Colonial Williamsburg Digital Library

REPORT ON THE BOURBON HOUSE. ^{NOW AYSCOUGH HOUSE} BLOCK 8, #5.
October 31, 1930.

Within 200 feet of the Capitol, on the site of the present Bourbon house was a famous and popular colonial tavern called Ayscough's. Whether the present building contains a portion of the older building on the site will be determined by archaeological examination of the present building.

The first record available of Ayscough's Tavern is in the following from the Virginia Gazette:

October 6, 1768- Chris Ayscough has opened a Tavern fronting the south side of the Capitol in Williamsburg. He is provided with the best liquors, and Mrs. A. understands the art of cookery. He flatters himself that gentlemen stopping there will be pleased.

That there was once a small shop adjoining the Tavern, and at another date one in the building itself is evident from these advertisements in the Virginia Gazette:

October 10, 1771- Catherine Rathell has a large assortment of merchandise for sale at her shop, where Mr Ayscough lately lived, opposite to the south side of the Capitol. As it is impossible to get a house on the Main street, she hopes the added distance will not make any difference to her patrons.

April 23, 1772- Mathew Holt has opened a store on the southside of the Capitol next door to Mrs Ayscough's.

On the Frenchman's Map of 1786² the building shown on this site is about 50 x 20 feet, rather usual dimensions for a tavern, and larger than the present Bourbon house. A rather large outbuilding is noted in the rear part of the lot.

Because of the importance of the Capitol, and the open colonial "Capitol Square", it is quite possible that the building actually fronted the south side of the Capitol; that is, that it had its more imposing entrance at what is now the rear of the house, and an entrance of lesser importance on the York stage road.

Bourbon- 2.

At the time of the Civil War the Bourbon house looked very much as it does now, according to Mr Charles, in his "Recollections of Williamsburg".

AYSCOUGH'S SHOP
Colonial lot 6 - ^{Block 8}
(Supplementing report in the Guide book)

^{obsolete #123}

According to the following references, Christopher Ayscough was gardener and Anne Ayscough was cook at the Palace during the time of Francis Fauquier.

Virginia Gazette
William Hunter, ed.
November 30, 1759 Just imported in the Good-Intent, Capt. Reddick, and to be sold Cheap, for ready Money, by the Subscriber, living at the Palace, in Williamsburg; where Gentlemen may depend on being well served, with the following Garden-Seeds, by.
Their humble Servant,
Christopher Ayscough
[here follows a long list of flowers and vegetables]
[card 452]

Francis Fauquier, Will
… I give to all -- with me at the time of my Death -- excepting to my cook Anne Ayscough to (whom I give) one hundred and fifty Pounds sterling in recompence of her great fidelity and attention to me in all my Illness, and of the great Oeconomy with which she conducted the Expenses of my kitchen during my residence at Williamsburg as his Majesty's Lieutenant Governor, when it was in her power to have defrauded me of several Hundred Pounds. [W & M (1) 8, p. 177]

Fauquier died March 3, 1768 and in the sale and settlement of his estate, Ayscough made a great many purchases.

York county records
Book 22 - Will, inventories.
pp. 83-99

Sold Christopher Ayscough

2 stalled steers	19/ 0/ 0
12 sheep	7/ 0/ 0
9 hogs	7/10/ 0
7 bushels wheat	1/11/ 7
12 barrels corn	6/ 9/ 0
Sundry garden tools	1/16/ 0
1823 lbs. bacon	45/11/ 6
…
7 bushels wheat sold Mr. Ayscough	1/11/ 6
…
12 barrels corn sold Christopher Ayscough	6/ 0/ 0

2

Governor Fauquier died in March, 1768 and his successor, Lord Botetourt, arrived October 25, 1768. [Virginia Gazette, Rind Oct. 27, 1768]. Ayscough may have remained at the Palace during the summer, taking care of the grounds, for it was not until October that he advertised his new business:

Virginia Gazette
Purdie & Dixon, eds.
October 6, 1768 CHRISTOPHER AYSCOUGH Begs leave to acquaint the publick that he has opened TAVERN fronting the south side of the Capitol , WILLIAMSBURG. As he is provided with the best LIQUORS, and Mrs. Ayscough very well understands the COOKERY part, he flatters himself that those Gentlemen who many please to favour him with their custom will find every thing to their satisfaction, he being determined to do all in his power to oblige.
The greatest care will be taken of Gentlemens SERVANTS and HORSES.

