Colonial Williamsburg Digital Library

ADD TO NOTES ON SECOND CAPITOL BUILDING:

Copy from PALACE NOTES, pp. 176-177 letter and directions concerning Buzaglo Stove Lord Botetourt had ordered from London for House of Burgessesletter dated London, 15th August 1770 would not have arrived prior to Botetourt's illness and death.

Also copy from PALACE NOTES, p. 219 letter stating that Duke of Beaufort wanted the stove to go to House of Burgesses as his uncle, Lord Botetourt, intended.

Also copy from the VIRGINIA MAGAZINE OF HISTORY…Vol. 62 No. 4, pp. 407-409--p.409, noting "the Speaker's Chair & a large Iron Stove are at the upper End" of the House of Burgesses. The above is from "The Journal of Ebenezer Hazard" who visited the Capitol on June 2, 1777.

I have seen additional evidence concerning the stove's removal to Richmond, and there is certain to be something in the files concerning its presentation (or loan) to C.W.F. many years ago. It could not be placed in the Capitol, as the first Capitol build^ing has been restored; and the stove arrived much later.

Virginia Cavalcade
Winter, 1981
Re: "Botetourt Stove" - page 104

Virginia Cavalcade
Winter, 1981
Re: "Botetourt Stove" - page 105

Virginia Cavalcade
Winter, 1981
Re: "Botetourt Stove" - page 106

Virginia Cavalcade
Winter, 1981
Re: "Botetourt Stove" - page 107

GENERAL

COUNCIL OFFICE ^#10

COUNCIL CHAMBER ^#8

1734 Sept. 14 (Cap. Bk. p. 175) "3 last volumes of Statutes at Large, together with twelve Common prayer books".

Book of Statutes, and Common prayer books represent the books mentioned in the Journals.

HOUSE OF BURGESSES ^#1

1722 June 6 (Cap. Bk. p. 164) "A Bible and Common prayer book in folio, forty common prayer books in Octavo - "

(4)

Bible and Common Prayer books represent the books mentioned in Journals.

All books are old, of early eighteenth century.

CLERK OF THE HOUSE OF BURGESSES ^#3

1705 April 26 (Cap. Bk. p. 112) "Ordered that the Chairman of the Committees give Directions for the Making of Such Tables, fforms, & other Necessarys as the Said Committee shall want".

The walnut table 8' x 4' is a copy of an English original

The forms (or stools) are copies of an English original

The box and chest with drawers are eighteenth century originals.

The table is covered with a green baize carpet.

The standishes (or ink containers) are old of the eighteenth century type.

Portraits	Painted By
George Washington	By Charles Willson Peale painted in Philadelphia. 1780.
Speaker Robinson	By John Wollaston. Painted in the South from 1750-1767.
Edmund Pendleton	Attributed to Charles Willson Peale. 1741-1827.
Patrick Henry	A modern copy by Charles X. Harris

COMMITTEE ROOMS (2nd floor S.W. ) ^{#5 & 6}

April 9 1703 (Cap. Bk. p. 80) "That the two rooms over the Burgesses room be furnished with three Oval tables each nine foot long and Six foot broad - "

The six walnut tables each 9' x 6' in the committee rooms are copies of an old walnut gate-leg table c. 1710 now owned by the Hartford Historical Society, Hartford, Connecticut.

The leather chairs in these rooms represent some of the seven (5) doz: Russia leather chairs noted in the Journal under date of April 9, 1703.

The walnut chairs with stamped leather backs and seats are copies of the Governor Wanton chair, owned by Trinity College, Hartford.

The maple chairs with tan leather are copies of Mr. Luke Vincent Lockwood's chair.

The leather chairs with green leather backs and seats are copies of Mr. Lenygon's chair.

The tables are covered with green baize carpets.

The candlesticks, standishes, snuff dishes, and boxes are old.

NORTHEAST COMMITTEE ROOM ^#4

The oak table is a copy of a table from St. Giles in the Fields, England. The chairs represent some of the seven dozen chairs under date of April 9, 1703. The press is an original 18th century piece as is the oak Bible box.

CONFERENCE ROOM ^#7

1703 April 9 (Cap. Bk. p. 79) "That the Conference Room be furnished with an Oval table fourteen foot long and six foot broad."

The oak table in the Conference Room is copied from a Scotch original with the kind permission of the Trustees of the Heriot Hospital Edinburgh.

The chairs in this room represent some of the seven dozen leather chairs noted in the Journals under date of April 9, 1703. (Cap. Bk. p. 80)

The green leather chairs are copies from Mr. Lenygon's old chair, and the stamped leather chairs are copied from the Governor Wanton chair.

The table is covered with a green baize carpet.

(6)

The candle-sticks are copied from a candle-stick in the Victoria and Albert Museum, London. Tempo: Charles II.

The standishes, Bible box, Bibles and prayer books are old.

COUNCIL OFFICE ^#10

1703 April 9 (Cap. Bk. p. 79) "That the Room appropriated for the Council Office be fitted and furnished with boxes or presses for preserving and keeping Records and Papers - "

1705 Nov. 2 (Cap. Bk. p. 124) "To William Byrd Esqr for Law Bookes & other things for use of his Excellency and the Council - "

1706 June 21 (Cap. Bk. p. 140) "that he fit up the Secretarys office, and Council office with such presses, barrs and desks as are wanting there -"

1710 Oct. 26 (Cap. Bk. p. 149) "he being obliged to provide at his own proper charge, paper pens, Ink, wax, Wafers, and all other necessarys for said office -"

The table- boxes presses, desk, and other necessaries have been placed in the Council Office in accordance with the extracts from the Journals as stated above. All furniture was copied from English originals

The cane chairs are not noted in the Journals but are copies of chairs c.1700.

The portrait in this room is of Sir John Randolph and is said to have been painted by Charles Bridges in Williamsburg (1733)

The green serge cushions on the Chairs are made from modern serge representing some of the "100 yds of 3 yds wide green serge" which was ordered April 7, 1703 (Cap. Bk. p. 80) There is a green baize carpet on the table.

The candlesticks are old as are the standishes. The press in the Northwest corner of the room is old c. 1690. The large chair in the southwest corner if said to have come (7) from the Capitol in Williamsburg.

COUNCIL CHAMBER ^#8

1702^-3/Feb. 23 (Cap. Bk. p. 70) " A letter from Mr. 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 -"

1704 Feb. April 21 (Cap. Bk. p. 93) "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 -"

1703 April 9 (Cap. Bk. p. 73) "That there be provided to be set in the Councill Chamber one Oval table fourteen foot long and six foot broad with two doz: arm'd 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 -"

1704 May 5 (Cap. Bk. p. 102) "for use of the Council Chamber six brass candle-sticks and 4 standishes, etc."

A portrait of Queen Anne school of Kneller has been purchased in England for the Council Chamber. A painting of her arms is being made under the direction of the Herald's College London these two paintings will be hung in the Council Chamber.

The oak oval table 14' x 6' in the Council Chamber was copied with the gracious permission of Dean Inge from the oak table in the Chapter House, St. Paul's Cathedral, London. The 24 caned arm'd chairs were copied from the caned arm'd chair in the Morgan Collection of the Wadsworth Athensaeum, Hartford, Connecticut, with the kind permission of the Athenaeum directors. The large caned arm chair for the Governor's use was copied from the bishop's (8) chair in St. Paul's Cathedral, London. Permission to make this reproduction having been secured by Mr. Francis Lenygon, of New York. The bishop's mitre which is to be found on the crest of the original chair, in the Council Chamber chair has been replaced by the cypher of William and Mary. This cypher was copied from one in Hampton Court Palace England. There are 25 green serge Cushions for the chairs. A turkey work carpet is now being manufactured in England, and will replace the present green baize carpet.

The candle-sticks and standishes are old of the seventeenth and eighteenth century.

GENERAL COURT ^#13

1703 April 9 (Cap. Bk. p. 78) "and the seats of benches Whore on the Court is to sit rais'd a convenient height above that.

That the Circular part thereof he rais'd from the Seat up to the Windows.

That there be a Seat rais'd one Step above the Bench in the Middle of the Circular end of the Court made Chair wise.

That the Queen's Arm's be provided to Set over it.

That the rest of the Court be fitted with a table for the Clerk and such 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 East side."

The walnut seat made chairwise for the Governor is surmounted by the arms of Queen Anne. The Queen's arms were copied in England from an original in the Earl's Court College of Heralds, London. The twelve caned armed chairs for the judges and the caned armed chair for the Attorney General are not specified in the Journals. Originally the Judges probably sat upon benches, but caned chairs copies of contemporary English chairs have (9) been placed in the Court for the Judges and Attorney General to lend scale and dignity to the South and of the room. It was not unprecedented in England during the eighteenth century for Judges to use caned back chairs.

In front of the seat made chairwise, and below it is the Clerk's table, covered with a green baize carpet. Two forms with green serge cushions have been provided for the clerks. A table copied from one in the Old Newbury Historical Society of Massachusetts covered with a green baize carpet and chair, with green serge cushion, have been provided for the Attorney General. A bench for witnesses and three benches for the jury have been copied from English originals.

The public have been provided with long forms or benches, copied from two original English long forms purchased for the Capitol, and now in the General Court.

The glass luster, and four glass branches have been copied from an early eighteenth century glass luster. The administrative end of the room is clearly defined from the end used by the public, where a lanthorn (not old) has been hung in accordance with the statement in the Journals.

HOUSE OF BURGESSES ^#1

1703 April 9 (Cap. Bk. p. 79) "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 foot long and five foot broad".

The walnut armed Speaker's chair in the House of Burgesses is the Speaker's chair said to have been in the original Capitol. This chair is the property of the Commonwealth of Virginia and for years has been kept in the State Capitol in Richmond. The chair has been lent to Colonial Williamsburg, Inc., by the Commonwealth of Virginia. There is a green serge cushion in the chair

(10)

The walnut table 8' x 5' is a copy of an English original. It is covered with a green baize table carpet. Four walnut forms with green serge cushions have been provided for clerks, and boxes standishes and candle-sticks have been placed on the table according to the provision of the Journal under dates of April 9 1703 (Cap. Bk. p. 79)

April 9 1703 (Cap. Bk. p. 80)

Under date of April 9 - 1703 (Cap. Bk. p. 79) the benches around the room were exactly specified, and under date of April 9, 1703 (Cap. Bk. p. 80) it was specified that "all the seats in the Generall Court and Assembly Room be covered with Green Serge, and Stuft with hair, and that there be provided Serge hair, red tape and brass burnish'd nails sufficient for doing the same to wit one hundred yards of three yrds. Wide green Serge, twelve pieces of fine narrow red tape five thousand brass burnished nailes - "

Accordingly green serge was woven for the Capitol, and applied to the seats with narrow red tape (tape was used in the eighteenth century with or without fringe) and brass burnished nails. The seats were stuft with hair before covering.

Portraits of William Prince of Orange, afterwards King William the Third and his wife Queen Mary lent to Colonial Williamsburg, Inc., for exhibition in the Capitol.

The Prince of Orange was painted by Sir Peter Lely.

Queen Mary was painted by Sir Godfrey Kneller.

SECRETARY OF STATE'S OFFICE ^#11

1703 April 9 (Cap. Bk. p. 80) "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."

(11)

1706 June 21 (Cap. Bk. p. 140) "And the said Orders being read - - that he fitt up the Secretarys Office, and Council Office with such presses barrs and desks as are waiting there -- "

The Secretary of State's Office has been furnished with the necessary bar presses, desks and boxes as specified by the Journals. The cane back chairs the desk, bookcase, presses and boxes are copies of contemporary English examples.

The small clock is an old one of the early eighteenth century.

The candle-sticks and standish are old seventeenth and eighteenth century.

The portrait of Queen Elizabeth is an original, painted on wood by Marcus Geerhardts. It has been lent to Colonial Williamsburg, Inc., for exhibition in the Capitol by Mr. Preston Davie, of New York.

Preface

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 James, 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:

• 1.Back carbon copy permanent file, Department of Research ' Record.
• 2.Harold Shurtleff. Copy loaned to Williamsburg office and used in conferences, etc.
• 3. Dr. W. A. R. Goodwin.
• 4. and 6. Boston office; one architect's copy, one interior architect's copy.
• 5. A. A. Shurcliff, landscape architect.

1.

Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia
1742-1749
Page 246

Wednesday, April 15, 1747.

Mr. Carter Burwell moved for Leave to bring in a Bill, for rebuilding the Capitol: And after a Debate, the Question being put thereupon, the House divided.

Yeas go forth.	Yeas 26
	Noes 45

Resolved in the Negative.

Mr. Secretary Nelson moved for Leave to bring in a Bill for erecting a building for the Preservation of the Public Records of this Colony; and the Question being put thereupon, Resolved in the Affirmative.

Ordered, That Mr. Secretary Nelson, Mr. Benjamin Waller, and Mr. Carter do prepare and bring in the same.

Legislative Journals of the Council of Colonial Virginia
Vol. II
Page 1000

Thursday April 16th, 1747.

A Message from the Burgesses by Mr. Secretary Nelson that they had passed a bill intd An Act for erecting a Building for the Preservation of the public Records and Papers of this Colony

Which Bill was Read a first Time, and
Ordered
A 2d Reading immediately Read a 2d Time accordingly,
&
Ordered
To be committed.

2.

Journal of the House of Burgesses of Virginia
1742-1749
Page 247

Thursday, April 16, 1747.

Mr. Secretary Nelson, according to Order, presented to the House, a Bill, for erecting a Building for the Preservation of the Public Records and Papers of this Colony; and the same was received, and read the First Time.

Ordered, That the Bill be immediately read a Second Time.

And it was read accordingly and committed to Mr. Secretary Nelson, Mr. Carter, Mr. Hedgman Mr. Beverley, Mr. Richard Randolph, and Mr. Benjamin Waller.

Mr. Secretary Nelson reported from the Committee to whom the Bill, for erecting a Building for the Preservation of the Public Records and Papers of this Colony was committed, That they had made several Amendments to the Bill, which he was directed to report to the House: And he read the report in his Place, and then delivered the same in at the Table; where it was again read, and agreed to by the House.

Ordered, that the Bill, with the Amendments, be Ingrossed.

3.

Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia
1742-1749
Pages 249-250

Saturday, April 18, 1747.

A Message from the Council, by Mr. Walthoe:

…
And they have agreed to the Bill, intituled, An Act, for erecting a Building for the Preservation of the Public Records and Papers of this Colony, with an Amendment; to which they desire the Concurrence of this House. The House took the Said Amendment into their immediate Consideration; and the same being read, was disagreed to by the House.

Ordered, That Mr. Carter do go up with a message to the Council, and acquaint them, That this House cannot agree to the Amendment by them proposed to the said Bill; and desire they will pass the Bill, without the Amendment.

A Message from the Council, by Mr. Walthoe:

That they insist on their Amendment to the Bill, intituled, An Act, for erecting a building for the Preservation of the Public Records and Papers of this Colony; and desire this House will pass the Bill, with the Amendment.

The House took the said Message into their immediate Consideration; and thereupon

Resolved, That this House doth adhere to their Disagreement to the said Amendment.

Ordered, That Mr. Bland do go up with a Message to the Council, and acquaint them therewith.

A Message from the Council, by Mr. Walthoe:

That they desire an immediate free Conference, upon the subject Matter of their Amendment to the Bill, intituled, An Act, for erecting a Building for the Preservation of the Public Records and Papers of this Colony; and have appointed Three of their Members Managers, to meet such Members as shall be appointed Conferees by this House, in the Room adjoining to the Council Chamber.

4.

Resolved, That the House doth agree to the said Conference.

Ordered, That Mr. Richard Randolph, Mr. Carter, Mr. Bland, Mr. Beverley, Mr. Braxton, and Mr. Whiting, do acquaint the Council therewith; and that they are appointed Managers for this House, and are ready to enter upon an immediate Conference with the Managers by them appointed: and they withdrew accordingly; and being returned, Mr. Randolph reported the Conference.

Resolved, That a Conference be desired with the Council, upon the subject Matter of the last conference; and that the Managers for this House acquaint the Managers for the Council, that some of the Reasons by them given for the councils insisting on their Amendment to the Bill, intituled, an Act, for erecting a building for the Preservation of the Public Records and Papers of this Colony, appear to be so very extraordinary and foreign to the Purpose, that this House doth expect they will, according to the regular Method, deliver them in Writing.

Ordered, That the Managers of the last Conference do manage this; and that they do go up to the Council and desire a Conference, pursuant to the Resolution for that Purpose.

And the Managers withdrew; and being returned,

Mr. Randolph reported, That the Conferees for the House had met the Conferees for the Council, and had acquainted them with the Resolution of this House; and that they answered, they would inform the Council of it.

A message from the Council by Mr. Walthoe:

That They desire an immediate Conference, upon the subject Matter of the last Conference.

Resolved
That this House doth agree to the said Conference.

Ordered, That the Managers of the last Conference do manage this; and that they acquaint the Council, that this House have agreed to the Conference by them desired.

And the Managers withdrew; and being returned,

Mr. Randolph reported, That the Managers for this House had met the Managers for the Council, who told them that the Council were of Opinion, That the Reasons given by their Managers at the first Conference, for their insisting on their Amendment to the Bill, For erecting a building for the Preservation of the Public Records and Papers of this Colony were so plain and short, that it was unnecessary to commit them to writing.

5.

Resolved, Nemine Contradicente,

That it is the constant Practice of Parliament, at the first Conference on any Matter, to deliver the Reasons for agreeing or disagreeing to such Matter, in Writing; and that the Council, in refusing to do so, have departed from that Practice; and thereby interrupted the Harmony which has, and always ought, to subsist between them and this House.

6.

Legislative Journals of the Council of Colonial Virginia
Vol. II
Page 1001

Saturday April 18th

A Message from the Burgesses by Mr. Carter that they had consider'd the Ament propos'd by the Council to the Bill intd An Act for erecting a building for the Preservation of the public Records &c. and had disagreed to the same and desired the Council would pass it without any Amendment.

The Council having taken the same into their Consideration

Order'd
That the Clerk of the Genl Assy go down & acqt the Burgesses that the Council insist upon their Amendment, and desire they will recede from their Disagreement, & pass the Bill with their Amendment.

A Message from the Burgesses by Mr. Bland that they adhere to their Disagreement to the Amendmt propos'd by the Council and insisted upon by them to the bill intd An Act for erecting a Building for the Preservation of the public Records &c.

Order'd
That the Clerk of the Genl Assy go down and acquaint the Burgesses that the Council desire an immediate free Conference with the Burgesses in the Room adjoining the Council Chamber on the Subject Matter of the Council's Amendment to the Bill intd An Act for erecting a Building for the Preservation of the public Records &c and have appointed three of their Members to manage the sd conference with such a Number of the Burgesses as the House shall think fit.

A Message from the Burgesses by Mr. Richd Randolph that the House agreed to the Conference desir'd by their Honours and had appointed Six of their Members to manage the sd Conference who will be ready at the Place appointed.

Order'd
That John Grymes, Wm Nelson, Esqrs & Wm Dawson Clk. Be appointed managers of the Conference.

John Grymes Esq: from the Conference with the Burgesses reported that they had met the Burgesses and acquainted them with their Reasons for insisting on the Amendment to the bill intd An Act for erecting a Building for the Preservation of the public Records &c and that the Burgesses answer'd they would report the same to their House.

7.

A Message from the Burgesses by Mr. Ricd Randolph, that they desire an immediate Conference on the Subject of their last Conference.

John Grymes Esq: from the Conference reported that the Burgesses desir'd the Council's Reasons for insisting on their Amendment in Writing.

Order'd
That the Clerk of the Genl Assy go and acquaint the Burgesses that the Council desire an Immediate Conference on the Subject of their Last Conference

A Message by Mr. Ricd Randolph that the burgesses agreed to the said Conference.

John Grymes Esq: from the Conference reported that they had inform'd the Burgesses that the Reasons they offer'd at the former Conference for insisting on their Amendment were so short and plain that the council did not think it Necessary To give them in Writing.

Mr. Whiting brought up the inroll'd Bills to be Examin'd by their Honours.

