thin country upon Covent for building of ye said Capitoll shall be adjudged culpable of ye laws against entertaining or dealing with other peoples servants anal be lyable tee be fined accordingly,
And be it alsoe by the authority aforesaid further declared instituted and ordained that the overseer appoynted or that shall be appoynted for ye said building be impowered and he is hereby impowered to commence prosecute and maintain a suite in any of his Maj. Courts of Record in this Colony upon any the occasions or breeches mentioned.
Wm. Randolph.
Public Record Office, London55
C05 #1312, 303, Vol. 1.[December 2, 1701]
No. 7
VIRGINIA
Journal of ye Committee for Revisal of the Laws and superintending ye Building of ye Capitol in Virginia from ye 7th July 1699 to the 10th of May 1701.
Referred to in Coll: Nicholson's Letter of ye 2d Decr 1701 C.
Recd: Janry 31th 1701/2
Read
Entered fo: 168G. 14
No. 8
VIRGINIA
Journal of ye Committee for Revising the Laws and inspecting the Building of ye Capitol from the 5th June to ye 7th July 1701.
Referred to in Colo Nicholson's Letter of ye 2d Decr 1701.
Recd: Janry 31th 1701/2
Read
Entered fo: 168G. 15
Public Record Office, London C05 #1312.60Wednesday 7ber. the 3d: 1701.
By the Committee Appointed to Inspect the Act directing the building the Capitol &c. and to examine the proceedings of the Comtee appointed by the said Act to oversee the building of it and to State the whole Matter as it appears to them and also a perticular Accott of the Moneys disbursed or Ordered by the Comtee fear that Service &a.
Present
Mr. Tayloe
Mr. Blan. Mr. Barber
Mr. Corbin Mr. CookeUpon Consideration of the Several Matters refer'd to this Comtee aforesaid they find and accordingly report
That in pursuance of a Clause of the before Recited Act of Assembly which is in these Words
"And Be it further enacted by the Authority aforesaid
"and It is hereby Enacted That the Comtee Appointed for the
"Revisall of the Lanes are hereby Impowered and required
"from time to time to Inspect and Oversee the said building
"until it shall be Finished and to Covenant and agree with
"Such and so Many Undertakers or Overseers of the said
"building as they stall think fit and to give Such Necessary
"Orders and directions therein from time to time as they
"shall See cause for the carrying on furtherance and
"finishing the said Work according to the aforesd Rules and
"directions and that the said Comtee be likewise Impower'd
"by Virtue of this Act on the Publick Account and Risque to
"send for out of England Iron Work Glass paint Stone and all
"other Materialls as they shall think necessary for and
"towards the carrying on and finishing of the said building,
"And be it further Enacted by the Authority aforesaid and It
"is hereby Enacted that the said Comtee as often of they
"shall have Occasion for money far the Uses aforesd shall
"from time to time apply themselves to the Governr or
"Commander in Chiefe for the time being to issue out his
"arrant to the Treasurer of this his Majests Colony and
"Dominion requireing him to pay so much money as they shall
"have Occasion for not exceeding the Sum of two thousand
"pounds Sterling who is hereby Impowered and required to 56 "deliver and pay the same to the said Comtee upon such
"Warrant which said Sum or Sums the said Comtee shall
"Account for to the neat meeting of the Assembly and also
"make report of their proceedings in the building of the
"said Capitol."The said Comtee on the 7th day of July 1699 taking into Consideration what Methods were best to be t en to procure the most able and fit persons to be Imployd on that affair on
July the 8th. 1699.
Proceeded to address his Excellcy the Governr that he would be pleased to Issue out his proclamation into the respective Countys within this Dominion to give Notice that all manner of persons that should be desirous to be concerned in all or any part of the Work of the Capitol either an Undertaken Overseer car Workman might re air to James City where the said Comtee would be to treat with them (upon which hiss Excellcy was pleased to issue his proclamation accordingly,
The Committee also presented his Excy an Invoice of Pticulars wanted from England for the Capital as also an Address to his Excy to send for the same.
Novmr ye 9th 1699
A Petition of Mr. Henry Cary to his Excllcy to be tired to Oversee the building of the Capitol and by his Excell refer'd to the Consideration of the Committee, being considered The next day being the 10th of the sd Instant 9ber The Comtee desire the said Henry Cary to agree with army Capeable pson to make 500000 bricks for the Capitol at 18s. per M and at the same time promised to pay hiss fair all Such Trouble as he should be at in makeing bargains for the Comtee as they directed according to the Merit of his Service;
Aprill the 4th. 1700:.
Henry Cary for the better Conveniency of building the Capitol was desired with all Expodition to get two houses built &c. to boy and get in place what Oyster Shells he possibly could, Timber and plank for the Capitol and to make a bargaine far 500000 bricks at 20s p Thousand.
57His Excellcy the Governr having been pleased at the request of the Comtee to send for some pticulars from England for the use of the Capitol (and to disburse his cue money for toe same) as amounting to the sum of -104:11:2 Sterling the Comtee humbly praid his Excy to issue his Warrant to the Treasurer for the repayt of the same.
August ye 9th 1701.
Order was granted Colo: Miles Gary for the Sum of fifty three pounds ten Shills
Upon the motion of Mr. Henry Cary it was ordered that he should have liberty to eel at his discretion any of the Tooles fee which were come in for Supplying the Workmen to ire Imployed in building the Capitol.
August ye 10th 1700.
The Comittee having recd of Colo: Miles Carp Sixty pounds Sterlg to send for England for three brick-layers and three Carpenters for the Capitol, sent a letter to Mr. Micajah Perry and Compa. duct for that purpose accordingly and,
Order that the said Cary should be repaid that sum.
August ye 12th 1900.
The Comtee agreed with John Tullit for making Six hundred thousand bricks for the Capitol at twenty Shills. a thousand.
Ordered to be put into Colo. Miles Cary's hands the sum of Six hundred pounds sterling to be by him. from time to time paid the said Tullet according tee the directions of the Comtee.
September ye 6th 1700
Mr. Henry Cory wets desired by the Comtee to get fit scantlins saved of high land white Oak for the Capital doore Cases and windowe frames so as the same might be in a readiness tar be wrought up the next Summer, and also to provide pine plank Inch thick for scaffolding and Inch and quarter thick for firs and to buy twenty Barrels of Porke one hundred and fifty bushels of Corne and twenty Bushels of pease for diet for the Workmen.
58Novemr ye 7th 1700
Order was granted Colo Miles Cary for forty Six pound ten shillings for so much paid Mr. Henry Cary by Order of the Come.
Aprill ye 3d. 1701.
Order was granted Mr. Henry Cary for one hundred and fourteen pounds Eleven Shills and Six pence halfe penny for severall Charges and disbursemts made by order of the Comtee.
Order was granted Mr. Henry Cary (for his pticular attendance and service upon the business of the Capitol til that time) for the sum of fifty pound Sterl:
May ye 10th 1701.
The Comtee agreed with Mr. Benjamin Harrison Junr to allow him for bringing the Shels for the Capital from the landing into place at the rate of fifteen pence pr hogshead, and ten Shills a Thousand for bringing frost thence about five Thousand foot of Plank to the Capitol, and for what further supply of lime should be Wanted for the Capitol to give him Seven pence halfe penny per Bushell to deliver the same at his owne cost and charge on the Capitol Ground.
June ye 5th 1701.
The Comtee ordered the Workmen. should have Notice given thou to attend the Comtee at their neat meeting.
July ye 4th 1701.
Mr. Henry Cary was ordered by the Comtee as followeth vizt to provide for and proceed to the laying the foundation of the Capitol with all Convenient Expedition to receive the Bricks from, John Tullet from time to time, to provide all necessarys for the Workmen.
Order was granted Mr. Henry Cary for the sum of fifty five pound three Shills and two pence for Charges and disbursements made by order of the Comtee, and
Ordered that the sum of twenty five pound sterl: should be put into the hands of the said Henry Cary for 59 Purchasing several necessarys which may happen to be Wanted and defraying Several Small Charges which might arise in Carrying on the building of the Capitol,
Ordered that the Bricklayers and Carpenters which are contracted with all to build the Capitol enter into that Service on the 7th of July 1701.
The Comtee agree wth Mr. Henry Cary that he should now take upon him the Charge of overseeing the building of the Capitol &c. And for his service therein to give him one hundred pounds of Sterl: pr. Annum.
July ye 7th 1701.
Ordered
That the sum of one hundred and twenty pounds Sterl: should be put into the hands of Colo Miles Cary for the purchaseing four Negro men to Labour in the buisness of the Capitol.Ordered
That the Sum of two hundred pounds Sterl: should be put into the hands of Colo Miles Cary to pay Mr. Benjamin Harrison Jur for lime.Ordered
That the sum of one hundred and eighty Seven pound ten Shills Should be put into the hands of Colo Miles Cary for paying the Bricklayers and Carpenters Wages as the same should become due.Ordered
That the Sum of one hundred pounds sterling should be put into the hands of Colo Miles Cary for paying Workmen and Labourers Imployed on the Capitol, and other Necessarys as occasion should require.Test Miles Cary Cl: Comtee
A True Cop, Wm Randolph Cl. H. Burgs.
Public Record Office, London C05 #1312, 323.61.[December 2, 1701]
The Capitol is Dr To Severall Disbursements already made £1716.15.10½ To Timber Carpenters &c. more according to Mr. Sneads Proposition 1100:00:0 To Lime and hair more than wts already paid for 300:00:0 To plastering more than the workmen's allowed for 50:00:0 To Glaizing &c 100:00:0 To 12 Labourers Whereof four are Capitoll Negroes 300:00:0 To more Provision 100:00:0 To Salary to the Overseer 150:00:0 To more Nailes oyle and Colouring 100:00:0 To Stone to lay on the floor's 100:00:0 4016:15:10½ Pr. Contra Cr By two houses to be sold at finishing the Capitol 150:00:0 By four Negroes to be sold at finishing Do. 120:00:0 To Severall Tooles Sold By Beding and other Necessarys to be Sold By Balance 3746:15:10½ 4016:15:10 ½ A True Cop
Wm. Randolph cl. H. Burgs.No. 19
VIRGINIA
Report of ye Committee appointed to inspect ye proceedings of ye Comtee for inspecting the Building of ye Capitol. Dated Septr. The 5th 1701.Referred to in Coll: Nicholson's Letter for ye 2d Decr 1701.
Recd Janry 31st) 1701/2
Read
Entered fo: 170
G. 26
62An Accott of the Money Disbursed and Ordered by the Committee vizt
To his Excelcy the Governr £104:11:2 To Colo Miles Cary 53:10:0 To Do. Cary 60:00:0 To Do. Cary 600:00:0 To Do. Cary 46:10:0 To Mr. Henry Cary 114:11:6½ To Do. Cary 50:00:0 To Do. Cary 55:03:2 To Do. Cary 25:00:0 To Colo. Miles Cary 120:00:0 To Do. Cary 200:00:0 To Do. Cary 187:10:0 To Do. Cary 100:00:0 £ 1716.15.10½ Test Miles Cary Cl. Comtee
A true Cop Wm. Randolph Cl. H. Burgs
Public Record Office, London C05 #1312, No. 8.63[December 2, 1701]
VIRGINIA
Copy of Warrt to the Treasury for paying Coll. Nicholson w he had disbursed for the use of the Capitol. Dated 10th June 1700 Referred to in Coll. Nicholson's Letre of ye 1st of Aug. 1700.
Recd th Octr 1700.
Read Entered fo : 48
E 10By the Committee Appointed for Revisal of ye Laws and to inspect & oversee ye building of ye Capitol.
Thursday April ye 4th 1700
His Excellency ye Governr having been pleased at ye request of is Committee to send far several particulars from Engl for ye use of ye Capitol and to disburse hit own money for ye same amounting, to one hundred four pounds eleven Shillings & two pence: The Committee humbly pray his IT to issue cut his warrant to ye Treasurer for repaymt of ye same.
Test. Peter Beverly, Clk. Committee.
July 10th 1700
You are hereby ordered to pay unto me Francis Nicholson Esqr. his Majestys Lieuten & Governr genll of Virginia or my Order ye sums of ore hundred four pounds eleven shillings two pence, ye same being due by order of ye Committee appointed for revisal of ye Laws and to inspect do oversee ye building of ye Capitol-Dated ye 4th day of April 1700 for several particulars by me sent for fro Engl at ye Request of ye said Committee for ye Use of ye ad Capitol for which I disbursed gay Money amounting to ye summa aforementioned: And for so doing this shall be ye Warrant given under my Hand ye Day & Year above written,
ffr. Nicholson.
To Col. Robert Carter, Treasurer.
Executive Journals of the Council of Colonial Virginia Vol. II, page 226.
March the 12th 1701/2.
The Petition of Daniel Westertoun and the other workmen employed about building the Capitol is referred to the Committee appointed to inspect and oversee the said Building.
Executive Journals s of the Council of Colonial Virginia Vol. II, page 240.Monday May the 18th 1702.
Ordered That Mr. Auditor Byrd send to England for all the acts of Parlimt since the 11th and 12th of his Matys Reign and also for Ruled Paper common Paper and Gilded Paper of sevll Sizes wax, wafers, quills and Ink for the Use of the Councill Chamber and that he also write to Mr. Perry desiring him to Inquire of Mr. Secretary Popple when any proclamations are sent from that office to this Governmt and to send hither one hundred of each Sort to bra distributed through the sevll Countys of this Coloney.
Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia, 1695-1702 Page 372.64Tuesday June the 23d 1702.
By his Excelcy and the honble Council.
Mr. Speaker and Gent: of the house of Burgesses
His Excelcy and the honble Council takeing into consideration the danger the Records of this Colony are Exposed to by being Lodged in the Colledge do propose to the house of Burgesses that a Comtee of the house may be appointed tea Joyne with a Comtee of the Council for inspecting the building of the Capitol, and that directions may be given for the Speedy fitting up roomes for the reception of the Records and holding the Genll Courts.
Virginia Magazine of History and Biography April, 1894 - Vol. 1, No. 4, pages 361-2.65Williamsburgh, ye 18th July, 1702.
May itt please yo'r Lord'ps
I should show myself very ungratefull if I omitted this first Opportunity of returning your LordPs my most Humble thanks far the favourable representation of my ease to his late Matye to wch I attribute ye Honour of being advanced Secry I must owne myself very much indebted and doe assure yor Lordpps all my indeavours shall bee to merritt some little of the Honour your Lordps has done me.On your Lordps representation I am comanded to Actuall Residence att Williamsburg of wch I shall bee very observant as soon as possible conveniency will admitt, noe houses to bee rented I am building which hops to finish before the Offices can bee removed to the Capitoll. I as reasonably happy en my present scituation as hours time compassing ye Journey. As I have not hitherto soe shall not bee wanting at Councills Emergent do Publick occasions. By the direction of his Excellency I have delivered him all public Papers Journalls & Orders of Councill to bee safely transmitted to your Lordpps. . .
yor LordPs Most Humble do most Obedient
Servt[Signed] E, Jenings.
Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia 1 1695-1702 Page 385.66Wednesday August the 19th 1702.
A Written Message from his Excelcy and the honble Council by Mr. Robertson
By his Excelcy the honble CouncilMr. Speaker and Gent: of the house of Burgesses
The building of the Capitol being so far advanced that 'tis hoped it will be finished before there be any occasion for another meeting of the Assembly It is proposed that a Comtee of the House of Burgesses be appointed to joine with such a steer of the Council as shall be thought convenient; or fiat it be recommended to the Comtee for Revisal of the Lawes, to consider of appropriateing the Rooms for the use of the Several offices, and particularly that the House of Burgesses may choose whether they will Sitt in the great Roome below, or above So that the said Several Roomes say be fitted. up during this Winter Season.
Whether it be convenient that this October Genll Court be kept at the Capital and if so, that directions may be given for fitting up Recess for holding the a and for the Secretarys office; and that Boxes be provided. for keeping the Records end other papers belonging the Several Offices so as they may be removed easily in ease of fire, who shall tale care of removing the said records and placeing then in the respective places allotted for them, and when the same shall be done.
That the bounds of the Capitol be laid out pursuant to the Act of Assembly and that it be considered whether it will sat be necessary that the building be paled or railed in, or inclosed by a Brick Wall at a convenient distance
And that directions may also be given concerning the bounds and rules of the prison.
Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia , 1695-1702 Page 38667Thursday August 20th. 1702
Resolved That a Comtee be appointed to Joins with a Comtee of the Council to consider of the appropriateing the Roomes in the Capitol for the use of the Several offices
And accordingly a Comtee was appointed Vizt:
Mr. Cary Mr. Corbin Mr. Beverley Mr. Bland Mr. Harrison Mr. West Ordered That a message be sent to the Council tar acquaint then that the house have appointed the said comtee and Ordered them to attend Such a number of the Council as shall be thought Pitt and at such time as they shall appoint
Resolved That it is the opinion of this house That it is not convenient that the next October Genll: Court be held In the Capitol
Resolved and accordingly ordered
That Boxes be provided for keeping the Records and other papers belonging to the Secretarys Office and Assembly office so as they may be removed Easily in ease of fire
Ordered That the Clerks of the said offices take care to rove the Records and other papers under -their keeping into the respective places alloted for then! in the Capitol at such time as they shall be directed by the Governor and Council
Ordered That the Governour and Council be desired to give Directions for removing the Records belonging to the Secretary: office and the Assembly office is the respective Clerks of the said offices, when conveniencys are fitted to receive them in the Capitol
Ordered That the consideration of the last Clause of his Excelcys and the Councils Message about the bounds of the Capitol railing or paling it in end about the Rules of the prison be referred to the Comtee of Council and Burgesses appointed to consider other matters relateing to the Capitol.
Legislative Journals of the Council of Colonial Virginia Vol. I, page 355.Friday Augt 21, 1702.
A message from the house of Burgesses to the Council by Mr. Miles Carey and others that the house had then appointed a Committee to Joine wth such of the honble Council as their Hours should appoint to adjust all matters relating to the Capitoll according to his Excellcy and their hours propositions to the house of Burgesses
Resolved and accordingly Ordered
That Edmund Jennings Benja Harrison and Robt Carter Esqrs to be appointed as Committee to Joine wth the Committee of the House of Burgesses to adjust all Matters relating to the Capitol.
Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia, 1695-1702. Pages 394-39 5.69Wednesday August the 26th 1702.
Mr Cary from the Comtee appointed to Joine with a Comtee of the Council to consider of the appropriateing the Roome in the Capitol for the use of the Several Offices &c reported the proceedings of the said Comtee which he read in his place and then delivered in at the Table where the a being again read were agreed to by the house, and were as followeth Vizt:
That the building to the Westward next the College be appropriated to the use of the genll Court and offices thereto belonging to wit
The rest Roome below for the Genll Court to Sit in and the other part of the building below for the Stare case and Secretarys office.
68The great rooms above stairs over the great Fall for the Council Chamber
The Roomes at the other End of the house on that floor for the Council office
That the building to the Eastward be appropriated to the use of the house of Burgesses and the offices thereto belonging to wit
The great Rooms below for the house of Burgesses to Sit in
The other part of the building below for the Stair case and the Cleric of the house of Burgesses office
The great Rooms above Staires over the great Hall and the Roomes over the Clerks office for Comtee Roses to be divided as shall be hereafter directed
That the Chamber between the two great buildings over the Pe'ach [Porch?] be for a Conference Roome for the Council and Burgesses and a place for their Sitting when they shall be appointed a Comtee
That the Rooms in the Roofs of all the Buildings be appropriated to Such Uses as hereafter Shall be found necessary to apply them to
That the whole building be paled in twenty four foot distance from the Sides and Ends with Sawed plank good railes
That the Square of 475 foot Set apart by the Law for the Capitol to be built upon be meated out and that no building whatsoever be Erected thereon
That the Rules of the prison be the Lot that the said Prison stands upon and the said Square of 475 feet.
Legislative Journals of the Council of Colonial Virginia Vol, I, page 355.Friday Augt 21, 1702.
A message from the house of Burgesses to the Council by Mar. Miles Carey and others that the house had then appointed a Comittee to Joine wth such of the honble Councill as their Honrs should appoint to adjust all matters relating to the Capitoll according to his Excellcy and their hours propositions to the house of Burgesses
Resolved and accordingly Ordered
That Edmund Jenings Benja Harrison and Robt Carter Esqrs be appointed as Committee to Joine wth the Committee oaf the House of Burgesses to adjust all Matters relating to the Capitol.
Legislative Journals of the Council of Colonial-Virginia Vol. I , page 358.70Wednesday Augt 26th 1702.
Edmd Jening Esqr from the Committee apointed to Joine wth the Committee of the Burgesses for appropreating the Roomes ant adjusting all Matters relating to the Capitol Reported their Resolutions thereon wch he delivered at the table where the sagas were Read and agreed to by the honble Council and are as followth
That the building to the westward...