Virginia Gazette
Purdie & Dixon eds.
November 3, 1768 Williamsburg, Nov. 3, 1768
Stolen last night out of my yard a large black horse … also a brown bay horse… They are both the property of Mr. Augustine Smith . Whoever brings them to me shall have TWENTY SHILLINGS reward.
Christopher Ayscough.
[card 802]

Virginia Gazette
Rind, ed.
May 4, 1769

May 2, 1769

Mr. B. GRYMES presents his compliments to his creditors, and requests that they will meet him on Monday evening, the 8th instant, at John Carter's , next door to Mr. Ayscough's , on business of very great importance to them...
[card 905]

Another notice of Mr. Grymes mentions Mr. John Carter's as being "in the back street", and an advertisement in 1776 locates John Carter as "south side of the Capitol."

Virginia Gazette
Rind, ed.
November 30, 1769 The creditors of Benjamin Grymes are desired to meet at John Carter's in the back street, Williamsburg, on Thursday the 14th of December …
[card 1000]

3

Virginia Gazette
Purdie, ed.
December 13, 1776 GOOD encouragement will be given to two journeymen TAILORS, who understand their business, by applying to me at John Carter's , south side of the Capitol.
JOHN LOGAN
[card 2440]

The advertisement by which Ayscough gives notice of closing his tavern gives a description of the house and part of his property.

Virginia Gazette
Purdie & Dixon, eds.
September 20, 1770

Sept. 20, 1770

As I intend to leave off tavern keeping, on Thursday the 27th instant will be exposed to sale my dwelling-house in this city, with a house adjoining, that was built for a store; there is a lot and a half of ground, and on it are all convenient out-houses, besides a well, and garden well paled in. At the same time will be sold all my HOUSEHOLD and KITCHEN FURNITURE, and nine NEGROES, one an exceeding good cook wench, and a fellow who is a very good gardener. Also about 60 dozen of good old MADEIRA WINE, a large quantity of COAL, five HORSES, a CART and HARNESS. Six months credit will be allowed for all sums above 40s.

Those to whom I am indebted, upon coming to the sale, may purchase to the amount of their demands. As soon as it is ended I shall make over the bonds to my creditors.
CHRISTOPHER AYSCOUGH

N.B. All persons indebted to me are desired to come, without fail, by the 25th of October next, and either pay or give bond and security for what they owe. No longer indulgence will be given.
[card 1100]

The first mention of the death of Ayscough is in October, 1772, but in October, 1771, the shop had been rented to Catherine Rathell, who apologizes for her location and distance from the main part of town.

Virginia Gazette
Purdie & Dixon, eds.
October 10, 1771

Just IMPORTED from London, and to be SOLD for ready Money only, at the cheapest Rates, by the Subscriber, at her Shop where Mr. Ayscough lately lived, opposite to the South side of the Capitol.

A GENTEEL Assortment of MERCERY, MILLINERY, JEWELLERY, etc. …

As it was impossible to get a House on the main Street, the Subscriber hopes the little Distance will make no Difference to her former Customers.
[card 1273]

4

Virginia Gazette
Purdie & Dixon, eds.
October 24, 1771 M. BRODIE
Just arrived from LONDON
Makes and trims, in the newest Taste, Sacks and Coats, Gowns and Petticoats, all Sorts of Ladies Brunswick and Jesuit Dresses , Sultana Robes , Robedcores, &c. She served her Time, and was Successour, to the original Makers, at their Warehouse in Pall Mall; her Partner still continues to carry on the Business in London , by whose assistance, and that of the Queen's Mantuamaker, she is every three Months to be supplied with the Fashions. This, added to great Diligence, and a strong Desire to please, she hopes will be a sufficient Recommendation to the Ladies to favour her with their Commands, which she will most thankfully acknowledge, by showing a punctual Observance to their Time and Orders. Ladies whom it may not suit to come to Town may be fitted by sending her a Pattern. She lodges, till a more convenient House can be got, at Mrs. Rathell's Store, where Mr. Ayscough formerly lived, on the south side of the Capitol, Williamsburg .
[card 1279]

The store which Matthew Holt opened in 1772 may have been in one of the two buildings described by Ayscough. He speaks of "next door to Mrs. Ayscough's" who may still have been living in one of them.