The Burgesses not having desir'd any further Conference on the Subject of their last

Ordered
That the Clerk of the Genl Assy go down and acquaint them that the Council Adhere to their Amendment to the Bill intd An Act for erecting a Building for the Preservation of the public Records &c.

8.

Journals of the House of Burgesses
1742-1749
Pages 250-251

Saturday, April 18, 1747.

The Governor…then made the following Speech:

Gentlemen of the Council, Mr. Speaker, and Gentlemen of the House of Burgesses,

IT is certainly my Duty, and has always been my Endeavour, to conciliate the various Opinions with which, in many, if not in all Cases, the Welfare of the Country is unavoidably embarrassed.

BUT Reconciliation, laudible as it sounds, has its Limits; and must, in all Disputes, relating to the Public good, be confined to the Judgment every Member makes of the Prudence of the Means offered to promote it; the undoubted Privilege of both Houses.

AND forasmuch as no other Cause can, or ought, to be assigned, for the diversity of Sentiments in the momentous Struggle, to extend the Commerce and quicken the Prosperity of the Colony, by removing, with those Views, the Seat of Government, to a more commodious Situation; Moderation should have disarmed Resentment, and induced a Compliance to relieve the General Misfortune you were summoned to redress.

THE Miscarriage of so important a Bill, you must allow me to say, can be no solid Excuse for leaving his Majesty unprovided with a proper Place for holding his Courts of Law; nor justify the seeming Disregard to the Honour of the Crown, and the pressing Distress of the Subject in their legal Prosecutions.

BUT as I must now acquiesce under the Disappointment of having called you together to so little Purpose; I shall however, comfort myself with the Hopes, that, after revolving in your Retirement, the Motives and Objections on both Sides the Question, you will, another Session, cordially unite, either in repairing the old, or in building a new Capitol.

WITH wishing of you Health and Contentment, it only remains for me to acquaint you, that I have thought fit to prorogue this Assembly to the Fifth Thursday in July next; and this Assembly is accordingly prorogued to that Time.

9.

Journal of the House of Burgesses of Virginia
1742-1749, pages 256-257

Thursday, October 27, 1748

The Governor…then made a Speech to the Council and this House…

Gentlemen of the Council, Mr. Speaker, 2nd Gentlemen of the House of Burgesses,

…I am encouraged to hope the very pressing Necessity for Erecting a Royal Edifice, which I am obliged with uncommon Earnestness to recommend to you, will, at least, moderate all future Controversy, Indeed, when I consider, that we are not only deprived of commodious Apartments for your Reception, but destitute of a Court for the Administration of justice; which, as our Sovereign's Presence is always to be presumed in the Exercise of his Authority, require Decency in their Structure and Forms, as well as Rectitude in the Managers of their Proceedings; and that these Defects undoubtedly demand the chief Attention of the Legislature; I have a greater Degree of Assurance, that, when this important and affecting Debate shall be resumed, such Motives will induce you unanimously to concur in speedily redressing so extensive a Grievance.

…
This Town being intirely purged from the Virulency of the Small-Pox, We have here a City of Refuge…

These Considerations I freely own, have made Me an Advocate for building upon the old Foundation: And as you have the same right to judge for Yourselves, I must leave them to you to be weighed and discussed; not doubting, if this Reasoning should be approved by the People without Doors, which, from the natural Desire of all Men to Self-preservation, may well be expected, it will, for their Sakes, have a due Influence upon you; whose Propension, I am satisfied, are directed to such Resolutions as shall be deemed most beneficial to the Public Weal; wherein however, the settled Discipline of our Establishment is principally to be adhered to.
…

10.

Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia
1742-1749, pages 283-284
Friday, November 11, 1748.

Resolved, That it is the Opinion of this Committee, That the Place wherein a building was directed to be built, by the Act, passed in the Eleventh Year of the late King William, and confirmed by another Act, made in the Fourth Year of Queen Anne, is very remote from the far greatest Part of the Inhabitants of this Colony, and by Experience has been found altogether unfit for Trade and Navigation; and that it will be grievous and burthensome to the said Inhabitants, if the said Building should be repaired, or continued in the place by the said Acts directed…

Resolved, That it is the Opinion of this Committee, That it will be for the general Benefit of this Colony, That a Building, for holding General Assemblies and General Courts, be Erected in a Place convenient to the Inhabitants , and commodious for Trade and Navigation.

…
Ordered, That a Committee be appointed to prepare and bring in a bill, or Bills, pursuant to the Resolutions of the House; and it is referred to Mr. Carter, Mr. Beverley, Mr. Hedgman, Mr. Braxton, Mr. Wormley, Mr. William Waller, Mr. Lomax, Mr. Fry, and Mr. Washington, to prepare and bring in the same.

11.

Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia
1742-1749, page 294

Friday, November 18, 1748.

Mr. Carter, according to Order, presented to the House a Bill, For Establishing a Town on Pamunkey River; and other Purposes therein mentioned.

The House was, according to Order, called over, and Excuses made for the absent Members; which was allowed of.

Then the said bill was read; and the Questions being put, That the said Bill be read a Second Time? The House divided. Noes go forth.

Yeas 36
Noes 41

It passed in the Negative.

Resolved, That the Bill, be rejected.

Upon a Motion made,
Ordered, That Leave be given to bring in a Bill, For re-building the Capitol in the City of Williamsburg; and that Mr. Ludwell do prepare and bring in the same.

…
Mr. Ludwell, according to Order, presented to the House a Bill, For Rebuilding the Capitol, in the City of Williamsburg: and the same was read the First Time; and the question put, That the Bill be read a Second Time? The House divided.

Noes go forth. Yeas 39
Noes 37

It passed in the Affirmative.

Ordered, That the Bill be read a Second Time.

12.

Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia
1742-1749, page 296

Saturday, November 19, 1748.

A Bill, For rebuilding the Capitol, in the City of Williamsburg; was read the Second Time; and the Question being put, That the Bill be Ingrossed; the House divided.

Noes go forth
Yeas 40
Noes 32

It passed in the Affirmative

Ordered, That the Bill be Ingrossed; and read the Third time on Wednesday next; and that there be then a Call of the House.

Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia
1742-1749, page 301

Wednesday, November 23, 1748.

A Bill, intituled, An Act, for Re-building the Capitol, in the City of Williamsburg, was read the Third Time; and the Blanks in the Bill filled up.

Then a Motion was made, That an Ingrossed Clause be added as a Rider to the Bill; and the Question being put thereupon,

It passed in the Affirmative.

And then the Question being put, That the Bill do pass, The House Divided.

Noes go forth.
Yeas 40
Noes 38

Resolved, That the Bill do pass.

Ordered, That Mr. Ludwell, Mr. Burwell, Mr. Digges, Mr. Attorney, Mr. Benjamin Waller, and Mr. Whiting, do carry the Bill to the Council, for their Concurrence.

13.

Legislative Journals of the Council of Colonial Virginia
Vol. II, page 1011

Thursday Novemr 24th, 1748.

The Bill intd An Act for rebuilding the Capitol in the City of Williamsburg was read a 2d Time, ' Order'd a 3d Reading immediately. Read a 3d Time accordingly, and the Question being put that the sd Bill be agreed to, it pass'd in the Affve.

Resolved
That the sd Bill be agreed to.

Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia
1742-1749, page 319

Friday, December 9, 1748.

A Petition of Thomas Everard was presented to the House, and read; setting forth, That at the Burning of the Capitol, the Books and Papers belonging to the General Court and Secretary's Office, were thrown together in great Disorder, and intermixed with many of the Books and papers belonging to the Council-Office and this House: That he was at very great Labour and Pains in sorting and separating the same; and praying that this House will make him such satisfaction as is reasonable.

Resolved, That the sum of Thirty Pounds be paid to the Secretary of this Colony, out of the Public Money in the Hands of the Treasurer; to be by him distributed among the several Clerks of his Office, for their Care and Trouble in preserving and sorting the Papers belonging to the Council and this House, in Proportion to their respective Services.

14.

Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia
1742, 1749

Saturday, December 17, 1748.

…his Honour was pleased to make a Speech to the Council and House of Burgesses, as followeth:

Gentlemen of the Council, Mr. Speaker, and Gentlemen of the House of Burgesses,

THE strong Desire I had long cherished, of serving the Common Interest of the Government and People with a Royal Court-house, and a reasonable and well grounded Apprehension of another Disappointment in so essential a Concern, were the Motives which induced me to recommend to you, at the Opening of this Session, an Agreement to build upon the old Foundation.

THE Satisfaction I enjoy, in having passed a Bill for that Purpose, is equal to my Surprise at so unexpected an Opposition to it, after so many fruitless Attempts for a Removal: However, as I am convinc'd the Public Good was the Object of your different Views, tho' my Thanks are more especially due to those who concurred in my Opinion; yet, …

Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia
1742-1749, page 328

Saturday, December 17, 1748.

…And the Governor was pleased to give his Assent to the following Public and Private Bills: An Act, for Re-building the Capitol, in the City of Williamsburg.

15.

Hening, Statutes at Large
Vol. VI, pages 197-198
Chap. LIV

October 1748 Session- 22s George II.

An Act for re-building the Capitol in the City of Williamsburg.

I. WHEREAS his majesty's royal Capitol, in the City of Williamsburg, had been unhappily burnt down; and it is necessary that the same be rebuilt with all possible expedition, for the convenient sitting and holding of the General Assemblies and general courts of this colony:

II. BE it enacted, by the Lieutenant Governor, Council, and Burgesses, of this present General Assembly, and it is hereby enacted by the authority of the same, That John Blair, with William Nelson, esquires, Philip Ludwell, Carter Burwell, Edward Digges, Peyton Randolph, Beverley Whiting, and Benjamin Waller, gentlemen, or any five of them be, and they are hereby impowered, to covenant, agree with, hire and employ such and so many undertakers, workmen, and labourers, and to provide, furnish and buy such materials as they or any five of them, shall think convenient and proper, to be employed and made use of in and about such re-building, repairing, and altering the said Capitol, on the old Foundations, and to give such necessary orders and directions therein, from time to time, as they shall see cause, until it shall be finished.

III. And be it further enacted, by the authority aforesaid, That the said directors, as often 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 colony, to pay no much money as shall be wanting, for the purposes aforesaid, not exceeding the sum of 3,000 pounds; who is hereby required to pay the same accordingly: Which said sum or sums the said directors shall account for to the next meeting of the Assembly, after the work aforesaid shall be finished.

16.

Note on bottom of page 15 in copy reads: -

IV Proviso added as an order by House of Burgesses in 1748 has been omitted here, though in the source quoted!
JMH II 10/21/88

17.

William and Mary Quarterly
Vol. VIII, page 2 January 25, 1751 Diary of John Blair. Wheatly shewd me that he had finishd Mr. Skelton's work, but Skelton took no care of it…

William and Mary Quarterly
Vol. VII, page 136

March 1, 1751
Diary of John Blair.

a fine fair day. Balconies taken down. Col. Ludwell kept me up till past 12…

Tyler, Lyon G.
Williamsburg, page 210
Richmond: 1907

April 1, 1751.

…On April 1, 1751, Blair [John] had the satisfaction of laying a foundation brick at the new capitol¹, and in December he laid the last top brick on the capitol wall. About fifty years before he laid a foundation brick of the first capitol.²

Mr. James Skelton had the contract for the building, and the work was pushed so rapidly that, in less than two years' time, the capitol was again fit for occupation…

17.

William and Mary Quarterly
Vol. VII, page 138

April 1, 1751
Diary of John Blair.

Clear & cool N.Wr. Mrs Blair sett off before 7 this aftrnoon. I laid a foundn Brick at Capitol.1 1The Capitol had been burned in 1748[7], and it was re-erected on the old foundations, which were in the shape of an H. The Capitol was burned again in 1832.

William and Mary Quarterly
Vol. VII, page 150

May 18, 1751
Diary of John Blair

Kiln fired at Capl, wind Westly

William and Mary Quarterly
Vol. VII, page 140

May 30, 1751
Diary of John Blair.

A Do. [Moderate day.] Col. F-x &c. dind here, visited Palace & Capitol. Mr. Martin, Mr. Withers & Mr. Wood wth him.

18.

William and Mary Quarterly
Vol. VIII, page 7

June 4, 1751
Diary of John Blair.

Col. Wm. Randolph and his lady in town. He visited the works at the Capitol…

June 11, 1751

Endeavd a meeting abt the Capitol.

William and Mary Quarterly
Vol. VII, page 141

June 24, 1751
Diary of John Blair.

Do. [Warm & dry] they raised ye first Window on Capl Wall.

19.

William and Mary Quarterly
Vol. VIII, page 12

September 14, 1751
Diary of John Blair.

Found the capitol as I left it the 3d. and as it had been for some time before, not at all advanced. September 16 and 18, 1751.

The grt door cases put up

…

September 20, 1751

The grt gate the Burgesses went in at stopt, and begun to be brick&d up. The foundation frame of the cupulo fitted into its place in framing.

…

September 24, 1751.

Layg tricks for the grand steps; but fear.

September 26, 1751

Steps brot in place, but no fasteng prepard.

September 27, 1751.

Mr. Taliafo here; viewd Wheatly's sash work.

September 28, 1751.

…The first stone of the grand stairs of the portico was set today, on wch I stood when but 2 more were laid, wthout cramps. [ramps?]

William and Mary Quarterly
Vol. VII, page 146

September 16, 1751
Diary of John Blair.

Cloudy rainy & cool. Visitd Dr Gilmer & Capitl.

20.

William and Mary Quarterly
Vol. VII, page 146

October 1, 1751
Diary of John Blair.

Cloudy- Delony begn to raise the 2d Floor.

October 2, 1751.

Sunny- raisd 2d grt Timbr & made work for Bricklayr.

October 3, 1751.

very warm. Raisd 4 more grt Timbrs°

October 5, 1751.

Do. Raisd some Timbrs over Genl Cort…

William and Mary Quarterly
Vol. VIII, page 14

November 1, 1751.
Diary of John Blair.

This eveng I assigned to Skelton at Mr. Waller's the bond of Walker's exrs to repay the £500 advanced to him towards his rebuildg ye capitol.

William and Mary Quarterly
Vol. VII, page 148

November 15, 1751
Diary of John Blair.

fair- Skelton fired ye last Kiln for Capitol.

November 16, 1751.

Do Windw frames all fixd in yer places & the Door Cases.

…

November 13, 1751.

Do. my Chimney begn. But 2 Bricklayrs at Capitol.

p. 20
2 slips Clipped on.

#1
"Mar. 1, 1748/9 Rose Diary mentions Walker getting contract for ? ?"
see

#2 see Rbt Rose Diary
"Building of the Second Capital
Robert Rose Diary

[Feb] " [1749] went to Overwharton Church [Stafford County] where heard of Mr Wm Walkers death which will I hope delay the Building of the Capitol

21.

Virginia Gazette
William Hunter, ed.

November 21, 1751.

By the Honourable Robert Dinwiddie, Esq; His Majesty's Lieutenant Governor, and Commander in Chief of this Dominion.

A. PROCLAMATION.

Whereas his most sacred Majesty hath by his Royal Commission, under his Signet, and Sign Manual bearing Date the 4th Day of July, 1751, in the twenty-fifth year of His Reign, constituated and appointed me to be Lieutenant Governor of this his Colony and Dominion, and to execute and perform all and singular the Powers and Authorities contained in his Majesty's Commission granted to the Right Hon. WILLIAM ANN Earl of Albemarle, his Majesty's Lieutenant and Governor General of the said Colony, in Case of the Death or during the Absence of the Said Chief Governor. Now, to the End that the Peace of this his Majesty's Dominion may be the better secured, and all Proceedings at Law continued, and that the ordinary Course of Justice may not be interrupted, I have thought fit, by and with the advice of his Majesty's Council, in his Colony, in his Majesty's Name, to publish and declare that all Magistrates and Officers, both civil and Military, do continue and remain in all and singular their Powers, Authorities and Jurisdictions, until further Order be taken therein: Hereby requiring them to proceed in the Execution of their several Duties, and all his Majesty's Subjects with in this Colony are to be aiding and assisting to them therein, and to yield all due Obedience to this Proclamation.

Given at the Council Chamber in Williamsburg, this 21st Day of November, 1751, in the 25th year of his Majesty's Reign.

Robert Dinwiddie
God Save the King.

22.

William and Mary Quarterly
Vol. VIII, page 16

November 26, 1751
Diary of John Blair.

This eveng I saw the grt steps at the capitol all up in their places.

William and Mary Quarterly
Vol. VII, page 149

December 7, 1751
Diary of John Blair.

warm suny day. Bricklayrs busy at Capitol.
…

December 12, 1751.

fine Day. I laid the last top Brick N. End.

William and Mary Quarterly
Vol. VIII, page 16

December 12, 1751
Diary of John Blair.

…This afternoon I laid the last top brick on the capitol wall, and so it is now ready to receive the roof, and some of the wall plates were raisd and laid on this day. I had laid a foundation brick at the first buildg of the capitol above 50 years ago, and another foundation brick in April last, the first in mortar towards the rebuilding, and now the last as above.

23.

Legislative Journals of the Council of Colonial Virginia
Vol. II, page 1097

November 1, 1753.

At a General Assembly summoned to be held at the College in the City of Williamsburgh on Thursday the Twenty seventh Day of February in the Twenty fifth Year of the Reaign of our Sovereign Lord George the second by the Grace of God of Great Britain France and ireland King Defender of the Faith and so forth, and in the Year of our Lord One Thousand seven Hundred and fifty two; And from thence continued by several Prorogations to Thursday the first Day of November in the Twenty seventh Year of his Majesty's Reign And in the Year of our Lord One Thousand seven Hundred and fifty three, and then held at the Capitol in the City of Williamsburgh being the Second Session of this Present General Assembly.

Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia
1752-1758, page 119

Tuesday, November 13th, 1753.

A Petition of James Skelton, praying a further Allowance for rebuilding the Capitol.

…

Ordered, That the said Petitions be referred to the Committee of Propositions and Grievances, that they do examine into the Allegations thereof, and report the same, with their Opinions thereupon, to the House.

24.

Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia
1752-1758, page 151

Saturday, December 1st, 1753.

Mr. Charles Carter, from the Committee of Propositions and Grievances, reported, That the Committee had had under their Consideration, the Petition of James Skelton, to them referred, praying that he may have a further Allowance for rebuilding the Capitol, and had come to several Resolutions thereupon, which he read in his Place, and then delivered in at the Table, where they were again twice read, and agreed to by the House, as follows,

Resolved, That it is the Opinion of this Committee, That the Petitioner ought to be allowed the further Sum of 500 £. for rebuilding the Capitol; but that 200 £. Part thereof, be not paid until the said Rebuilding be compleated.

Ordered, That Mr. Carter Burwell, do carry the said Resolve to the Council for their Concurrence.

Legislative Journals of the Council of Colonial Virginia
Vol. II, page 1105

Tuesday December 4th, 1753.

A Message from the House of Burgesses by Mr. Carter Burwell, that they had passed a Resolve that the Sum of Five hundred Pounds be paid to James Skelton as a further Allowance for rebuilding the Capitol, but that two hundred pounds part thereof be not paid until the said Rebuilding be compleated.

Which Resolve was Read and Agreed to.

Ordered that the Clerk go down and acquaint the House of Burgesses that the Council have agreed to the said Resolve.

25.

Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia
1752-1758, page 171

Wednesday, December 19th, 1753.

The Governor was pleased to give his Assent to…the following Resolves;

Resolved, That James Skelton, be allowed the further Sum of 500 £. for rebuilding the Capitol, but that 200 £. Part thereof, be not paid until the said Rebuilding be compleated.

Legislative Journals of the Council of Colonial Virginia
Vol. III, page 1133

Monday May the 5th 1755.

On a Motion made and agreed to-

Resolved,
That the Thanks of this House be given to the Governor for his handsome and ornamental Present of his Majesty's Arms to decorate the Capitol, And it was refer&d to Philip Ludwell Esqr to wait on the Governor and present the same

Legislative Journals of the Council of Colonial Virginia
Vol. III, page 1133

Tuesday May the 6th 1755.