[See J. of H. of B., pp. 394-95]
Executive Journals of the Council of Colonial Virginia Vol. II, p. 278.October 27th 1702
Ordered that it be recommended to the Comtee for Revisal of the Laws to give directions that the Capitol be fitted up apt April next for the reception of the Genll Court and the sevll offices thereunto belonging according to the directions of the Assembly.
Virginia Manuscripts from British, Record Office &c. Vol. 6, Sainsbury Vol. V. part I, page 21.Febr. 23 1702/3.
John Thrale to Lords of Trade That their Lordps would move her Maj. in behalf of Virginia to send over her Picture to be set up in the Council Chamber as also coat of arms for the supreme Court as hath been usual to till her Maj. Colonies Further requests that the like may be done for New York-Indorsed. Read, & Read 23 Feb. 1702/3
(Va. B. T. Vol. 6. I. 13.)
Virginia Manuscripts from British Record Office &c. Vol. 6, Sainsbury Vol. V. part I, page 22.71Whitehall Febr. 23, 1702/3.
Journal o f the B . T . & Plants .
A letter from Cdr. Thrale desiring this Board to move Her Majesty that she would be pleased to send over her picture and arms to the respective Governments of Virginia and New York, was read (Trade Papers. Vol. 9, p. 444.)
Public Record Office, London C05 #1315, E.7225 Feb: 1702/3.
VIRGINIA
Memll from Mr. Perry desiring her Majesty's Picture and Arms for Virga.
Rec' d
25 Feb: 1702/3.
Read
I. 14
Enter fol. 365
Memll. of Micajah Perry in behalf of the Governmt of Virginia,
humbly Desiring that her Majesty's Picture and Coat of arms may be Granted for the use at the Governmt of Virginia as is usual They having the picture of the late King already-
Micajah Perry.
Public Record Office, London C05 #1313, I.13.7323 Febry 1702/3.
VIRGINIA
Lrs from Mr. Thrale desiring her Majest's Picture and Arms for Virginia and New York
Rec'd
23 Febry 1702/3
Read
I. 13
Entre fo: 364
To the Honble Lord's Comrs for Trade and Plantations.
May it please Yr Lordshps
I humbly rag that yr Lordshps would be pleased to move her Majty in behalf of her Majtys Collony of Virginia that her Majy would be graciously pleas'd to send over her Majys Picture, to be sett up in their Councill Chamber, as alsoe her Majy Coat of Armes, for the Supreme Court, as hath bin usuall to all her Majtys Collony's.And doe farther Request yor Lordshps that the like be don for her Majys Province of New Yorke, I am,
My Lord's
Yr Lordshps Most Humble servt Jno Thrale23 Febry 1702/3 [1703]
Vide Repn Plantns Genl
Virginia Manuscripts from British Record Office &c Vol. 6, Sainsbury Vol. V part I, page 24.1702/3 Febr. 25
Memorial of Micajah Perry in behalf of the Government of Virginia-That her Maj. Picture and Coat of Arms may be granted for the use of the government of Virginia as is usual. They having the picture of the late King already-
Indorsed. Rec'd & Read 25 Febry 1702/3
(Va. B. T. Vol. 6, I. 14.)
Virginia Manuscripts form British Record Office &c. Vol. 6, Sainsbury Vol. V, part I, page 25.74.February 25, 1702/3
WhitehallRepresentation of the Lords of Trade to the Queen on an application on behalf of the Virginia New York and other Colonies that her Maj. would order her Royal Picture and arms to be sent to those Colonies for their respective Council Chambers & Supreme Courts of Justice-that such Picture and Arms have been usually sent to her Maj. Plantations by her Royal Predecessors and their Lordships offer that her Maj. may be pleased to give the like directions therein-
(Plant: Gen: B. T. Vol. 32. p. 214)
Virginia Manuscripts from British Record Office &c. Vol. 6, Sainsbury Vol. V, part I, page 31-32.1702/3 March 13
InclosuresList of Papers inclosed in Gov. Nicholson's letter of 13 March 1702/3 viz . . .
(Va. B. T. Vol. 6. I. 17-31.)
Journal of the Committee appointed to inspect and oversee the building of the Capitol from 6 Aug. 1702 to 13 No. following.
. . .
Public Record Office, London C05 #131375March 13 1702/3
VIRGINIA
Journal of the Committee appointed to Inspect and oversee the building of the Capitol, from the 6th August 1702 to the 13th November following
Referred to in Colonel Nicholson's lre of the 13th March 1702/3
Rec'd)
The 19th May 1703.
Read)Enter fol: 379
I. 28Vide Virginia.
Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia, 1702-1712 Pages 12-13.76Thursday 25th March 1703
A message from his Excellency & Councill by Mr. Robertson
By his Excy & the Honble Councill
Mr. Speaker & Gent of the House of Burgesses
His Excellcy and Honble Councill propose that a Committee of the House of Burgesses be appointed to joyn with a Comitte of her Majties Councill to inspect the building of the Capitoll, & to consider of the necessary measures for the Compleating finishing & furnishing the said building; And because the finishing thereof before next Winter will save at least two hundred pounds charge to the Country, that it be recommended to the said Committee to agree upon such proper methods as will best advance the said building and also to appoint some fit person tot take charge of the same when finishedBy order of his Excy and the Honble
CouncillMarch 25th 1703 Will Robertson C. Genl Assembly
Resolved That the House doth concurr with the said Message,
A Committee to joyn with the Councill
For inspecting the building the Capitoll &c
Mr. Cary Mr. Ballard Mr. Benja Harrison Mr. Corbin Mr. A. Armistead Mr. Wynn Ordered That the said Comitte and the rest of the Committee of public Claims wait upon his Excellcy and Councill & acquaint them, that this House hath appointed Six persons as a Committee to joyn with such members of the Councill as shall be appointed to inspect the building of the Capitoll, and consider the measures for the finishing and furnishing the same, and they are to attend at such times his Excellcy and Councill shall think fit.
Legislative Journals of the Council of Colonial Virginia Vol. 1, page 369.Thursday March 25th 1703
A message from the house of Burgs to his Excelly and Council by Mr. Miles Cary do others that, the house have agreed to his Excellys & their Honrs proposition concerning a Comtee to inspect the Building the Capitol & have Accordingly appointed Six of their Members to Joine wth the Comtee of the house of Burgs to inspect the building of the Capitol
And a Comtee was accordingly appointed Viz
Mr. Secry Jenings, Matthew Page & Benja Harrison Esqrs.
Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia , 1702-1712 Page 13.Saturday 27th March 1703
Mr. Secretary Jenings's petition to the Governour & Councill concerning the Removal of the Country Records into the Capitoll being referr'd hither by the Councill was read, and
Ordered That it be referred to the Comittee appointed to inspect the building of the Capitol &c
Legislative Journals of the Council of Colonial Virginia Vol. I, page 369.77Saturday March 27th 1703.
The Peticon of Mr. Secry Jenings praying the direction of Excelly & Council touching the removing the Records of his office. The place appropriated for then in the Capitol not being as yett finished. read. & Referred to the Consideration of the house of Burgs.
Legislative Journals of the Council of Colonial Virginia Vol. I, p. 376.78Friday April 9th 1703.
Mr. Secry Jenings from the Comtee of the Council and Burgs appointed to inspect the building of the Capitol Reported the Sevll Resolutions they had came to in that matter wch he read in his place do afterwards delivered in at the Table where the Same were agreed to by the Council wth an Amendmt wch their Ordered to be inserted in the said Report & is as follows Viz
By the Comtee of Council do Burgesses appointed to inspect the building of the Capitol & Prison
Agree
That the Overseer... [See J. of H. of B., pp. 29-30]
Upon Consideracon of the Peticon of Mr. Secry Jenings concerning Removing the Records & papers belonging to the Secrys office to the Capitol be Referred to this Comtee, they are of Opinion in. regard the Place Appropriated for that use is not finished nor any ways as yet made Convenient to Receive them that they remaine here (where) they now are til Such time as the Same be finished or made Sufficient to secure them from danger
Upon Consideration of the Peticons of Sevll Persons to be Goal keeper at the Country Prison & to look after & take care of the Capitol & the furniture &c belonging to It when they Shall be finished It is the Opinion of the Comtee that Jno Redwood is the most fit person of them to be employed in that service &. thereupon proposed that Thirty Pounds per Annum be the allowance given to those that Shall hereafter be employed therein first erring into bond wth good Security for the due & faithfull performance of what Shall be thought Reasonable to Enjoine & Oblige them to.
This Comtee conceiveing that the Comtee appointed to Revise the Laws & also inspect the Building of the Capitoll have finished the said Revisal it is proposed that fitting persons be Nominated & appointed to inspect the said Building til they be finished & to Receive the Accots of disbursmts & order the money for that use & that the said Persons So appointed meet at the said Capitol as often as Shall be directed or Necessity Shall require Thursday April the 8th 1703
Ordered
That the Clk of the Genll Assembly carry the said Report to the house of Burgesses & acqt them that the Council have agreed thereto wth an Amendmt wch they have inserted in the said report.
Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia, 1702-1712 Pages 29-30.
81ffriday. 9th April 1703.
A message from the Councill by Mr. Robertson bringing in the Report of the Comittee of Councill and Burgesses appointed to inspect the building of the Capitoll and prison agreed to with some Amendments by the Councill was read and agreed to by the House of Burgesses, as follows.
Agreed That the Overseer of the works of the capitoll and prison take Care sued see that the same be forthwith done and finished according to the following directions (vizt.)
That the ffootsteps of the Generall Court house be rais'd two feet from the ffloor, and the seats of benches Whereon the Court is to sit raided a convenient highth above that.
That the Circular part thereof be rais'd frost the Seat up to the Windows
That there be a Seat rais'd one Stop above the Bench in the middle of the Circular end of the Court made Chairwise
That at the Queens Arm's be provided to Set over it
That the rest of the Court be fitted with a table for the Clerk mad sash Barrs and benches as shall be found requisite and necessary.
That there be two Galeries made one at the Lower end of the Room, and the other on the last side.
That the fitting and furnishing the en appropriated for the Secretaries Office with partitions boxes &c for keeping and preserving the records thereto belonging be left to the direction of Mr. Secretary.
That there he provided to be set in the Councill Chamber ore Oval table fourteen foot long and sir foot broad with two dent armed Cain Chairs one larger ditto, twenty five green Cushions for the said Chairs stuft with hair, and a large Turkey work Carpet for the table
79That the Room appropriated for the Councill Office be fitted and furnished with boxes or presses for preserving and keeping the Records and papers thereto belonging according to the direction of the Clerk of the Councill.
That the Barr of the Burgesses room be Set off even with the Jamns of the Wall next door.
That that part of the ffloor without the Barr and from the footsteps win be pav'd with Stone, and from the Barr to the Setting off of the Circle can each side of the House a platform a foot from the ffloor four foot and a half broad with a goat next the Wall of a Suteable highth, and the tall to be wainscotted three foot- above that and one other seat within the Barr round the room of a Suitable hight above the ffloor, and that a break to page through sort . the fir, arid is the middle or the Lower aide Beats, be left open, and that the Queens Arm' s be provided to be get up In the Assembly room.
That the back part of the Seat within the Circle be wainscotted three foot high on the wall above the Seat, and the lower Seat without the Circle two foot above that.
That the Circular end be raised one step above the outward ffloor and laid with plank.
That the room be furnished with a large Armed Chair for the Speaker to sit in, and a cushion stuft with hair Suitable to it, and a table eight toot long and five foot broad.
That the room appropriated for the Assembly Office be fitted and furnished with boxes &c for keeping and preserving the records and papers thereto belonging and according to the direction of a Clerk of the House of Burgesses.
That the room error the Burgesses room be divided by a partition wall to be Studded lathed and plaister'd.
That the room over the Clerk of the House of Burgesses office be furnished with a long square table Bight foot long and four foot broad
That the Conference room be furnished with as Oval table fourteen foot long and Six foot broad
80That the two rooms over the Burgesses room be furnished with three Oval tables each nine foot long and Six foot broad.
That a sufficient quantity of green Cloth be provided to make Carpets off fro all the tables.
That Seven doz: of Russia leather Chairs be provided for furnishing the rooms above-stairs, and one doz: of large high brass Candlesticks one doz: of fflatt diddo one doz of brass snuffers & half a doz: snuffdishes, four doz: large strong brass sconces.
That all the Seats in the Generall Court and Assembly room be cover'd with Green Serge and Stuft with hair, and that there be provided Serge hair red tape and brass burnished nails sufficient for doing the same (to wit) One hundred yards of three yrs wide green Serge, twelve pieces of fine narrow red tape five thousand brass burnished nailed and Seventy yards of strong green cloth for carpets
That the roomes in the roofe of the building not being yet appropriated to any particular use, the ffurnishing the same be referr'd till there shall be occasion of them.
That the records and papers in the Secretaries Office remain where they now are till the place in the Capitoll, appropriated for the Secretaries Office be ffurnished and made sufficient to secure them from danger.
That John Redwood is the most fit person of the severall petitioners to be imployed to look after and take care of the Capitol & the furniture and to the Goaler of the Country prison when they shall be finished.
That thirty pounds per annu be the allowance given to those that shall hereafter be imployed therein, first Entering into Bond with good security for the due and faithfull performance of what shall be thought reasonable to enjoyn and oblige them to.
Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia, 1702-1712 Page 34.82Ffriday. 9th April 1703
The Committee for Revisall of the Laws to whom it was referred to inspect and Oversee the building of the Capitoll and prison, having finished the said Revisall, and that by means thereof it ceases to be any longer a Committee
Resolved That it is the Opinion of the House that a Joynt Committee of the Council and Burgesses be appointed to execute the same trust for carrying on the building of the Capitol and prison was formerly vested in the Committee appointed to Revise the Laws.
Ordered That the Committee of propositions and Grievances carry the said Resolve to the Councill and desire their concurrence
A message from the Councill by Mr. Robertson bringing in the said Resolve under writte thus
April 9th 1703
This Resolve is assented to by the Council and Ordered that Mr. Secry Jenings be appointed on the behalfe of the Councill
Wil Robertson C. Gen Assembly
Ordered That Mr. Thomas Barbar and Mr. Thomas Ballard be appointed of the said Committee on behalfe of the House Burgesses
Ordered That the said Committee of propositions and Grievances carry again the said Resolve to the Councill with the Appointment made on behalfe of the house.
Legislative Journals of the Council of Colonial Virginia Vol. I, page 378.83Friday April 9th 1703.
The Comttee for Revisal of the Laws to whom it was referred to inspect & oversee the building of the Capitol & prison having finished the said Revisal & that by means thereof it ceases to be any longer a Comttee
Resolved
That it is the Opinion of this house that A Joint Comtee of the Council and Burgesses be appointed to Execute the Same trust for carrying on the Building of the Capitol & Prison was formerly Vested in the Comtee appointed to revise the LawsR Beverly Cl H Burgs
Resolved
That the Council do Concur wth the house of Burgesses that a Joint Comtee of Council & Burgesses be appointed to execute to the Same trust for carrying on the Building of the Capitol & Prison that was formerly Vested in the Comtee appointed to revise the lawsOrdered
That Mr. Secry Jenings be appointed of the said Comtee on the behalf of the CouncilOrdered
That the Clk of the Genll Assembly carry the said Resolve to the House of Burgs & acquaint them of the Councils Concurrence theretoA message from the house of the Burgesses to the Council by Mr. Wm. Leigh & others acquainting their honrs that the house had appointed Mr. Tho: Barber & Mr. Tho Ballard to join wth the honble Mr. Secry Jenings as a Comtee for carrying on the Building of the Capitol & Prison
Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia, 1702-1712 Page 35.84Saturday 10th April 1703.
A message from the Councill by Mr. Robertson
By the CouncillMr. Speaker & Gentlemen of the House of Burgesses
His Excellcy signifying to the Councill his intentions of proroguing this Assembly the Councill conceive that upon such prorogration all Committee appointed by either House are then dissolved, and consequently the Committee appointed yesterday for carrying on the building of the Capitol and prison must also fall.
The Councill therefore propose that the persons nominated by them and our House by any two of them be impower'd to execute that trust without mentioning the work Committee
By Order of the Honble Councill
April 10th 1703 Wil Robertson Cl Gen AssemblyApril 10th 1703
Resolved and accordingly Ordered
That Edmund Jenings Esqr Mr. Thomas Barbar and Mr. Thomas Ballard or any two of them be appointed and impower'd to execute the same trust for carrying on the building of the Capitol and prison that was formerly vested in the Committee appointed to revise the Laws
Ordered That Coll Cary and the rest of the members appointed to joyn with the Councill in the Committee concerning the finishing the Capitol carry the said Resolve to the Council and desire their Concurrence.
Legislative Journals of the Council of Colonial Virginia Vol. I, page 379Saturday April 10th 1703.
A message from the Burgs. . .
By the house of BurgessesResolved and Accordingly Ordered
That Edmd Jenings Esqr Mr. Tho. Barber & Mr. Tho. Ballard or any two of them be appointed & impowered to execute the same trust for carrying on the Building of the Capitol & prison that was formerly Vested in the Comtee appointed to revise the LawsR Beverly Cl H Burgesses
And the sd Resolve being read was assented to by the honble Council
And then his Excellcy was pleased to Sign his assent to the Same
Ordered
That the Clk of the Genll Assembly return the said Resolve to the house of Burgs & acqt them that his Excellcy & the Council have assented thereto.-
Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia, 1702-1712 Page 3685Saturday. 10th April 1703
Mr. Robertson brought in the Resolves and Orders of the House for payment of the members of the Officers of the Comttee for revisall of the Laws and the Report of the Committee of the Councill and Burgesses for finishing and furnishing the Capitoll assented to by the Councill, and assented to and sign by his Excellcy.
Virginia Manuscripts from British Record Office &c. Vol. 6, Sainsbury Vol. V, part I, page 65.1703. July 6.
Williamsburgh.E. Jenings, Secretary of Virginia to the Lords of Trade-
(Va. B. T. Vol. 6. K. 21.)
...
Account of the near finishing of the Capitol-the accounts of the revenue demonstrate the well management of it-
Executive Journals of the Council of Colonial Virginia Vol. II, page 330.86July 14th 1703.
His Excellency communicated to the Council one of her most Sacred Majestys instructions relating to the encouraging the Inhabitants to build Towns, and particularly for the rebuilding and Settling of James Town. And thereupon his Excellency asked the advice of the Council what was proper to be done in relation to James Town. The Council are of opinion that the city of Williamsburgh being by an act of Assembly (not yet disallowed by her Maty) appointed the Seat of the Government, and the Capitol built therein at a very great charge to the Country, it is necessary to represent the same to her Majesty.
Public Record Office, London C05 #1313.87[July 20, 1703]
VIRGINIA
Copy of the Report of the Gentlemen Appointed to inspect the Building of the Capitol.
Referred to in Colo. Nicholson's Lre of 1703
Rece'd Oct. 5th 1703.Rec'd by Christopr Fogg Comdr of the Falmouth.
Entered B. fo: 418
K. 13The Capitoll is built in two parts & Joyned together by a middle building for thirty foot one parte of which is appropriated for ye Use of ye Governor & Councill to sitt & hold Court in & for ye offices thereunto belonging & ye other parte is appropriated for ye use of ye house of Burgesses to sitt in & ye offices there of.
That parte yt ye Corte sitts in is Compleately finnished on ye outside except ye balcony over ye Grate doore Coming in on ye west side & ye lower flower are finished for yt ye Court sate there in Aprill last.
The other parte is Covered & wants onley Glaseing and painting to be Completely finnished on ye outside. The Middle building is Covored & ye lower floor paved and ye Steps made & wants onley ye Cupolow to be finished ye Dorment windows to be Closed on ye sides Glased & painted which will be performed in a month or six weeks & then there remaine onley ye inside worke to be finished butt what time yt will take to performe I am not able to determin butt doe hope itt will not be above Eight or ten months.
The Prison walls are up & ye roof is this day raising & doubt not butt itt will be completely finnished in September next.
E. Jenings.
Henry Cary Overseer
Tho. Barbar
Tho. Ballard[A portion of the above was found in the William & Mary College Library on an unidentified photostat. E.S.S.]
Public Record Office C05#1313.89[July 20, 1703]
An Accott of Charges and Disbursements Laid out for Building the Capitoll and Prison from the Begining of the Said Building Aprill the 4th 1700 to the 20th of July 1703.