Virginia Gazette
Purdie & Dixon, eds.
April 23, 1772

Williamsburg, April 23, 1772

MATTHEW HOLT begs Leave to acquaint the Publick, and his Friends in particular, that he has opened a Store, on the south Side of the Capitol, next Door to Mrs. Ayscough's , where both dry Goods and West India Commodities may be had upon very reasonable Terms for Cash, or short Credit. He would be very much obliged to those who are indebted to him to pay off their Accounts, &c. this April Court, as Indulgence cannot be granted any longer. …
[card 1337]

It seems that Christopher Ayscough died between Sept.1770, when he advertised the closing of his tavern, and Oct. 1771, when Mrs. Rathell advertised her shop "where Mr. Ayscough lately lived." Mrs. Ayscough died between April 23, 1772, when she was mentioned by Matthew Holt, and October 15, 1772, when the administrator of their estate, Jacob Bruce, starts settlement of their estate.

Virginia Gazette
Purdie & Dixon, eds.
October 15, 1772 NOTICE is hereby given to all Persons having any Demands against the Estates of Christopher Ayscough, and Anne Ayscough, deceased, to bring them in properly proved, that Provision may be made, if possible, to satisfy them; and those who are indebted to either of the said Estates are requested to make immediate Payment, or give Notes for what they justly owe to them.
JACOB BRUCE, Administrator.
[card 1400]

Virginia Gazette
Purdie & Dixon, eds.
January 7, 1773 To be SOLD to the highest Bidder, on the Premises, on Wednesday the 27th Instant , (January) pursuant to a Decree of James City Court , THE HOUSES and LOTS, near the Capitol, belonging to the Estate of Christopher Ayscough , deceased. Three Months Credit will be allowed the Purchaser, on giving Bond, with approved Security to
JOHN BROWN, Sheriff
[card 1454]

By October 22, 1772, Catharine Rathell had moved to the Main Street, for at that time she advertises goods to be sold "at her store opposite the Raleigh in Williamsburg." [card 1404]

Virginia Gazette
Rind, ed.
Feb.4, 1773 Thursday
To be SOLD, on the 10th Instant (February)
THE remains of Matthew Holt's store, with credit till April next, by virtue of an assignment to me, together with his book debts, etc.
JOHN HOLT
[card 1476]

The administrator of the estate of Ayscough, Jacob Bruce, evidently bought the property at the sheriff's sale, as in February he advertises his removal to the property and the opening of his tavern.

Virginia Gazette
Purdie & Dixon, eds.
February 11, 1773

The Subscriber begs Leave to inform the Publick that he is about to remove to the House lately occupied by Christopher Ayscough , deceased, situated on the back Street, 6 and fronting the south side of the Capitol, where he purposes to keep private Lodging Rooms for Gentlemen who will be pleased to favour him with their Company. He thinks himself able to accomodate them with a Great Deal of Conveniency, and promises that no Paines shall be spared on his Part to make their Entertainment agreeable.
JACOB BRUCE

N.B. He also would be willing to take any young Gentlemen as Boarders who may have Intentions of residing in Williamsburg .

[card 1479]

Jacob Bruce seems to have been a man of some importance in the city. First mention of him is as a teacher at Matthew Whaley School.

"In 1766 the churchwardens of Bruton parish advertised for a teacher and secured Mr. Jacob Bruce. Then William Rose succeeded Mr. Bruce in April, 1768." W&M 6 (1) 79

From 1770 to 1774, at least, he served as Clerk of the Court of Directors appointed by the Act of Assembly for establishing a publick hospital for "the Reception of Idiots, Lunatics, and Persons of insane Mind". Notices in Rind's Gazette, September 13, 1770 and Purdie & Dixon's Gazette, Feb. 3, 1774, [cards 1097 & 1699] carry his signature as clerk.

In 1776 he was paid for boarding sick soldiers, which may have been kept at his lodging house or tavern.