Philip Ludwell Esqr reported that according to Order he had waited on the Governor and presented to him the Thanks of this House for his handsome and Ornamental Present of his Majestys Arms to decorate the Capitol, to which his Honour answered he shou'd be glad on all occasions to do any thing Deserving the thanks of the Council, and that met with their Approbation-

26.

Virginia Gazette
William Hunter, ed.

October 10, 1755.
Scheme of Lottery,

This Lottery consists of 25,000 Tickets at 21s. 6d. each, 2050 of which are Prizes, of the following Value: … If 20,000 Tickets are disposed of by the 11th Day of December next, the drawing of the Lottery will then begin at the Capitol, in Williamsburg; and the Tickets remaining unsold will be drawn on Account, and for the Benefit, of the Country; but if there should be more than 5,000 Tickets remaining unsold on that Day, then the drawing of the said Lottery is to be put off 'til the 6th Day of May next…

Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia
1752-1758, page 382

Saturday, April 24th, 1756.

Ordered, That the Serjeant at Arms do go with the Mace into the General Court, and the other Apartments of the Capitol, and summon the Members of the House to attend their Duty, which was done accordingly.

Virginia Gazette
William Hunter, ed.

August 27, 1756.

Williamsburg. Wanted about 280 feet of purbeck and 80 feet of blue Shrosberry Stone for completing the Piazzas of the Capitol in Williamsburg. Any person who can furnish the same, or any part, are desired to communicate their terms, with the several dimensions of the stone they may have to dispose of, to Mr. CHRISTOPHER FORD, junior, in Williamsburg, or to me in Cumberland county. John Fleming.

N.B. The size of the stone that will best answer is 18 Inches Square.

Found

Note in Copy inserted between 26 and 27

Gallery to be built across this house JAB, 1.761-65 p. 233 (1 November, 1764)
2nd Capitol

"On a Motion made, ordered that the Treasurer be directed to agree with Workmen to erect a Gallery across this House."

26-a

COURT OF VICE ADMIRALTY HELD AT CAPITOL IN WILLIAMSBURG, Aug, Sept.1758.

NOTE: See copy of minutes of proceedings of Court of Vice-Admiralty, against the ship Prudent Hannah, captured as a "prize" off Virginia coast,when en route, with cargo, from Rhode Island to West Indies. Cargo, including New England furniture, confiscated and sold in Williamsburg. Mr. Graham, Curator of CWI, obtained photostat copy of minutes of proceedings from the Essex Institute, Salem, Mass. Research Department (M. Goodwin and secretary) transcribed and typed copies of MS-which was out of order as sent to us-bond copy for Mr. Graham, and two in Research file, M.G. office (Spring, 1962) under C-Capitol-Admiralty Court.

27.

Virginia Gazette, Supplement
(Printed by J. Royle, at the Post Office.)

October 31, 1765.

[This week arrived in York River the Ship LEEDS…on board of which came passenger George Mercer Esq. Chief Distributor of Stamps for this Colony. Yesterday in the evening he arrived in this city, and upon his walking up streets as far as the Capitol in his way to the Governour's, was accousted by a concourse of Gentlemen assembled from all parts of the Colony, the General Court sitting at this time. They insisted he should immediately satisfy the company (which constantly increased) whether he intended to act as a Commissioner under the Stamp Act. Mr. Mercer told them he would°give them his answer Friday at X o&clock. This seemed to satisfy them and they attended him as far as the Coffee House where the Governour, most of the Council and a great number of Gentlemen were assembled… He was met this evening at the Capitol, the place agreed on, by a vast number of gentlemen. Mr. Mercer there addressed himself to them in the following manner:… This declaration gave such general satisfaction that he was immediately born out of the Capitol gate° There he was conducted to a public house and an elegant entertainment ordered to be provided. M.F.G.]

28.

Public Record Office, London
C05 #1331, 137

Wmsburgh
Novr. 3d 1765.

My Lords-
The present unhappy State of this Colony will, to my great concern, oblige me to trouble your Lordships with a long and very disagreeable Letter. We were for some time, in almost daily expectations of the arrival of Colonel Mercer with the Stamps for the use of this Colony. And Rumours were industriously thrown out that at the Time of the General Court, parties would come down from most parts of the Country to seize on, and destroy all Stamp&d papers. At these Courts persons engaged in Business of any kind constantly attend, as well as those who have Suits depending before the Court; it being the Time when all accompts of Transactions of moment, are settled, payments made, and Bills of Exchange on Great Britain are drawn; so that there is always a vast Concourse of people then in Town. These Rumours were little regarded or credited.

The first disagreeable thing that happened, was the application to me in Council from two Counties by memorials or petitions, that I would order new Commissions to be made out for their respective Counties, as the present Justices were determined not to act, after the Day the Act directing Stamped papers to be used in the processes of their Courts took place. These were ordered to lie on the Table, In order for your Lordships to judge of the propriety of that Conduct in the Council, it will be necessary to observe to you, that in a few Counties there are Gentlemen enough properly educated and qualified to execute that Trust…

Very unluckily Colonel Mercer arrived at the time this Town was the fullest of Strangers. On Wednesday the 30th October he came up to Town. I then thought proper to go to the Coffee house (where I occasionally sometimes go) which is situated in that part of the Town which is call&d the Exchange tho& an open street, where all money Business is transacted. My Particular Reason for going then was, that I might be an Eye witness of what did really pass, and not receive it by Relation from others. The mercantile people were all assembled as usual, the first word I heard was "One and All"…

29.

…This Concourse of people I should call a Mob, did I not know it was chiefly if not altogether composed, of, Gentlemen of property in the Colony some of them at the Head of their Respective Counties, and the Merchants of the Country, whether English, Scotch, or Virginians, for few absented themselves. They met Colonel Mercer on the Way just at the Capitol, there they stop&d and demanded of him an Answer whether he would Resign or not in his office as Distributor of the Stamps. He said it was an affair of great moment to him, he must consult his friends, and promise to give them an answer at 10 o&clock on Friday morning at that place. This did not satisfy them, and they followed him to the Coffee House in the porch of which I had seated myself with many of the Council and the Speaker who had posted himself between the crowd and myself. We all received him with the greates Marks of Welcome; with wch, if one may be allowed to judge by their Countenances they were not well pleased, tho& they remained quiet and were silent… After some little time, a cry was heard "let us rush in" upon this we, that were at the Top of the Steps, knowing the advantage our situation gave us to repell those who should attempt to mount them, advanced to the Edge of the Steps, of which number I was one. I immediately heard a Cry see the Governor, take care of him, those who before were pushing up the Steps immediately fell back and left a small Space between me and them…

Accordingly Mr. Mercer appeared at the Capitol at 5 as he had promised. The number of people assembled there was much increased by messengers having been sent into the neighborhood for that purpose. Colonel Mercer then read to them the answer which is printed in the Supplement of the Gazette of which I inclose your Lordship's a copy to which I beg leave to refer…

30.

Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia
1766-1769, page 47

Tuesday, the 2nd of December, 7 Geo. III. 1766.

On a Motion made,
Ordered, That a Committee be appointed to inquire into the State of the Clerk's Office of this House, and to consist of the following persons: Mr. Bland, Mr. Richard Lee, Mr. Pendleton, Mr. Landon Carter, Mr. Bowler Cocke, Mr. Carrington, and Mr. Henry.

Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia
1766-1769, page 51

Thursday, the 4th of December,
7 Geo. 1766.

Mr. Landon Carter reported that the Persons appointed to examine into the State of the Clerk's Office of this House had duly attended the said Office, and carefully inspected the State thereof, and had agreed upon a report; which he read in his Place, and then delivered in at the Table, where it was again twice read, and agreed to by the House as follows:

It appears to your Committee that the several Records and Papers in the Office are kept in as good a State of Preservation as Manuscripts presumptively can be, the several Cases containing the same are under good Locks and Keys, in which every Record and Paper is carefully and distinctly deposited, except as to One Press, containing sundry old Papers, which though bundled up appear in the same disordered indigested State in which they were saved in the Time of the burning of the Capitol; as to the Journals before the Year 1752, many of the Volumes appear to have endured the Inconveniences, and indeed Destructions, that Time generally effects on Manuscripts, and since the Year 1752 the several Journals are preserved in printed and bound Books, kept for the Use of the Assembly; but that the ancient Minutes of the Office before the Year 1752, from which the Journals have been transcribed into the Volumes as before, are in a very perishing condition.

31.

Virginia Gazette
Purdie & Dixon, eds.

June 20, 1766.

On Friday last…our gratitude and thankfulness upon the joyful occasion of the repeal of the Stamp Act…was manifested here by general illuminations, and a ball and elegant entertainment at the Capitol, at which was present his Honour the Governour, many of the Members of his Majesty's Council, and a large and genteel company of Ladies and Gentlemen, who spent the evening with much mirth and decorum, and drank all the loyal and patriotick toasts.
…

Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia
1766-1769, page 61

Wednesday, the 10th of December,
7 Geo. III. 1766.

A Petition of the Door-Keeper of this House, praying to be allowed a Suit of Clothes, was presented to the House and read.

Ordered, That the Treasurer be directed to cause the said Petitioners to be provided with decent Clothes and Badges.

Virginia Gazette
William Rind, ed.

Thursday, March 12, 1767.
WILLIAMSBURG, March 12,

This Day the GENERAL ASSEMBLY of this Colony met at the Capitol, agreeable to their Adjournment of the 16th of December last.

32.

Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia
1766-1769, page 151

Tuesday, the 5th of April,
8 Geo. III, 1768.

A Petition of James Cocke was presented to the House, and read, setting forth, that the Treasurer's Office was formerly kept at a private House, and the Petitioner, not judging that to be a Place secure enough for a Purpose of such Importance, did, at a considerable expence, build a House on his own Lot, where the Treasury was held for four Years; during which Time the Petitioner might have rented the same, but chose rather to keep it for the Use aforesaid; and humbly praying the Consideration of the Honorable House, and that they would be pleased to make him such Allowance as, for the above recited Service, he may appear to have deserved.

Ordered, That the said Petition be referred to the Consideration of a Committee; and that they do examine the Matter thereof, and report the same, as it shall appear to them, to the House;

And it is referred to Mr. Bland, and Mr. Archibald Cary.

33.

Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia
1766-1769, pages 158-159

Friday, the 8th of April,
8 Geo. III. 1768.

Mr. Bland reported from the Committee, to whom the Petition of James Cocke was referred, that they had had the same under their Consideration, and had come to a Resolution thereupon, which he read in his Place, and afterwards delivered in at the Clerk's Table; where the same was read, and is as followeth vizt.

Resolved, That it is the Opinion of this Committee that the said James Cocke ought to be allowed by the Public, the Sum of One Hundred Pounds, for the Use of the House in the said Petition mentioned.

The said Resolution being read a second Time, and the Question put that the House agree thereto,

It passed in the Negative.

34.

Virginia Gazette
Purdie & Dixon, eds.

October27, 1768.

Last Tuesday evening arrived in Hampton road, in eight weeks from Portsmouth, the Rippon man of war of 60 guns, Samuel Thompson, Esq; Commander, having on board his Excellency the Right Hon. Norborne Baron de Botetourt, his Majesty's lieutenant and Governor General of this Colony and Dominion. Next morning his excellency landed at LITTLE ENGLAND, and was saluted with a discharge of cannon there. After tarrying a few hours, and taking a repast, his Excellency set out about noon for this City, where he arrived about sunset. His Excellency stopped at the Capitol, and was received at the gate by his Majesty's Council the Hon. the Speaker, the Attorney General, the Treasurer, and many other Gentlemen of distinction, after which being conducted to the Council chamber, and having his commissions read, was qualified to exercise his high office, by taking the usual oaths. His Excellency then swore in the members of his Majesty's Council, after which he proceeded to the Raleigh Tavern, and supped there with his Majesty's Council. His Excellency retired about ten, and took up his lodgings at the palace, which had been put in order for his reception. Immediately upon his Excellency's arrival the City was illuminated, and all ranks of people vied with each other in testifying their gratitude and joy that a Nobleman of such distinguished merit and abilities is appointed to preside over, and live among, them.

Virginia Gazette, Supplement
Purdie & Dixon, eds.

May 11, 1769.

On Monday last his Excellency the Right Honorable Norborne Baron de Botetourt…went in state from the Palace to the Capitol and delivered the following speech to the General Assembly…

35.

Virginia Gazette
Purdie & Dixon, eds.

May 25, 1769

Last Friday being the QUEEN'S birthday, the flag was displayed on the Capitol; and in the evening his Excellency the Governour gave a splendid ball and entertainment at the Palace, to a very numerous and polite company of Ladies and Gentlemen.

Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia
1766-1769, page 253

Monday, the 13th of November,
10 Geo. III. 1769.

Ordered, That Mr. Treasurer do provide a Stove, to be placed in the House.

Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia
1766-1769, page 339

Thursday, the 14th of December,
10 Geo. III, 1769.

A Claim of Benjamin Powell for Repairs to the Capitol was presented to the House and read.

35-a

W. C. Nicholas papers, Ac #5533,
U. Va. MSS.
London, 2 July 1769

John Norton to
Rober Carter Nicholas

…
I have forwarded your Letter to Mr Perks & shall observe his directions concerng 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, wch he says cant be executed there [Bristol?], shall order them here from Mr Oliver & gett them sent out as soon as possible.

JHH

EXECUTIVE JOURNALS OF THE COUNCIL OF COLONIAL VIRGINIA (Photostats] Virginia State Library Archives- from London C.O. 5/1440)

No. 1 VIRGINIA- Journal of the Council from the 14th of June 1769 to the 21st of Decr following inclusive.
…

At a Council held July 11th 1769.

…
His Excellency was pleased to lay before the Board a List of a few Articles which he thought were wanting in and about the Capitol, in which Opinion the Council concurr'd; and it was referr'd to Robert Carter Esquire to treat with proper Persons for those Services.
…

36.

Virginia Gazette
Purdie & Dixon, eds.

December 14, 1769.

Last night there was a ball and elegant entertainment at the Capitol, given by the Gentlemen of the Honorable the House of Burgesses to His Excellency the Governour, his Majesty's Council, and the Gentlemen and Ladies of this city, who were chiefly dressed in Virginia cloth, and made a genteel appearance. The Capitol illuminated upon this occasion.

Virginia Gazette
William Rind, ed.

Thursday, December 14, 1769.
WILLIAMSBURG, December 14.

On Wednesday evening the Honourable the Speaker, and Gentlemen of the House of Burgesses, gave a ball at the Capitol for the entertainment of his Excellency Lord BOTETOURT; and it is with the greatest pleasure we inform our readers that the same patriotic spirit which gave rise to the association of the Gentlemen on a late event, was most agreeably manifested in the dress of the Ladies on this occasion, who, in the number of near one hundred, appeared in homespun gowns; a lively and striking instance of their acquieescence and concurrence in whatever may be the true and essential interest of their country. It were to be wished that all assemblies of American Ladies would exhibit a like example of public virtue and private economy, so amiably united.

Journal of the House of Burgesses of Virginia
1766-1769, page 349

Wednesday, the 20th of December,
10 Geo. III, 1769.

Resolved, That it is the Opinion of this Committee, that the Claim of Benjamin Powell, for repairing the Capitol, is reasonable; and that he ought to be allowed, by the Public, the Sum of Seventy-nine Pounds Eleven Shillings and Eleven Pence, for the same.

37.

Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia
1766-1769, page 351.

Wednesday, the 20th of December,
10 Geo. III. 1769.

The Council have agreed to the Resolve of this House for paying 79 1766-1769 £. 11s. 11d. to Benjamin Powell.

Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia
1770-1772, page 50

Wednesday, the 6th of June,
10 Geo. III. 1770.

A Claim of Joseph Kidd, for gilding and painting the Weathercock, and Dial Plates and Hands of the Capitol, was presented to the House and read.

Ordered, That the said Claim be referred to the Consideration of the Committee of Public Claims; and that they do examine the Matter thereof, and report the same, with their Opinion thereupon, to the House.

Virginia Gazette
Purdie & Dixon, eds.

June 7, 1770.

Monday last, the birthday of our most Gracious Sovereign, there was a grand ball and entertainment at the Capitol, given by his Majesty's Council to his Excellency the Governour, the Hon. the Speaker and Gentlemen of the House of Burgesses, and the magistrates and other principal inhabitants of this City. The Capitol was finely illuminated upon the occasion.

38.

Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia
1770-1772, page 63

Tuesday, the 12th of June,
10 Geo. III. 1770.

A Claim of Joshua Kendall for Services done in ornamenting the Capitol Gates, was presented to the House, and read.

Ordered, That the said Claim be referred to the Consideration of the Committee of Public Claims; and that they report their Opinion thereupon, to the House.

Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia
1770-1772, page 72

Friday, the 15th of June,
10 Geo. III. 1770.

Resolved, That the Sums of Forty Pounds Sterling, and Ten Pounds Sterling, and Ten Pounds and Ten Shillings Sterling, be laid out by Mr. Treasurer, in purchasing two Iron Chests for securing the Public Money, in the Treasury.

Ordered, That Mr. Bland do carry the Resolution to the Council, and desire their Concurrence.

Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia
1770-1772, page 91

Friday, the 22d of June,
10 Geo. III. 1770.

Mr. Archibald Cary reported from the Committee of Public Claims, that the Committee had had under their Consideration several Claims for executed Slaves, and other Matters to them referred, and had stated an Account thereof, which they had directed him to report, together with the Resolution of the Committee thereupon, to the House; and he read the Report in his Place, and afterwards delivered it in at the Clerk's Table: where the same was read, and is as followeth, viz.

…
To Joseph Kidd for Guilding and Painting the Dial-Plates and Arms of the Clock and Weather Cock of the Capitol, 35 1. To Joshua Kendall, for the Ornaments of the Capitol Gates, Leading the Balls, and Painting, 7 1. 10s.

[Page 66]

Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia
1770-1772, page 63

Tuesday, the 12th of June,
10 Geo. III. 1770.

A Claim of Joshua Kendall for Services done in ornamenting the Capitol Gates, was presented to the House, and read.

Ordered, That the said Claim be referred to the Consideration of the Committee of Public Claims; and that they report their Opinion thereupon, to the House.

Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia
1770-1772, page 72

Friday, the 15th of June,
10 Geo. III. 1770.

Resolved, That the Sums of Forty Pounds Sterling, and Ten Pounds Sterling, and Ten Pounds and Ten Shillings Sterling, be laid out by Mr. Treasurer, in purchasing two Iron Chests for securing the Public Money, in the Treasury.

Ordered, That Mr. Bland do carry the Resolution to the Council, and desire their Concurrence.

Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia
1770-1772, page 91

Friday, the 22d of June,
10 Geo. III. 1770.

Mr. Archibald Cary reported from the Committee of Public Claims, that the Committee had had under their Consideration several Claims for executed Slaves, and other Matters to them referred, and had stated an Account thereof, which they had directed him to report, together with the Resolution of the Committee thereupon, to the House; and he read the Report in his Place, and afterwards delivered it in at the Clerk's Table: where the same was read, and is as followeth, viz.

…
To Joseph Kidd for Guilding and Painting the Dial-Plates and Arms of the Clock and Weather Cock of the Capitol, 35 1.

To Joshua Kendall, for the Ornaments of the Capitol Gates, Leading the Balls, and Painting, 7 1. 10s.

39.

Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia
1770-1772, page 109

Thursday, the 28th of June,
10 Geo. III. 1770.

…his Excellency was pleased to give his Assent to…

A Resolve for purchasing two Iron Chests for the Use of the Treasury.

Virginia Gazette
Purdie & Dixon, eds.

November 22, 1770.

TWENTY Gentlemen of the association having, by their letter of the 7th instant, desired me to call a general meeting of the associators on matters of importance, I do hereby request the attendance of the associators on Friday the 14th of December next, at the Capitol, at 4 o&Clock in the afternoon…
PEYTON RANDOLPH, Moderator.

Virginia Gazette
William Rind, ed.

Thursday, February 7, 1771.