Aprill 4th
1700
£ s d To His Excellency for Necessaryes for the Capitoll Sent out of England 104:11:2 9th 1702 To Mr. Cary for Disbursments 53:10:00 To pd. Colo. Miles Cary for Charges of workmen out of Engld 60:00:00 To paid Colo. Miles Cary for Bricks 600:00:00 7br 9th 1700 To pd. Colo. Miles Cary for Supplying workmen 46:10:00 Apll. 3d. 1702 To pad Mr. Henry Cary on balance accotts 114:11:6½ To Mr. Henry Cary in satisfaccon of his Service 50:00:00 July 4th 1702 To Mr. Henry Cary on Balance Accotts 55:3:2 Decr 7th To Mr. Henry Cary for Necessaryes 25:00:00 To Colo. Miles Cary for 4 Negroes 120:00:00 To Mr. Benjamine Harrison Junr for Lime 200:00:00 To Colo. Miles Cary for workmens wages &c 187:10:00 To ditto for beding & necessaryes for sd workmen 100:00:00 9br. 6th 1702 To Mr. Henry Cary on Balance Accotts 61:13:11¼ To ditto for part his wages 30:00:00 To ditto for meat & Corn &c for workmen 80:00:00 To ditto for buying a Carter 18:00:00 To Colo. Miles Cary for Necessaryes out of Eng. 450:00:00 88 [July 20, 1703] Apll 8th 1702 To Mr. Henry Cary for planks & Timber 150:00:00 May 7th 1702 To ditto on Balance his accots 112:7:3£ To ditto for payment of Laborors & Lime 40:00:00 Augt. 6th:1702 To Colo. Miles Cary for purchasing Lime 100:00:00 To Mr. Henry Cary for Shingles for Capitoll & Prison &c 200:00:00 8br: 10th: 1702 To ditto on balance Accotts 55:17:1£ To Coll. Miles Cary for purchasing necessaryes to finish the Capitoll and workmens wages &c 500:00:00 Apll: 21st:1703 To Henry Cary for Carrying on the work of the Capitoll 150:00:00 June 8th To ditto due to him on balance of Accotts 96:11:6 July 6 To ditto due to him upon balance of accotts 60:16:10 3822:2:6 4/3 Henry Cary Overseer.
E. Jenings
Tho. Barbar
Tho. Ballard
Virginia Manuscripts from British Record Office &c. Vol. 6, Sainsbury Vol. V., part I, pages 72-73.1703. July. (24?)
VirginiaGovr. Nicholson to Lds of Trade- . . .
The Capitol at Williamsburgh in great forwardness, hopes it will be finished early next summer and that it will not only be the best public building but the most useful of any belonging to Her Maj. in America. . .
(Va. B. T. Vol. 6. K. 1.)Copy is entd. In Va. B. T. Vol. 32 pp. 410-415.
Indorsed. Rec'd 5 Oct. Read 8 Oct. 1703.
Virginia Manuscripts from British Record &c. Vol. 6, Sainsbury Vol. V, part I, pages 72-73.1703. July ? (24?)
InclosuresList of Papers inclosed in Govr. Nicholson's letter of:-
(Va. B. T. Vol. 6. K. 2-K. 14.)
. . .
Report of the Gentlemen appointed to inspect the building of the Capitol also Account of expenses for building same & prison- K. 13.
Lists of above enclosures are entered in Va. B. T. Vol. 10, pp. 209-911 with mem. That they were all laid before the Board (of Trade) on Oct. 1703.
90Virginia Manuscripts from British Record Office &c Vol. 6, Sainsbury Vol. V, part I, page 74.1703. July 26.
WilliamsburgE. Jenings Sec. of Virginia to Sec. Earl of Nottingham-. . .
The Last General Court was held in the Capitol which is in such forwardness that the next Assembly may sit there-'tis a very commendable building, convenient for all public offices and he believes not to be paralleled in her Maj. Dominions in America- . . .
(America & W: Ind: No. 639.)
Indorsed Rec'd Oct. 5. 1703.
Virginia Manuscripts from British Record Office &c. Vol. 6, Sainsbury Vol. V. part I, page 89-91.911703. Oct. 15.
Virginia.Col. Robt. Quary to Lords of Trade-
(Plant. Gen. B. T. Vol. 32. pp. 349-370.)
. .
The Capitol quite finished except some inside work- never saw a better structure, it will effectually answer all the ends proposed by it- The people are extremely pleased with it, as being an ornament and honor to the Country & now this great work is finished he believes the Assembly will continue the same fund for some further benefit to the Country- . . .
Executive Journals of the Council of Colonial Virginia Vol. II, page 339.October the 20th 1703
At a Council held at the Capitol in the City of Williamsburgh
His Excellency in Council signed the following. . .
[This is the earliest date on which it is stated that the Council met at the Capitol. E. S. S.]
Custom Books, Public Record Office, London Photostats92Exportations of Goods & Merchds yt are of the Product AND Manufactre of Engld. From Xtmas 1702 To Xtmas 1703, With an Estimate of yr first Cost or Value.
Page 34-
Brass Wrot 157:2:0:- At 4L to 5L p cwt. . .708:15:00Page 35-
Glass P Windows - 98 chests - At 75s to 25s P Chest 98:00:00Page 36-
Iron Wrot- 2536:2:7- At 50s to 3L P cwt 6975:10:11¼
Do Nails- 2705:2:7-At 30s to 40s P cwt 4734:14:6¼
Tiles Paving- 3500- At 10s p M 1:15:0Page 38-
Colors for Paintrs- At---4:15:0
*Do Purbeck-10 Load- At---18:0:0[*Ditto in this case refers to Stones in the line above in photostat of manuscript.]
Executive Journals of the Council of Colonial Virginia Vol. II, page 358.Aprill 20th 1704.
The Genll Assembly being by the writt appointed to meet at the College of William & Mary, and the Proclamation for its prorogation not directing any other place, it is the Opinion of the Council that the Assembly do meet at the said College, But forasmuch as the rooms in the Capitol are now fitt to accommodate the Council & Burgesses, & the severall offices thereunto belonging, his Excellcy delcared his intention of proroguing the Assembly till tomorrow and then to meet at the Capitol.
Legislative Journals of the Council of Colonial Virginia Vol. I, 385.93[April 20th, 1704.]
Mr. Speaker with the House attending, His Excellcy spoke to them as follows
Mr. Speaker & Gentlemen of the House of Burgesses
Her Majesty Queen Ann's Royal Capitol being the place appointed by act of Assembly for holding the General Assemblys: And that building being now so far finished as to be capable of accomodating this Assembly; I do hereby in her Matys name prorogue you to the 21st instant to meet at her Matys said Capitol, and you are accordingly prorogued.
Legislative Journals of the Council of Colonial Virginia Vol. I, page 387.April 21, 1704.
AT A GENERAL ASSEMBLY
Summoned to meet at her Matys Royall College of William & Mary adjoining to the City of Williamsburgh the 17th and begun the 19th day of March 1702 in the 2d year of the Reign of our Soveraign Lady Anne by the Grace of God of England Scotland France and Ireland Queen Defender of the faith &c, & thence by severall prorogations continued to, and held her Maty Queen Ann's Royal Capitol, the 21st day of April 1704 in the third year of her Majestys Reign.
Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia, 1702-1712 Page 43-44.94Fryday April 21st 1704.
Mr. Speaker and thirty three Burgesses being mett at the Capitoll in a room appointed for the Burgesses to Sit in. . .
. . .
Honble Gentl.God Almighty I hope will be gratiously pleased so to direct guide, and Enable us, as that we may to all intents and purposes answer her Majests Writt by which this Assembly was called and by Prorogation is now mett. In this her Majesty Queen Ann her Royall Capitol which being appoynted by Law for holding Generall Assemblys and Generall Courts, my hopes likewise are That they may continue to be held in this place for the promoteing of Gods Glory her Majests and her Successors Interest and Service, with that of the Inhabitants of this her Majests most antient and great Colony & Dominion of Virginia So long as the Sun and Moon endure.
Gentl.
Her most Sacred Majesty having been gratiously pleased to send me her Royal Picture and Armes for this her Colony and Dominion, I think the properest place to have them kept in will be this Council Chamber. But it not being as yet quite finished, I cannot have them so placed as I would. . .
ffr Nicholson
Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia, 1702-1712 Page 45.Saturday Aprill 22th 1704.
Ordered That Richard Morris John Remington Anthony Evans and Richard Strickland be continued Doorkeepers to the House this Session and that they give their respective attendance accordingly.
Virginia Manuscripts from British Record Office, &c. Vol. 6, Sainsbury Vol. V, part I, pages 31-32.1704. April 26
WhitehallJournals of the B.T. & Plants.
Mr. Jenings presented Draughts of two Bills entituled an Act for confirming Titles to Crown Lands and An Act directing the Building the Capitol and the City of Williamsburgh which are to be in lieu of a Bill in the Book of Virginia Bills (fol. 176.) entituled An Act for continuance of several Acts therein named in part of same other Acts with additions.
(Trade Papers. Vol. 11, pp. 18-19.)
Legislative Journals of the Council of Colonial Virginia Vol. I, page 393.95Thursday April 27th 1704.
A peticon of Mr. Henry Cary overseer of the work at the Capitol praying directions in several matters relating thereto
And also a Peticon of the said Henry Cary praying allowance for extraordinary Services about the Capitol and prison
Were Severally Read & Referred to the Consideracon of the House of Burgesses.
Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia, 1702-1712 Page 55.Thursday April 27th 1704
Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen of the House of Burgesses.
. . .
I likewise propose to the House that each of the Garretts of the East and West ffronts of the Capitol be divided into four roomes and thus appropriated vitz-One of the Vice Admirality , One for my lord Bishopp of Londons Commissary. One to keep all the Collectors Accounts and papers which are to be returned every eighteen months, And one for the Navall Offycers to be imployed for the Same use. One for the Attorney Genll and One for the Sheriff attending the Genll Court.That the Garrett over the Conference Room be divided into four Closetts to be thus appropriated Vizt One for the Clerk of the Generall Assembly, One for the Clerk of the House of Burgesses and One for each of the two Clerks of your Committees.
That the Garretts in the Roofe be boarded and So be made capable of holding severall necessary things and other uses-
If you think fit to sell or lease the house built for the Workmen at the Capitol I will either buy them or take a Lease of them-
Ffr Nicholson.
Legislative Journals of the Council of Colonial Virginia Vol. I, page 392.96Thursday April 27th 1704.
A Peticon of Edmund Jenings Esqr Thomas Barber & Thomas Ballard Gent praying allowance for their attending as a Committee for directing the work of the Capitol, Read &
Referred to the consideracon of the House of Burgesses
A Peticon of Thomas Whitby praying some consideracon for extraordinary services about the Capitol. . .Referred to the consideracon of the House of Burgesses.
Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia, 1702-1712 Pages 51-52Thursday April 27th 1704.
A Petition of the Honble Edmund Jenings Esqr Thomas Barbar and Thomas Ballard Gent. Praying allowance inspecting and directing the ffinishing of the building of the Capitol
A Petition of Thomas Whitby praying allowance for his care and diligence in building the Capitol
A Petition of Mr. Henry Cary praying Allowance for his Extraordinary Services in Overseeing the Building of the Capitol
. . .
A Petition of Mr. Henry Cary setting forth that the Comtee hath not given Directions for the Compleat finishing the Captil and therefore desiring that the Genll Assembly will give such further Directions therein as they shall think needfull- being referred by the Honble Council to the consideracon of the House was readOrdered That the said Petition lye upon the table.
Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia, 1702-1712 Page 58.97Fryday April 28th 1704.
Ordered That Mr. Henry Cary lay before the House the amounts of the Disposition of the money payd him for the building of the Capitol &c together with the proceedings of the Committee appointed to inspect and oversee said Building-
Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia, 1702-1712 Page 6198Monday May the 1st 1704.
Resolved That the House doth agree to his Excells Proposition in his message to this House on the 27th of April in these words.
That each of the Garretts of the East and west ffronts of the Capitol be divided into four roomes and thus appropriated vizt
One for the Auditor, One for the Secretary, One for the Judg of the Vice admiralty, One for my Lord Bishopp of Londons Commissary, One to keep all the Collectors Accounts and Papers which are to be returned every eighteen months, and One for the Navall Officers to be imployed for the same use, One for the Attorney Generall and One for the Sheriff attending the Genll Court.
That the Garrett over the Conference room be divided into four closetts to be thus appropriated vizt
One for the Clerk of the Genll Assembly, One for the Clerk of the House of Burgesses and One for each of the two Clerks of the Committees
That the Garretts in the Roof be boarded and so be made capable of holding severall necessary things and other uses.
Resolved That it be left to his Excelly the Governr to make his choice whether he will buy or lease the houses built for the Workmen at the Capitol-
Ordered that Mr. Bird, Mr. Hayne, Mr. ffossaker Mr. Smith, Mr. Henry Ashton, and Mr. Hoe carrye the said Resolves to the Council and desire their Concurrence thereto-
Legislative Journals of the Council of Colonial Virginia Vol, I . page 3Tuesday May the 2d 1704.
Resolved
That it be left to his Excellcy the Governor to make his choice whether he will buy or Lease the Houses built for the workmen at the Capitol.
Wm Randolph Junr Cl: Ho: Bur.
Resolved
That the Council do assent to the said Resolves of the Burgesses
And then his Excellcy Signed his assent thereto.
Public. Record Office, London C05 #141299Wednesday May 3d 1704.
Present
His Excellency
John Lightfoot Henry Bake Jno. Custis Robt. Quary Esqrs Philip Ludwell Jno Smith The Warrant to the Sheriff of York for summoning four Freeholders of the said county to value the old houses belonging to Mr. Page standing in Gloucester Street and
Ordered
That the Clerk of the Genll Assembly carry the same to the House of Burgesses for their Perusal and approbation.Ordered
That the Clerk of the Genll Assembly carry the following Message in writing from his Excellency to the House of Burgesses.
Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia, 1702-1712 Page 64-65.Also: Public Record Office, London C05 #1412 has Nicholson's address as given.101Wednesday May the 3d 1704.
Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen of the House of Burgesses
Since I find by year Resolve of Yesterday Sent to my Self and her Majests Honble Council that you have (according to my Proposalls given directions in severall matters relateing to the Capitol I take this Opportunity to acquaint you that I have directed Mr. Henry Cary to mark out the Bounds of the Square belonging to this Building and I recommend to you to view the same, and if you find any cause to alter yor former directions therein that it may be ordered crow while you are together, And I farther recommend to you to send for Stones to be sett up to distinguish its bounds and that the Bounds and rules of the prison be now ascertained, and Stones also Sent for and sett up. Thereon-
The Dyal plates sent in for, the Clock being too large I recommend to you to direct wht shall be done with them and how others may be provided in their stead-.
If you find any thing necessary to be done about your own house or offices thereunto belonging I recommend to you to consider of it now because I intend God willing to have the building finished before as other Session of Assembly And for beautifying the room where yor House Sitt I propose for you to send for the Queens Armes in Glass for the Great window, the Armes of Virginia for One of the Ovall windowes and what other Ornament you may please for the other of the said Ovall windowes, and I desire you will now give directions who shall take care of removeing the Records and Papers of your Clerks office when the room is fitted for them-
ffr: Nicholson
The House took the same into imediate consideration and after same time spent therein came to these resolutions following
Resolved and accordingly Ordered.
That the Committee for publick Claimes view the bounds of the Square markt out belonging to the Capitol.- and report 100 their proceedings therein to the House to morrow morning.Resolved and accordingly Ordered
That ten acres of land be laid out for the bounds and rules of the PrisonThat Stones be sent for and sett up to distinguish the bounds of the Square markt out for the Capitol and the bounds and rules of the prison
Resolved and accordingly Ordered
That the Dyal plates sent in for the Clock be disposed of by the Committee appointed to inspect & Oversee the building of the Capitol as they shall think fit
Resolved and accordingly Ordered
That Dyal plates for the Clock be drawn can the Square of the CupuloResolved That the Overseers appointed to oversee the building of the Capitol hath mistaken the Directions of this House And therefore
Ordered That he cause the partitions on the second floors over the rooms where the Burgesses sitt to be pulled down and that he pursue the former Resolves of the House concerning the same-
Resolved That it is not convenient to send for the Queens Armes In Glass for the great window in the room where the Burgesses sit nor for any Ornaments for the Oval windows inn the said Room
Resolved. That the Virginia Armes be sent for and that they be sett up in the room where the House of Burgesses Sitt-
Resolved and accordingly Ordered
That the Clerk of the House of Burgesses remove the Records and papers belonging to the Assembly Office to the Capitol when there shall be a room fitted for them-
Legislative Journals of the Council of Colonial Virginia Vol. I. page 397 .Friday May the 5th 1744.
By the House of Burgesses
Ordered
That Mr. Henry Cary forthwith set the labourers imployed about the building of the Capitol to pull down the four old houses & Oven belonging to Mr. John Page which stand in Glocester street and have been appraised, and that they lay the bricks out of the Street on the Lott of the said John PageWm Randolph Junr Cl Ho: Burgs
And the said Order being read
Resolved
That the Council do assent theretoAnd then his Excellcy was pleased to sign his Assent to the Same
Ordered
That the Clerk of the Genll Assembly carry back the sd order to the House of Burgesses & acquaint them his Excy & the Council have assented thereto
Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia, 1703-1712 Page 69.102Fryday May the 5th 1704.
Then Mr. Cory from the Committee for publick Claimes reported that the said Committee had according to order viewed the Square laid out for the Capital and had agreed to some alterations to be made therein- which he read in his place and then delivered it in at the table-
Executive Journals of the Council of Colonial Virginia Vol. II, pages 365-366.May the 5th 1704.
Ordered that Mr. Audr Byrd send for these following goods far the use of the Council Chamber six brass Candlesticks & two pair of Snuffers & Snuff dishes, two Chamber Potts, 4 Standishes, 6 brass Sconces each to hold two Candles, 6 large Penknives, some Recording Ink, 6. Peices of red tape, 6 Peices of broad tape, some blue, red & green ribbon for stitching the Council Journals; And that Mr. Attorney Genll be consulted what Law books are proper to be sent for, & that Mr. Audr do accordingly write to England for them for the use of the Genll Court to be paid out of her Majties Revenue of 2s per hogshd
Ordered that Mr. Audr buy a Callico Curtains to hang before the Queens Picture & that he provide some large Mirtle wax Candles for the use of the Council and Genll Curt
Executive Journals of the Council of Colonial Virginia Vol. II, page 385.103May the 5th 1704.
His Excellcy in Council signed the following warrants. . .
To Mr. Micajah Perry for books & Paper for the Council office twenty nine pounds 17 s lld.
Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia, 1702-1712 Page 73.104Monday May the 8th 1704.
Resolved. That an Address of Thanks to her Majesty be prepared for her favours in giving her Picture and Armes to this Country.
…
The House took into consideration the report of the Committee appointed to view the Square markt out belonging to the Capital and after sometime spent therein came to these resolutions following
Resolved. That the Publick Prison be included within the Bounds appropriated to the Capitol and that the said bounds already ascertained for the said Capitol be continued from the main road just before the door of One of the Capitol houses to the went of forty one poles to a Post on the West side of the sing, thence fourteen poles to the corner of a ditch, thence along the said Ditch thirty poles and a half to a pest lay the said Ditch and from thence the beginning place-
Ordered That the consideration of the proposall of the said Comittee relateing to the Capitol being inclosed with a Brick Wall be referred 'til to morrow morning.
Ordered That the Overseer appointed to inspect and oversee the building of the Capital make a Computation what the Charges may amount to of inclosing the Capitol with a Brisk Wall of two Bricks thick and four feet and a half big to be distant sixty foot from the ffronts of the last and West Building and ffifty foot from the Worth and South ends of the said building and that he lap the same before the House to morrow
Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia , 1702-1712 Page 75.Tuesday May the 9th 1704.
The House according to order of the day took into consideration the proposalls of the Committee appointed to view the Square laid out for the Capitol and came to this resolution thereupon
Resolved That the Capitol instead of being railed in be inclosed with a good Brick Wall of two Bricks think and four foot and a half high upon the Levill within the wall and that the said Wall be distant Sixty foot from the ffronts of the East and Went Buildings and ffifty foot from the North and South end of the sd building with four Suitable Entrances into the same-
Legislative Journals of the Council of Colonial Virginia Vol. l, pages 402-403.105Wednesday May the 10th 1704.
And upon reading the Resolve of the House of Burgesses of the 8th of this instant relating to the bounds of the Capital and prison, and impowering Mr. Henry Cary to sell by outcry the Utensils bedding and moveables he hath under his care
Resolved
That the Council do concur with the Burgesses in the Subject matter of the said ResolveAnd upon the Resolve to the House of Burgesses of the 9th instant directing the inclosing the Capitol with a brick wall
The Council do agree to the said Resolve as it is past by the House
Upon reading the Resolve of the House of Burgesses of the 3d of this instant directing that Stones be sent for & net up to distinguish the bounds of the Square markd out for the Capitol & bounds & Rules of the prison, and also giving directions in relation to the Dial plates & Virginia arms
Resolved
That the Council do assent to the several directions given therein by the House &c acquaint them that his Excellcy and the Council have assented thereto.
