Colonial Williamsburg Digital Library

The following are quotations from notes on the Capitol which you might be considering while we are completing our research of this building.

April 9, 1703

That there be a seat raised one step above the bench in the middle of the circular end of the Court made chairwise

That the Queen's Arms be provided to set over it.

April 21, 1704

In this her Majesty Queen Ann, her Royal Capitol, which being appointed by law for holding General Assemblies and General Courts, my hopes likewise are that they may continue to be held in this place for the promoting of God's Glory her Majests and her Successors Interest and Service, with that of the inhabitants of this her Majest's most ancient and great Colony and Dominion of Virginia so long as the Sun and Moon endure.

May 3, 1704

And for beautifying the room where your House sit, I propose you to send for the Queen's Arms in Glass for the great window. The Arms of Virginia for one of the oval windows and what other ornament you may please for the other of said oval windows.

May 3, 1704

Resolved that the Virginia Arms be sent for and that they be set up in the room where the House of Burgesses sit.

May 10, 1704

That the Virginia Arms be sent for and that they be set up in the room where the House of Burgesses sit.

June 8, 1706

That the Queen's Arms be painted in the same place where Collo Nicholson's Arms are now painted. Ordered that Mr. Henry Cary take care that the Queen's Arms be painted on the Cupola according to the resolves of this House.

March 3, 1705

(Miss Goodwin's Notes)

Virginia, Governor Nicholson, to the Council of Trade and Plantations. (Referring to Mr. Blair) (should be very glad to find that he had send a true copy so that it might be seen he had the assurance to reflect upon what I had ordered to be put upon the Capitol which was done in cut bricks and first showed on the day that I proclaimed her majesty; at the top there was cut the Sun, Moon and the planet Jupiter and underneath HER MAJESTY QUEEN ANN HER ROYAL CAPITOL. He said that in Chelsea College it was mentioned that it was begun in King Charles II's time, continued in King James' and finished in King William's, in whose time there was nothing of the Capitol done but the foundation.

I have just discovered the following:
1704. JHB LV:65. Resolved, that it is not convenient to send for the Queen's Arms in Glass for the great Window in the room where the Burgesses sit, nor for any ornaments in the oval window in the said room.
Resolved, that the Virginia Arms be sent for and that they be set up in the room where the House of Burgesses sit.

Wednesday May the 3d 1699

A message from his Excellcy…

I doe recommend to you to have such a Pile of Buildings Erected so soon as possible as may not be only larger, but more conveniently serve the publick Uses than that which was unfortunately burnt the last ffall.

Thursday May 18th 1699

A Message from his Excellency in writeing by Mr. Harrison was read at the Table as followeth…

You having desired me to continue my favour in Generall to this his Majesties Colony and Dominion of Virginia but particularly to the College is another very great Obligation upon me for my using all Lawfull wayes and meanes for the promoteing and Supporting the good of them, and therefore I do now cordially recommend to you the placing Yor Publick Building (wch God willing you are designed to have) somewhere at Middle Plantation nigh his Majesties Royall College of William and Mary which I think will tend to Gods Glory, his Majestic Service, and the welfare and Prosperity of your Country in Generall and of the College in particular and will be a greater kindness then if you had given two thousand pounds for the Use of it.

Wednesday May the 24th 1699

A Message from the Burgesses by Mr. Taylor

May it please your Honours
The Burgesses having resolved upon a place for the building of the Statehouse, and your Honours having Concurred with them therein, I am Commanded to Acquaint you that they desire a Conference with your Honours, to Consider of a Modell for the Statehouse, and what quantity of land will Necessarily be required for that purpose, and also what will be the most proper Methods for Carrying on the Said building; and if it may Stand with your Honours Conveniency they desire you ill please to Conferr with them hereupon, this Afternoon, or as Soon as yor Other Affairs will permit.

Resolved.
That an Immediate Conference be held with the Burgesses in the Great Hall upon the Subject Matter of the last Message.

Managers Appointed for the Said Conference, Richard Lee, William Byrd, Charles Scarburgh Esquires and Accordingly

Ordered
That the Clerk of the Generall Assembly doe goe to the House of Burgesses, and Acquaint them that the Council (according to their desire) doe Agree to an Immediate Conference with them in the great Hall.

Wednesday May the 24th 1699

Mr. Leigh reported that the persons appointed to -2- Manage the Conference with the Council upon the Matters relating to the building a State House and the Land necessary for the same, had accordingly attended the said Conference and that their Honours were pleased to deliver them a Plott or Draught of the building which he delivered in at the Table, and that they were pleased to Say they could not proceed to the matter relateing to the Land until the same was laid out and a Plott or Draught thereof drawne.

Ordered That the further Consideration of the matters relateing to the building a State House be referred until tomorrow.

Thursday May the 25th 1699

Upon further Consideration of the State house to be built being referred to this day and againe debated.

The House agreed as followeth

That the House be built according to the forme and Dimensions of the Plott or Draught laid before this House.

That the Ground appropriated for the State house be the Ground agreed upon by his Excellency the Governor Councill and Burgesses the 23rd of this Instant and two hundred foot every way from the building not to be built upon for any other Account whatsoever.