I MISS a third volume of BURROW'S REPORTS. Whether it was lent out I forget. Perhaps some Gentleman's servant carried from the Capitol by mistake last October court. Whoever will let me know where it is, I shall be obliged to him for the information.
GEORGE WYTHE.

40.

Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia
1770-1772, page 138

Saturday, the 20th of July,
11 Geo. III. 1771.

Resolved, Nemine Contradicente, That an elegant Statue of his late the Right Honourable Norborne, Baron de Botetourt be erected in Marble at the Public Expence, with proper Inscriptions, expressing the grateful Sense this House entertains of his Lordship's prudent and wise Administration, and their grat Solicitude to perpetuate, as far as they are able, the Remembrance of those many public and social Virtues which adorned his illustrious Character, That the same be sent for to Great Britain under the Direction of the Honourable William Nelson, Thomas Nelson, and Peyton Randolph, Esquires: Robert Carter Nicholas, Lewis Burwell, and Dudley Digges, Esquires.

Resolved, That the Treasurer pay for the Statue to be erected to the Memory of Lord Botetourt out of the public Mondy in the Treasury.

Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia
1770-1772, page 156

Monday the 10th of February, 1772.

Ordered, That Mr. Treasurer do provide a decent Suit of Clothes, with a great Coat, for every one of the Door-keepers attending this House.

41.

Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia
1770-1772, page 155

Monday, the 10th of February, 1772.

Resolved, That the said Doorkeeper be chosen by way of balloting.

Ordered, That the Members of this House do immediately prepare Tickets, to be put into a Glass, with the Name of the Person to be the said Doorkeeper.

The Glass being accordingly brought in;

The Clerk went with the same, on each side of the House, to receive the said tickets:

And the Members having put in their Tickets, the Glass was brought up to the Clerk's Table.

Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia
1770-1772, page 153

Monday the tenth of February 1772.

Mr. Randolph was elected without Opposition, and was taken out of his Place by two Members, who led him from thence to the Chair, and having ascended the uppermost Step, and standing there, Mr. Randolph returned his thanks to the House for this recent Instance of their Approbation, and assured them that he would endeavor to conduct himself with Attention, Impartiality, and Steadiness, in the Discharge of the important Duties of his Office.

And thereupon he sat down in the Chair; and then the Mace (which before lay under the Table) was laid upon the Table.

42.

Legislative Journals of the Council of Colonial Virginia
Vol. III, page 1451

Tuesday February the 11th 1772.

The following Paragraph of a Letter from his Grace the Duke of Beaufort to the Gentlemen appointed to take Care of the late Lord Botetourt's Effects in this Country was produced by the President, and read, viz

"The very great Honour the General Assembly do Lord
"Botetourt by their wishing to preserve to future Ages, the
"Esteem they had for him, gives me infinite Satisfaction and
"Pleasure; and I must thro' you, Gentlemen, beg Leave to pre-
"sent my sincere Thanks for this Testimony of their remembrance
"of Lord Botetourt, and to assure them that I will give their
"Agent in England all the Assistance in my Power, to render
"their Wishes effectual that the Statue may be like; tho& I
"fear it must be in some Measure imperfect as there is no
"Portrait of Lord Botetourt that has been taken within the
"last five and twenty or Thirty Years; but there is a Medal
"in Wax that is reckoned tolerable like, that shall be communi-
"cated to the Person employed by the Assembly."

Upon which the House expressed great Satisfaction that what had been done for the Honour of Lord Botetourt's Memory was so well received by his Grace.

43.

Virginia Gazette
William Rind, ed.

Thursday, March 12, 1772.
COUNCIL CHAMBER, March 12, 1772.

WHEREAS many of the books belonging to the Council Chamber are not to be found there at this time, and the free use which many Gentlemen have been permitted to make of them, renders it impossible to apply for them in any other manner, this is therefore to request all such Gentlemen as are I possession of any of the books, to return them; or else to give information what books they have. And to prevent the like inconveniencies for the future, notice is hereby given, that an alphabetical book is provided, in which it is expected that any Gentleman who shall borrow any book, shall write the title thereof under the proper letter, and his name opposite thereto.

By order of the Council.
JOHN BLAIR, Cl. Con.

Virginia Gazette
Purdie & Dixon, eds.

March 19, 1772.

Last Night there was a Ball and elegant Entertainment at the Capitol, given by the Gentlemen of the Honourable House of Burgesses to his Excellency the Governour and the People of Rank in this City.

Carter, Robert
Account Books, 1759-1775May 25, 1772

Dr Mr Jacob Bruce of Wmsburg-

To Cash received of Robt Carter Nicholas,
Treasurer, for sundry Iron Grates for the use of the Colony . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £ 90: 5:6

44.

Virginia Gazette
Purdie & Dixon, eds.

October 23 [28], 1773.

The Members of the Society lately instituted in Virginia for the Advancement of useful Knowledge are desired to meet in the Capitol, on Wednesday the 3d. of November, at Four o&Clock in the Afternoon.

Virginia Gazette
Clementina Rind, ed.

November 11, 1773.

…
The members of the Society for the advancement of USEFUL KNOWLEDGE are requested to meet at the Capitol on Wednesday the 24th of November, at ten o&clock in the morning.

Virginia Gazette
Purdie & Dixon, eds.

June 9, 1774.

The Members of the Society for the Advancement of useful Knowledge are desired to meet at the Capitol, on Wednesday the 15th Instant, at four o&Clock in the Afternoon.

Virginia Gazette
Purdie & Dixon, eds.

June 16, 1774.

Yesterday the Society for the Advancement of Useful Knowledge met at the Capitol, …

45.

Virginia Gazette
Purdie & Dixon, eds.

October 27, 1774.

At a General Court held at the CAPITOL the 19th DAY of October 1774.

THIS Court being unable to proceed farther upon Business, by Reason of the Non-attendance of the Lawyers, Suitors, and Witnesses, it is ordered, that the Court be adjourned till the 10th Day of April Next.
BEN. WALLER.

Virginia Gazette, Supplement
Alex Purdie, ed.

June 2, 1775.

YESTERDAY the GENERAL ASSEMBLY of this colony met at the Capitol, agreeable to his Excellency the Governour's proclamation. The Honourable the HOUSE of BURGESSES having made choice of PEYTON RANDOLPH, Esq: to be their Speaker (whom the Governour was pleased to approve) his Excellency commanded their immediate attendance in the Council Chamber, and opened the session with the following SPEECH…

Virginia Gazette
John Pinkney, ed.

Thursday, June 8, 1775.

…[A long description of the opening of hostilities in Virginia]…

The Gentlemen appointed to wait on the governor arrived at the capitol between 1 and 2 o&clock, and delivered this verbal message from his excellency, "that, as the subject of their address was of the utmost concern to himself and family, he would take time to consider, and return an answer, in writing, after he had maturely deliberated upon its contents." His lordship behaved with the utmost politeness, and held a friendly conference with the deputies.

46.

Dunmore,Lord
Letter to Secy of State S.P.O., Va. Vol. 195
Virginia Papers, Vol. III: 1775-1781

Fowey in York River
25th June, 1775.

…however, finding they could not accomplish their ends, their patience exhausted, and last night the 24th of June, a considerable body of men violently forced into the Governor's house, bursting open a window by which one part entered who then forced the principal door by which the rest entered, and they carried off all the arms they could find to the number of between two and three hundred stand, which had been always kept in the hall of this house, and considerable number of muskets and other arms my own property; … The streets of Williamsburg was all this time filled with people in arms as if in expectation of some great event, and the House of Burgesses shut themselves up in their Assembly house which was guarded without by a body of men for that purpose and sentinels were placed to prevent any person whatever from approaching even as far as a wall which encloses the building.

Public Record Office, London
C05 #1353, 451

The Fowey in York River
July the 12th 1775.

…
In consequence of this Step of Mr. Randolphs a great number of people, horse and foot from various parts of the country have flocked to Williamsburg, armed and accoutred, and Wearing uniforms, and, the different Companies, their badges of distinction. They have made a Barrack of the Capitol, a large building in which are held the Courts of Justice, and intended for the Council and house of Burgesses with their different offices, and they have taken possession of the Park/ a considerable piece of land adjoining and belonging to the Governors house/ for their Cavalry, wantonly cutting and maiming my Cattle which they found there.
…
DUNMORE.

47.

Virginia Gazette
John Pinkney, ed.

Tuesday, September 28, 1775.
WILLIAMSBURG

…
It is expected that such members of the house of burgesses as are convenient will meet at the capitol in Williamsburg, on Thursday the 12th of October, in order to adjourn to some future day.

Virginia Gazette
Alex. Purdie, ed.

May 17, 1776.

The resolution of the convention of May 15th, 1776.

[The resolution of the convention of May 15th, 1776, instructing the Virginia delegates in Congress to propose Independence is given.]

In consequence of the above resolution, universally regarded as the only door which will lead to safety and prosperity, some Gentlemen made a handsome collection for the purpose of treating the soldiery, who next day were paraded in Waller's Grove, before brigadier-general Lewis, attended by the gentlemen of the Committee of Safety, the Members of the General Convention, the inhabitants of this city, &c. &…

The UNION FLAG of the American states waved upon the Capitol during the whole of this ceremony, which being ended, the soldiers partook of the refreshment prepared for them by the affection of their countrymen, and the evening concluded with illuminations, and other demonstrations of joy;…

48.

Virginia Gazette
Alex. Purdie, ed.
July 26, 1776.

IN COUNCIL, July 20, 1776.

…
Yesterday afternoon, agreeable to an order of the Hon. Privy Council, the DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE was solemnly proclaimed at the Capitol, the Courthouse, and the Palace, amidst the acclamations of the people, accompanied by firing of cannon and musketry, the several regiments of continental troops having been paraded on that solemnity.

Journals of the Council of the State of Virginia
July 12, 1776-October 2, 1777
Vol. 1, page 233

November 9th, 1776.

Ordered that a Warrant issue to Honey and Horracks for one pound twelve shillings for altering a Book Case for the use of this Board.

Journal of the House of Delegates, 1776
Page 103

Wednesday, December 18, 1776.

Resolved, That the following allowances be made to the officers of the General Assembly;

…
To Mr. Benjamin Powell, for cleaning the Capitol . . £10

Journals of the Council of the State of Virginia
July 12, 1776-October 2, 1777
Vol. 1, page 387

April 14th, 1777.

Resolved that mr. James Galt be appointed to repair and keep in order the Capitol Clock.

48a.

Ralph Wormeley Correspondence Accession #1939 Alderman Library
University of Virginia

[William Byrd III to Ralph Wormeley, Westover, October 4, 1775.]

"… I propose to go to Williamsburgh on Munday. 'Tho I think it only shews the Weakness of Government for the General Court to be open&d & no Business done. The Capitol has served the brave ---- [torn] in hunting Shirts for Barracks, & it is still a thoroughfare for those Gentry, who are constantly exercised in the Yard. I am Dear Ralph …"

49.

Virginia. State.
Auditor's Papers #184
Vouchers, 1777-78
Virginia State Library Archives

February 27, 1777

The Commonwealth Dr To Charles Taliaferro

1777-	Feb. 27- To 30 Bus. Of Coal @ 1/4. Carting 5/	£2: 5:0
	March 3- To 30 Do @ do	2:11:0
		£4: 5:0

Alld April 25, 1777

Rec'd the above 60 Bushels of Coal of Mr. Cha. Taliaferro for the use of the Council Chamber.

Wm Rose D. K. Con.

Cresswell, Nicholas, Journal of
1774-1777, page 207
New York: 1924

Williamsburg, the Capitol of Virginia
Tuesday, April 29th, 1777.

…It consists of one principal street about a mile long very wide and level with a number of good buildings, the Capitol at one end of the street and the College at the other…

…In the Capitol is a fine marble statue of the late Gov. Batitourt [Botetourt], as large as life, in the attitude of an orator, a roll of parchment in one hand as an emblem of their Charter, and the cap of Liberty in the other. It is mounted on a pedestal and surrounded with iron balustrades. On the front of the pedestal is his Excellency's arms and this inscription:

"The Right Honourable Norborne Berkley, Baron de Batitourt. His Majesty's late Lieutenant and Governor General of the Colony and Dominion of Virginia." On the right of the pedestal is this inscription: "Deeply impressed with the warmest sense of gratitude for his Excellence…, The general Assembly of Virginia on the 20th. of July Anno Domini 1771, Resolved with one united voice, to erect this Statue to his Lordship's memory."

50.

Virginia. State.
Auditor's Papers #184
Vouchers, 1777-78
Virginia State Library Archives

May, 1777

The Country for the Council to Jas Carter Dr

1777 May - To 9 waggon loads of Short Wood @ 15/

£6:15:0

…
Wm Rose D. K. C.

Virginia State.
Auditor's Papers #184
Vouchers, 1777-78
Virginia State Library Archives

June 3, 1777.

The Commonwealth of Virga.
To Benj. Powell Dr.

Jun. 3.	To putting partitions of Rails & Banisters up in the Senate Room with doors & seats	8:10:0
	To 140 feet of Scantling for Do at 2 ½ pr Foot	1: 9: 2
	To 40 feet of 2 inch Plank for seats & Brackts	6:8
	To 50 feet of thin Plank for scarting coping	6:3
	To 50 Large Nails 2/	2:0
	To 250 Brads 3/9	3:9
		10:17:10

The above Work by order of the Senate

Archibald Cary.

Journals of the House of Delegates
Begun May 1777, page 68

Monday, June 9, 1777.

Ordered, That the treasurer be directed to procure proper robes for the speakers, and gowns for the clerks, of the General Assembly, and also a mace for the use of the Senate.

51.

Journals of the House of Delegates of Virginia
1777, page 98

Thursday, June 26, 1777.

Mr. Richard Lee reported, from the committee of Public Claims, that the committee had examined several claims for executed slaves, and other matters to them referred, and had stated an account thereof, which they had directed him to report, together with the resolution of the committee thereupon, to the House;…

To Richard Harrocks, for a dozen mahogany chairs, with hair bottoms, for the use of the Senate, at 50s. each
6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30: 0: 0

Virginia. State.
Auditor's Papers #184
Vouchers, 1777-78
Virginia State Library Archives

July 11, 1777.

1777 Dr. The Commonwealth of Virginia
To Benjamin Powell.

To 8 Sweap Bottom Walnut	)
Chairs for the Council a 30/	)	£12: 0: 0

I reced the above 8 Chairs of Mr. Powell for the use of the Council Chamber, by order of Council
Wm. Rose.

52.

Virginia. State.
Auditor's Papers #184
Vouchers, 1777, 1778
Virginia State Library Archive

September 28, 1777.

1777- Sepr 28	To putting new Windless to the Well and new planking the Curb 17/3 31 feet Plank
	@ 150 Nails for Ditto	1: 3: 4
	To putting 67 dead lights in the Windows	1:13: 6
	To putting on three new locks	3: 9
Oct 4	To taking down the Arms in Front Pediment & putting Windows &c in Do by Ord Mr Page	2: 0: 0
	To putting 29 dead lights in the Windows	14: 6
	To 125 feet of Plank for the above work a 129d.	15:7½
	To 500 small Brads 3/9
	200 20d Nails 4/ -
	50 10d Nails 3d	8: 6
	This work was done by order of Govr Council. Wm Rose
	To ¼ Day's Work of four Negros in Removing Book-Cases from the Capitol to the Palace and Secretary's office	17: 6
	To putting new seat & Bracket in Burgess's Room	7: 6
	To Cash Pd Chas Taliaferro for Cole for Senate Room	1:11:3
Nov. 18	To carting the same from the Landing and putting it in the Capitol	5: 0
	To putting 35 dead lights in the Windows @ 6d	17: 6
Mar. 7	To putting 15 dead lights in Do @ 6d	7: 6
	To new planking & Repairing Well-Curbs	7: 6
	To 72 feet Plank 3/ To 150 Nails, 200 Brads 4/2	13: 2
May 4	To Raising Scaffold for taking down the hands of the Clock &c by Order James Galt	1:10:-
	To new hanging 2 pr Window Shutters	2: 6
53.
	To altering & new Hanging two pr folding Doors	12: 6
	To making two near Doors & planking round the Weights of the Clock and lining partition with Plank	1:10:0
	To Repairing Windscut[Wainscot] in Genl Court Room & Putting new moulding- Brackets to Staircase &c	1: 0: 0
	To 100 6d Brads 1/. -50- 20d Nails 1/.	2: 0
	To putting new Wash Boards in Council office new Borders &c round the Harth & repairing Doors	1: 5:-
	To putting 15 Dead lights in the Windows	7: 6
	To pd Wm Pitt for 3 hair Brooms	15: 0
	To Do paid George Read for 5 clamps for Brushes	12: 6
	To making Double Windless & forks for Cleaning the Wells in the Capitol Yard 15/ Three locks 3/9	18: 9
	To new planking & Repairing two Well Curbs	10:-
	To 515 feet Plank for the above Work at 1/	3: 4: 4
	To 425 Nails 8/3 200 Brads 1/9	10: 0
	To Cleaning two Wells finding Labourers Ropes &c a 35/	3:10: 0
	To putting 10 New Tops to packing Cases and Nailing up 20 Do	1:10: -
	To 320 feet Plank for Do 12- 39/6 750 Nails 20d 2 2/6	3: 2: 0
	To putting new slips to three windows a 2/6	7: 6
	To 4 Dead Lights	2: 0
		33:17: 9
54.
	Brought forward	£33:17: 9
	Hospital Acct	7: 2: 4 ½
	Prison Do	4:17: 4 ½
	Pallace	5: 5: 9
	Sundries by Order of the Senate	10:17:10
		£62: 1: 1
	½ Barrel Tar from the other page	7: 6
	To 8 walnut chairs for the Council	12: 0: 0
		74: 8: 7

Errors Excepted.
Benj. Powell

July 11, 1777
Sworn to before
James Cocke.

Harwood, Humphrey, Ledger
B. 7

October 20, 1777.

1777
October 20-	To Cleaning the statue 12/6	0:12: 6
1778
May 5-	To Cleaning the Statue 20/
October 10-	To Cleaning Statue 20/ to Mortar And Mendg plasterg in office of Council	1: 6: 0

55.

Maryland Journal
M. K. Goddard, ed.

Tuesday, November 18, 1777.
Williamsburg, October 31, 1777.
Head-Quarters, Williamsburg, October 30, 1777.

A feu de joy this afternoon at three o&Clock on the confirmation of the glorious news of General Burgoyne and his army being prisoners of war, all the troops are to parade at the barracks, the artillery with thirteen discharges, the infantry with three rounds; from thence they will proceed, in marching order, near to Mr. Powell's [POWELL'S] where they will be joined by the city militia, from thence the whole will march in platoons round the Capitol up the main Street, to the common behind the court house, there the battalion will be formed, and the firing begin; thirteen discharges of cannon will be made. Under the command of Captain De la FORTE, of the artillery; and, after a short interval, three vollies will be fired by the infantry; the whole battalion will then give three cheers, in which the spectators will most joyfully join. The officers will see that the men shall be clean, shaved, their hats cocked, and their arms and accoutrements in good order. A general discharge of all prisoners from the guards on this occasion, except deserters, who cannot be ranked amongst the friends of the Thirteen United States. A gill of rum will be issued for every soldier, in evidence of the Governor's hearty congratulation with them on this occasion.

EDWARD CARRINGTON, L.C.A.

Agreeable to the above orders the troops in this garrison, together with the city Militia, formed a battalion on the common, at the court-house, where they were reviewed by General Nelson, the Speakers of the upper and lower Houses of Assembly, and many of the members; after which there were 13 discharges of cannon, and three vollies from the infantry, together with three huzzas from all present: Joy and satisfaction, upon the occasion, was evident in the countenance of every one; and the evening was celebrated with ringing of bells, illuminations, &c.

55-a.

PORTION OF THE JOURNAL OF EBENEZER HAZARD'S JOURNEY TO THE SOUTH, 1777.
(Original ms. in Historical Society of Pennsylvania, photostat, in Research Department, Colonial Williamsburg.)

[May 30, 1777]

…The Cattle in Virginia are generally small. My Horse fell with me & hurt my right Knee, but not much. Lodged at Cartwright's, a good House, 16 Miles from Williamsburgh.