Legislative Journals of the Council of Colonial Virginia Vol. I, page 400-.401.106Wednesday May the 10th 1704.
Resolved
That the publick prison be included within the bounds appropriated to the Capitol and that the sd bounds already ascertained for the sd Capitol be continued from the Main road Just before the door of one of the Capitol Houses to the extent of fourty one poles to a post, thence including the prison, thirty two poles to a post on the West side of the Spring, thence fourteen poles to the corner of a Ditch, theses along the said Ditch thirty poles and a half to a post by the said Ditch, and from thence to the begining place
Ordered
That Mr. Henry Cary after the Capitol is finished sell by Outcry what utensils bedding, and other moveables he hath under his care for the carrying on the building the ad work, and that he take bond with good security for the payment of the money by the purchasers & give a year to pay in
W Randolph Cl: Ho: Bur.
Tuesday May the 19th 1904
By the House of Burgesses
Resolved and accordingly Ordered
That Stones be sent for & Fret tip to distinguish the bounds of the Square markt out for the Capitol and the bounds and Rules of the prisonResolved and accordingly Ordered
That the Dial plates sent in for the Clock be disposed of bar the Committee appointed to inspect and oversee the building of the Capitol as they shal think fittResolved and accordingly Ordered
That the Dial plates fair the Clock be drawn on the Square CupuloResolved
That the Virginia arms be sent for, and that they be set up in the room where the House of Burgesses sittCopy Test W. Randolph Junr Cl Ho Bur
Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia , 1702-1712 Page 79.107Wednesday May the 10th 1704.
To the queens most excell Majty
May it please yor Majesty
Wee humbly prsume to make our most gratefull acknowledgments for yor Ma jests favour in bestowing your Royall Picture upon this your poor Colony, by the phasing prospect whereof (altho' it be a faint resemblance far short of the incomparable Original) Wee conceive the most noble Ideas of yor Majests Sacred person, in whom do concentre all the glories of a most illustrious birth of the most inimatable virtues of mind and the most admirable perfections of body that. ever filled that Imperial Thrown where in yor Maty is so happily placed not only to be a blessing to all yor own Subjects but a generous Benefactor to mind.
Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia, 1702-1712 Page 81.108Thursday May the 11th 1704.
Mr. Speaker & Gentlemen of the House of Burgesses
I am obliged to you for yor Resole of the first Instant vizt That you leave it to as to make my choice whether is buy or Lease the houses built for the Workmen at the Capital. I had rather buy them I have Enquired, and find that only the Chimneys and the Roofer of these houses are quite finished but I an willing to give one hundred twenty five pounds for them and the house where the lime is made up because when it is removed it will serve me for a Stable, if you approve of the proposition, I desire it may is past into as ordinance directing who shall pass the Right to me, when that is done to whom I shall pass the money and give me a Discharge for it, If you please to do these things you will very much oblige him who isYor most affectionate & assured (friend ffr: Nicholson
…
His Excells message concerning the purchasing of the Capitol houses was road and after a Debate
The question was put whether the House will agree to his Excells proposall in the said Message.
Resolved. In the affirmative
Ordered. That the Committee of Propositions and Greivances prpare and bring in an Ordinance of Assembly according to the prposition contained in his Excells sd message.
Legislative Journals of the Council of Colonial Virginia Vol. I, Page 406.Friday May the 12th 1704.
A message from the House of Burgesses to the Council by Mr. Tully Robinson and others who brought the following Resolves to wch they desire the Councils concurrence.
Wednesday May the 3d 1704.
By the House of Burgesses
Resolved
That the Overseer appointed to oversee the building of the Capitol hath mistaken the directions of the House, and thereforeOrdered
That he cause the partitions on the second floor over the Room where the Burgesses Sitt to be pulled down, and that he pursue the former Resolves of the House concerning the same.Monday May the 8th 1704.
A Petition of Mr. Henry Cary was read wherein he prays he may have the three Negro Slaves bought for the use of the Country at the price they costResolved
That Mr. Henry Cary may have the said three Negro Slaves after the Capitol is finished at the price they cost the Country.Thursday May the 11th 1704.
Ordered
That the several sums of money mentioned in the two books of Claimes wch have passed this Session be paid out of the Imposition ffunds to the several persons concerned therein, and that his Excellcy the Governr be desired to issue his warrant to Colo Robert Carter the late Treasurer to pay the same accordingly
Wm Randolph Junr Cl: Ho Bur
109And the said Resolves were severally read do assented to by the Council
And then his Excellcy was pleased to sign his assent to the same
Mr. Tully Robinson and others from the House of Burgesses also presented to the Council an ordinance of Assembly impowering Mr. Henry Cary to make sale of the Country houses in the City of Williamsburgh, to wch they desire their Honrs concurrence
And the said Ordinance was thrice read, and assented to by the Council
Ordered
That the Clerk of the Genll Assembly carry back the sd Ordinance to the House of Burgesses and acquaint then that the Council have assented thereunto
Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia, 1702-1712 Page 82-83.Fryday May the 18th 1704.
Mr. Randolph from the Comtee of Propositions and Greivances reported that the said Comittee according to the Order of the House had prepared an Ordinance upon his Excells last message to the House Yesterday which he read In his place and then delivered in at the table- where being againe read
Ordered. That the said Ordinance be committed to the Comtee that prepared the same for amendments.
And after some time-
Mr. Randolph reported that the said Comtee had agreed upon a Proviso to be added to the said Ordinance which he read in his place and the[n] delivered it is, at the table where being again read it was added to the Ordinance and Some Blanks therein being filled up the same was agreed to-Ordered That Mr. Robertson, Mr. Mosely Mr. Turbervill Mr. Henry Ashton carry the said Ordinance wth the resolves of this Horse for pulling down the partitions on the Second ffloor over, the Room where the House of Burgesses Sitt &c to the Council and desire their Concurrence thereunto-
110…
Mr. Robertson brought into the House the Ordinance impowering Mr. Henry Cary to make Sale of the Country houses in the City of Williamsburgh assented to by the Council- And also-
The Resolves concerning the pulling down the Partitions on the Second floor ever the room where the House of Burgesses Sit &c Assented to by his Excelly and the Council.
Executive Journals of the Council of Colonial Virginia Vol. III page 382.Also: Public Record Office, London C05 #1412.111August the 9th 1704.
Upon reading a Petition presented by the Committee appointed to inspect and oversee the building of the Capitol & Mr. Henry Cary overseer of the said work Complaining that two of the Carpenters imployed in the said work, have lately gone away to the great hindrance of the same. His Excellency and the Council having called Mr. Cary before them enquired of him whether the work of the Capitol can be finished this Fall, and he having given his opinion that if he can but Procure three Carpenters mare besides the seen he has at present, he doubts not to have all the work finished before the Latter end of November except the brick wall. about the Court yard which he cannot promise to have perfected, the late rains having interrupted the making of the bricks, Thereupon it is considered by this board that the finishing the work of the Capitol before- winter will save a considerable charge to the Country, And therefore Ordered that Mfr. Cary use his utmost endeavors to procure as many Carpenters as will be sufficient to finish the same by the time proposed... And it is further Ordered that if by badness of weather or other disappointment it shal happen that the brick wall round the Court yard cannot all be finished this fall, then Mr. Cary do so order the work that no more of it be begun than can be conveniently carryed up and taped before the approach of the Frosts.
Ordered That Mr. Cary informe his Excellency and the Councill at the beginning of next General Court what further Progress he hath made in the building, that if it shal appear that the whole cannot be finished before winter, the workmen may be discharged till next Spring.
Executive Journals of the Council of Colonial Virginia Vol. II, pages 399-400.October the 26th 1704.
Collonel Thomas Ballard one of the Gentlemen appointed to inspect the building of the Capitol, & Mr. Henry Cary Overseer of the said work this day attended his Excellcy & the Council and informed them of the Progress made in the said Building: And it appearing that the work cannot be fully compleated this fall, and that the continuing the workmen in charge, & not likely to be compensated by their Labour in the short days & cold weather; His Excellcy & the Council do therefore think it of more Service to the Country, that the said workmen be discharged, and accordingly the Overseer of the Capitol is directed to discharge all workmen about the middle of November or a week either sooner, or later as he shal find the Season of the year to require it, And his Excellcy and the Council do further order that the Gentlemen appointed to inspect the building of the Capitol & the Overseer of the work enter into Contract with such workmen as they think most proper to finish all the work that shal then remain to be done, and to agree with them at the easiest Prices they can, the sd workmen to furnish themselves Provisions, and to be obliged to finish the whole building before next April Genll Court. And for their Greater conveniency in working, It is ordered that the Countrys houses be allowed them to ledge in while they are on that Service.
Executive Journals of the Council of Colonial Virginia Vol. 113, page 407.111-aAt a Council held at Westopher the 8th day of December 1704.
Ordered, That the said Trustees separate all Papers relating to her Matys Revenue from the other Papers belonging to the sd Mr. Auditor Byrd and that they have the sd publick Papers in a readiness when they shal be called for, to be placed in the office appointed for that Purpose in the Capitol.
Public Record Office, London CO5 - #1314.112VIRGINIA
Copy of a Certificate of the Rector & 7 of the Trustees and Govrs of the College of Virga abt Col. Nicholsons presenting Papers &c in Order to Justify himself from the Charge agt him, relating to the said College.
Referred to in Colonel Nicholson's letter of 3rd. March 1704/5.
Rec' d 2 May 1705
ReadEntered C fol: 328
M 41No. 4
Copy of a certificate of the Rector & seven of the Trustees & Govrs of ye College abt Governour Nicholson presenting papers &c.
. . . he had the Assurance (to give it no worse name) to reflect upon what I had ordered to be put upon the Capitoll which was done in cutt bricks, & first showed on the day that (according to my duty) I proclaimed her Maty, at top there was out the Sums, Moon, and the planet Jupiter, and underneath thus MAJESTY QUEEN ANNE HER ROYALL CAPITOLL.
He sd that in Chelsea College it was mentioned that it was begun. in King Charles the 2d time, continued in King James' s and finished in King Williams: in whose time there was nothing of ye Capitoll done but the foundation; he taxed me with flattery that I did it to make sty court to her Majesty, as if I had never done it before:...
ffr. Nicholson.
Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia, 1702-1712 Pages 94-95Wednesday April the 25th 1705.
A Petition of Thomas Whitby praying that he May be paid after the Rate of Fifty pounds per Annum for Three Months & Seventeen Days which he was to have by Agreement with the Committee appointed to Oversee the Building The Capitol.
A Petition of Thomas Whitby praying Allowance for his Attendance to hoyst the fflag this and the Last Assembly and Generall Court.
A Petition of Thomas Barbar and Thomas Ballard praying Allowance for Inspecting and overseeing the Building of the Capitol.
Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia, 1702-1712 Page 96.Thursday April the 26th 1705.
Upon a Motion Made by a Member of the house
Ordered That the Chairman of the Committees give Directions for the Making of Such Tables, fforms, & other Necessarys as the Said Committee shall want
Legislative Journals of the Council of Colonial Virginia Vol. I, page 416.113Wednesday May 2d 1705.
The peticon of James Minge praying allowance for drawing & calculating eight large Dyals for the Capitol. . .
. . .Refer'd to the consideracon of the House of Burgesses.
Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia, 1702-1712 Page 104.Wednesday May the 2d 1705
A Petition of Mr. James Minge praying Allowance for Eight Dyals by him prepared for beautyfying the Capitol being Referred from his Excly and the honble Council was read.
Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia, 1702-1712 Page 107.Fryday May the 4th 1705
Then a Motion being made and
The Question Put
That the Candles be brought inResolved in the Affirmative
Executive Journals of the Council of Colonial Virginia Vol. III, page 3.114May the 5th 1705.
Ordered That an Advertisement be set up on the Capitol Gate that Point Comfort Island. . .is to be Leased. . .
Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia, 1702-1712 Page 111.Tuesday May the 8th 1705.
The Message from his Excly to the house This Day together with a proposal of Mr. Henry Cary Concerning the Capitoll were Severally read and Thereupon The house Took the Said Message into Immediate Consideration and after Some Time Spent Therein Came to Several Resolutions Thereon as ffollow.
Ordered That a Committee be Appointed to Inspect what Directions have been given about The Capitol & Likewise to Consider what is further necessary to be Done to it.
And Accordingly a Committee was Appointed Vizt
Mr. Cary Mr. Corbin Mr. Benjn Harrison Mr. Ransom Mr. Ballard Mr. Edwards
Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia, 1702-1712 Page 109.Tuesday May the 8th 1705.
Mr. Speaker and Gent. of the House of BurgessesI Recommend to you that you would give Direction how the Capitol Shall be finished and I have Spoke to Mr. Henry Cary Overseer of the work to Lay before you the Accounts from the Beginning as Likewise a paper Concerning What is wanting. . .
ffr Nicholson
Executive Journals of the Council of Colonial Virginia Vol. III, page 4.115May the 9th 1705.
His Excellcy acquainted the Council that the House of the Burgesses had ordered the Records of their house, and of the Secretarys office to be removed to the Capitol, and proposed to the Council whether they will have the Council Records removed likewise. Whereupon it is
Ordered that the Clerk of the Council take care to remove all the Records belonging to the Council office from the College, until the Room appropriated for them in the Capitol with all convenient speed.
Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia , 1702-1712 Page 117-118.116Thursday May the 10th 1705.
Mr. Cary from the Comittee Appointed to Inspect what Directions have been given about the Capitoll and Likewise to Consider what is further necessary to be Bane to it Reported That the Said Comittee had Taken the Same into Consideration and Therein had agreed upon Several Matters Which he read in his place and Than Deliverred in at The Table where being again Read the House proceeded to the Imediate Consideration Thereof and Thereupon Came to these Resolutions ffollowing
Resolved That the Roofs of The Capitol & prison be Tarred again This Summer as often as the Overseer of the Building Shall Think ffitt
That the wanscote and other Wooden Work an the first and Second ffloor is that part of the Building where the General Court is to be painted Like Marble and the wanscote and other wooden work on The taro first floors in the other part of the Building shall be painted Like Wanscote, and the Doors end other wooden work in The Roof shall be painted white & the Cupulo to be painted in Such manner as Shell be Directed by the Overseer of the Building That There be Six Large Sundialls painted upon The Cupulo
That Twelve hundred ffoot of fflag Stone to pave the walks that Leads to the Capitol be Sent for to England
That the Spring be Laid Round with the peices of the broken fflagg Stones to keep it from filling up.
That there be a Privy house built Convenient to the Capitol upon The hill Side light ffoot wide & Sixteen foot Long with a Look upon Every Door
That a pair of Stocks Pillory & Whipping post be built near the Capitol
Ordered That The Said Resolves be Sent to the Council for their Concurrence.
Legislative Journals of the Council of Colonial Virginia Vol. I, pages 422, 423.117Friday May 11th 1705.
A message from the Burgesses to the Council by Mr. James Wilson & others who brought sevll Resolves to wch they desire the Councils concurrence
Which Resolves being read were agreed t, and are as follows viz
Resolved
That the roof of the Capitol & prison be tarr' d again this Summer as often as the overseer of the Building shal think fitt.That the Wainscot & other wooden work on the first & second floor in that part of the Building where the Genll Court is, be pained like marble, & the wainscot & other wooden work on the two first floors in the other part of the Building shal be painted like Wainscot, and the Doors & other wooden work in the roof shad. be painted white, and the Cupulo to be painted in such manner as shal be directed by the Overseer of the Building
That there be six large Sundials painted upon the Cupulo
That twelve hundred foot of flag stone to pave the walks that lead to the Capitol be sent for to England
That the Spring be laid round with the peices of the broken flagg stones to keep it from filling up
That there be a privy House built convenient to the Capitol upon the Hillside light foot wide and sixteen foot long with a lack upon every door.
That a pair of stocks pillory & Whipping post be built near the Capitol
Ordered
That the Clerk of the Genll Assembly return the ad Resolves to the House of Burgesses & acqt them that the same are assented to by his Excy and the Council.
Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia , 1702-1712 Page 122.Fryday May the 11th 1705.
Mr. Speaker and Gent of the House of Burgesses
I Propose to you to give Directions That the Partition In the Room Appointed for the Comittee of Claims be Taken Down and that Room be Enlarged fair as it is now I think it is the only Irregular piece of work about The Capital
Mr. Minge Proposes to Make two Sundials of the Dial plates sent in for the Clock to be placed on each ffront and I Recommend to you to give Directions Therein
ffr. Nicholson
Ordered That the Said Message ly upon The Table
Executive Journals of the Council of Colonial Virginia Vol. III, page 31.118September the 5th. 1705.
Ordered that the Pillory and Stocks sat up in the Court of the Capitol be forthwith removed, it being placed there without the direction of any person having authority for that purpose and In a very unfitt place.
Ordered that the Boards or dial Plates with the Inscriptions thereon set up on the East & West fronts of the Capitol be pulled down, the Inscriptions being improper, and set up there without any publick authority, and that the Overseer of the work of the Capital see that same forthwith performed, and that the Overseer take care that no other Inscriptions be put up anywhere else about the Capitol.
Also: Public Record Office, London C05 #1412.
Hening, Statutes at Large Vol. III, page 367-371 Chap. XXXII.October 1705 - 4th ANNE
An act concerning Juries.
- I.For the more regular inquiry into the breaches of penal laws, and trials of matters of fact, in the several courts of judicature in this dominion, by grand juries and petit juries.
- II.(Grand juries, in county courts, when to be summoned.)...
- III.And, for presentments to be made at the general court, it shall be lawfull, for the sheriff, or other officer, attending the said court, to summon a grand jury of the bystanders, being freeholders, who shall and may, and are hereby declared to have full power, to make presentments of any offences whatsoever, committed or to be committed or done, within this colony. And to the end that the grand juries summoned to the general court, may be constituted of the most capable persons, it shall be lawful for the said general court, upon the first or second day of their sitting, to make a rule, for the sheriff, or other officer, attending the court, to summon twenty-four persons, as aforesaid, to attend the court, for a grand jury: And if any persons, so summoned, shall fail to appear, he shall forfeit and pay...
- IV....
- V.And be it further enacted, That for the trial of all causes, (treason and felony excepted) both in the general court, and county court, the sheriff, and other officer, attending the court, shall every morning the court sits, summon a sufficient number of the by-standers, qualified as hereafter is directed, to attend the court, for that day; that out of them may be impannelled a sufficient jury, for the trial of any cause (except before excepted) which shall be depending in such court . ...
- VI.And, for the trials of all treasons and felonies, Be it enacted, by the authority aforesaid, That the petit jury for the same, shall be made up in the manner following: That is to say, When any person shall be committed, for treason or felony, the sheriff, or other officer to whom such person shall be committed, shall signify the same to 119 the clerk of the general court, for the time being, together with the crime for which such commitment shall be made, and the particular place wherein the same shall be alledged to be committed: Whereupon, the clerk of the general court shall issue forth a writ of venire facias, to the sheriff of the county where the crime shall be alledged to be committed, requiring him to summon and return the names of six discreet and honest freeholders of his county, residing as near as may be to that part of the county where the crime shall be alledged to be committed, to appear at the fourth day of the general court then next coming, to be of the jury for the trial of the same; which six freeholders, or so many of them as shall not be challenged, shall be of the jury; and as many persons more as shall be wanting to make up the pannel, shall be taken of the by-standers, being discreet and honest freeholders within this colony, and who shall, every one of them, be possessed of a visible real and personal estate, of the value of one hundred pounds at least.
- VII.-IX. ...
ibid. Chap. XIX, pages 287-302.October 1705 - 4th Anne.
An act for establishing the General Court, and for regulating and settling the proceedings therein.
- I.For a speedy and regular determination of all controversies, and differences between any persons; and for continuing, constituting, and erecting such courts as shall be competent and necessary, to hear and adjudge all such causes as shall be brought before them,
- II.Be it enacted, by the governor, council, and burgesses of this present general assembly, and it is hereby enacted, by the authority of the same, That at some one certain place, to be lawfully appointed, and at such times as herein after directed, there shall be held one principal court of judicature, for this her majesty's colony and dominion of Virginia; which court shall be, and is hereby established, by the name of the general court of Virginia; and shall consist of her majesty's governor, or commander in chief, and the council, for the time being, any five of them to be a quorum; and they are hereby declared and appointed judges 120 or justices, to hear and determine all suits and controversies which shall be depending in the said court.