From State Auditor's Papers, now in State Library.
[Feb] 20. 1776. Ditto paid Jacob Bruce for boarding sick soldiers. £ 3/5/0 V 28, p.63.

Williamsburg, February 23, 1776
Same [warrant] to Mr. Jacob Bruce for £29.10.0 for sundry accounts settled and allowed by the Comm'rs. 8 C 96

In May, 1776, there was passed an "Ordinance for making farther provision for the defence and protection of this colony", which contained provision for emission of paper money or treasury notes. One of those empowered to number the notes was Jacob Bruce.
9 Hening 146

Evidently he lived and carried on a trade of some kind at the lots on the Back Street, although later advertisements indicate that he abandoned the lodging house and kept a store or shop instead.

Virginia Gazette
Purdie & Dixon
March 17, 1774 Williamsburg, March 10, 1774
JUST IMPORTED from London , and to be sold at Mr. Bruce's Store on the south Side of the Capitol, Garden PEASE, BEANS, and CABBAGE SEED of different Sorts, and the earliest and best Kinds.
[card 1713]

Bruce was an agent for Robert Carter of Nomini Hall and Transacted business for him when Carter was not in town. The Chauvenet Collection of manuscripts and letters of Carter [typed copies on file] contain letters from Carter to Bruce and references about him. A few quotations will suffice.

Mss. Letter Book, I, p.29
To George Wythe

Nomony Hall 6th July 1772

… I put a list of Bonds & open accounts amounting to upwards of £480, current money & £189, sterling into the Hands of Mr Jacob Bruce of Wmsburg to collect, telling him to deposit whatever monies he should receive belonging to me, in your Hands…

Mss. Letter Book, III, p.40
To Mrs. Nelson in Yorktown
1775 October 25th Dear Cousin Nelson
… Mr Jacob Bruce, of Williamsburg, does business for me, who will deliver the Keys of my House, & will give any information, you may Require - …

Mss. Letter Book, III, p.52
To Mr. Robt Prentis 1775 Decembr 24
Sir
… I trust to mr Jacob Bruce to superintend the house mentioned before, who has not written to me since I came form Wmsburg last October. …

Mss. Letter Book, III, p. 94
To Mr. Alex. Purdie Ash Wednesday 1777
Sir
… I do herein inclose my order on Mr Jacob Bruce of your town to pay your Demand against me on account of Gazettes -

This is the last reference in the Letter books of Carter to Bruce. Bruce died in May of the following year.

Virginia Gazette
Alex. Purdie, ed May 1, 1778
[deaths] Mr. JACOB BRUCE, of this city, one of the auditors of the publick accounts.

Virginia Gazette
Dixon & Nicolson
May 1, 1779 ALL persons having demands against the estate of the late Jacob Bruce, of this city, are requested to apply immediately for payment to Mr. James Shields, sheriff of York county, and those indebted to the said estate are also desired to pay their respective balances to the said Shields, as the situation of the estate requires a speedy settlement.
RACHEL BRUCE, Administratrix
[card 2797]

Virginia Gazette
Dixon & Hunter
July 10, 1778 To be sold at public auction, on Tuesday the 14th of July next, at the dwelling-house of Jacob Bruce , deceased in this city, all the personal estate of the said Bruce, consisting of a variety of household and kitchen furniture, some store goods, 5 cows, and many other articles. Three months credit will be allowed for all sums above forty shillings, on giving bond with security, and for all under that sum ready money will be required. All persons that have any demands against the said estate are desired to bring in their accounts to Mr. James Shield , in order to receive payment; and those that are indebted are desired to pay their respective balances to him, as I have empowered the said Shield to manage and settle the said estate.
RACHEL BRUCE, Administratrix
[card 2730]

9

The building now called Ayscough's Shop is a restored ^{in part} building.

There seems some doubt whether it is the building shown on the Frenchman's map or a later building. The building on the Frenchman's map is approximately 40 feet long and west of the present Bourbon house site (lot #8). The original foundations on colonial lot #8, (of the Bourbon house) would be small for a popular tavern.

For a fuller discussion of these possibilities, see the archaeological report of H.S. Ragland, May, 1931.