31st Breakfasted at Williamsburgh. The Road from Cartwright's is very sandy & deep. Williamsburgh is the Capital of Virginia, situated partly in York & partly in James City Counties. It is but small; I think not larger than Wilmington in Pennsylvania. The Houses are chiefly framed; the Streets are straight. The principal Buildings are the College, the Mad-House, the Palace & the Capitol, all of Brick. The first is badly contrived, & the Inside of it is shabby; it is 2 ½ Stories high, has Wings & dormer Windows. At each End of the East Front is a two Story brick House, one for the President, the other is for an Indian School, this was built by voluntary Contributions in England, and is supported by the Produce of some Lands there which have been set apart for that Purpose. At this Front of the College is a large Court Yard, ornamented with Gravel Walks, Trees out into different Forms, & Grass. The Wings are on the West Front, between them is a covered Parade, which reaches from the one to the other; the Portico is supported by Stone Pillars: opposite to this Parade is a Court Yard & a large Kitchen Garden:- There is also the Foundation of a new Building which was intended for an Addition to the College, but has been discontinued on Account of the present Troubles;- at the south end of the Parade is a small Chapel for the Use of the Students; Sir John Randolph, Lord Bottetourt, & Peyton Randolph Esqr. Late President of the Congress, are buried here:- at the North End is a Room allotted for a Divinity-School, but there have been no Students in it for several Years; there are but 18 Students belonging to the College, & about 30 Grammar Scholars: the College has been on the Decline for some Years. The Top of this Building affords a beautiful Prospect of the City & the adjacent Country; James River may be seen from it, as may York River in a clear Day.

The Mad-House is a three Story building but as I did not choose to have my Humanity shocked by a Sight of its wretched Inhabitants, I did not go into it.

I have not yet had an Opportunity of particularly examining the Palace & Capitol.

There are 40 Cherokee Indians in Town, among which are Attakullakulla, Aucanestota or the Little Carpenter, & the Pidgeon. Went to see them shook Hands & smoaked Part of a Pipe with them. They are painted & ornamented with Feathers, & their Ears are cut. It is said their Business here is to clear the Path between their Country & this, which they say has been obstructed by Weeds growing in it. Saw Col. Christian who subdued the Cherokees last Summer; he appears to be about 40 Years of Age. I cannot learn that the Hostages he was to receive from the Cherokees were ever delivered, but am informed that he withdrew his Army upon their promising Hostages & when the Army was gone they refused or neglected to send them. Lodged at Anderson's. A good House.

June 1st Heard a Mr Bracken preach. The Church at Williamsburgh is a small neat Brick Building, with a Steeple: there is a very good 55-b Organ in it. The Assembly was large & plainly dressed; his Excellency Patrick Henry Esqr. The Govr. Was present; he appears to be between 40 & 50 Years of Age, & is very swarthy. The Govrs. Pew is elegant, & elevated above the rest: a silk Curtain hangs on each Side & in the Front of it from a Canopy supported by two fluted, gilt Pillars.- The Ladies here are not handsome.- The Govrs. Salary is £1000.-

2d Presented a Memorial to the Assembly who are now sitting in the Capitol. I understand they propose to pass a Law for taxing Bachelors. One Murphy has lately been detected in forging Drafts on the Treasury; it is said they have been paid to the Amot. Of £5000 Virga. Money.-

The Capitol is a large two Story Brick Building in the Form of an H, it is surrounded with a Brick Wall; you enter the Court Yard by an elegant Iron Gate. In the Front of the Building is a Portico & Balcony, each supported by four Pillars) above these the King's Arms (elegantly carved & gilt) were formerly placed, but upon Independence being declared they were taken down & burned. Upon entering the Capitol you get into a Room in which the Courts of Justice are held; it is large & convenient; here is a fine whole Length Picture of Queen Anne by Van Dyck. Opposite to the Door by which you enter this Room (in another Apartment, which is a Kind of Hall) is an elegant white marble pedestrian Statue of Lord Botetourt in his Robes, made by Richard Hayward, London, 1773. On the Front of ti is this Inscription.

"The
Right Honourable
Norborne Berkeley
Baron de Bottetourt
His Majesty's
Late Lieutenant and
Governor General of the
Colony and Dominion
of Virginia."

Underneath
His Lordship's Arms, the Motto
Redurgo Rege Favente.

On the Right (North) Side
Deeply impress&d with the warmest Sense
of Gratitude for his Excellency the
Right Honble Lord Bottetourt's prudent and
Wise Administration, and that the
Remembrance of those many public and
Social Virtues which so eminently
Adorn&d his illustrious Character, might
Be transmitted to latest Posterity,
The General Assembly of Virginia
On the XXth. Day of July Ann. Dom. M,DCC,LXXI
Resolved with one united Voice to erect
This Statue to his Lordship's Memory.

Let Wisdom and Justice preside in any Country,
The People will rejoice and must be happy.

At the Back, or East Side of the Pedestal, is
An Altar from which a Flame arises:
on the left of the Altar, Britannia holding an
Olive Branch in her left Hand;- on the right
55-c. America (represented by an Indian with a
Bow and Quiver) holding an Olive Branch
in her right Hand. The Olive Branches
unite above the Altar, & below it is this Inscription in an Oval

Con
cor
di
a

On the left (South) Side of the Pedestal, is this following Inscription; America! behold your Friend!
Who, leaving his native Country,
Declin'd those additional Honours, which
Were there in Store for him, that
He might heal your Wounds, and restore
Tranquility and Happiness to this
Extensive Continent, with what Zeal
And Anxiety he pursued these glorious
Objects, Virginia thus bears her
Grateful Testimony.

The Inscriptions are entirely in Capitals, and the Workmanship of the Statue is exquisitely fine. The whole is placed upon a Free-Stone Foundation, & surrounded with a neat Iron Railing.- From the Hall where this Statue is placed you go into the Lobby of the House of Burgesses, & from thence into the Room where they sit; the latter is large, convenient, & plain: the Speaker's Chair & a large Iron Stove are at the upper End, on each Side the Seats for the Members, & at the lower End a Gallery for the Use of Spectators form of the Speaker's Chair On one Side of this Room hangs a whole Length of King George the 2d. & on the other another of Queen Caroline.- The other Rooms in the Capitol are large but contain nothing worthy of Observation.- On the Top of the Capitol is a Cupola, & a Clock with four Dials.

3d. No remarkable Occurrence.-

4th. There is to be a musical Entertainment & Ball at the Capitol this Evening for the Benefit of Mr Pelham, the Organist of the Church.

5th. The Entertainment last Night was very fine, the Music excellent, the Assembly large & polite, & the Ladies made a brilliant Appearance. A Mr Blagrave, (a Clergyman) his Lady, & a Mrs Neal, performed the vocal Parts; they sang well, especially Mr Blagrave. His Lady played excellently on the Harpsicord. After the Entertainment was over, the Company went up Stairs to dance. I think a Mrs Cuthbert (formerly Mrs Blair, a Daughter of Dr Eustis of New York) made the best Appearance as a Dancer.

55-d

6th. It is found out that the Virginia fifteen & eight Dollar Bills have been counterfeited.

The Water at Williamsburgh is very bad;- no Beer or Cyder in Town Grog or Toddy, or Sangaree, made with vile Water is the only Drink to be had, which, with the Heat of the Weather is sufficient to keep a Man in a continual Fever:- Grog & Toddy 3/ Virga. Money a Bowl; Sangaree 10/ Claret 8/ a Bottle.- The Virginia Money, supposed to be counterfeit is so well done as to induce a general Doubt whether it is counterfeit or not.-

My Memorial has been read & ordered to lie on the Table for the Perusal of the Members.-

The Assembly of Virginia observe great Decorum in their Conduct, & keep up the Dignity of the House.

7th. Williamsburgh is situated upon a Ridge between the Rivers York on the North & James on the South, about 3 Miles from each of the, & 60 from the Capes of Virginia, called Henry & Charles.

The Capitol is at one End of, & across the main Street, & the College at & across the other, exactly a Mile distant.

Murphy, who forged Drafts on the Treasury is brought to Town; on the Way he attempted to make his Escape & was shot in the Shoulder by the Sergeant of the Guard, upon which he turned round & fired a Pistol which he had concealed at the Sergeant, but missed him. The Ball which wounded Murphy went quite through, & I think as he is rather plethoric & the Weather hot, the Wound will prove mortal. I went to see him; he appears to be uneasy in Mind, but affects an Air of Unconcern. The Magazine in Williamsburgh (in which Lord Dunmore villainously fixed Spring guns with a Design to kill any Person who should enter the Door) is a small, circular, Brick Building; it is at present surrounded with Chevaux de Frize, made by Col. Bullit.-

A fine refreshing Rain, & a great Deal of it, fell today. It was much wanted as the Grain &c. have suffered greatly by the late extraordinary Drowth.

8th. Went to what is called Queen Anne's Port; it is a landing Place about a Mile from Williamsburgh, upon a Creek called Queen's Creek which empties itself into York River. A Mile on the other Side of the City is Archer's Hope, another Creek, which empties into James River.-

The Virginians, even in the City, do not pay proper Attention to Decency in the Appearance of their Negroes; I have seen Boys of 10 & 12 Years of Age going through the Streets quite naked, & others with only Part of a Shirt hanging Part of the Way down their Backs. This is so common a Sight that even the Ladies do not appear to be shocked at it.-

A great Deal of Rain fell this Afternoon & Evening, accompanied with Thunder & Lightning.-

9th. More Rain today, with more severe Thunder & Lightning than yesterday. Williamsburgh, in a few Words is a small, regular, sandy, dusty, wooden, unpaved City.-

June 10th. Left Williamsburgh. Went to James Town, a very small, deserted Village, in a ruinous State, which is situated on James River, which is here three Miles wide. …

55-e

[June, 1777]

20th. Set out [from Edenton, N.C.], in Company with Capt. Fairchild for Williamsburgh. There is a large Quantity of Moss on many of the Trees: some of it is above four Feet in Length. I am told that the North Carolina People frequently stuff the seats of their Chairs, & Mattrasses with it. Lodged at the Folly.

…
22d. Got to Willliamsburgh. The Creek we forded about a Mile beyond Cobham is called Lyon's Creek, & that on which Cobham stands, Gray's Creek. The Depth of Water in a small Inlet at James Town delayed us there for several Hours, which gave us an Opportunity of examining the Town.

…
23d. I am informed that the Assembly of Virginia have received satisfactory Evidence of Richard Henry Lee's Innocence, respecting the Charge against him (see June 15th) & have voted him the Thanks of the House for the Services he had rendered the Country. Hot Weather.

24th. The Assembly voted the public Printer an annual Salary of £600 Virginia Money. In Consequence of my Memorial Post Masters have been exempted from military Duties. Very hot Weather.-

…
27th. Left Williamsburgh & set out on my Return to Phila. …

[November, 1777]

22d. … Got to Williamsburgh by Noon. Lodged at Mr.Purdie's-

At Richmond in Virga are some valuable Goal Pitts from which Williamsburg is supplied with that Article.-

23d. Very pleasant Weather. Rode to York, a small Town agreeably situated on York River; there are some good Houses here … Returned to Williamsburg.-

6a.27m.- The Assembly is now sitting.-

…
No remarkable Occurrence from 24th to 27th. when we recd. Information P[er] Post that Fort Mifflin (on Delaware) had been evacuated. The Garrison of this Fort under the Command of Col. Green of Rhode Island, have acquired immortal Honor by their spirited Defence of it. The Assembly of Virginia have voted that 5000 Volunteers be raised & equipped, & sent to join Genl. Washington.- A Bill is depending & will probably pass for impressing Necessaries for the Army.
…

…
Decr. 2d. Weather as yesterday. Froze last night.- I find the Assembly have given up the Project of Volunteers mentioned Novr. 27th. & prefer a Draft which is to be confined to Bachelors, & Widowers who have no Children.- The Law for impressing Necessaries for the Army was printed (very secretly) on Saturday Night, & some Goods were seized in Town (Wmsbg) today in Consequence of it. Only such Things are to be taken as People have for sale, for which a reasonable Price is to be paid.-

55-f

[Dec.]

4th. … Went to hear the Debates in the House of Delegates (Assembly) but was not much entertained, having no Interest in the Subjects of them, which were rather local. The following are the Market Prices, Beef 1/ Mutton 1/ P[er] lb P[er] Quarter. Pork 75/ a 80/ P[er] Ct. Turkies 10/ a 15/ each.- Flour 13/6 P[er] 100 P[er] Bbl.-

…
12th. … The Governors of William & Mary College have advertised some of their Lands to be lett, & some of their Negroes & farming Utensils for Sale. Their Revenues are much impaired by the present Troubles which prevent the Exportation of Tabacco, upon each Hhd of Which they were formerly allowed a Duty by Act of Assembly.-

13th. There is a severe Act of Assembly against Gaming, but I observe the Members of the House are as much addicted to it as other Men, & as frequently transgress the Law: I have known one of them bett 30 Dollars upon an odd Trick at Whist. Gaming is amazingly prevalent in Wmsburg.

The Legislature are at present engaged upon the Subject of Taxation: I find their Conduct gives great Uneasiness. I am told their present House is by no Means as respectable as the former ones.- Clear, cold Weather & very windy.

14th. Moderate Weather. A Methodist of the Name of Hill, preached in the Capitol; he appears to be an honest Man, but does not shine as a Preacher.- Nine french Soldiers deserted last Night.

15th. Cloudy all Day, & was rather sultry towards Noon. Set out for Edenton. …

56.

Virginia. State.
Auditor's Papers #184
Vouchers, 1777-78
Virginia State Library Archives

April 29, 1778.

The State of Virginia Dr to Wm B. Rose

1778, April 29-

to one months allowance for attending as Door Keeper to Council Chamber

£7:10: 0

Harwood, Humphrey, Ledger
B. 25

May 5, 1778.

1778
May 5-	To Cleaning Statue 20/ Octobr 10th
	To Ditto 20/ for Capitol	£2: 0: 0
1779
June 12-	To 4 Days labour a 15/. & Carting Old bricks to the Spring 40/	5: 0: 0
	To 4 Do Cleaning the above bricks at Capitol a 15/	3: 0: 0
May 1-	To Mortar and Mending Plastering 12/ & whitewashing Council Office 30/	2: 2: 0

Virginia. State.
Auditor's Papers #184
Vouchers, 1777-78
Virginia State Library Archives

June 20th, 1778.

June 20th. 78 I do hereby certify that I have not recd any thing for keeping the Capitol since the 25th of Ap1 1777.
Ben: Powell

56a.

Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia
1742-1749, pages 255-257

Thursday, October 27, 1748

The Governor… then made a Speech to the Council and this House.

Gentlemen of the Council, Mr. Speaker, and Gentlemen of the House of Burgesses,

… I am encouraged to hope the very pressing Necessity for Erecting a Royal Edifice, which I am obliged with uncommon Earnestness to recommend to you, will, at least, moderate all future Controversy, Indeed, when I consider, that we are not only deprived of commodious Apartments for your Reception, but destitute of a Court for the Administration of justice; which, as our Sovereign's Presence is always to be presumed in the Exercise of his Authority, require Decency in their Structure and Forms, as well as Rectitude in the Managers of their Proceedings; and that these Defects undoubtedly demand the chief Attention of the Legislature; I have a greater Degree of Assurance, that, when this important and affecting Debate shall be resumed, such Motives will induce you unanimously to concur in speedily redressing so extensive a Grievance.

…
This Town being intirely purged from the Virulency of the Small-Pox, We have here a City of Refuge…

These Considerations I freely own, have made me an Advocate for building upon the old Foundation: And as you have the same Right to judge for Yourselves, I must leave them to you to be weighed and discussed; not doubting, if this Reasoning should be approved b the People without Doors, which, from the natural Desire of all Men to Self-preservation, may well be expected, it will, for their Sakes, have a due Influence upon you; whose Propension, I am satisfied, are directed to such Resolutions as shall be deemed most beneficial to the Public Weal; wherein however, the settled Discipline of our Establishment is principally to be adhered to.

…

57.

Virginia. State.
Auditor's Papers #184
Vouchers, 1777-78
Virginia State Library Archives

1778.

1778	The Capitol to Robert Hyland & wife	Dr.
	To mending the Colours	0:12: 0
	To a Pad Lock bought of Mrs Bromage for the Capitol	0:12: 0
		£1: 4: 0

To his Excellency Patrick Henry, Esqr and the Honourable Council

To Cleaning the Council Chamber 10 Months & Office.

Mr Benjamin Powell gave up the Cleaning of the Council chamber & Office for Six Months as he had a Right to Charge, on Condition my Wife,would take the Cleaning on her own Hands…
Robert Hyland & Wife Fanny Hyland

Journals of the House of Delegates
Begun May 1779, page 25

Thursday, May 27, 1779.

Ordered, That leave be give to bring in a bill, "for removing the seat of government;" and that Messrs. Harvie, Thomson, Thomas Johnson, Baker and John Taylor, do prepare and bring in the same.

Journal of the House of Delegates
Begun May 1779, page 27

Saturday, May 29, 1779.

Mr. Harvie, presented, according to order, a bill, "for removal of the seat of government;" and the same was received and read the first time, and ordered to be read a second time on Monday next.

58.

Journal of the House of Delegates
Begun May 1779, page 28

Monday, May 31, 1779.

A bill, "for the removal of the seat of Government;" was read the second time, and ordered to be committed to a committee of the whole House, on Thursday next.

Journal of the House of Delegates
Begun May 1779, page 33

Thursday, June 3, 1779.

The House, according to the order of the day, resolved itself into a committee of the whole House, on the bill "for removal of the seat of government;" and after some time spent therein, Mr. Speaker resumed the chair, and Mr. Page reported, that the committee had, according to order, had the bill under their consideration, and gone through the same, and made several amendments thereto, which they had directed him to report when the House should think proper to receive them.

Ordered, That the said report be received to-morrow.

Journal of the House of Delegates
Begun May 1779, page 34

Friday, June 4, 1779.

Mr. Page, according to the order of yesterday, reported, from the committee of the whole House, the amendments, made to the bill "for the removal of the seat of government;" and he read the same in his place, and afterwards delivered them in at the clerk's table, where they were again twice read, and agreed to by the House.

Ordered, That the bill, with the amendments, be engrossed and read the third time.

59.

Journal of the House of Delegates
Begun May 1779, page 36

Saturday, June 5, 1779.

An engrossed bill, "for the removal of the seat of government," was read the third time.

Resolved, That the bill do pass, and that the title by, "an act for the removal of the seat of government."

Ordered, That Mr. Charles Carter do carry the bill to the Senate, and desire their concurrence.

Journal of the House of Delegates
Begun May 1779, page 44
Saturday, June 12, 1779.

A message from the Senate by Mr. Harrison:

Mr. SPEAKER,- The Senate have…agreed to the bill, entitled "an act, for the removal of the seat of government," with several amendments; to which they desire the concurrence of this House. And then he withdrew.

The House proceeded to consider the amendments made by the Senate, to the bill, entitled "an act, for the removal of the seat of government;" and the same being read, were agreed to.

Harwood, Humphrey, Ledger
B. 31
September 25, 1779.

1779
September 25-	To 500 bricks a 27/6. 43 bush. Of lime a 8/. & hair 12/… (for Capitol)	24:13: 6
	To 35 Days work Whitewashing Capitol a 48/. (& 14 bus Whitewash)	84: 0: 0
	To Reparing Marvil Chimney Piece in Council Chamber 9/	4:10: 0
Octobr 2-	To Cleening Statue 100/	16: 4: 0

60.

Journal of the House of Delegates
Begun October 1779, page 1

Monday, October 4, 1779.

JOURNAL OF THE HOUSE OF DELEGATES. GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

BEGUN and holden at the Capitol, in the City of Williamsburg, on Monday the 4th day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and seventy-nine.

Auditor's Account Book #3, 1779-1780
Virginia State Library Archives

October 6, 1779.

Oct. 6, 1779 To James Galt for winding & Cleaning the Capitol Clock.

Journals of the House of Delegates
Begun October 1779, page 22

Monday, October 25, 1779.