- III.And be it enacted, That every person, which shall, from time to time, or at any time hereafter, enjoy the office of a judge or justice of the said general court, at and before his entring into and upon the said office, shall take the oaths appointed by act of parliament to be taken, instead of the oaths of allegiance and supremacy; and shall make and subscribe the declaration appointed by one act of parliament, made in the twenty-fifth year of the reign of the late King Charles the second, intituled, An Act preventing dangers which may happen from Popish recusants, and the oath mentioned in an act of parliament, intituled, An act to declare the alteration in the oath appointed to be taken by the act, intituled, An act for the further security of her Majesty's person, and the succession of the crown in the protestant line; and for extinguishing the hopes of the pretended prince of Wales, and all other pretenders, and their open and secret &bettors; and for declaring the association to be determined. And if any person whatsoever shall presume to sit, judge, decree, direct, act, or do, any manner of act or acts, thing or things whatsoever, appertaining and properly belonging to the office of a judge or justise of the said general court, before he hath taken the said oaths, and every of them; every person so presuming to sit, judge, decree, direct, act, or do, as aforesaid, without taking the oaths, and making and subscribing the declaration aforementioned, and every of them, shall, for every such offence, be fined five hundred pounds sterling; one moiety thereof to her majesty, her heirs and successors, for and towards the better support of this government, and the contingent charges thereof; and the other moiety thereof to him or them that shall inform, or sue for the same.
- IV.Provided always, That if the said oaths, declaration, or any of them, shall be abrogated by authority of the parliament of England, or become otherwise void, the same shall also be adjudged, deemed, and taken to be abrogated, and to become void in this colony and dominion also.
- V.And be it further enacted, That the said general court shall take cognizance of, and are hereby declared to have full power and lawful authority and jurisdiction, to hear and determine, all causes, matters, and things whatsoever, relating to or concerning any person or persons, ecclesiastic 121 or civil, or to any other persons or things, of what nature soever the same shall be, whether the same be brought before them by original.. process, or appeal from any other court, or by any other ways or means whatsoever.
- VI.Provided always; That no person shall take original process, for the trial of any thing in the general court, of less value than ten pounds sterling, or tyro thousand pounds of tobacco, on penalty of having such suit dismissed, and the plaintiff being non-suited, and paying costs of suit.
- VII.....
- VIII....
- IX.-X.... (There is nothing in this whole act which gives any idea at all about the room., furniture or arrangement of the General Court Room. E.S.S.)
ibid. Chap. XLIII, pages 419-421October 1705 Session- 5th Anne.
An Act Continuing the Act directing the building the Capitol and the city of Williamsburg; with additions.
- I.
WHEREAS by an act made at a General Assembly begun at James City the twenty-seventh day of April, and in the eleventh year of his late Majesty's reign, entituled An Act directing the building the Capitol, and the City of Williamsburg, it is enacted, that Whereas the state-house where the general assemblies and general courts for is his majesty's colony and dominion of Virginia, were kept and held, hath been unhappily burnt down; and it being of absolute necessity that another building be erected, with all the expedition possible, for the convenient sitting and holding of the general assemblies and courts, at a healthy, proper and commodious place, suitable for the reception of a considerable number and concourse of people, that of necessity must resort to the place where the general assemblies will be convened, and where the council and supreme court of justice for this his Majesty's colony and dominion will be held and kept:
And forasmuch as the place commonly called and known by the name of the Middle Plantation hath been found by constant experience, to be healthy, and agreeable to the 122 constitutions of the inhabitants of this his Majesty's colony and dominion, having the natural advantage of a serene and temperate air, dry and Champaign land, and plentifully stored with wholesome springs, and the conveniency of two navigable and pleasant creeks that run out of James and York rivers, necessary for the supplying the place with provisions and other things of necessity,
- II.Be it enacted, by the governor, council and burgesses of this present general assembly, and the authority thereof, and it is hereby enacted, That four hundred seventy-five foot square of land, lying and being at the said Middle Plantation, which hath been already agreed upon by his excellency the governor, council and burgesses, of this present general assembly, to be taken up and surveyed, as a convenient place for such uses, be the ground appropriated to the only and sole use of a building for the general assemblies and courts to be held and kept in: .Anal that the said building shall forever hereafter be called and known by the name of the Capitol, of this his majesty's colony and dominion of Virginia; and that the space of two hundred foot of ground, every way from the said capitol, shall not be built upon, planted, or occupied, forever but shall be wholly and solely appropriated and kept for the said use, and to no other use or purpose whatsoever.
- III.And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, and it is hereby enacted, That the said capitol shall be erected and built in manner and form according to the rules and dimensions following, viz. That the said building shall be made in this form and figure H, that the foundation of the building shall be four bricks thick, up to or near the surface of the ground; and that the walls of the said building, from thence, shall be three bricks and a. half thick, to the water table; and from the water table, to the top of the first story, three bricks thick; and from thence to the top of the second story, two bricks and a half thick; the length of each side or part of which building shall be seventy-five foot, from inside to inside; the breadth thereof, twenty-five foot from inside to inside; and the first story of each part or side, shall be fifteen foot pitch, one end of each side or part of which shall be semi-circular, and the lower rooms at the said end, fifty foot long, and shall be parted by a wall, from the rest of the building, on each side or part; which other part shall be divided into four divisions whereof one to be for a large and handsome staircase: That the middle of the front, on each side of the said building, shall have a 123 circular porch, with an iron balcony upon the first floor over it, and great folding gates to each porch, of six foot breadth both; and that four galleries shall be in the room below, that shall be called the general court-house; the upper story of each side to be ten foot pitch, and be divided as shall be directed by the committee appointed to revise the laws: That the two parts of the building shall be joined by a cross gallery of thirty foot long, and fifteen foot wide each way, according to the figure herein before specified, raised upon piazzas, and built as high as the other parts of the building; and in the middle thereof, a cupola to surmount the rest of the building, which shall have a clock placed in it; and on the top of the said cupola shall be put a flag upon occasion: That the windows to each story of the building, shall be sash windows, and that the roof shall be a hip roof, with dormant windows; and shall be well shingled with ciprus shingles; and that the great room below, of each building, shall be laid with flag stones: One part or side of which building, shall be, and is hereby appropriated to the use of the general court, and council, for the holding and keeping of the said general court, and council therein, and the several offices thereto belonging; and the other part or side of the said building, shall be and is hereby appropriated to the use of the house of burgesses, and officers thereof, and to no other use or uses whatsoever.
- IV.And be it further enacted, by the authority aforesaid, and it is hereby enacted, That the committee appointed for the revisal of the laws, are hereby impowered and required from time to time, to inspect and oversee the said building, until it shall be finished, and to covenant and agree with such and so many undertakers or overseer of the said building as they shall think fit, and to give such necessary orders and directions therein, from time to time, as they shall see causes for the parrying on, furtherance and finishing of the said work, according to the aforesaid rules and dimensions; and that the said committee be likewise empowered, by virtue of this act, on the public account and risque, to send for, out of England, iron-work, glass, paint, stone and all other materials, as they shall think necessary, for and towards the carrying on and finishing the said building.
- V.
And be it further enacted, by the authority aforesaid, and it is hereby enacted, That the said committee as often as they shall have occasion for money for the uses aforesaid, shall, from time to time, apply themselves to the 124 governor, or commander in chief, for the time being, to issue out his warrant to the treasurer of this his majesty's colony and dominion, requiring him to pay so much money as they shall have occasion for, not exceeding the sum of two thousand pounds sterling; who is hereby impowered and required to deliver and pay the same to the said committee, upon such warrant; Which said sum or sums, the said committee, shall account for to the next meeting of the assembly, and also make report of their proceedings in the building of the said Capitol.
. . .
Executive Journals of the Council of Colonial Virginia Vol. III, page 47.125November the 2d 1705.
His Excellency by advice of her Matys Council signed the following Warrants on the Auditor to he paid out of her Matys Revenue of two Shillings per hogshead Viz
To William Byrd Esqr for Law Bookes & other things for the use of his Excellcy and the Council fifty nine pounds nineteen Shills 8c 3 Vence.
Executive Journals of the Council of Colonial Virginia Vol. III, page 47.November the 2d 1705.
His Excellency by advice of her Maty Council signed the following Warrants on the Auditor to be paid out of her Matys Revenue of two Shillings per hogshead Viz
Upon the Petition of Edmund Jenings Esqr Ordered that he be paid the Sum of Eighteen pounds one Shilling & fourpence out of her Majestys Revenue of two Shillings per hogshead being so much expended by him in England for the Queens arms stained in Glass, and other Ornaments for the use of the General Court house, and Ordered that a Warrant be prepared accordingly
Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia, 1702-1712 Page 142.126Saturday November the Third 1705.
The Petition of Miles Cary, William Buckner and William Robertson Gent. Attorneys of Colo Francis Nicholson praying That The Said Colo Nicholson May be Reimbursed. The Sume of Eleven Pounds Thirteen Shillings Sterling Which he Expended in procureing The queens Picture being Referred from the Councill was Read.
Ordered That the Consideration of The Said Petition be Referred to The Committee of Publick Claims to Report Their Opinions Therein
The Petition of Thomas Ballard Gent. praying allowance for five Days Attendance to Inspect & oversee the Building of The Capitol- And
The Petition of Thos Barbar Gent. praying Allowance for Six days Attendance to Inspect & oversee The Building of the Capitol.
Legislative Journals of the Council of Colonial Virginia Vol. III, page 1543-1544 (Appendix).1705.
To the honble Genll Assembly
Miles Cary Wm Buckner & Wm Robertson Attorneys of Collo Francis Nicholson
Humbly shew
That the sd Collo Nicholson while Governor here did procure the favour of her Majesty to bestow her Royal picture, and arms to be set up in the Capitol That for the passing of orders of Council and other warrants, and for defraying the charges in puting the said picture and arms on Ship board the said Governor Nicholson by Mr. Thraile his sollicitor expended the Sum of Eleven Pounds thirteen shillings st as by an accot herewith produced may appear
Wherefore the said Attorneys in behalf of the sd Collo Nicholson pray that the said sum of Eleven pounds thirteen shillings str may be repaid to the said Collo Nicholson, it being paid by him for the publick Service of this Country.
And the petr shal ever pray &c
[Endorsed:] Pet of Collo Nicholsons / attorneys / Novr 2d 1705 By the Council / Refered to the consideracon/ of the house of Burgs / Wil Robertson Cl G. Ass. / November the 3 1705 / By the house of Burgesses / Referred to the Cl. G. Ass. / November the 3 1705 / By the house of Burgesses / Referred to the Comtee of Claims / Will Randolph Cl H B / rejected as being no / Country Charge /
[Paper accompanying]
F N An account of the Charges for obtaining the Queen's Picture and Queen's Armes, with two carved guilt frames for her Majties Province of Virginia
1702/3 March 5 For an order of Councell for the Picture 2:12: 6 pd for a Coppy to Comss of Trade :5: For Ditto for queen's Armes to Ld. Marshall 2:12: 6 127 1702/3 March 5 pd for a Coppy to Comss of Trade :5: 1703 Ap: 20: For the Ld Chamberlaines 3 Warrts to Sr G: Kneller Ld Montague & her Majties Frame maker 2:3: pd Clerks Fees :15: pd Chamber Keeper : 2: 6 June 9th pd Fees at Treasury for Counter Signeing Ld Chamberlains Warrt for Q,. Armes &c: Entd :17: 6 July 5 pd gave Sr G: Knellers cheif man, Mr. Bland, Clerke at the Wardrobe, framemaker's servt wth Cartage Porters & Boat hyre to Key 2:0: pd Mr. John Thraile 11:13: 0
Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia 1702-1712 Page 147.128Wednesday November the 7th 1705.
Resolved That The Three Last paragraphs of the Grievance from New kept County in These Words "That... "be burnt under the Gallows by the Sherriff of York County as a Mutinous Seditious & Scandalous paper.
Ordered That The Sheriff of York County Attend on Wednesday next to Burn the Three Last paragraphs of the Grievance from New kent County According to The Resolve of This house...
Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia, 1702-1712 Page 152.Satturday Nov the 10th 1705
Ordered That The Grievances from King William County be Burnt on Wednesday next by the Sherriff of York County in the Capitol Yard:
Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia, 1702-1712 Page 155.129Thursday November the 15th 1705.
Upon a lotion made The Messinger was Called into The house and being askt whether he had acquainted The Sherriff of York County with The orders of This house for Burning The Grievances from The Countys of King William and New kent, answered That he had Sent a Person to The Said Sherriff to acquaint him therewith, and he not finding him at home had Left a Copy of The order at his house; Whereupon it is ordered That The Messinger give notice to The Under Sherriff of York County to perform The Said orders to Morrow between Eleven and twelve a Clocke.
Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia 1702-1712 Page 169.Fryday November 23rd 1705.
Ordered That Mr. wiles Cary, Mr. Robert Beverley, Tar. Hill and Mr. Francis Meriwether do go to The Council and Desire That They will be pleased to Appoint Such of Their Members as They Shall Think fitt to joyn with a Comittee of This house to Consider that further Directions are Necessary to be given Concerning The finishing of the Capitol or The other Publick Buildings.
Legislative Journals of the Council of Colonial Virginia Vol. I, page 442.130Friday November the 23d 1705.
A message from the House of Burgesses to the Council by Mr. Miles Cary & others acquainting their Honrs that the House desire they will be pleased to appoint such of their members as they shal think fitt to joine with a Committee of the House of Burgesses to consider what further directions are necessary to be given concerning the finishing of the Capitol or the other publick buildings.
Resolved
That Philip Ludwell and Henry Duke Esqrs be appointed to joins with the Comtee of the House of Burgesses to consider what further directions are necessary to be given concerning the finishing of the Capitol, or the other publick buildingsOrdered
That a message be sent to the House of Burgesses, that the Council have appointed two of their members to joins with the Comtee of the Burgs to consider what further directions are necessary to be given concerning the finishing of the Capitol who will be ready to meet to morrow at 12 a cock in the Conference Room.
Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia, 1702-1712 Pages 169-.170.131Satturday November the 24th 1705.
A Message from The Council by Mr. Robertson That The Council have Appointed two of Their Members to join with a Comittee of the house to Consider what further Directions are Necessary to be given Concerning The finishing The Capitol & other publick Building Who will be Ready to Meet This Day at twelve a Clock in The
Conference Room
And Thereupon
Mr. Miles Cary Mr. Hill & Mr. Robert Beverley Mr. Francis Merriwether Were appointed to join with the Council to Consider What further Directions are Necessary to be given Concerning The finishing The Capitol & other publick Buildings & ordered That They give Their Attendance at the time and place Appointed by the Council
…
The Petition of Mr. Henry Cary praying That Such further Directions may be given him Concerning The Capitol &c as This house shall Think Pitt; being Referred from the Council was Read
Ordered That the Consideration of The Said Petition be Referred to The Comittee appointed to Consider What further Directions are necessary tee be given Concerning The finishing The Capitol.
Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia, 1702-1712 Pages 174-175.133Thursday November The 29th 1705.
Mr. Miles Cary from The Comittee Appointed to Consider What further Directions are Necessary to be given Concerning The finishing The Capitol and other publick Buildings Reported That The Said Comittee had Come to Several Resolutions Which he Read in his Place and Then Delivered Them in at The Table Where The Same being again Read and agreed unto by the house.
Resolved That it is not Convenient at This Time to make any alterations in The Capitol
Resolved That Mr. Henry Cary the overseer of the Building of the Capitol and the Several workmen Employed about the Same be on Wednesday next Discharged
Resolved That The Two houses and all goods &c Materials now in the possession of Mr. Henry Cary Belonging to The Country Remain as They nor are Undisposed off, Except The Three Negro Slaves Which The Said Cary is to be possessed off According to a Resolve of the assembly at The Last Session
Resolved That The four Master Keys to The Looks of The Capitol in the hands of Mr. Henry Cary Mr. William Robertson and Mr. Charles Chiswell be Called in and Destroyed.
…
Ordered That Mr. Miles Cary, Mr. Robert Beverley Mr. Hill & Mr. Francis Meriwether Carry Copys of The Three Last Resolves Relateing to The Capitol to the Council and desire Their honours assent Thereto
…
A written message from The Council by Mr. Robertson
Mr. Speaker
The Council have agreed to your Resolves concerning the Capitol with an amendment and Think it further necessary That Some person be appointed To Take care of The Countrys 132 houses and material left Therein untill further directions be given at The next meeting of the Assembly
Resolved That The house doth agree To The amendment proposed by The Council To The resolves concerning The Capitol in These words at The end of The Second Line after The word [discharged] add untill The next meeting of The Assembly.
Ordered That John Redwood Take care of The countrys houses and materials left Therein until further directions be given at The next meeting of The Assembly
Ordered That The Messinger go to Mr. Henry Cary, Mr. William Robertson, and Mr. Charles Chiswell, and acquaint Them That This house Expects They will deliver unto him The four master Keys To The Locks of The Capitol which are in Their possession: and after Some Time
The Messinger brought into The house Three of The Said Keys and acquainted The house That he had received Two of Them from Mr. Henry Cary and The other from Mr. Henry Lightfoot, and That Mr. Chiswell declared he had never had either of the Said Keys in his possession.
Ordered That the messinger Taken [take] from Mr. William Robertson The master Key which is his possession and attend with The Same To morrow at The first meeting of the house
Legislative Journals of the Council of Colonial Virginia Vol. I, pages 444-445.134Thursday November the 29th 1705.
Philip Ludwell Esqr from the Comtee appointed to Consider what further directions are necessary to be given concerning the finishing the Capitol &, other publick Buildings Reported their proceedings in the matter to them referred wch he read in his place and then delivered in at the Table.
A message from the House of Burgesses to the Council by Mr. Miles Cary &c others who brought sevll Resolves concerning the Capitol to wch they desire the Councils concurrence, wch resolves are as followeth viz.
Resolved
That Mr. Henry Cary the Overseer of the building of the Capitol & the several workmen employed about the same be on Wednesday next dischargedResolved
That the two Houses and all goods & Materials now in the possession of Mr. Henry Cary belonging to the Country remain as they now are undisposed of, except the three negro Slaves, wch the said Cary is to be possessed of according to a Resolve of the Assembly of the last SessionResolved
That the four Master Keys to the Looks of the Capitol in the hands of Mr. Henry Cary, Mr. W. Robinson & Mr. Charles Chiswell be called in & destroyedAnd the said Resolves were read and agreed to with this amendment, viz That at the end of the 2d line of the first Resolve after the word (discharged) be added (untill the next Meeting of the Assembly)
Ordered
That the Clerk of the Genll Assembly Carry to the House of Burgesses the Resolves concerning the Capitol, and acquaint them that the Council have agreed thereto with an amendment, and that they think it further necessary that some person be appointed to take care of the Countrys houses and Materials left therein untill further directions be given at the next meeting of the Assembly.
Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia, 1702-1712 Pages 174-175.Fryday November the 30th 1705.
Mr. Speaker acquainted The house That The four master Keys to The Locks of The Capitol were broke in hit and Several other Members presence.
Public Record Office, London C05 #1315135Virginia December 24th 1705.
.... The Assembly mett on the 23d of October and proceeded on the Revised bills whereof twenty two are sent up to the Council for concurrence, and of them seven are past there without any amendment, and others sent back to the Burgesses with amendments. 0. But the weather proving very cold about the 24th of November, they made application for a Recess, as yr LordPs will see by the Journal of Council in Assembly No. I pag. 20, but notwithstanding continued their Sitting till the 30th, at which time according to the advice of the Council, I gave them leave to adjourn till the 24th of Aprill .
...E. the Bill for establishing the General Court is passed the House of Burgesses in the same manner as it came from Yr Lordps, & I believe the Council will make no alteration in it, except it be as to the holding one of the Courts in December, wch they seem to think might be contrived to be held at some more convenient time, considering the coldness of the weather at that time of ye year, and if they can find a more proper Season, I suppose yr LordPs will not be disatisfied.
Legislative Journals of the Council of Colonial Virginia Vol. III, page 1550.1706.
Amendments proposed by the Council to the Bill Entituled an Act continuing the Act directing the building the Capitol and the City of Williamsburg with additions.
At the end of the Bill, Let the following Clauses be added.
And be it also Enacted that the four Lot is or half acres arch at the first laying out of the Land for the sd City were laid out & appropriated for the Buildings then erected on the same by Benja Harrison junr Esqr shal remain & continue to the use of the sd Benja Harrison his heirs & assigns & shal not lapse for want of other building thereon anything in this act to the contrary notwithstanding.