An engrossed bill, "for continuing the Court of Admiralty in the city of Williamsburg," was read the third time.

Resolved, That the bill do pass, and that the title be, "an act, for continuing the Court of Admiralty in the city of Williamsburg."

Ordered, That Mr. Henry do carry the bill to the Senate, and desire their concurrence.

61.

Journal of the House of Delegates
Begun October 1779, page 108

Friday, December 24, 1779.

Ordered, That the clerk of this House do remove, at the public expense, the books, papers and records of this House, together with such of the books, papers and records of the General Assembly, as are in his possession, to the town of Richmond, in the county of Henrico, previous to the next session of the General Assembly.

Journal of the House of Delegates
Begun October 1779, page 108

Friday, December 24, 1779.

And then the House adjourned until the 31st day of March next.

Journal of the House of Delegates,
Begun May 1780, page 3

Monday, May 1, 1780.

JOURNAL OF THE HOUSE OF DELEGATES, GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

BEGUN and held at the town of Richmond, in the county of Henrico, on Monday, the 1st day of May, in the year of our Lord, one thousand seven hundred and eighty, in the buildings provided by the Public Directors, pursuant to the Act for the removal of the Seat of Government.

[According to this, the last time the General Assembly met in the Capitol at Williamsburg was December 24, 1779. E. S. Stubbs.]

62.

Hening, Statutes at Large
Vol. X, Chap. XIX, page 285: 1780

May 1780 Session- 4th of Commonwealth.

An act for emitting and funding a sum of money for supplying the present urgent necessities of this commonwealth.

WHEREAS the exigencies of the war require…
If the events of war should render any of the aforesaid funds unproductive, then the houses and lands with their appurtenances in the city of Williamsburg, which have been heretofore used as a capitol, and palace, as also the publick lands in the county of James City, as well as those on the eastern shore, shall and the same are hereby ordered to be sold under the direction of the governour and council for gold or silver, or the bills of credit emitted by virtue of this act, which money arising from the sale thereof, shall be applied for the purpose of making good such deficiency.

Journals of the House of Delegates
Begun May 1780, page 17

Monday, May 22, 1780.

A petition of Alexander Wily, was presented to the House, and read; setting forth, that in consequence of his appointment by the Governor and Council, and afterwards confirmed by this House, he acted as keeper of the Capitol in Williamsburg, until the first instant; that upon the removal of the several executive boards fro thence, he did by order of the Governor and Council, take charge of, and attend the records and papers to this place; and praying to be made compensation for the said services.

Ordered, That the said petition be referred to the committee of Trade; that they do examine the matter thereof, and report the same, with their opinion thereupon, to the House.

63.

[The following is a copy of the original petition which I found in the Virginia State Library, Richmond, Virginia. The note which follows the petition was enclosed in the folder with it. E. S. Stubbs.]

May 22, 1780.

To the Honble the Speaker & Members of the House of Delegates
The Petition of Alexander Wyllie humbly sheweth

That your Petitioner agreeable to the Appointment of the honble the Governour & Council, and by Continuation of this House at the last session of Assembly hath acted in the Capacity of Keeper to the Capitol in Williamsburg to the first Instant, and that by directions from the Governour & Council he took Charge of & attended the Removal of the Records, papers &c of the Capitol and the Several executive Boards from Williamsburg to this Place. For which services he has received no Reward, and now craves such Recompence as your honourable House in its great Wisdom shall think expedient. And your Petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray.

I do hereby certify that Alexr Wylly was charged with the business of packing up the public records, & moving them from Wmsburg; which duty he has faithfully discharged by delivering them safe at Richmond.
Arch: Blair C. C.

64.

Journals of the House of Delegates
Begun May 1780, page 26

Monday, May 29, 1780.

Mr. Richard Lee reported, from the committee of Trade, that the committee had, according to order, had under their consideration the petition of Alexander Wiley to them referred, and had agreed upon a report, and come to a resolution thereupon, which he read in his place, and afterwards delivered in at the clerk's table, where the same were again twice read and agreed to by the House, as followeth:

It appears to your committee, from a certificate of Mr. Archibald Blair, clerk of the Council, that the said Alexander Wiley, agreeable to the directions of the Governor and Council, packed up and attended the removal of the records and papers, belonging to the different executive boards at Williamsburg, to the town of Richmond, where he faithfully delivered the same.

It also appears to your committee that the said Alexander Wiley continued to act in the capacity of keeper of the capitol in Williamsburg, from the last session of Assembly to the first day of May, in this present year.

Whereupon, your committee came to the following resolution:

Resolved, that it is the opinion of this committee, That the petition of the said Alexander Wiley, praying that compensation may be made him for his said services, is reasonable; and that the petitioner ought to be allowed the sum of 50 1. as keeper of the capitol in Williamsburg, from the last session of Assembly to the first instant.

Account of the Public Store at Williamsburg
Volume 16
Virginia State Library Archives

June 2, 1780.

1 Gate Lock del to Gov. Jones for the use of the Capitol.
3 lbs candles.

65.

Virginia State Library Archives
Auditor's Account Book, No. 5, 1780
Page 155

June 7th. 1780.

Contingent Accot. Dr.

409. Warrant to Alexander Wiley for packing up and removing the records and papers. & for his Services as Keeper of the Capitol . . . . . . . . . £270.

Virginia State Library Archives
Auditor's Account Book, No. 5, 1789
Page 260

July 29, 1780.

Contingent
460 Warrant to James Galt for keeping & winding up the Capitol Clock in Williamsburg Pr Account . . . . . . £90.

66.

Calendar of State Papers
Muter, Col. Geo., letter to Jefferson
Vol. I, page 397

December 12, 1780.

I am informed by Mr. Kemp that some Militia that were lately quartered in the Capitol at Wmsburg, have stripped the Cupalo of its lead, in consequence of which, the clock stands quite exposed to the weather and must soon be ruined-If its preservation is wished for Mr. Kemp would be glad to receive Orders concerning it.

[Ibid.]
Jefferson (Thomas), letter to Muter, Col. Geo.

December 12, 1780.

…we think orders should be given to Mr. Kemp to secure the clock & cupola by stopping up the open part of the Cupola, or raising a roof over it, or such other measure as an intelligent workmen shall think best. it must be made absolutely secure in some way or other.
Th. Jefferson.

La Fayette, General de, Memoires of
(From the original manuscripts in the handwriting of the Marquis, published by his family in 1837.) Vol. I, page 461

1781.

The English army was hard pressed on all sides at the same moment, and Lord Cornwallis's only possible salvation lay in a very perilous enterprise. Nevertheless he reconnoitered the position of Williamsburg, planning to attack it. This position was well selected; two creeks or small rivers flowing one into the James, the other into the York river, render the peninsula much narrower at this point; it would have been necessary to force two well-defended passages; two houses and two public buildings in Williamsburg, built of stone, were well placed for the defence of the front. There were five thousand American and French troops, a big body of militia, and a well-served field artillery. Lord Cornwallis did not feel that he could risk making the attack.

67.

Cadignan, Chevalier Dupleix de,
(Lieutenant-Colonel in the Agenois Regiment
During the War for American Independence at
The Siege of Yorktown), Extract from the Journal of

1781.

The other edifice, called the Capitol, was built for the Assembly of the States of the Province, and to serve as lodging for the Governor. But since the invasion of Virginia by the English, the Assembly has been transferred to Richmond, which is much farther inland.

Robin, Abbe
Nouveau Voyage dans l&Amerique
Septentricnale en l&Annee 1781
Et Campagne de l&Armee de M. le
Comte de Rochambeau

1781.

…At one end, the Capitol or State House faces. It is a small but regular building…

Jefferson, Thomas
Notes on the State of Virginia, pages 225-229

1781.

…The only public building worthy of mention are the capitol, the palace, the college and the hospital for lunatics, all of them in Williamsburgh, heretofore the seat of our government. The capitol is a light and airy structure, with a portico in front of two orders, the lower of which, being Doric, is tolerably just in its proportions and ornaments, save only that the intercolonations are too large. The upper is Ionic, much too small for that on which it is mounted, its ornaments not proper to the order, nor proportioned within themselves. It is crowned with a pediment, which is too high for its span. Yet, on the whole, it is the most pleasing piece of architecture we have…

68.

Feltman, Lt. William, Journal
1731-82, 1st. Fa. Rg't.
Page 12-15

Sept. 4th-27th, 1781.

The troops took up the line of march at 4 o&clock this morning from Williamsburgh, (which is a place I long wished to see,) joined the Marquis la Fayette's corps of Infantry, about two miles from town, having no provisions this day nor yesterday, we formed our line close near the College, and were received by the French Gen. St. Simon, and a number of the French gentry. In the evening our troops quartered in the College-7 miles.

5th- Took a walk to town with a number of our gentlemen, and took a view of the town, as ti is the metropolis of Virginia. There are some very elegant buildings, such as the College, Palace, Capitol or State House, in which is erected a statue of marble, the image of Gov. Berkeley, Governor of the State of Virginia, etc.

…

Von Closen, Baron Louis, Journal, 1780-1782
Vol. 2, page 1, 12.

November 19th, 1781.

…This city consists of two large streets, parallel and three or four smaller ones, which cross them at right angles. The streets are not all paved, but there are well kept sidewalks in the large ones. One sees there three large buildings very well built, which are: the College, the Capitol and the Governor's House.

The two first ones are at the two ends of the large streets, opposite it and at a distance of a mile, one from the other;…

The Capitol is now without a magistrate and without any courts and the college without professors and pupils. Instead of that these buildings, as well as the two churches, will be used for the establishment of hospitals and army warehouses…

68.

Extract from "Life of Timothy Fickering", Vol. I, pp. 297, 298
INSCRIPTION OF WILLIAMSBURG, Sept. 9-16, 1781 "About fifty miles from Fredericksburg you cross the northern branch (called Matapony) of York River; and about twenty-four miles farther on, you cross the southern branch (which is four times as large as the other), called Pamunkey, at a place called Ruffin's Ferry, Travelling from hence thirty-six miles, you arrive at Williamsburg. This is a pleasant town, situated about midway between York and James Rivers. A creek, or creeks, from both come up near the town; one within a mile, where craft drawing five or six feet of water may unload. It has one very spacious street, said to be a mile in length. At the extremities, and bounding the view, are two large buildings, which have a grand and elegant appearance; at the west end, the college, at the other, the Capitol, or State House. About the centre of this street, but retired perhaps two hundred yards, with a large court in front, stands the palace, the residence of their Governor. It is two stories high, and has a decent appearance outside, but nothing magnificent. The rooms were finished in a rich and costly manner; but, since the war, they are wholly defaced. In the centre of the Capitol, and ensircled by iron pales, stands the grand marble statue of Lord Botetourt, the last but one of their Royal Governors. He stands in a graceful posture of address, with his left hand at his side, holding his coronet under his arm, and in the other hand, with the arm a little extended, a roll of parchment. His countenance seems marked with sixty years. He was almost adored by the Virginians, who still speak in raptures of his virtues and his elegant and engaging manners.

69.

Calendar of Virginia State Papers
Vol. II, page 666
Benj: Waller to the Governor

Williamsb'g Decem'r 18th, 1781.

Sir,
By law the Court of Admiralty is appointed to be held at the Capitol in this City, as the most convenient Place for the Judges and Suitors; that house is, and for some Time past has been, full of the sick French Soldiers; and the Town Court-House is used as a Barrack; so that the Court by consent of the Parties has been lately held in my office, which with much Intercession is left empty. You Sir, and the Council have a Power to adjourn the court from the Capitol, and as there is a cause of some consequence lately instituted, and more may be brought, wherein the parties may not consent, to avoid Error, I must beg the Favor of you to send an order for adjourning the Court to the place where it has been lately held, which I know will be agreeable to the Judges, and I believe to all Parties, during the present Inconvenience---------

I have the Honor to be,
Sir
Your most obt. Hbl. Servt.

Rochambeau, Comte de Correspondence
Vol. 3734, page 178

Williamsburg the 23 Dec. 1781.
From the Count of Rochambeau to General Washington.

…I have learned through public rumor that you have had a fire at Washington. We are also having one in this city where there is neither water nor bucket to put it out although we are bringing help as promptly as possible. The wing of the College where our wounded officers were quartered was where the disaster started. After saving all the sick and the furniture, we were compelled to let it burn and to think only of keeping the conflagration from spreading to the Main Building. Likewise last night it reached the Governor's Palace (au Gouvernement) where the American Hospital was. We saved all the sick and most of the things in it and kept the fire from spreading to the neighboring houses, especially to mine which is the first Your Excellency occupied and which was covered all night long with a rain of fire. We have collected all the sick in the Capitol and I have had them given in the course of the day all the aid in my power.

70.

Washington Papers #190, f. 25546
Congressional Library

Gen. Washington to Comte Rochambeau
Philadelphia, 8 Jan. 1782

Sir:
In my last I barely acknowledged the receipt of your Excellency's favor of the 18th Dec. I have since been honored with that of the 24th.

I am extremely sorry to hear of the loss of the Palace at Williamsburg, by fire, and must beg your Excellency to accept my warmest acknowledgement for your goodness in accommodating our sick who were deprived of their hospital by the accident. My loss at Mt. Vernon was not considerable…
G. W.

Washington's Letter Book
Varick Transcripts, B-XV: #54, page 4

Washington to Lt. Col. Francis Mentges.
Philadelphia Mch. 1, 1782.

Sir:
I have to acknowledge the receipt of your two letters of Dec. 26th & 9th February, and to thank you for your care and attention to the Hospital Department. I am sorry you have had so many difficulties to struggle with in execution of that duty. They were the unavoidable consequences of the deranged State of our affairs in the State…

From the last letter I should suppose the number of sick at this time to be very small, and if the Hospital could be entirely broke up, it would be a pleasing circumstance. Those Convalescents who belong to the Northward might be sent by water to the Head of Elk and those of Virginia to the General Rendezvous at Cumberland Old Court House…

71.

Hening, Statutes at Large
Vol. XI, pages 151-152, Chap. XXVI

October 1782- 7th of Commonwealth.

An act to vest the capitol square, with the buildings thereon, in the city of Williamsburg, in the mayor, recorder, aldermen, and common council of the said city.

I. WHEREAS it hath been represented to this present general assembly, that the public lands, with the buildings thereon, in the city of Williamsburg, commonly called the capitol square, may be usefully employed as a residence for a grammar master, and as a place fit for the tuition and instruction of youth:

II. BE it therefore enacted, That the said lands and the buildings thereon, shall be, and the same are hereby vested in the mayor, recorder, aldermen and common council of the city of Williamsburg, for the term of ten years, and from thence to the end of the next session of assembly, for the purpose of accommodating a grammar master, and fitting it for the education and instruction of youth, except the room commonly used for the court of admiralty to hold their sessions in which is still reserved for the public use hereby.

Journals of the House of Delegates,
Begun October 1782, page 32

Friday, November 22, 1782.

Ordered, That leave be given to bring in a bill "to vest the Capitol Square and the houses thereon erected, in the Mayor, Recorder, Aldermen and Common Council of the city of Williamsburg, for certain purposes, for a limited time;" and that Messrs. Tazewell, Thruston, Richard Henry Lee, Carter Henry Harrison, and Newton, do prepare and bring in the same.

72.

Journal of the House of Delegates
Begun October 1782, page 50

Tuesday, December 3, 1782.

Mr. Tazewell presented, according to order, a bill "to vest the Capitol Square, with the buildings thereon, in the city of Williamsburg, in the Mayor, Recorder, Aldermen and Common Council of the said city;" and the same was received and read the first time, and ordered to be read a second time.

Journal of the House of Delegates
Begun October 1782, page 51

Wednesday, December 4, 1782.

An engrossed bill, "to vest the Capitol Square, with the buildings thereon, in the city of Williamsburg, in the Mayor, Recorder, Aldermen, and Common Council of the said city;" was read the third time.

Resolved, That the bill do pass; and that the title be, "an act, to vest the Capitol Square, with the buildings thereon, in the city of Williamsburg, in the Mayor, Recorder, Aldermen, and Common Council of the said city."

73.

Manuscript, Virginia State Library
A Journey on horseback from Philadelphia to
Charleston, S. Car. In the year 1783
Pages 124-131
1783.

Williamsburg.- We reached this town, 63 miles distant from Richmond, in a two days journey. It is situated on a pleasant and open level, and when seen at some distance, already makes an agreeable impression on travellers by its pleasing and stately appearance.- It may well be counted among the prettiest cities of Virginia or even America, though not to the larger ones, as it has only some 230 houses.- Having formerly enjoyed the distinction of being Virginia's Capital and seat of Government, there now only remains to it the title and rank of a city. Its houses are built at proper distances from each other, have a neat appearance, and most all of them being painted white, look exceedingly clean.- They are mostly two story frame houses except the Government buildings.- Its straight and wide Main street is nearly a mile long, while some of its side streets running from South to East, are laid out in the shape of the letter W.- They are not paved and hence during hot summers very disagreeable owing to the burning sand and dust. All of the public buildings are put up of brick and some of them are quite handsome and stately in appearance. The Capitol or State-house stands at the Eastern terminus of its principal street, being a large and modern building, in which formerly the Assembly Senate and Privy Council and the General Courts used to meet.- It is roomy and well fitted up, and there being no present use for it, it is proposed to establish a Latin school within its walls.- Works of art being so rarely met with in this country, I must here make mention of a beautiful white marble statue, which I saw in one of its lower rooms, and which had been placed there to the memory of one of Virginia's former Governors, Norborne Berkely, Baron de Botetourt. Directly opposite the Capitol and at the Western end of the same Street, stands the College named in honour of its royal patrons, William and Mary College.- It owes its existence to a Mr. James Blair, a Scottish clergyman, who had opened a subscription in its behalf.- King William and his royal spouse donated 2000 pounds Sterling and 20,000 acres of land to it, with the additional privilege of further liberty to purchase and own lands, yielding an annual income of 2000 pounds in rents, and a revenue grant of 1 penny for every pound of Tobacco sent out of Virginia into other Colonies.-

74.

Mr. Blair, who himself bequeathed large sums to it, was its first President, and filled this honourable post for 50 years.- The object of his individual donation was the establishment of an educational institution for Indian Children, which plan was really put into execution & pursued for some time, but finally relinquished as not responding to its aim and purpose.- Experience had taught that Indian youths, on whose education and moral training much labor and time had been spent, and not without apparent hopes of success, invariably used every opportunity to elude the discipline and supervision exercised over them, and with intense pleasure to return to their native, semi-barbarian, and careless mode of life, which seemed to have vastly more attractions for them than all the enjoyments and comforts which civilization had proffered them. I myself have known a half blooded Indian, one "Montrose", who had received his education in this College, but afterwards preferred to loiter about among his race, a trifling good for nothing fellow rather than to have followed and led a civilized life, and there were many more of his stamp, that were named to me. Europeans evidently take up the mode of life and habits of these barbarians more readily, than the latter do those of civilized nations.- Notwithstanding that this enterprize was given up as fruitless, the real or proper College still exists and in its halls are taught the advanced sciences.- It is the only College in all the Southern colonies at this time and has a corp of Professors, teaching Theology, Law, Medicine, languages, Philosophy, and Mathematics.- The Professor of the Medical school is Dr. Maclurg, author of a valuable treatise on the Gall. The present number of students is about 50.- Some of them lodge in comfortable rooms in the College, while the rest lodge and board in the city for from 36 to 40 Virg. Pounds per annum. The total annual expenses of students, including lectures need not to exceed 100 Virg. Pounds (333 Spanish Dollars).- Doctor degrees of all the various schools are awarded here, yet most young men after having ended their course of studies here, prefer finishing their education at some English or Scottish University and there to graduate with high honours.

About the middle and on the Southside of the principal street of Williamsburg, there stands a six cornered small building, surrounded by a low wall, which formerly used to be an Arsenal, and opposite to this structure is the Court-house.- Both buildings are somewhat standing back from the street, forming an open space or square in their front, and from thence may be had a fine view of the most important public buildings, and prettiest portion of the city.-

75.

The pallace or mansion of former Governors on the North side of the same street lies in ruins.- It was a large and beautiful structure, but was burnt down through the carelessness of some American troops which had been quartered in the building after the siege of York, while others assert that it had been set on fire by Loyalists.- Williamsburg, when compared to its former days of glory, is at present but a sorry place.- With the removal of the seat of government, many merchants, Lawyers, and others of its citizens also removed, thus only leaving it about one half of its former population.- Its commerce was at no time very considerable owing to its distance from navigation, it being situated between the James and York river, 7 miles distant from the former and 12 miles from the latter.- The population of the city and of that entire section of Virginia are using all efforts to bring the seat of government back here, chiefly because they fear, that with the severe losses already incurred by its removal, they may be called upon to bear a burthensome tax towards erecting and fitting up the necessary Government buildings in Richmond. The merchants of lower Virginia used to hold an annual meeting here to consult over the means for the promotion and advancement of commerce in this State.- This also has ceased and thus the cities of this new world already experience the uncertain fate of former grandeur and importance, which so many European cities have had to bewail in their time.-

In our hotel here, we had a very good, though dear entertainment.- Negro women cooks, women waiter and chambermaids made their courtesies with a great deal of native grace and simple elegance, and were dressed neat and cleanly.- They yet recall and speak with evident delight of the politeness and galantry of the French Officers.- Victuals are cheap, Beef selling at 2 pence, Shoat at 3 pence a pound, a turkey hen at 2 shillings and a Gobler at 2 ½ Shillings, a dozen young chickens at 6 shillings.

[The following note was written in pencil in the inside cover of the building of the above manuscript. E. S. Stubbs.]

(Fragment- Translation of the Greater Part of Volume II, Schoepf's "Reise durch einige der mittlern und sudlichen vereinigten nordamerikanischen Staaten, Oste Florida, die Bahama Inseln, unternommen in den Jahren 1783, 1784. Enlargen, 1788. (two volumes).

This translation begins with the first page of volume two, and apparently extends through most of the description of East Florida, i.e. Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, the Carolinas, and East Florida (not complete). Note supplied by A. J. Morrison, author of a full translation of this work, Copy in the State Library.)

p.75-a

From: WILLIAM & MARY COLLEGE QUARTERLY…1st series, Vol. XIV p,279

News of the Treaty of Paris having been signed reached Williamsburg- with ensuing celebration:] May 1, 1783.

PEACE DECLARED IN WILLIAMSBURG. 279

ORDER OF THE PROCESSION ON THE GREAT DAY, THURSDAY,
MAY 1ST. ^[1783]

• 1st.Two attendants, in front, supporting two staffs, decorated with Ribbons, &c. &c.
• 2d.The Herald mounted on a Gelding neatly Caparisoned.
• 3d.Two Attendants, as at first.
• 4d.Sergeant bearing the mace.
• 5d.Mayor, Recorder, with Charter.
• 6d.Clerk, Behind carrying the Plan of the City.
• 7d.Aldermen, two and two.
• 8d.Common Council, in the same order.
• 9d.The Citizens in the same order.

The Citizens to be convened on Thursday at 1 o&clock at the Court House by a Bell man.

After the convention of the citizens they are to make proclamation at the C: House, after which the Bells at the Church, College & Capitol are to ring in peal.

From the Ct House the Citizens are to proceed to the College, and make proclamation at that place, from whence they are to proceed to the Capitol and make proclamation there; and from thence Proceed to the Raleigh & pass the rest of the Day.

76.

[The following is a copy of the petition which I found in the Virginia State Library, Richmond, Virginia. E. S. Stubbs.]

Tuesday, May 27, 1783.

To the Honble The General Assembly of Virginia-

The Petition of The Mayor, Recorder, Aldermen and Common Council of the City of Williamsburg, Humbly Sheweth
That your Petitioners made application to the last Assembly for the use of part of the Capitol for the purposes of a Grammar School, which was granted to them in as ample a manner as was desired, that they have in consequence thereof framed an Ordinance for the Establishment of such a School, or an Academy, on a plan which they trust when carried into execution will render it highly beneficial, not only to the said City but to the whole Community, and that they have taken some steps towards raising a fund for the proper support of it. But your Petitioners find that the buildings have been so much injured during the War, that it will, they apprehend, take a larger sum of Money to repair them than they can hope to procure by voluntary contribution. Your Petitioners therefore pray that your Honourable House will permit and authorize them to raise by lottery a sum not exceeding One thousand and fifty pounds to be applied towards repairing the Capitol & Buildings annexed to it, and establishing a Fun for the support of the Academy. Your Petitioners also beg leave to represent to your Honourable House that the Inhabitants of this City are frequently subjected to difficulties from a want of power in its Court of Hustings to receive Probats of Wills and Deeds and to grant Administrations, the generality of the Citizens not possessing the means of travelling with any convenience to distant Courts: And they pray that your Honourable House will relieve them from these difficulties by empowering the Court of Hustings of this City to receive Probats of Wills and Record the same & to grant administrations and to admit Deeds to proof and Record in the same manner as the County Courts do- The Frequent Interruptions, occasioned by the War, in the exercise of the various Civil powers, in this part of the Country especially, and other circumstances of the late times have given an opportunity to so many Idle and disorderly persons to fix themselves in the City of Williamsburg, and have left behind them so many Evils that an unremitting attention is necessary to guard against and Correct them. That your Petitioners are not vested with a power of Levying Money to pay the Officer who must be almost constantly employed in keeping the peace of the City and preventing the irregularities lately grown too prevalent and they have found the other modes of raising Money for this purpose to be too Burthensome to individuals-

77.

They therefore beg that your Honourable House will grant them a power to impose and Levy a tax on the White and black Tithables of this City not exceeding One Shilling and three pence on each Tithable in the Course of a Year, for the purpose of paying the Salary or Salaries of one or more constables- and your Petitioner as in duty bound &ca
Will Finnie Mayor

A copy
Test
Will Russell Town Clerk

Journal of the House of Delegates
Begun May 1783, pages 22-23

Tuesday, May 27, 1783.

Also, a petition of the Mayor, Recorder, Aldermen and Common Council of the city of Williamsburg; praying that they may be authorised to raise by way of lottery, a sum not exceeding one thousand and fifty pounds, for the purpose of repairing the public buildings vested in the corporation of the said city, by an act of the General Assembly at their last session; and setting forth, that they labor under many difficulties from a want of power in the Court of Hustings to receive probats of wills and deeds, and to grant administrations; and praying that the said Court of Hustings may be empowered to receive probats of wills and record the same, to grant administrations, and to admit deeds to proof and record; and praying also, that they may be empowered annually to raise a sufficient sum of money for the payment of the salaries of the officers appointed to keep the peace of the said city.

Ordered, That the said petitions be referred to the committee of Propositions and Grievances; that they do examine the matter thereof, and report the same, with their opinion thereupon, to the House.

78.

Journal of the House of Delegates
Begun May 1783, page 92

Friday, June 27, 1783.

Resolved, that it is the opinion of this committee, That the present and future holders of lots on Shockoe hill be / assured that it is the determination of the General Assembly to continue the preference hitherto given to Shockoe hill / as the situation of the public buildings; and that the directors make a full report of their proceedings to the next session of Assembly.

Resolved…
The first resolution being read a second time, the amendment following was proposed to be made thereto, viz; strike out from the word "that" in the second place of the first line to the end of the resolution, and insert "the seat of government ought to be removed from the city of Richmond to the city of Williamsburg."

And the question being put thereupon,
It passed in the negative.

Virginia Gazette or the American Advertiser
James Hayes, ed.

January 10, 1784.

A G R A M M A R S C H O O L

Will be opened in the Capitol in the City of Williamsburg, on Monday the 5th of January, under the direction of Mr. Walker Maury, a gentleman, who for several years has conducted an institution of a similar nature, in the County of Orange, with singular credit to himself, and advantage to the public. A table will be kept in the buildings, and the rooms are repairing for the accommodation of the scholars. Education, board, and washing, are settled at the very moderate price of thirty-five pounds per annum. The scholars who board in the Town, are to pay eight pounds per annum for instruction in the Latin and Greek languages; or ten pounds per annum, if they at the same time learn the French language; and twenty shillings per annum, in addition, if they attend the Writing Master. The payments are to be made quarterly, and in advance.

79.

Virginia Gazette or the American Advertiser
James Hayes, ed.

March 20, 1784.

FINDING it is not generally understood, from the advertisement published some weeks ago, by the Corporation of this City, that boarders received into the Capitol, are to furnish their own bedding. I would wish to prevent any farther inconveniences which may result from this cause, by giving information, that they are expected tocome provided with that article. It was conceived, that the custom of public institutions of this nature, obviated the necessity of being particular on this head.
WALKER MAURY.

Journal of the House of Delegates
Begun May 1784, page 47

Thursday, June 10, 1784.

Resolved, that it is the opinion of this committee, That all the public lands except such as are necessary for the use of government, and except also, the lands and houses in and adjacent to the city of Williamsburg, which ought to be given to the Masters and Professors of William and Mary University, for the use of that seminary forever, ought to be sold for money or military certificates.

80.

Virginia Gazette
or the American Advertiser
James Hayes, ed.

July 3, 1784.

To render the advantages of the Williamsburg GRAMMAR SCHOOL, more diffusive, the board and washing, after the first day of October next, will be reduced to twenty pounds per annum; not only in favor of those who shall come in after, but also of those who may enter prior to that period. The payments quarterly, and in advance. As it is proposed to charge no more than an adequate to the necessary expenditures, it is hoped that an increase of numbers will reduce it still lower- an event, which will, with pleasure, be communicated to the public. The tuition will remain as before advertised, that is, eight pounds for instruction in the classics, twenty shillings for writing and arithmetic, and forty shillings for the French, which last is attended to by Mr. Bellini, professor of modern languages at the University.
WALKER MAURY.

Harwood, Humphrey, Ledger
B. 62

Mr. WALKER MAURY (Master of Grammar School at Capitol) Dr.

Januay 8, 1785.

1785
Januay 8-	To 600 bricks at 3/. & 14 bushells of lime a 1/.	1:12:0
	To 5 days labour a 2/6 & setting up 3 Grates a 7/6	1:15:0
	To repairing plastering 3/9	3:9
20-	To 1200 bricks 36/. & 14 bushels of lime a 1/.	2:10:0
24-	To 900 bricks 27/. & 14 bushels of lime a 1/. & 5 days labr a 2/6	2:13:6
26-	To 14 bushs of lime a 1/. & building chimney in the Capitol 30/. & 6 days labr a 2/6	2:19:0
Februay 7-	To 60 bricks 2/. & laying an harth to Chimney in Capitol 3/	5:0
	To ½ days labour 1/3	1:3
11-	To 4 bushels of lime a 4/. & 154 bricks 4/6	8:6
	To setting up two Grates 10/. & labours work 2/6	12:6
81.
April 7-	To 36 feet of Plank at 1½d.	4: 6
May 26-	To 2 bushel of lime 2/0, & repairing plastering 2/6	4: 6
	To whitewashing 3 Rooms a 4/6, & do passage 6/.	19:6
	To bushel of whitewash 2/.	2: 0
August 9-	To 2100 larthes a 1/6	1:11:6
20-	To 2210 larthes a 1/6	1:13:0
Septemr 13-	To 22 bushels of lime a 1/. & cuting out Wall & working 8 window frames 96/.	5:18:0
	To 7 days labour a 2/6	17:6
17-	To 16 bushels of lime a 1/. & hair 1/6	17:6
	To larthing & plastering 2 Grtes a 6½d. Clossest P Boleing Room	15:10
	To 1 days labour 2/6	2: 6
Octor 23-	To taking out door Frame, & working in one 12/. Office	12:0
	To 1½ days labour a 2/6	3: 9
31-	To 160 bricks a 3/. & setting up a grate 7/6	12: 3
	To labours work 2/.	2: 0
Novr 22-	To 75 bushels of lime a 1/. & carting 5 loads of sand a 2/. & 5 bushels hair a 2/.	4:15:0
	To 37 bushels of lime a 1/. & 8 days labr. a 2/6	2:17:0
	To larthing & plasterg 471 yds a 6½d.	12:14:9½
	To setting up a Grate 7/6. & 2 bushs of lime 2/. & 1a.. 2/6	12:
Decr 22-	To altering 2 Doors 10/. & labours work 3/	13:
31-	To 1050 larthes a 2/6 & 3 bus of hair a 2/. & 5 days labr. a 2/6	1:14:3
	To Repairing plastering on brick woork 18/	18:
1786 th
	Dr. Brought over	72:15:11
January 5-
	To vaulting 3 Chimneys and Laying 3 harthes & 10 days labr. a 2/6	3: 8: 0
	To Cuting out chimneys & Seting up 2 Grates a …	18:0
	To larthing & plastering 82 yds a 6½d. particions & Clossets	2: 4: 5
	To do. in General Court Office, & Repairing Chimney 10.	10: 0
	To Making a fier place in Celler of Secretarys Office 7/6	7: 6
	To 1550 bricks a 3/.	2: 6: 6
February 11	To 1 days labour 2/6 & cutting out Cellar door & workg in Frame 12/.	14: 6
March 10-	To 300 Bricks 9/. & setting up a Grate at Genl Nelson's 7/6	16: 6
82.
March 15-	To ½ Barrel of corn 10/.	10: 0
	To 1 days labour 2/6 & setting up a Grate in Capitol 8/9	11: 3
	To contracting Chimney in the Secretary's Office 10/.	10: 0
	To 2 days labour a 2/6	5: 0
24-	To white-washing 3 Rooms & a passage in Secretary's Office a 4/6	18: 0
	To . . do . . the Dining Room in ye Capitol 6/.	6: 0
		£87: 5: 9

Virginia Gazette
or the American Advertiser
James Hayes, ed.

May 31, 1786.

ON the 19th of June, the expiration of the Whitsuntide recess, the WILLIAMSBURG GRAMMAR SCHOOL will be opened on the following plan:… Exclusive of the General Exercises of the School, those who board in the Capitol, are regularly assembled every evening, as soon as it is dark, and either with the Principal or Usher, read English History till bed-time, when roll is called, the gates locked, and all egress prevented. As the school is also well provided with a Steward, and Mr. Maury, with his family, fixed on the square, he can assure those Gentlemen who may intrust him with their sons that their situation in the Capitol shall be comfortable and agreeable.
…

Mr. Maury having made these extensive arrangements to accommodate the Public; having also ventured part of his fortune on the repairs of such parts of the building as are immediately wanted, and with the aid of the Generous Friends of Science, hoping, in the course of the summer, to compleat the whole;…

83.

Virginia Gazette and Weekly Advertiser
Thomas Nicolson, ed.

January 4, 1787.

INFORMATION is given to the public, that the GRAMMAR SCHOOL in the city of Williamsburg, will be continued after the Christmas holidays, or from the 15th of January next, under the direction of the Rev. Mr. BRACKEN; board and lodging in the Capitol will be discontinued, but may be had in private houses on reasonable terms. The languages, writing and arithmetic will be taught, and the terms will be two pounds five shillings per quarter, to be paid in advance.

Those who choose to learn the FRENCH LANGUAGE, May have an opportunity of doing it.

84.

Shepherd, Samuel
The Statutes at Large of Virginia
Vol. 1, page 273

December 9, 1793.

CHAP. 66. An Act concerning the capitol in the city of Williamsburg.

1. Whereas it is represented that the building called the capitol, in the city of Williamsburg, is in a ruinous condition, and must soon, if not repaired, be unfit for the public purposes, to which it has been applied, and that it is not necessary to reserve the whole of the said building for public use:

2. Be it therefore enacted by the general assembly, That the mayor, recorder and aldermen of the city of Williamsburg shall be, and they are hereby authorized and empowered to sell, in the manner they shall judge most advantageous, the eastern wing of the said capitol, in the city of Williamsburg, and to apply the money arising from the sale, or so much thereof as shall be necessary, to the repairing of the western or front wing; and if the money produced by the sale shall be more than sufficient for the purpose herein before mentioned, the said mayor, recorder and aldermen shall place out the surplus at interest, and the interest of the said surplus shall be a fund for keeping the said capitol in repair.

3. And the said mayor, recorder and aldermen shall be, and they are hereby empowered to rent out the building called the secretary's office, in the said city, and apply the rents to the repairing of the aforesaid capitol, as the same may be required.

4. This act shall commence in force from the passing thereof.

85.

Virginia Gazette and Weekly Advertiser
Thomas Nicolson, ed.

December 20, 1794
RICHMOND, December 20,

Extract from a letter from Williamsburg, dated
December 16, 1794.

…Our worthy and ingenious professor, Judge TUCKER, has, from slight hints, afforded in the public papers, just made a TELEGRAPH, which, if it be not entirely similar to that which announces so rapidly the victories of the gallant French, must, I think at least equal it in simplicity and dispatch. The whole apparatus consists of an upright shaft with two moveable arms. We made an experiment yesterday, with a small model, the arms of which were only 7 inches in length. The signals were made from the cupola of the old Capitol, whilst the observer was stationed at the college, with a Telescope magnifying about 40. The distance you know as nearly a mile; but had it been three or even four times as far, the result would have been the same. Three sentences were taken down in a very few minutes…

Voyage / dans/ les Etats-Unis / d&Amerique./ Fait en 1795,
1796, et 1797, / Par La Rochefoucauld-Liancourt./ Tome Quatrieme./ A Paris/ …L&an VII de la Republique./

1795-1797.

Une maison de l&Etat, don&t une partie sert de siege au tribunal de district, porte le nom de capitole; c&est un assez beau batiment en briques, mais que tombe en ruine. La statue en marbre du lord Botetourt, un des gouverneurs de Virginie sous l&ancien regime, don&t la conduite avait merite le respect et l&attachement des Virginiens, est sous le peristile de ce capitole, mais elle y est defiguree; la plus basse classe du people de Williamsburg dans l&exaltation de la revolution, a pris pour un homage a la liberté les insultes faites a un monument de reconnaisasance érigé a un ancien lord; et ce people l&a honteusement motile. L&inscription de la reconnaissance du people de Virginie gravee sur le piedestal, que cette populace n&a pas détruit, est un contrast frappant avec les insultes qu&a recu la statue, et en venge honorablement la memoire de lord Botetourt.

Ce capitole termine une rue de cent soixant pieds de large, de trios quarts de mille de long, et don&t l&autre extremité about it au college. Ce dernier etablissement fondé sous la regne de Guillaume et Marie,…

86.

Travels / through the states / of North America, / and the /
Provinces of / upper and lower Canada, / during / the years
1795, 1796, 1797. / by Issac Weld, Junior./ …London:/
Printed for John Stockdale, Piccadilly./

1795-1797.

Twelve miles from York, to the westward, stands Williamsburgh, formerly the seat of government in Virginia. Richmond was fixed upon during the war as a more secure place, being farther removed from the sea coast, and not so much exposed to depredations if any enemy were to land unexpectedly. Richmond also had the advantage of being situated at the head of a navigable river, and was therefore likely to increase to a size which the other never could attain. It is wonderful, indeed, what could have induced people to fix upon the spot where Williamsburgh stands for a town, in the middle of a plain, and one mile and a half removed from any navigable stream, when there were so many noble rivers in the neighbourhood.

The town consists of one principal street, and two others which run parallel to it. At one end of the main street stands the college, and at the other end the old capitol or statehouse, a capacious building of brick, now crumbling to pieces from negligence. The houses around it are mostly uninhabited, and present a melancholy picture. In the hall of the capitol stands a maimed statue of lord Botetourt, one of the regal governors of Virginia, erected at the public expence, in memory of his lordship's equitable and popular administration. During the war, when party rage was at its highest pitch, and every thing pertaining to royalty obnoxious, the head and one arm of the statue were knocked off; it now remains quite exposed, and is more and more defaced every day. Whether the motto "Resurgo rege favente," inscribed under the coat of arms, did or did not help to bring upon it its present fate, I cannot pretend to say; as it is, it certainly remains a monument of the extinction of monarchical power in America.

The College of William and Mary,…

The episcopalian church…

The town contains about twelve hundred inhabitants, and the society in it is thought to be more extensive and more genteel at the same time than what is to be met with in any other place of its size in America. No manufactures are carried on here, and scarcely any trade.