And whereas by the death, removal out of the Country or into remote parts of several of the persons nominated Directors in the afore recited Act, and the refusal of others to concern themselves therein, the powers and authoritys to them granted have not been so fully executed as was intended; and it being necessary for the better regulating and ordering the Building of the said City of Williamsburgh, that a competent number of Directors be appointed and continued to inspect the same, Be it therefore Enacted by the authority aforesaid arid it is hereby Enacted that His Excellency Edward Nott Esqr her Majties Lieutenant and Governor Genll of Virginia, Edmund Jenings Philip Ludwell, William Byrd & Benja Harrison junr Esqrs Henry Tyler, David Bray, Frederick Jones, Archibald Blair, Chicheley Corbin Thacker & William Robertson Gent or any five or more of them be and they are hereby authorized and impowered by the name of the Directors for the Settlement and encouragement of the City of Williamsburgh from time to time and at all times hereafter untill the said City shall be erected into a Corporation in manner afore mentioned, to Direct and order the laying out of the Lotts and order the laying out of the Lot is and Streets of the said City where the bounds and marks thereof are worne out, to lay out a convenient space of ground for the Church yard, to enlarge the Market place, and to alter any of the Streets or Lanes thereof where the same are found inconvenient, and 136 also to settle and establish such Rules and Orders for the more regular and orderly building of the Houses in the said City as to them shall seem best and most convenient. Provided always that the Main Street called Duke of Glocester Street, extending from the Capitol to the utmost Limits of the City Westward till it joins on the Land belonging to the Colledge shal not hereafter be altered either in the course or Dimensions thereof.
And be it further enacted that in case of death, removal out of the Country or other legal disability of any one or more of the Directors before named, it shall and may be Lawful, for the surviving or remaining Directors from time to time to elect and choose so many other persons in the room of these so dead or removed a s shall make up the number of ten, Which Directors so chosen shall be to all intents & purposes vested with the same power as any other in this act particularly nominated and appointed
Test Wil Robertson C1 Gen Assembly.
[Endorsed:] Amendments to the bill for / building the City of Wmsburgh / 1706
Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia , 1702-1712 Page 176.137Fryday April the 26th 1706.
A member of the house moving for leave to bring in a petition of Nicholas Humphrey Commander of the Ship Hartwell of London, leave is accordingly given him, and the said petition being read, praying that he may be allowed for bringing over in the said ship twenty tonn of paving stones for the use of the Capitol.
Ordered That the Consideration of the said petition be referred to the Comittee for public Claimes to report their Opinions therein.
Legislative Journals of the Council of Colonial Virginia Vol. I, page 449.Saturday May the 4th 1706.
An Accot of Mr. Cary for several Expences about the Capitol Read & Referred to the consideration of the house of Burgesses.
Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia, 1702-1712 Pages 182-183.Saturday May the fourth 1706.
Mr. Henry Cary's Account for charges about the Capitol being likewise referr'd from the Councill to the consideration of this house, the title thereof was read
Ordered That the Consideration of the said Petitions & Account be referr'd to the Comittee for publiq Claimes to report their opinions therein.
Legislative Journals of the Council of Colonial Virginia Vol. I, page 457 .138May the 17th 1706.
A peticon of Miles Cary Wm Buckner & Wm Robertson Attorneys of Collo Francis Nicholson praying that directions may be given for Conveying the Country houses to the sd Collo Nicholson according to an Ordinance of Assembly read & refer'd to the consideration of the house of Burgs.
Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia , 1702-1712 Page 196.Fryday May the 17th 1706.
The Petition of Miles Cary, William Buckner, and William Robertson Attorneys of Collo Francis Nicholson her Matys Late Governour of this Colony, relating to the Countrey houses, which Mr. Henry Cary was impowered to convey unto him the said Collo Nicholson, being referr'd from the Council to the Consideration of this house was read
Ordered That the said petition do Lye upon the table.
Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia, 1702-1712 Page 196Saturday May the 18th 1706.
A Member of the house acquainted the house that the mace belonging to this house was broke, and moved, that Enquiry might be made, how it came by that disaster, and after a debate thereupon, it was moved, that the question might be put,
That enquiry be made, how the mace cane to be broken
Which being opposed
The previous Question was put, that the said Question be put, and it past in the negative.
Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia, 1702-1712 Page 200.139Wednesday May the 22nd 1706.
Mr. Peter Beverley from the Comittee of propositions and Grievances to whome the bill Entituled an Act for continuing several acts therein named, and the bill Entituled an act for continuance of several acts therein named in part and some other acts with additions (being part of the revisal) was referr'd to be considered, and to prepare and bring in such bills as would answer the Ends of the said bills reported the proceedings of the said Comittee upon the said bills, and that they had accordingly prepared several bills, to wit
A Bill Entituled an act continuing the act directing the building the Capitol and the City of Williamsburgh with additions.
Legislative Journal of the Council of Colonial Virginia Vol. I, page 485.Friday June 21st 1706.
A message from the Burgesses to the Council by Mr. Miles Cary & others who brought several Orders of the house relating to the Capitol, to wch they desire the Councils concurrence, wch Orders are as follows
Ordered
That Mr. Henry Cary do convey and make over unto Collo Nicholson the Country houses in the City of Williamsburgh according to the ordinance of AssemblyOrdered
That all the Materials and Utensils belonging to the Capitol which are now in the hands of the said Henry Cary & necessary for the Carrying on the building of the Governors house be appropriated to that use, and that all the other Materials in his hands belonging to the Capitol be sold.Ordered
That the Sum of one hundred and five pounds due from the said Henry Cary to the Country for the three Negros sold him. and all the money arising upon the Sales of the houses and materials aforesaid be appropriated to the carrying on the Govrs house and that he give account thereof to the next Assembly.Ordered
That the said Henry Cary do fitt up the office belonging to the house of Burgesses usefull for preserving the Records and papers thereto belonging.Ordered
That the said Henry dory do cause the pavements in the piazzas to be taken up and new laid, and that the well be filled up, and the pavement of the walk leading thereby finished.Ordered That the part of the floor above the Steps in the house of Burgesses be made even with the other part of the floor, and that all the Benches therein be made broader.
140And the said Orders being read were agreed to with the following amendmts viz at 21st line at the end add (and that he fitt up the Secretarys office, and Council office with such presses barrs and desks as are wanting there, according to the direction of the Secretary and Clerk of the Council) and
(Ordered
That the said Henry Cary cause such alteracons to be made in the General Court house as seal be directed by the Governor and Council)Ordered
That the Clk of the Genll Assembly carry the sd orders to the house of Burgesses and acquaint them that the Council have agree thereto with some amendmts to arch they desire the Concurrence of that house.
Hening, Statutes at Large Vol. III, page 419-421. Chap. XLIII.June 1706.
October 1705 Session- 5th Anne.
An Act Continuing the Act directing the building the Capitol and the city of Williamsburg; with additions.
- I.
WHEREAS by an act made at a General Assembly begun at James City the twenty-seventh day of April, and in the eleventh near of his late Majesty's reign, entituled An Act directing the building the Capitol, and the City of Williamsburg, it is enacted, that Whereas the state-house where the general assemblies and general courts for this his majesty's colony and dominion of Virginia, were kept and held, hath been unhappily burnt down; and it being of absolute necessity that another building be erected, with all the expedition possible, for the convenient sitting and holding of the general assemblies and courts, at a healthy, proper and commodious place, suitable for the reception of a considerable number and concourse of people, that of necessity must resort to the place where the general assemblies will be convened, and where the council and supreme court of justice for this his Majesty's colony and dominion will be held and kept:
141And forasmuch as the place commonly called and known by the name of the Middle Plantation hath been found by constant experience, to b e healthy, and agreeable to the constitutions of the inhabitants of this his Majesty's colony and dominion, having the natural advantage of a serene and temperate air, dry and champaign land, and plentifully stored with wholesome springs, and the conveniency of do navigable and pleasant creeks that run out of James and York rivers, necessary for the supplying the place with provisions and other things of necessity,
- II.Be it enacted, by the governor, council and burgesses of this present general assembly, and the authority thereof, and it is hereby enacted, That four hundred seventy- five foot square of land, lying and being at the said Middle Plantation, rich hath been already agreed upon by his excellency the governor, council and burgesses, of this present general assembly, to be taken up and surveyed, as a convenient place for such uses, be the ground appropriated to the only and sole use of a building for the general assemblies and courts to be held and kept in: And that the said building shall forever hereafter be called and known by the name of the Capitol, of this his majesty's colony and dominion of Virginia; and that the space of two hundred foot of ground, every way from the said capitol, shall not be built upon, planted, or occupied, forever but shall be wholly and solely appropriated and kept for the said use, and to no other use or purpose whatsoever.
- III.And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, and it is hereby enacted, That the said capitol shall be erected and built in manner and form according to the rules and dimensions following, viz. That the said building shall be made in this form and figure H, that the foundation of the building shall be four bricks thick, up to or near the surface of the ground; arid that the walls of the said building, from thence, shall be three bricks and a half thick, to the water table; and from the water table, to the top of the first story, three bricks thick; and from thence to the top of the second story, two brick and a half thick; the length of each side or part of which building shall be seventy-five foot, from inside to inside; the breadth thereof, twenty-five foot from inside to inside; and the first story of each part or side, shall be fifteen foot pitch, one end of each side or part of which shall be semi-circular, and the lower rooms at the said end, fifty foot long, and shall be parted by a wall, from 142 the rest of the building, on each side or part; which other part shall be divided into four divisions whereof one to be for a large and handsome staircase: That the middle of the front, on each side of the said building, shall have a circular porch, with an iron balcony upon the first floor over it, and great folding gates to each porch, of six foot breadth both; and that four galleries shall be in the room below, that shall b e called the general courthouse; the upper story of each side to be ten foot pitch, and be divided as shall be directed by the committee appointed to revise the laws: That two parts of the building shall be joined by a cross gallery of thirty foot long, and fifteen foot wide each way, according to the figure herein before specified, raised upon piazzas, and built as high as the other parts of the building; and in the middle thereof, a cupola to surmount the rest of the building, which shall have a clock placed in it; and on the top of the said cupola shall be put a flag upon occasion: That the windows to each story of the building, shall be sash windows, and that the roof shall be a hip roof, with dormant windows; and shall be well shingled with ciprus shingles; and that the great room below, of each building, shall be laid with `lag stones: One part or side of which building, shall be, anal is hereby appropriated to the use of the general court, and council, for the holding and keeping of the said general court, and council therein, and the several offices thereto belonging; and the other part or side of the said building, shall be and is hereby appropriated to the use of the house of burgesses, and officers thereof, and to no other use or uses whatsoever.
- IV.And be it further enacted, by the authority aforesaid, and it is hereby enacted, That the committee appointed for the revisal of the laws, are hereby impowered and required from time to time, to inspect and oversee the said building, until it shall be finished, and to covenant and agree with such and so many undertakers or overseer of the said building as they shall think fit, and to give such necessary orders and directions therein, from time to time, as they shall see cause for the carrying on, furtherance and finishing of the said work, according to the aforesaid rules and dimensions; and that the said committee be likewise empowered, by virtue of this act, on the public account and risque, to send for, out of England, iron-work, glass, paint, stone and all other materials, as they shall think necessary, for and towards the carrying on and finishing the said building.
- V.And be it further enacted, by the authority aforesaid, and it is hereby enacted, That the said committee as often 143 as they shall have occasion for money for the uses aforesaid, shall, from time to time, apply themselves to the governor, or commander in chief, for the time being, to issue out his warrant to the treasurer of this his majesty's colony and dominion, requiring him to pay so much money as they shall have occasion for, not exceeding the sum of two thousand pounds sterling; who is hereby impowered and required to deliver and pay the same to the said committee, upon such warrant; Which said sum or sums, the said committee shall account for to the next meeting of the assembly, and also make report of their proceedings in the building of the said Capitol.
Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia, 1702-1712 Page 213.144Tuesday June the 4th 1706
An Engrossed Bill Entituled an Act continuing the act directing the building the Capitol, and the City of Williamsburg with additions was read the third time
Resolved That the bill do pass.
Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia, 1702-1712 Page 217.Fryday June the 7th 1706.
Resolved That the queens arms be painted upon the front of the Cupulo of the Capitol
And then upon another motion made, &, the question put
Resolved That the Queens arms be painted in the same place, where Collo Nicholson's armes are now painted.
Ordered That Mr. Henry Cary take caret that the queen's armes be painted on the Cupulo according to the Resolves of this house
Ordered That Mr. Robert Beverley, Mr. Hill, Mr. Edwards and Mr. Sullivan do carry a Copy of the said Resolves to the Councill and desire their concurrence thereto.
Legislative Journals of the Council of Colonial Virginia Vol. I , page 474.145Saturday June 8th 1706.
A message from the Burgesses to the Council by Mr. Robert Beverley and others who brought several Resolves to wch they desire the Councils concurrence. And the said Resolves were Read & agreed to & are as follows
Resolved
That the queens Arms' be painted upon the ffront of the Cupulo of the Capitol.Resolved
That the Queens Arms be painted in the same place where Collo Nicholsons arms are now painted.Ordered
That Mr. Henry Cary take care that the Queens arms be painted on the Cupulo according to the Resolves of this House.
Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia. 1702-1722 Page 219.Saturday June the 8th 1706.
A message from the Councill by Mr. Robertson, that the Councill do agree to the Resolves of this house for painting the Queen's armes upon the Cupulo of the Capitol
Legislative Journals of the Council of Colonial Virginia Vol. I, page 482.Tuesday June the 18th 1706.
The Council taking into consideration that the Joint Committee of Council and Burgesses appointed last meeting of the Assembly in relation to the Capitol by reason of the adjournment wch speedily ensued had not tame to give so full directions therein a s was necessary, Do now propose that the sd Committee be revived, that so every thing necessary for the finishing the Capitol may be fully agreed on before the termination of this Session.
Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia, 1702-1712 Page 229.146Tuesday June the 18th 1706.
A written message from the Councill by Mr. Robertson
June 18th 1706 Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen of the house of Burgesses
The Councill [having] taken into consideration that the Joint Comittee of Councill. and Burgesses appointed Last meeting of the assembly in relation to the Capitol, had not time to give so full directions as was necessary by Reason of the adjournment, which speedily ensued, do nor propose, that the said Comittee be revived, that so every thing necessary for the finishing the Capitol may be fully agreed on before the termination of this Session
The said message being read.
Ordered That the said Comittee be revived, and that they do meet the Comittee of the Councill appointed for that purpose, as Occasion shall require.
Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia , 1702-1712 Page 232.Fryday June 21st 1706.
The house proceeded to take into consideration the petition of Miles Cary, William Buckner and William Robertson Attorneys of Collo Frances Nicholson praying that directions may be given to Mr. Henry Cary to make over to the said Collo Nicholson the two Country houses in the City of Williamsburgh pursuant to an ordinance of Assembly, and the same being read
Ordered That Mr. Henry Cary do convey and make over unto Collo Nicholson the Countrey houses in the City of Williamsburgh according to the ordinance of Assembly
Ordered That all the materials and Utensils belonging to the Capitol which are now in the hands of the said Henry Cary, and necessary for the carrying on the building of the Governours house be appropriated to that Use, and that all the other materials in his hands belonging to the Captil be sold
Ordered That the Sum of one hundred and five pounds due from the said Henry Cary to the Countrey for the three Negroes sold him, and all the money arising upon the sales of the houses and materials aforesaid be appropriated to the carrying on the building of the Governours house, and that he give account thereof to the next Assembly.
Ordered That the said Henry Cary do fit up the Office belonging to the house of Burgesses usefull for preserving the Records and papers thereto belonging
Ordered That the said Henry Cary do cause the pavements in the Piazzas to be taken up, and new Laid, and that the well be filled up and the pavement of the walk Leading thereby finished.
Ordered That that part of the floor above the steps in the house of Burgesses be made even with the other parts of the floor, and that all the benches therein be made broader.
Ordered That Mr. Miles Cary, Mr. Bland, Mr. N. West, and Mr. William Armstead do carry coppies of the said orders to the Councill and desire their concurrence thereto.
Virginia Magazine Vol. IV, page 34149Boundary Line Proceedings, 1710, Augt. ye 30th.
We met the Carol. commissioners in the conference Roome in the Capitoll.
Executive Journals of the Council of Colonial Virginia Vol. III, page 225.October the 19th 1710.
Upon the consideration of her Majestys Instruction for establishing Courts of Oyer & Terminer for the more speedy tryal of Persons committed for Criminal matters. It is the opinion of the Council that the said Courts be held at the Capitol as the most proper place for the same and that publick notice be given that the first Court will be held according to her Majestys Instructions on the second Tuesday in December to the end that if any persons shall be committed for any Crime Triable in the said Court, they may be sent to the publick Goal in due time.
Executive Journals of the Council of Colonial Virginia Vol. III, page 260.150October the 26th 1710.
... And it is accordingly ordered by the Governor with the unanimous advice of the Council that the said William Robertson be paid the Sallary of One hundred pounds Sterling per annum, out of her Majestys Revenue of two Shillings per hogshead, during his continuance in the said Office of Clerk of the Council to commence from this date, he being obliged to provide at his own proper charge, paper, pens, Ink, Wax, Wafers and all other necessarys for the said Office and Candles for the Council Chamber which have hitherto been accounted part of the contingent Charges of the Government.
Legislative Journals of the Council of Colonial Virginia Vol. I, page 495.Wednesday November the 1st 1710.
A petition of David Menetrie praying allowance of Services done about the Capitol and prison.
A petition of Henry Cary praying that he may be discharged of a debt due to Mr. Micajah Perry for Sundry goods sent for the use of the Capitol.
Petition of Henry Cary praying that his Accounts of charges about the Capitol may be adjusted and Setled. . .
were Severally read and referred to the consideration of the house of Burgs
Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia, 1702-1712 Page 254.151Thursday November the Second
1710The Petition of Henry Cary praying That This house till Receive his Accounts for Allterations Done about the Capitol pursuant to an Order of The Last Assembly
The petition of Henry Cary Setting forth That There is mony due to Mr. Perry and Company for the furniture of the Capitol and praying That The Said Perrys Account may be Received, and...
Ordered That the Said Cary have Leave to Lay before The house The Several Accounts Mentioned in his said Petitions and That he do The same on Wednesday next at farthest.
Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia, 1702-1712 Page 257.Munday November The 6th 1710.
Henry Cary According to The Leave Given him has Laid before The house his accounts of Disbursements upon The publick Buildings Togather with an account from Micajah Perry for The furniture of The Capitol.
Ordered That the Said Accounts with The petitions of The Said henry Cary to Them Relating be Referred to The Consideration of The Committee for publick Claims to Report Their opinions Therein to The house
Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia , 1702-1712 Page 268.152Thursday November 16th 1710.
Mr. Buckner from The Comittee of Publick Claims Reported That The said Comittee had (According to Order) Considered The recounts of Mr. Henry Cary and The Account of Mr. Micajah Perry Togather with The Said Carys petitions to Them Relating and That Thereupon The Said Comittee had Come to Some Resolutions which he read in his place end Then Delivered in at The Table, Where The same being Again Read were ordered to Lie upon The Table.
Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia, 1702-1712 Page 289.153Fryday December The first 1710.
The house proceeded to Take into Consideration The Report -of The Comittee of Publick Claims upon The article for Sallary in Henry Carys Account of Disbursements Upon The publick Buildings
And after a Debate: The question was put That the Report of The Said Comittee be Agreed to
Resolved in The Affirmative, and Thereupon
Resolved That There be paid to Henry Cary the Sume of Three hundred Eighty five pounds Twelve Shillings and Eleven pence sterling out of the publick Monys in The hands of Mrs. Elizabeth Harrison Admrx of the goods and Chattles of Cdr. Benjamin Harrison late Treasurer of Virginia
The house proceeded to Take into Consideration The Report of The Comittee for publick Claims upon The Accounts of Mr. Micajah Perry and Company and The same being agreed unto by the house
Resolved That There be paid Unto Mr. Micajah Perry and Company The Sume of two hundred pounds Nineteen shillings and Sevenpence Sterling out of The publick Monys in The hands of Mrs. Elizabeth Harrison Admrx of the Goods and Chattles of Mr. Benjamin Harrison late Treasurer of Virginia
Virginia Historical Magazine Vol. 35, page 51711.
CAPITOL WALL
Deduced from the history of the General Court Debtor's Prison at Williamsburg. The building originally provided for that purpose was built under an Act of 1711 (Honing, IV, 26) and was described by Hugh Jones (lec. Cit.) as follows:
"The whole (i.e. the first capitol at Wmsbg.) is surrounded with a neat area encumbered with a good wall and near it is a strong sweet prison for Criminals anal on the other side of an open Cost another for Debtors when any are removed thither from other Prisons in each County."
York County, Virginia Vol. II - Deeds, Bonds Page 418.154May 8, 1712.
Rovierre, Claude ) Executors
Chermoson, Elizabeth - widow) Joseph Chermoson
to
Cunningham, David - Barber
Consideration: 5 shillings.All those two lots of land with dwelling house and outhouses which was the said testators at the time of his death, lying anal being in the City of Williamsburg, on the back side of ye Capitol near ye Public Goal, designed in the plot of the said city by the figures 279, 280. [Note : These lots are on Nicholson Street
Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia, 1712-1726 Page 47.Friday November the 6th 1713.