There is an hospital here for lunatics, but it does not appear to be well regulated.

86a.

From: Latrobe's Journals

April 5, 1796 Richmond

The principal street of Williamsburg is near a mile in length. At one of it stands the Capitol, at the other the College. The Capitol is a heavy brick pile with a two story portico towards the street, the wooden pillars of which are stripped of their mouldings, and are twisted and forced out of their places in all directions. They seem to be perfectly rotten, and I am astonished that the pediment and roof still stands. The beautiful marble statue of Lord Bottetourt (sic), a popular Governor of Virginia before the War, is deprived of its head and mutilated in many other respects. [Note by WGP: See Latrobe's sketch probably made on this journey.] This is not the only proof of the decay of Williamsburg. The Courthouse which stands on the North side of the street, has lost all the columns of its Portico, and the Pediment sticks out like a Penthouse, carried only by timbers that bind into the roof. Many ruined and uninhabited houses disgrace the street. But a visit, which I have promised to pay to Mr. Andrews, the professor of mathematics in the University, will afford a better opportunity of viewing this once flourishing city.

87.

Sketch of the Statue of the Right Honorable Norborne Berkeley
Latrobe's Sketch

87.

William and Mary Quarterly
2nd Series, Vol. 10, page 164

Letter of Henry St. Geo. Tucker, dated at Wmsburg,
Aug. 8, 1801, addressed to St. Geo. Tucker, Esq.
now in Winchester, Extract:

Among the improvements which our little town can boast, is the removal of Lord Botetourts statue to college. It was purchased by the president & professors for $100.00 and is placed in the center of the College walk facing the town. His head has been very dexterously stuck on, with an iron plug by the bishop and Mr. Moody in conjuction… His nose which was broken almost flat to his face as if it had been cut off in the Indies has been scientifically renewed by Mr. Madison and the parts of the pedestal which were dispersed, have been carefully collected together and it now cuts a very handsome figure indeed. It has already become in some measure a rendezvous to the curious, and should the statuaries improve in the art of mending arms & legs and noses it will be very worthy of a visit when you return.

Maxwell, W. (Trans.)
Letters from Virginia
Pages 120-123

(1824.)

…The Capitol, which the author of the Notes calls "a light and airy structure", and "the most pleasing piece of architecture we have", is nothing after all but a very common two story brick house, without any pretensions to elegance…

88.

Acts of Virginia, 1823-1824
Pages 35-36

March 5, 1824.

CHAP. 33. An act concerning certain public property in the city of Williamsburg. (passed March 5, 1824)

1. Be it enacted by the General Assembly, That William T. Banks of the city of Williamsburg, shall be permitted to occupy and enjoy, during his continuance to act as the clerk or deputy clerk of the superior court of chancery for the Williamsburg district, the tenement in the said city, belonging to the Commonwealth, and known by the name of the old secretary's office; Provided, That, before the said William T. Banks shall take possession of the said tenement, he shall give bond and good security, to be approved by the executive, in such penalty as they shall consider reasonable, payable to the governor or chief magistrate of this Commonwealth and his successors, conditioned that he shall, at his own expense, put the dwelling house on the said tenement in good tenantable repair, and enclose the ground around it with brick, plank or some other substantial enclosure; that he shall also, put and keep in order for the chancery court to sit in during the said term, the large room in the upper story of the old capitol in the said city, and put under a like substantial enclosure the ground around the said capitol, following the old brick wall which formerly was run; and that he, the said Banks, shall, at the expiration of the said term, deliver up, to such public officer or agent as the executive shall appoint to receive the same, the tenement and enclosures aforesaid, in good, tenantable and substantial repair, barring injuries by unavoidable accidents or disaster. And if the said Banks shall not have complied with the condition of the said bond at the end of the said term, the executive shall cause the same to be put in suit, for the benefit of the Commonwealth, in the general court; and such recovery in damages shall be had, for breach of the said condition, as a jury shall assess. The said William T. Banks shall be permitted, during the said term, to use as a garden, the ground enclosed as aforesaid, around the old capitol.

2. Provided always, That the Legislature may at any time, when they shall think the public service requires it, resume the grant herein contained; upon making to the said William T. Banks, reasonable compensation for any repairs and enclosures he may have made.

3. This act shall take effect from the passage thereof.

88a.

Robinson MS William and Mary College Archives
Folder 4
Letter from Alfred Robinson to his father, John Robinson, Richmond
April 25, 1832. Williamsburg/ April 25th 1832.

[Alfred was a student at college]

"…
I have no news to write about, as our Old Town is as dull as usual, nothing stirring. I suppose you have heard of the destruction of the old Capitol, before this, it is entirely consumed, and it was with considerable difficulty, that they were able to save the records of the court from the progress of the flames, it was thought by some, that nothing could be saved, but they were fortunate enough to obtain the papers, but nothing more. …"

89.

Ward, Robert D.
An Account of General L Fayette's Visit to Virginia
Richmond: 1881.
Page 15.

October 1824.

The beautiful street, which terminates at one end with the college and at the other with the ancient state-house-that interesting building, where the house of burgesses once sat, where the thunderbolts of our revolution were forged, from which the eloquence of Patrick Henry once electrified the whole nation--- the very spot where he stood when he delivered his war-speech---were pointed out. A part of this building only remains, where the chancery court now holds its sessions; the other wing, where the burgesses deliberated, with the colonnade which connected them, is gone; and scarce "a wreck remains behind them."

Calendar of Virginia State Papers
Vol. X, pages 574, 575.

A. P. Upshur to the Governor,
Williamsburg, April 10, 1832.

It is my unpleasant duty to inform you that the former capitol in this City was this day entirely consumed by fire. I am happy, however, to be able to add that all the record books and papers are saved.

The term of the Superior Court of Law and Chancery commenced on Friday last, and will expire on Friday night next. In the meantime it is highly important that the Executive, in pursuance of the power vested in it by Law, should designate some other place at which the future sessions of the Court may be held until provision shall be made therefore by the Legislature. The Court House of James City County is at present the only suitable place for this purpose.

Should it be in your power to act immediately upon this subject, much of the business of the present term may yet be dispatched…

90.

Calendar of Virginia State Papers
Vol. X, page 578

James Cabaniss to the Governor.
Williamsburg, Sept. 20, 1832.

I have been advised to state to you the propriety of disposing of the remains of the Old Capitol including the Walls, and if not the walls, the stone steps as well as the stone floor; in this I fully concur, for this reason that the stone steps are disappearing, and I have but little doubt in a short time all that are of value will be removed.

Should it be deemed unadvisable to dispose of them at present, they can be removed to a secure place with a trifling expense.

Calendar Virginia State Papers
Vol. X, page 583

James Cabaniss to the Governor
Nov. 26, [1832], Williamsburg.

In obedience to an order from the Executive Department, under date 26th September last, I have caused the annexed valuation of the remains of the former Capitol in this place to be made.

I am advised, and it is my own opinion, that a sale made privately, would be most productive, and, as is suggested in the Report I feel not the least hesitation in saying that it would sell for a much larger sum if a small lot of land can be attached to the building.

91.

Calendar of Virginia State Papers
Vol. X, page 583

Williamsburg, 26th November, 1832.

We the subscribers being called on by James Cabaniss to state in our opinion, the value of the remains of the Old Capitol as it now stands, and as we differ so materially in our estimates, we here report our separate opinions, to wit: one at fifty dollars, one at a hundred dollars, and the third at Two hundred Dollars.

We respectfully suggest that if the land attached to it, or a part of it, could be sold so as not to compel the purchaser to pull down the walls, the value would be greatly enhanced.

Given under our hands this 26th Nov. 1832.

Geo. P. Morrisson
James Guthrie
Johnson Sands.

Tyler's Magazine
Vol. 6, page 31.

1832.
Sketches from the journal of a confederate soldier (Samuel Elias Mayes).

The site of the old Court-House is where Patrick Henry made some of his greatest speeches, but the old court house has been replaced by a more modern structure. (Mr. Mayes refers here to the old capitol which was burnt in 1832 and was succeeded by a Female Academy. That has gone, but the Court House still stands.)

92.

Finch, I.
Travels in the United States of America…
London: 1833
Pages 268-269

1833.

I crossed James River at the ferry, and pursued my journey to Williamsburgh, the ancient capital of Virginia, the seat of William and Mary's College, and formerly the residence of the Governor of the State. This was the scene of much splendor when the Legislature met, and the opulent families of the State made it a place of fashionable resort, where they vied with each other in display.

The legislative halls, where Patrick Henry delivered his orations, is partly pulled down, and the remaining windows closed. Williamsburgh has declined from its former prosperity since the seat of government has been removed to Richmond. William and Mary's College is a fine building, and has a statue of the King in the court-yard. The number of students has lately declined, in consequence of the establishment of Charlottesville University. I called on one of the Professors to obtain a view of the College; but from the delapidation of the building, or some other cause, I could not gain a view of the interior.

The best inn of the city has a sign of Sir Walter Raleigh, and under his auspices I expected to be well entertained; but I found it quite the reverse. At this inn were drawn up the first resolutions which advocated a separation of the Colonies from Great Britain.
…

Acts of Virginia, 1832-1833
Page 150

February 28th, 1833.

CHAP. 186- An ACT concerning the old capitol and lot in the city of Williamsburg. (Passed February 28th, 1833.)

1. Be it enacted by the general assembly, That the lot in the city of Williamsburg upon which the former capitol stood, together with the appurtenances thereto belonging, be, and the same, is hereby vested in the corporate authorities of the city of Williamsburg, and their successors in office, for the use and benefit of said city.

2. This act shall be in force from the passing thereof.

93.

Acts of the General Assembly of Virginia
Jan.-April 1839, page 135

February 25, 1839.

CHAP. 183- An ACT to incorporate the trustees of the female academy of Williamsburg, and for other purposes.

…

IV. And be it further enacted, That the corporate authorities of the city of Williamsburg, be, and are hereby empowered to convey to the trustees of the said female academy, and their successors, the lot of ground in said city, whereon the capitol formerly stood, together with the appurtenances thereto belonging, upon such terms as to them may seem proper.

V. And be it further enacted, That the legislature hereby reserved the right to alter or repeal at its discretion, the charter hereby granted.

VI. This act shall be in force from the passing thereof.

Lossing, Benson J.
The Pictorial Field-Book of the Revolution
Vol. II, page 264

Dec. 20, 1848.

On the square fronting the magazine is the court-house. It stands upon the site of the old capitol, in which occurred many interesting events connected with the history of our War for Independence. The present structure was erected over the ashes of the old one, which was burned in 1832. Around it are a few of the old bricks half buried in the green sward, and these compose the only remains of the Old Capitol. While leaning against the ancient wall of the old magazine and, in the shadow of its roof, contemplating the events which cluster that locality with glorious associations, I almost lost cognizance of the present, and beheld in reverie the whole pageantry of the past march in review. Here let us consult the oracle of history, and note its teachings.

93a.

Virginia Gazette, Peyton & Neel i e, Williamsburg, 30 November 1854.

Peep at the Old Dominion
WILLIAMSBURG, Va., Oct., 1854.

Messrs. EDITORS -- ……………….

.……….

..The old Capitol and the Palace have both been destroyed by fire, and not a vestige of either remains, except the offices of the latter, which are now occupies as private residences. …

Papers Relating to the College of William and Mary Unarranged Dr. Swem's Notes. Folder 236-255; Unarranged, Not Cataloged.

94.

Smith, M. V.
Virginia, 1492-1892
Page 136.

Pen and ink sketch:

The Heart of the Rebellion
Old Capitol, Williamsburg, Va.

[3 tiny figures in front of the old Capitol, 2 male, 1 female.]

95.

Extract from "Life of Timothy Pickering", Vol. I, pp. 297, 298

INSCRIPTION TO WILLIAMSBURG, Sept. 9&16, 1781

"About fifty miles from Fredericksburg you cross the northern branch (called Matapony) of York River; and about twenty-four miles farther on, you cross the southern branch (which is four times as large as the other), called Pamunkey, at a place called Ruffin's Ferry. Travelling from hence thirty-six miles, you arrive at Williamsburg. This is a pleasant town, situated about midway between York and James Rivers. A creek, or creeks, from both come up near the town; one within a mile, where craft drawing five or six feet of water may unload. It has one very spacious street, said to be a mile in length. At the extremities, and bounding the view, are two large buildings, which have a grand and elegant appearance; at the west end, the college, at the other, the Capitol, or State House. About the center of this street, but retired perhaps two hundred yards, with a large court in front, stands the palace, the residence of their Governor. It is two stories high, and has a decent appearance outside, but nothing magnificent. The rooms were finished in a rich and costly manner; but, since the war, they are wholly defaced. In the center of the Capitol, and encircled by iron pales, stands the grand marble statue of Lord Botetourt, the last but one of their Royal Governors. He stands in a graceful posture of address, with his left hand at his side, holding his coronet under his arm, and in the other hand, with the arm a little extended, a roll of parchment. His countenance seems marked with sixty years. He was almost adored by the Virginians, who still speak in raptures of his virtues and his elegant and engaging manners.

96.

From JOURNAL of EBENEZER HAZARD'S Journey to the SOUTH, 1778.
(Orig. MS. In Pennsylvania Historical Society. Photostat- Lib. of Congress)

… Lodged at Cartwright's, a good House, 16 Miles from Williamsburgh.

31st Breakfasted at Williamsburgh. The Road from Cartwright's is very sandy & deep. Williamsburgh is the Capital of Virginia, situated partly in York & partly in James City Counties. T is but small; I think not larger than Wilmington in Pennsylvania. The Houses are chiefly framed; the streets are straight. The principal Buildings are the College, the Mad-House, the Palace & the Capitol, all of Brick. The first is badly contrived, & the Inside of it is shabby; it is 2 ½ Stories high, has wings & dormer Windows At each End of the East Front is a two Story brick House, one for the President, the other is for an Indian School; this was built by voluntary Contributions in England, and is supported by the Produce of some Lands there which have been set apart for that Purpose. At this Front of the College is a large Court Yard, ornamented with Gravel Walks, Trees cut into different Forms, & Grass. The Wings are on the West Front, between them is a covered Parade, which reaches from the one to the other; the Portico is supported by stone Pillars: opposite to this Parade is a Court Yard & a large Kitchen Garden: - there is also the Foundation of a new Building which was intended for an Addition to the College, but has been discontinued on Account of the present Troubles; -at the South End of the Parade is a small Chapel for the Use of the Students; Sir John Randolph, Lord Bottetourt, & Peyton Randolph Esqr late President of the Congress, are buried here:- at the North End is a Room allotted for a Divinity-School, but there have been no Students in it for several Years; there are but 18 Students belonging to the College, & about 30 Grammar Scholars: the College has been the Decline for some Years. The Top of this Building affords a beautiful Prospect of the City & the adjacent Country; James River may be seen from it, as may York River in a clear Day.-

The Mad-House is a three Story Building, but as I did not choose to have my Humanity shocked by a sight of its wretched Inhabitants, I did not go into it.

I have not yet had an Opportunity to particularly examining [sic] the Palace & Capitol.-

There are 40 cherokee Indians in Town … Lodged at Anderson's. A good House.

June 1st. Heard a Mr Bracken preach. The Church at Williamsburgh is a small neat Brick Building, with a Steeple: there is a very good Organ in it. The Assembly was large & plainly dressed; his Excellency Patrick Henry Esqr the Govr was present; he appears to be between 40 & 50 years of Age, & is very swarthy. The Govrs Pew is elegant, & elevated above the rest; a sill Curtain hangs on each Side & in the Front of it from a Canopy supported by two fluted ? Pillars.- The Ladies here are not handsome.- The Govrs Salary is £1000.-

2d Presented a Memorial to the Assembly who are now sitting in the Capitol. I understand they propose to pass a Law for taxing Bachelors. … The Capotol is a large two Story Brick Building in the Form of an H: it is surrounded with a Brick wall; you enter the Court Yard by an elegant Iron Gate. In the front of the 97. Building is a Portico & Balcony, each supported by four Pillars; above these the King's Arms (elegantly carved & gilt) were formerly placed, but upon Independence being declared they were taken down & burned. Upon entering the Capitol you get into a Room in which the Courts of Justice are held; it is large & convenient; here is a fine whole Length Picture of Queen Anne by Van Dyck. Opposite to the Door by which you enter this Room (in another Apartment, which is a Kind of Hall) is an elegant white marble pedestrian Statute of Lord Botetourt in his Robes, made by Richard Hayward, London, 1773. On the Front of it is this Inscription.

…

The Inscriptions are entirely in Capitals, and the Workmanship of the Statue is exquisitely fine. The whole is placed upon a Free-Stone Foundation, & surrounded with an neat Iron Railing.-

From the Hall where this Statue is place you go into the Lobby of the House of Burgesses, & from thence into the Room where they sit; the latter is large convenient, & plain: The Speaker's Chair & a large Iron Stove are at the upper End, on each Side the Seats for the Members, & at the lower End a Gallery for the Use of Spectators.
of
Form/the Speaker's Chair.

On one Side of this Room hangs a whole Length of King George the 2d & on the other another of Queen Caroline.- The other Rooms in the Capitol are large but contain nothing worty of Observation.- On the Top of the Capitol is a Cupula, & a Clock with four Dials.

3d. No remarkable Occurrence.

4th. There is no be a musical Entertainment & Ball at the Capitol this Evening for the Benefit of Mr Pelham, the Organist of the Church.

5th. The Entertainment last Night was very fine, the Music excellent, the Assembly large & polite & the Ladies made a brilliant Appearance. A Mr Blagrave, (a Clergyman) His Lady, & a Mrs. Neal, performed the vocal Parts; they sang well, expecially Mr Blagrave. His Lady played excellently on the Harpsicord. After the Entertainment was over, the Company went up Stairs to dance. I thing a Mrs. Cuthbert (formerly Mrs. Blair, a Daughter of Dr Eustis of New York) made the best appearance as a Dancer.

…
The Water at Williamsburgh is very bad; no Beer or Cyder in Town- Grog or Toddy, or Sangaree, made with vile Water is the only Drink to be had, which, with the Heat of the Weather is sufficient to keep a Man in a continual Fever:

…

98.

on loose 5x8 sheets of paper

VIRGINIA GAZETTE AND WEEKLY ADVERTISER No. 201 Richmond, Thomas Nicolson, Printer.
November 5, 1785. p. 1, column 2.

81a

To the Mayor, Aldermen, and the Common Council of the city of Williamsburg.

THE Visitors appointed to examine the Grammar School in the capitol, under the direction of Mr. Maury experience a satisfaction in reporting, that the youth in that school have made progress in their studies, which not only evinces the skill and attention of Mr. Maury, but also promises fully to answer the end of such an institution.

JAMES MADISON.
GEORGE WYTHE.
JOHN BLAIR.
JAMES INNRES.

At a Court of Common Council for the city of Williamsburg held the 31st of October 1785, ordered that the foregoing report of the Visitors of the Williamsburg Grammar School, under the direction of Mr. Maury, be received and published in the Virginia Gazette.

A Copy (Teste)
WILL. RUSSELL, Town Clk.

Mr. Maury feels a pleasure in informing the public, that the advanced state of the repairs of the capitol, enable him to promise the most comfortable apartments for the youth who may be committed to his care. About seventy may be accommodated in the building. The Secretary's office is intended for his own residence. His assistants reside in the capitol with the boys. The terms are, board and washing 21 1. tuition of Greek, Latin and English languages together with writing and arithmetic 91 and French 40 s. payment quarterly and in advance."

NOTE: In the November 19th 1785 issue of this paper, this advertisement appears with this added:

Wanted for the public table at the Williamsburg Grammar School, A STEWARD. Any person well qualified for that post, will meet with good encouragement.

The Virginia Gazette and Weekly Advertiser No. 149. Richmond: Printed by Nicolson & Prentis October 30, 1784. p. 3, column 1.

97a

WILLIAMSBURG, October 25.

THE subscriber wished to undertake the tuition of five or six boys, who may also live with him. As his attention will be entirely confined to so small a number, the terms for board and tuition will be forty guineas per ann. JOHN BRACKEN.

99.

122.

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