Gentlemen of the Council and House of Burgesses
At the Same time that I put you in mind of Some timely Repairs for the Capitol And of the Trustees for the City of Williamsburgh, being Accountable to none but the General Assembly:...
Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia, 1712-1726 Page 50.147Monday November the 9th 1713.
Resolved That it be Refer'd to a particular Committee to Consider the Subject Matter of that Paragraph of the Governors Speech Relating to the Capitol and the City of Williamsburgh
Mr. Eskridge Mr. Allerton Mr. Soane and Mr. Meriwether were (pursuant to a Resolve of this day) Nominated a Committee to Consider the Subject Matter of that Paragraph of the Governours Speech relating to the Capitol and the City of Williamsburgh And they are to Report their Opinion thereon
Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia, 1702-1712 Pages 232-233.Fryday June 21st 1706.
Post meridiem
A message from the Councill by Mr. Robertson, that the Councill have agreed... to the orders of this house concerning the Capitol with some amendments to which they desire the concurrence of this house
Then the house proceeded to take the said amendments into consideration, and the same being read, were agreed unto by the house, and are in these words, to wit, 21st line at the end add [and that he fitt up the Secretaries office, and Councill office, with such presses, bars and deskes as are wanting there, according to the direction of the Secretary and the Clerk of the Council] At the end add [Ordered that the said Henry Cary cause such alterations to be made in the general Court house, as shall be directed by the Governour and Councill.
Ordered That Mr. Miles Cary, Mr. Bland, Mr. Nathanael West and Mr. William Armstead do carry the said orders to the Councill, anal acquaint them therewith.
Executive Journals of the Council of Colonial Virginia Vol. III, page 135.148October the 26th 1706.
The following warrants on the Receiver Genll to be paid out of her Majestys Revenue of 2s per hogshead were signed by the Presidt & Council
To the attorneys of Collo Nicholson for Charges about the queens picture Eleven pounds thirteen Shillings.
York County, Virginia Vol. II - Deeds, Bonds Page 296. June 18, 1708.Sherman, William - Baker to Chermoson, Joseph
Consideration: 5 shillings.
All that his two lots or one acre of land lying and being in the City of Williamsburg, near her Majesties Queen Anne's Royal Capitol, with all houses, outhouses, buildings, and numbered 279, 280.
Executive Journals of the Council of Colonial Virginia Vol. III, page 203.November the 2d 1708.
Ordered that the Keeper of the publick Goal permitt Francis Biggs a prisoner the use of the Keepers room in the prison & provide him wth good bedding during his Sickness or that he be boarded out for recovery of his health.
Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia, 1712-1716 Page 56.155Monday November the 16th 1713.
The House (according to Order) proceeded to take into Consideration the Report made by the Committee appointed to Consider of that part of the Governours Speech Relating to the Capitol and the City of Williamsburgh
And upon Consideration of the Said Report Resolved That the Capitol be Repaired with all Convenyent Speed and that John Holloway and John Clayton Gentlemen have power to Imploy Workmen to make Such Repairs in and about the Capitol as by them Shall be thought convenyent and necessary.
Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia, 1712-1226 Page 60.156Monday November the 23d 1713.
The House (according to Order proceeded to take into further Consideration the Report made by the Comittee appointed to Consider of that part of the Governors Speech Relating to the Capitol and the City of Williamsburgh-
And upon further Consideration of the Said Report
Resolved That John Holloway and John Clayton Gent be impower'd to Account with and Receive of the Trustees for the City of Williamsburgh and all others Concerned All Such Sum or Sums of Money as have been by them Received for Lots taken up in the Said City And all Such Moneys as have been Lodged in the hands of any other person for the use of the Said City And that So much thereof as Shall be Necessary for Defraying the Charge of Resurveying and Marking out a New the Bounds and Streets of the Said City And for Repairing the Capitol be appropriated for those Purposes And the Remainder, if any be to be by the Said Gentlemen Accounted for to the General Assembly
Ordered That a Bill be brought in upon the Said Resolution Anal that the Committee of Propositions and Grievances Do prepare and bring in the Bill
Ordered That it be an Instruction to the Said Committee that these Gentlemen be by a Clause in the Said Bill Impower'd (pursuant to a former Resolve of this House) to Imploy Workmen to make Such Repaires in and about the Said Capitol as by then shall be thought Convenyent and necessary
And also that it be an Instruction to the Said Committee that it be provided in the Said Bill That if the Charge of Repairing the Capitol be greater that the Moneys appropriated for that purpose will pay and Satisfy that what Such Appropriated Moneys shall fall Short of Such payment And shall be Advanced by the Gentlemen Impower'd to imploy Workmen for the making Such Repairs Shall be Reimbursed and paid back to them out of the Moneys arising by the Dutys on Liquors and Slaves.
Legislative Journals of the Council of Colonial Virginia Vol. II, page 596.Tuesday August the 9th 1715.
petition of the Justices of James City County praying that the Capitol Square may be annexed to that County, and that Liberty be given for holding the Courts of the sd County in the Capitol being read
Ordered
That the sd petition be Referred to the consideration of the House of Burgesses.
Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia, 1712-1726 Page 146.Saturday August the 20th 1715.
And upon Consideration of the Petition from the Justices of James City County Praying that the Capitol Square may be Added to the Said County for a Conveniency of holding their Court therein.
The House agreed to the Report of the Committee Vizt
Resolved That the Said Petition be Rejected.
Public Record Office, London C05 #1364. page 241.1571715.
[A letter to the king from the council describing Virginia, 1715 says: "They have been at the expense of erecting a Building which they call the Capitol and contains a handsome House for your majesty's government with public offices for the rest of the Civil Government and cost above £ 10000..." M.F.G.]
Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia, 1712-1726 Page 175.Thursday April the 24th 1718.
The Petition of the Reverend Hugh Jones Clerk praying to be admitted Chaplain to the House was read. -And thereupon
Ordered That he be accordingly admitted
And That he attend in the Conference room every morning at Eight of the Clock and read Divine Service
Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia, 1712-1726 Page 224.158Friday November the 14th 1718.
A Claim of John Broadnax Keeper of the Country Goal was presented to the House and referr'd to the Committee for publick Claims to examine the same, and report their opinion thereon to the House
The House being informed that the Bell to the Capitol Clock is removed
Upon a Motion
Ordered That John Broadnax attend to morrow morning to inform this House by what authority the Said Bell was removed.
Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia, 1712-1726. Page 225.159Saturday November the 15th 1718.
John Broadnax attending (according to order) was called in, and informed the House that he delivered the Keys of the Capitol to 1.1r. Holloway, and that the Bell belonging to the Clock was removed by Mr. Holloways Negros and one Richard King, and then withdrew
Ordered That the bell be forthwith returned
Ordered That John Broadnax acquaint Mr. Holloway with the sd Order and return his answer to the House on Monday next.
After which John Broadnax was called in again and demanded (by order of the House) to give an account of the furniture belonging to the Capitol, Whereupon he answered that the Doors were broke open and the Chairs removed without his knowledge and then withdrew.
Ordered That Mr. Corbin Mr. Blair & Mr. Conway be appointed to inquire what Furniture has been provided for the Capitol, what remains and in what Condition it is and that they report the same to the House
Ordered That they have power to send for such persons & papers as they shall have occasion off and that Mr. Pool attend them as clerk.
Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia, 1712-1726 Page 239.Friday November the 28th 1718.
A written Message from the Governor by Mr. Robertson Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen of the House of Burgesses,
... and some who know how you have employed your sitting this Session, will say that the tenth part of the time Which you Spent in enquiring after a few Leather Chairs and brass Sconces, might have served for compleating the Bills you had begun upon:...
A Spotswood
The Vestry Book, St. Peter's Parish, 1682-1758 Pages 126, 127.160At a Vestry held for St. Peter's Parish at the House of James Taylor,
November ye 18th, 1719.
Whereas There is a Brick wall to be Built about the Brick Church, whose Dimentions are as followeth, Viz: One hundred feet square, To be fourteen Inches thick, four feet & a half above ground, And four feet and half high in the Lowest Place, all Levell, And the Bricks Laid upon a Good foundation with a handsom Coopin Brick upon the Top And Genteely Rompt at each side of the Gates. The Bricks to be according to the Statute something Less than Nine Inches in Length, two Wide Handsom Gates made after the form of Iron Gates w'th Handsom Square Peares (or Posts) for the Gates, with a hollow Spire, a Top and Good Hinges for the two Gates, with Hasps, Bolts and Locks as Good as can be got and in fashion, and to allow 16 bushels of Lime to a Thousand Bricks. The s'd wall to be in all Respects as well Done as the Capitol wall in Williamsburgh.
Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia, 1712-1726. Page 255.Saturday November the 5th 1720.
Resolved
That Mr. Speaker and Mr. Clayton who are Impowered by Act of Assembly to repair and amend the Capitol, be desired Immediately to Imploy the workmen to Close up North Arches in the Piassa of the Capitol
Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia, 1712-1726. Page 268.Tuesday November the 15th 1720.
Ordered
That the Several Accounts of money Expended for repairing the Capitol and building the Governours House, Since the last assembly be laid before this House.
Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia, 1712-1726. Page 273.161Monday November 21st 1720.
Mr. Clayton laid his Accounts of money received for Lots in the City of Williamsburgh, and disbursements in repairing the Capitol.
Ordered
That Mr. Grymes, Mr. Roscow and Mr. Jones inspect and Examine the Said Accounts, and report their Opinions therein to the House
Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia, 1712-1726. Page 282.Saturday November the 20th [26th] 1720.
It hapned Mr. Speaker That I was on Tuesday last in the Piazza of the Capitol and a Discourse was then moved about a ...
Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia, 1712-1726 Page 290.Monday December the 5th 1720.
A Petition of Hugh Jones praying the Sum of Thirty pounds may be allowed to be laid out in Prayer books a Surplice and Cushions for the use of the House of Burgesses when they go to Prayers was read
Ordered That the same do lye on the Table.
Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia, 1712-1726 Page 297.162Saturday December the 10th 1720.
And Mr. Grymes further reports That they had Inspected and Examined Mr. Clay tons Accounts of Money received for lots in the City of Williamsburgh and Disbursements in repairing the Capitol and that they find due from him on Ballance the Sume of Ninty One pounds four shillings and nine pence.
Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia, 1712-1726. Page 340.Saturday May the 26th, 1722.
The Petition of Richard Hickman keeper of the Capitol praying that a fflag and Cushions may be provided for the use of the Capitol and the Assembly and to report the Same with a Computation of the Charge thereof to the house and It is refer'd to Mr. Clayton, Mr. McCarty, Mr. Robinson, Mr. Grymes and Mr. Willis.
Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia, 1712-1726. Pages 350-351.163Tuesday June the 5th 1722.
Mr. Clayton reports that the persons appointed had according to order Inquired what Ornaments or other things are necessary to be provided for the use of the Assembly and Capitol and had made a List of Severl things which they found to be wanting the Charge of which they computed One hundred Twenty Eight pounds Ten shillings Sterling and he delivered the Said List in at the Table where the Same was read.- and thereupon
Resolved
That the Sum of One hundred And Eighty pounds out of the public money in the hands of Peter Beverley Esqr. be paid to Mr. John Holloway Mr. John Clayton and Mr, Archi: Blair to be by them laid out in providing the following things vizt. A Mace, a Gown for the Speaker, and a Gown for the Clerk of the House of Burgesses; and a Bible and Common Prayer book in folio forty Comon prayer books in Octavo, five douz: Cushions of Green Cloth and three douz. leather Chairs for the use of the Assembly; a Bell for the use of the Assembly and Genl Court and a fflag for the Capitol, and that the Said Sum be accounted for to the next assembly.
Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia, 1712-1726 Page 351.Wednesday June the 6th 1722.
That the Sum of thirty pounds out of the public mony in the hands of Peter Beverly Esqr. Be paid to Mr. John Holloway Mr. John Clayton and Mr. Arch: Blair to be by them laid out in providing the following Particulars for the use of the Council and Gen. Court vizt.
A Gown for the Clerk of the General Assembly
A Lustre for the Council Chamber
A Lustre of Less Size
A large glass Lanthorn and four glass branches for the General Court and thirteen Cushions of green Cloth.And that the Said Sum be accounted for the next Assembly.
Legislative Journals of the Council of Colonial Virginia Vol. II, page 681.164Wednesday June the 6th 1722.
Resolved
That the Sum of thirty pounds out of the publick money in the hands of Peter Beverly Esqr, be paid to Mr. John Holloway, Mr. John Clayton and Mr. Archibald Blair to be by them laid out in providing the following particulars for the use of the Council and General Court viz a Gown for the Clerk of the General Assembly, a Lustre for the Council Chamber, a Lustre of less Size a large Glass Lanthern and four glass branches for the General Court and thirteen Cushions of Green Cloth And that the said Sum be accounted for to the next Assembly.
Legislative Journals of the Council of Colonial Virginia Vol. II, page 681.Wednesday June the 6th 1722.
Resolved
That the Sum. of One hundred and eighty pounds out of the publick money in the hands of Peter Beverley Esqr be paid to Mr. John Holloway, Mr. John Clayton & Mr. Archibald Blair, to be by them laid out in providing the following things viz A Mace, a Gown, for the Speaker and a Gown for the Clerk of the House of Burgesses, a Bible and Common prayer book in folio, forty common prayer books in Octavo, five dozen Cushions of Green Cloth and three dozen Leather Chairs for the use of the Assembly, a Bell for the use of the Assembly and General Court and a flagg for the Capitol, and that the said Sum be accounted for the next Assembly.
Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia, 1712-1726 Page 368.Saturday May the 18th 1723.
Ordered
That Mr. John Holloway Mr. John Clayton & Mr. Archibald Blair to whom the sum. of Two hundred and ten pounds by a resolution of the Last Session of Assembly was ordered to be paid out of the publick Money, for the providing Sundry Ornaments and other things for the use of the Assembly General Court and Council do employ the said Sum according to the said Resolution and Account to the next session of Assembly.
Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia, 1712-1726 Page 385.165Saturday June the 8th 1723
The House upon a Motion took into Consideration the Insolent Behaviour of Wm. Hopkins at the bar of the House and his Contempt of the Authority of the House Yesterday.
Ordered
That the said Wm. Hopkins be led thro' the Town in Custody of the messenger by the Door Keepers of this rouse Attended by the Constables of the Town, from the Capitol Gate to the College Gate and back again with an Inscripsion in great Letters pind upon his Breast in the following words...
Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia, 1712-1726 Page 387.Wednesday June the 12th 1723.
Ordered That Mr. John Holloway and Mr. John Clayton who have the care of Repairing the Capitol do cause all the windows in the Chambers upon the first and Second floor of the Capitol to be made to run with Leads and that the Charge thereof be paid of the public money now in the hands of Peter Beverley Esqr: Treasurer of Virginia-
Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia, 1712-1726 Page 390.166Fryday June the 14th 1723.
A WRITTEN Message from the Governor and Council was delivered by Mr. Robertson as follows
Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen of the House of Burgesses
A Memorial having been laid before us by John Carter Esqr Secretary of this Colony Setting forth the Danger to which the Records and papers in his Office are Exposed by the Damps in that Office Occasioned for want of Chimneys therein, We think it proper to Signifie to your House That we are of Opinion the Building Chimneys to that and the other Offices kept in the Capitol is Absolutely necessary for the preservation of the Records and recommend to your House to take proper Measures for that purpose and for defraying the Necessary Charge thereof.
And the said Memorial being read Resolved That Mr. John Holloway Mr. John Clayton and Archibald Blair be Impowered to agree with workmen to build stacks of Chimneys with two Fire places in each Chimney at the North end of the Capitol And that the Charge thereof be defrayed out of the public Money in the hands of Peter Beverley Esqr.
Legislative Journals of the Council of Colonial Virginia Vol. II, page 703.Wednesday June 19th 1723.
Resolved
That Mr. John Holloway, Mr. John Clayton &, Mr. Archibald Blair be impowered to agree wth Workmen to build two Stacks of Chimneys with two fire places in each Chimny, at the North End of the Capitol & that the charge thereof be defrayed out of the publick money in the Hands of Peter Beverley Esqr Treasurer.Ordered
That Mr. John Holloway and Mr. John Clayton who have the care of repairing the Capitol, do cause all the Windows in the Chambers on the let & 2d floor of the Capitol to be made to run with Leads, and that the Charge thereof be paid out of the publick money in the hands of P: Beverley Esqr Treasurer
The / Present State / of / Virginia / … by Hugh Jones, A.M. / Chaplain to the Honourable Assembly, and lately / Minister of James-Town, &e in Virginia. / London:/ ... MDCCXXIV.1724.
Publick Buildings here of Note, are the College, the Capitol, the Governor's House, and the Church...
Fronting the College at near its whole Breadth, is extended a noble Street mathematically streight (for the first Design of the Town's Form is changed to a much better) just three Quarters of a Mile in Length: At the other End of which stands the Capitol, a noble, beautiful, and commodious Pile as any of its Kind, built at the Coat of the late Queen, and by the Direction of the Governor.
In this is the Secretary's Office with all the Courts of Justice and Law, held in the same Form, and near the sane Manner, as in England; except the Ecclesiastical Courts.
167Here the Governor and twelve Counsellors sit as Judges, at the General Courts in April and October, whither Trials and Causes are removed from Courts, held at the Court-houses Monthly in every County by a Bench of Justices and a County Clerk.
Here are also held the Oyer and Terminer Courts, one in Summer and the other in =inter, added by the Charity of the late queen, for the Prevention of Prisoners lying in Goal above a Quarter of a Year before their Trial.
Here are also held Courts Martial, by Judges appointed on Purpose, for the Trial of Pyrates; likewise Courts of Admiralty, for the Trial of Ships for illegal Trade.
The Building is in the Form of an H nearly; the Secretary's Office, and the General Court taking up one Side below Stairs; the Middle being an handsome Portico leading to the Clerk of the Assembly's Office, and the House of Burgesses on the other Side; which last is not unlike the House of Commons.
In each Wing is a good Stair Case, one leading to the Council Chamber, where the Governor sand Council sit in very great State, in imitation of the King and Council, or the Lord Chancellor and House of Lords.
Over the Portico is a large Room where Conferences are held, and Prayers are read by the Chaplain to the General Assembly; which Office I have had the Honour for some Years to perform. At one Mid of this is a Lobby, and near it is the Clerk of the Councils Office; and at the other End are several Chambers for the Committee of Claims, Privileges and Elections; and over all these are several good Offices for the Receiver General, for the Auditor, Treasurer, &c. and urn the .diddle is raised a lofty Cupola with a large Clock.
The whole is surrounded with a neat Area, encompassed with a good wall, and near it is a strong sweet Prison for Criminals; and on the other Side of an open Court another for Debtors, when any are removed thither from other Prisons in each County; but such Prisoners are very rare, the Creditors being there generally very merciful, and the Laws so favourable for Debtors, that some esteem them too indulgent.
168The Cause of my being so particular in describing the Capitol is, because it is the best and most commodious Pile of its Kind that I have seen or heard of.
Because the State House, James Town, and the College have been burnt down, therefore is prohibited in the Capitol the use of Fire, Candles, and Tobacco.
At the Capitol, at public Times, may be seen a great Number of Handsome, well-dressed compleat Gentlemen...
These Buildings here described are justly reputed the best in all the English America, and are exceeded by few of their Kind in England.
Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia, 1712-1726 Page 402.169ffryday May 13th 1726.
Mr. Clayton laid before the house an account of the money laid out for providing sundry Ornaments and other things for the use of the Assembly General Court and Council.
Ordered.
That the said account be referd to the Consideration of the Committee for public Claims and that they do Examine the same and report their Opinion thereupon to the house.
Saturday May 24th 1726.
Mr. Harrison reported from the Committee to whom the Account laid before this house by Mr. Clayton was referd that the Committee had Examined the same and were of Opinion that the several Charges therein were just and that there is a ballance due to Mr. Clayton of twenty pounds nine Shillings and two pence Current money of Virginia.
Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia, 1712-1726 Page 409.Saturday May 21th 1726.
A Petition of Henry Cary setting forth that he was Emploied by the Supervisors of the Capitol to make new Posts and Gates for the Capitol yard which are ready to be set up and hath by their directions made several other repairs about the building That the fund out of which the Expence of the Repairs of the said Building hath usually been paid is Exhausted and that there are several repairs still necessary to be done and praying that he may be paid for his Services was presented to the house and read
…
Ordered
That Mr. Speaker and Mr. Blair be appointed to survey the Capitol and to order such repairs to be done in and about the same as to them from time to time shall seem necessaryOrdered
That no pine Timber or plank be hereafter made use of for Repairing the said building Except so much as shall be necessary for repairing the ffloors.
Legislative Journals of the Council of Colonial Virginia Vol. II, page 720.170Saturday June the 4th 1726.
Resolved
That the Charge of all Repairs of the Capitol which have been made or shall be necessary to be made between this and the next Session of Assembly be paid out of the publick money in the Hands of John Holloway Esqr Treasurer and that the Governor be desired to issue his Warrant upon the Treasurer for the payment thereof, and that the Accounts of such Repairs be laid before the General Assembly at the next Session.
Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia, 1727-1740 Page 39.Friday, March 15, 1727.
Order'd, That the sum of forty shillings be paid to John Mundel, for providing Wood for Fires during this Session
Resolved, That John Holloway & John Clayton Esqrs be impower'd to make such alterations in the Chamber wherein the Burgesses usually sit, as they think fit, for making more room for the Members.
Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia, 1727-1740 Page 41.Tuesday, March 19, 1727.
A Petition of Joseph Sutton was presented to the House & read, praying an Allowance for Carpenters & Joiners work done about the Capitol &, Public Joal.
Order'd That the s'd Petition be refer'd to the consideration of the next Session of Ass'bly.
Legislative Journals of the Council of Colonial Virginia Vol. II, page 743-744.171Thursday March 21st 1727
By the Council
Mr. Speaker and Gent of the House of Burgesses
…
We also herewith send you the petition and accot of Joseph Sutton for work done about the Secretary's Office & publick Goal: and seeing the like Services have hitherto been defrayed at the publick Charge, we recommend to you the examining that account and adding it to the Book of Claims.
Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia, 1727-1740 Page 46.Monday, March 25, 1728.
Mr. Bolling reported That the persons appointed had, according to order, exam'd the Claim of Joseph Sutton for work done in the Secretary's office &:, public Goal, & were of opinion that he ought to be allowed nine pounds for the same.
Order'd, That the sum of nine pounds be paid to Joseph Sutton, and that it be added to the Book of Claims.
Legislative Journals of the Council of Colonial Virginia Vol. III, page 750.Friday March 29th 1728.
Ordered That the sum of ffourty shillings be paid to John Mundell for providing wood for fires during this session.
Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia, 1727-1740 Page 65.172Wednesday, May the 27, 1730.
Order' d That the small Windows in the end of the Chamber of the House of Burgesses and those in the General Court be altered and made into sash Windows uniform to the rest And that the Councils Concurrence be desired to this Order by the Committee of Propositions and Grievances.
Legislative Journals of the Council of Colonial Virginia Vol. II, page 775.Munday June the 29th 1730.
A Resolve from the house of Burgesses for altering the Windows in the Chamber of the House of Burgesses &c the General Court House.
To which they Desire the Concurrence of this House.
Thursday July the 2d 1730.
The Order of the House of Burgesses for altering the Smal Windows in the Chamber of the House of Burgesses and in the General Court House was read &
Agreed to
Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia, 1727-1740 Pages 157-158.Tuesday, June 27, 1732.
Then a Memorial of Mr. Secretary Carter, was presented to the House, and read; desiring an Allowance to be made for Fire-Wood for his Office:
And after a Debate, the question was put, That an Allowance be made, according to the Prayer of the Memorial.
It passed in the Negative.
Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia, 1727-1740. Page 163.173Thursday, June 29, 1732.
Resolved, That no Allowance be made for defraying the Expense of Fewel in the Secretary's Office.
Hening, Statutes at Large Vol. IV, pages 403-405175August 1734 - 8th George II.
An Act for better regulating the trial of Criminals, for Capital offences.
- I.WHEREAS the trial of criminals, for capital offences, is now different in the general court, from the method of trial in the courts of over and terminer; which have been for some time established, in pursuance of instructions from his present majesty, and his royal predecessors, for the ease of the subjects here, and preventing long imprisonments, the law, as it now stands, requiring no more than six jurors of the vicinage for trials in the general court; and the common law by which the courts of over and terminer proceed, requiring twelve: For settling one uniform method of trial in both courts, and for the better defending of the right of the subject, to be tried by twelve jurors of his vicinage, and for enabling all persons, brought to a trial for capital offences, to make their best defence:
- II.Be it therefore enacted, by the Lieut. Governor, Council and Burgesses, of this present General Assembly, and it is hereby enacted, by the authority of the same, That it shall and may be lawful for the sheriff of the county of York, and the sheriff of the county of James City, for the time being, upon writs to them directed out of the secretaries office, which writs the clerk of the said office is hereby impowered and directed to issue, six days at least before the day for holding every court of over and terminer, to summon, each of them twelve good and lawful men, being freeholders of their respective counties, to appear and attend at such court of over and terminer; which twenty four freeholders, or so many of them as shall appear, shall be for a grand jury: And that it shall and may be lawful for such grand jury, to inquire of, and present, all treasons, felonies, and other offences, cognizable by the justices of over and terminer, which shall have been committed or done in any county or counties within this colony of Virginia: And if any of the freeholders, so summoned, shall fail to appear, and attend the said court, it shall and may be lawful for the justices of the said court, to fine every freeholder, so failing, not exceeding 174 four hundred pounds of tobacco.
- III.And be it further enacted, by the authority aforesaid, That when any person shall be committed to the public goal of this colony, for treason, or felonies, for which such person may be tried before the court of oyer and terminer, or before the general court, the sheriff, or other officer, brining to the public goal, shall immediately give notice to the clerk of the general court, for the time being, of such commitment, and the cause thereof, and the parish, and county, where the fact, for which such person was committed, shall be alledged to be done; and thereupon the said clerk shall issue a writ, directed to the sheriff of the county where such fact was committed, thereby commanding him to cause to come twelve good and lawful freeholders of his county resideing, as near as may be, to the place where the fact shall be alledged to have been committed, before the justices of oyer and terminer, on the first day of that court, or the justices of the general court, on the fourth day thereof, then next coming, and to return a pannel of their names; which twelve freeholders, to returned, or so many of them as appear, not being challenged, together with so many other good and lawful freeholders of the by standers as shall make up the number of twelve men, shall be, and are hereby declared to be, a lawful jury, for the trial of any person or persons, indicated for treason, or felony, committed or done in any county or counties in this colony, before the justices of the court of oyer and terminer, and the justices of the general court, respectively. And it is further declared, That in all trials for capital offences, the prisoner, upon his petition to the court, shall be allowed counsel.
- IV.And be it further enacted, That if any person, summoned and returned upon the pannel, to serve on the petit jury, before the justices of oyer and terminer, shall fail to appear, it shall be lawful for the justices of the said court, to fine every person, so failing, not exceeding four hundred pounds of tobacco; which said fines, herein before mentioned, shall be to our sovereign lord the king, his heirs and successors, for and towards the support of the government of this colony, and the contingent charges thereof.
- V.And be it further enacted, by the authority aforesaid, That no person shall be qualified to be of the petit jury, for the trial of treason, felony, or other criminal offence, in the court of oyer and terminer, who shall not be a freeholder, and be possessed of an estate, real and personal, of the value of one hundred pounds sterling.
- VI.…
Executive Journals of the Council of Colonial Virginia Vol. 4, page 413.September the 14th 1734.
Ordered That ... the three Last Volumes of the Statutes at Large together with twelve Common Prayer Books for the use of the Council be provided and paid for out of his Majesties Revenue of 2s per Hogshead and that his Majesties Receiver General take care the Same be done accordingly.
Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia, 1727-1740. Page 312.Tuesday, Sept. 21, 1736.
The House was informed, That Mr. Alexander Ker has made several Encroachments upon the Capitol Square, particularly in setting a Brick-Kiln upon the Capitol rounds.
Ordered, That the Directors of the City of Williamsburg, take Care to remove the nusance of the said Brick-Kiln that is preparing to be burnt near the Capitol.
Resolved That the Salary to the keeper of the Capitol, be paid Yearly by the Treasurer, upon the Governor's Warrant.
Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia, 1727-1740. Page 315.176Thursday, September 23, 1736.
Ordered, That the Speaker of this House employ Workmen to enlarge the Chamber of the Burgesses, and to make the same more commodious, before the next Session of Assembly.
Virginia Gazette William Parks, Ed.March 24, 1737.
This is to give Notice to the Gentlemen and Ladies, That there will be a Publick [sic] and Assembly, at tine Capitol, on Thursday Evening the 27th of April next: Also several Grotesque Dances, never yet performed in Virginia. Tickets to be had of Mrs. Stagg.
N.B. Several valuable Goods will be put up to be Raffled for; also a likely young Negro Fellow.
Virginia Gazette William Parks, Ed.April 22, 1737.
To the Gentlemen and Ladies, That Mrs. Stagg proposes to have an Assembly, on Thursday the 28th, and another on Friday the 29th of this Instant, at the Capitol; for which Tickets are to be delivered out, at Half a Pistole each, at the Capitol ...
Note, There will be several valuable Things set up to be raffled for.
Virginia Gazette William Parks, Ed.177October 7, 1737.
This is to inform the Gentlemen and Ladies, `What On Tuesday, the First of November next, there will be an Assembly, at the Capitol, for the benefit of Mrs. Cobb. Tickets to be had of Mrs. Cobb, at Mrs. Stagg's s, the said Day, from Ten in the Morning til Four in the Afternoon. Price half a Pistole.
Virginia Gazette William Parks, Ed.October 13, 1738.
This is to give Notice, That for the Entertainment of the Gentlemen and Ladies, Mrs. Stagg intends to have Two Assemblies, at the Capitol; the First on Tuesday Evening, the 31st of this Instant October and the Second on Wednesday Evening, the first of November; for which Tickets may be had of Mrs. Stagg, at her House in. Williamsburg, or at the Capitol the Evening before the Assemblies begin. Price Half a Pistole. Several Things will be set up to be Raffled for.
Virginia Gazette William Parks, Ed.November 3, 1738.
Last Monday being the Anniversary of Isis Majesty's Birth Day, was observ'd in this City with all the distinguishing Marks of Loyalty we are capable of shewing. In the Morning the Publick Flag was hoisted on the Capitol; at Noon the Cannon at the Governor's House were trebly discharg'd; and at blight, most of the Gentlemens and Other houses of Note were illuminated. His Honour the Governor, was pleas'd to give a handsome Entertainment for the Gentlemen and ladies, together with a Ball; and the Evening concluded with agreeable Mirth, in every respect, suitable to the Occasion.
Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia, 1727-1740. Page 350.178Thursday, November 23, 1738.
A Petition of John Carter, Esq: Secretary of this Colony was presented to the House, and read; setting forth, That for the Preservation of the Records, many of which were like to be spoiled by the Dampness of the 'falls, he did in the Year 1723, apply to this House, and obtained their Order for building a Chimney in his Office, and did not doubt but the House would have enabled him to provide Fire-wood; which has been a considerable Expence to him for Fifteen Years: And praying a reasonable Allowance for the Time past; and that such an -Annual Sum may be settled, as may be sufficient to defray the Expence thereof, for the future.
Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia, 1727-1740 Page 356.Wednesday, November 29, 1738.
A Petition of John Steel e, vas presented to the House and read; setting forth, That the Treasurer has only paid him part of his Account, for enlarging the Chamber of the Burgesses, and making the same more commodious, and for repairing the Public Goal; and refuses to pay the Residue: And praying that he may be paid his whole Account.
Ordered, That the said Petition be referred to the Consideration of the Committee for Courts of Justice; That they do examine the Patter thereof; and report the same, as it shall appear to them, with their Opinion thereupon, to the House.
Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia, 1727-1740 Page 360.179Saturday, December 2, 1738.
Then a Debate arose upon the Resolution of the said Committee, upon the Petition of 1.1r. Secretary Carter, to be allowed for providing Fire-;food for his Office, for Fifteen Years past; and that an annual Sum may be settled to defray the Expence thereof, for the future: And the question was put, That the said Report be committed?
It passed in the Negative.
Then a Motion was made, and the question put, That an annual Allowance be made to the Secretary, for providing Fire-Mood for his Office, for the future.
It passed in the Negative. Resolved, That the said Petition be rejected.
Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia, 1727-1740 Page 361.Saturday, December 2, 1738.
Mr. Corbin, from the Committee for Courts of Justice, reported, That they had under their Consideration, the Petition of John Steel e, to them referred: And were come to a Resolution thereupon; which he read in his Place; and afterwards delivered in at the Table; where it was again read: And upon the 'question put, agreed to, by the House as follows:
Resolved, That the Sum of One Hundred and Five Pounds and Five Pence, which the said Steele has already received from the Treasurer, is a sufficient Satisfaction for his Claim: And that therefor his said Petition be Rejected.
Virginia Gazette William Parks, Ed.180November 2, 1739.
Tuesday Last, being the Anniversary of His Majesty's Birthday, it was observ'd here, with great Decency and Respect. In the morning, the Flag was display'd at the Capitol, At Noon the Great Guns at the Governor's were trice discharg'd, And in the Evening the Governor's House, the College, several Gentlemen's and other Houses, were beautifully illuminated. o . . His Honour the Governor entertained a great Number of Gentlemen and Ladies at his Douse, with a Ball, and an elegant Supper. . .
Virginia Gazette William Parks, Ed.July 18, 1746.
On receiving, the News, in this CITY, of the Glorious Victory gain'd over the Rebels, by his Royal Highness, the Duke of Cumberland, an universal joy diffus'd along all Ranks of Persons; the General Assembly being met, and much Company in Town, a Grand Entertainment was made at the Capitol, on Tuesday Night, 'suitable to the extraordinary Occasion by the Honourable, the President and Council, Mr. Speaker, and the rest of the House of Burgesses; to which his Honour the Governor, who continues indisposed, was pleased to contribute very largely. In the Evening, a very Numerous Company of Gentlemen and Ladies aprear'd at the Capitol, where a Ball was opened and after dancing some time, withdrew to Supper, there being a very handsome Collation spread on three Tables, in three different Rooms, consisting of near 100 Dishes, after the most Delicate tast. There was also provided a great Variety of the choicest and best Liquors, in which the Healths of the King, the Prince and Princess of Wales, the Duke, and the rest of the Royal Family, the Governor, Success to his Majesty's Arms, Prosperity to this Colony, and many other loyal healths were cheerfully drank, and a Round of Cannon, which were remov'd to the Capitol for this Purpose, was discharged at each Health, to the Number of 16 or 20 Rounds, which lasted til near 2 o'Clock. The whole Affair was conducted with great Decency and good Order, and an unaffected Cheerfullness appeared in the Countenances of the Company. All the Houses in the City were illuminated, and a very large Bonfire was made in the Market-Place, 3 Hogsheads of Punch given to the Populace; and the whole concluded with the greatest Demonstrations of Joy and Loyalty
Virginia Gazette William Parks, Ed.181September 25, 1746.
This is to give Notice, that for the Entertainment of Gentlemen and Ladies, there will be Earls and. Assemblies at the Capitol, every other Night, during the Court, by their humble Servant,
William Dering.
York County, Virginia Book 20 - Wills, Inventories, page 195.December 19, 1747.
Imprimis. I give and devise unto my two daughters Elizabeth and Hannah and to their heirs lawfully begotten, my plantation at Skimino in the County of York to be equally divided between them but if either of my said daughters should die without lawful issue then her part shall go to the surviving sister and the heirs of her body lawfully begotten, ant if both of my said daughters should die without such issue then I give and devise my said whole plantation to any son James and his heirs forever. I likewise give my said two daughters Elizabeth and Hannah 50 pounds current money each provided the seat of Government should not be removed from Williamsburgh in ten years from this present tine, otherwise I give to each of them but 25 pounds...
James Shields
Public Record Office, London C05 #1326.1821747.
[Gov. Gooch to the Board of Trade, after reporting the mere fact of the burning of the Capitol says: "Considering that the charge of rebuilding the Capitol would be £ 4000; that the Governor's House is so old. and decayed it would require an annual repair of at least £ 100...1" he advised the removal of the seat of Government. The annual report of the disbursements from the tobacco tax shows sums from £ 30 to £ 100 spent on the Palace every year. "We are destitute of a House for our Assemblies and Court of Justice, which with the Council Chamber and Secretary's office being under the roof of the Capitol, we shall be obliged to sit the one in the College and the other in the Town. Court." f. 461. M.F.G.]
Campbell, John History of Virginia Page 96.[1746/7]
In the year 1746 the public buildings in Williamsburg were destroyed by fire, supposed to be the work of some incendiary. In consequence of the destruction of the Capitol, the next assembly, agreeably to summons, met in the college.
Pennsylvania Gazette183Williamsburg
[Thursday] Feb. 5, 1747Last Friday, [Jan. 31] the fatal and ever memorable Day of the Martyrdom of King Charles the First, a most extraordinary misfortune befel this Place, by the Destruction of our fine Capitol. Between 7 and 8 o'Clock in the Morning the Inhabitants of the City were surprised with the Sight of a Cloud of Smoke, issuing from the upper Part of the Capitol; but no Fire appeared on the Outside. Soon after some of the Shingles began to kindle on Fire from within, and immediately a Blaze burst out, which presently reached the Cupola, and thence communicated the Fire to the Covering of the whole Fabrick. The Cupola was soon burnt, the two Bells that were in it were melted, and, together with the Clock, fell down., and were destroyed; and the whole Covering and Roof soon followed: Then the upper Floor of the several Rooms took Fire, soon burnt thro', and descended to the second Floor, and so to Bottom, till the whole Timber and good-work was destroyed, and the naked Brick Walls only left standing, which, however, seem good, except one or two small Cracks in the Semi-circles. During this Consternation and Hurry, all the Records deposited in the Capitol, except a few loose, useless papers, were, by great Care and Diligence and in the Midst of Danger, happily preserved; as were also the Pictures of the Royal Family, and several other Things. The Wind, early in the Morning, eras at Southwest, but just before, or at the Beginning of the Fire, shifted to Northwest, and blew very fresh, so that the Fleaks of Fire, which flew about plentifully, were carried. from the Town, and bur that Means, thro' the kind Interposition of Divine Providence, the Houses escaped the Flames, arid many Families were saved from Ruin.
Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia, 1742-1749 Page 236.Monday, March 30, 1747.
The Governor commands the immediate Attendance of this House in the Council Chamber.
Mr. Speaker, with the House, went up accordingly; and being returned, he reported, That the House had attended the Governor in the Council Chamber, and that he was pleased to make a Speech to the Council and this House;
The Astonishing: Fate of the Capitol occasions this Meeting, and proves a Loss the more to be deplored, as being Apparently the Effect of Malice and Design. I must indeed own it is difficult to comprehend how so flagitious a Crime could be committed, or even imagined, by any rational Creature. But when you have considered that the first mission of the Smoke through the Shingles, was from an upper retired Room without Chimney, or Wainscot; that the Persons who on its first Appearance hasten'd thither to discover the cause, found all the Inside of the Roof in one Blaze, impossible to be extinguished; and that a Fire kindled by Accident could not have made so rapid a Progress; you will be forced to ascribe it to the horrid Machinations of desperate Villains, instigated by infernal Madness.
God forbid I should accuse or excuse unjustly: Yet I may Venture to assert, such superlative Wickedness could never get Admittance into the Heart of a Virginian.
The Clerks belonging to the Secretary, conscious of their Innocence, but apprehensive their early and late Attendance in his Office, might subject them to undeserved Reflections, have, at their own Request, been examined by the Mayor's Court, and judicially acquitted from any Breach of Duty, or Umbrage of Neglect:... I must also do them the Justice to add, that the Consolation we enjoy, in having the authentic Registers of every Man's Property, with all Papers of any Consequence, preserved, is owing, under Divine Providence, to their Diligence, activity, and Resolution; efforts that would have been vain, had not the Mind, at the bursting out of the Flames, changed from the 184 East to the Northwest.
…
The same Public Spirit you constantly exerted, as Fathers of your Country, within those Walls will determine you to apply the most effectual Means for restoring that Royal Fabric to its former Beauty and Magnificence, with the like elegant and capacious Apartments, so well adapted to all the weighty Purposes of Government.
In the mean Time we shall be indulged with the Use of the College for holding Assemblies; and by a kind Offer from the Mayor and Corporation of this City with their new Court of Hustings, for the Sittings of the General Court.
But as these Places can only be accepted and esteemed as temporary Conveniences, I must intreat you to turn your Thoughts to the Repair recommended, to proceed therein with Unanimity and Dispatch; and I hope nothing will intervene to retard the Execution of that most necessary and important Work.
Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia, 1742-1740 Page 243.Tuesday, April 7, 1747.
An Account of old Iron, Lead, and Bell-Metal, saved out of the Ruins of the Capitol, was presented to the House and. thereupon
Ordered That Mr. Benjamin Waller be impowered to sell the above-mentioned Things; and that he defray the Expence of saving them out of the Money arising from such Sale, and pay the Overplus into the Treasury.