That the ffoundation of the building be four brick thick up to the surface of the ground, three brick and half thick to the water table, and from the Water Table to the Top of the first Story three brick thick and from there to the Top of the Second Story two Brick and half thick

The Gallery between the two buildings to be raised upon Piazos and built as high as the other building, and the Walls to be of the same thickness, and a Cupola to be in the middle of the Cross Building and that there be an Iron balcony upon the first floor in each ffront

That the Windows be Sash Windows, and Roof a Hipp Roof with Dormant Windowes, and well shingled with Cypress.

That one Building be appropriated to the use of the Genll Court and Council and the Offices thereto belonging.

That the other building be appropriated to the Use of the House of Burgesses and the Offices thereof.

That the Great Roomes below of each building be laid with flag stone.

That a Provisoe be made in the Bill empowering the Treasurer to pay to the persons imployed to undertake or Oversee the building before the meeting of the next Assembly what money the said persons from time to time may have Occasion for, not Exceeding the sume of fifteen hundred pounds for which the persons imployed and receiveing the same as aforesaid shall be Accountable to the next Genll Assembly.

That the Committee appointed for the Revisall of the Laws be required and impowered to Article with undertakers or other waies for carrying on and finishing the buildings according to the Dimensions aforesaid, and that they be likewise impowered to send for out of England Iron worke, Glass, Painte and other appurtenances necessary to finish the said buildings.

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That the said Committee as often as they shall have occasion for Money shall from time to time apply themselves to the Governor (or Comander in Chief for the time being) who is impowered and desired to issue his Warrant requiring the Treasurer to pay Such money as he shall have in his hands not Exceeding the Summe aforesaid-

Ordered That the Committee of Propositions and Grievances do prepare and bring in a Bill directing the building of a State house.

May 26, 1699

Ordered, that Mr. Edwin Thacker be desired to goe to Middle Plantation to assist Mr. Theodorick Bland in Surveying and laying out the Land for a Town.

Monday June the 5th 1699

Ordered. That the Sureyrs appointed to Survey and lay out the land on which to build the Capitol and Towne do compleat and finish the whole work and then Exhibite their Accts to the Committee appointed for Revisall of the whole Body of the lawes of this Country and that the Said Committee do adjust the Same and order payment out of the moneys which shall hereafter come to the hands of the Treasurer of this Dominion from the Imposition upon Liquors.

Coll Ludwell from the Committee to whom was committed for Amendments the Bill directing the building the Capitol and the City of Williamsburg and reported that the said Committee had agreed upon the said Amendments and had directed him to report the Same and accordingly delivered the Same in at the Table where the said Amendments were twice read and agreed to by the house and

Ordered. That the said Bill be with the Amendments Ingrossed and read a third time

April 1699 Session - 11th William III.
ACT XIV.

An Act directing the building the Capitoll and the City of Williamsburg. (This act, together with the title is repeated verbatim in the revisal of 1705, chap XLIII. And declared to be in force; and several clauses added for the better execution thereof - It is therefore unnessecary to print it here.)

Thursday Augt: the 7th 1701

…We have Ordered the foundation of the Capitoll to be laid tomorrow if you have nothing to offer to the contrary but for the more speedy and well doing thereof I propose that you would appoint a Committee to joyne with a Committee of his Majts Honourable Councill and if possible to Sitt this day and when they doe I will tell them some Remarks I have made upon -4- The workmen &ca and will offer Something to them towards the well regulateing of them as likewise the Said Building…
ffr:Nicholson

Resolved That the House doth agree to the time appointed by his Excelly and the Council for laying the foundation of the Capitol; also to his Excellys Proposition that a Committee of this House be appointed to joyne with a Committee of the Councill to consider of measures and whatsoever Shall be proposed for regulating the said building and workmen imployed in itt.

Fryday Augt the 29th 1701

Then according to order the house took into Consideration the proposals of Robert Snead presented to the house on Thursday the one and twentieth Instant concerning his undertaking to build the Capitoll and after some time Spent therein a motion being made…

Thursday Augt the 28th 1701

Then a mocon was made that the House do forthwith proceed to the Consideration of the report of the Committee of Council and Burgesses last appointed to consider of propositions relateing to the Captiol.

And after some Debate the mocon was agreed to

And thereupon the first report of the said Committee being read-

Wherein it is proposed That the Cross Gallery be built of the same breadth the main building is

Resolved That the house doth disagree to the Said report-

Then the Second report of the Said Committee being read-

Wherein itt is proposed That the Porches be built Circular fifteen foot in breadth from outside to outside and that they stand upon Cedar Colluns

Resolved That the House doth agree to the Said report with this addition that in case Cedar posts be not to be had they be Sett upon posts of other wood-

Then the third report of the Said Committee being read

Wherein itt is proposed that all the great dores be arched and that itt be left to the Committee which now is or hereafter shall be appointed to oversee the building of the Capitoll to Direct what other Doores Shall be made therein-

Resolved That the house doth agree to the Said report-

Then the fourth Report of the Said Committee being read

Wherein itt is proposed that itt be referred to the Committee that now is or hereafter shall be appointed to Oversee the building of the Capitol to consider and direct where the four Gallory's Shall be placed which are to be made in the roome the Generall Court is to Sit in-

Resolved the House doth agree to the Said report

Then the fifth report of the Said Committee being read

Wherein itt is proposed that the Overseer that now is or hereafter Shall be appointed to Oversee the building of the Capitol have liberty to take so much roome out of the adjacent roomes as in his discretion he shall think fitt for the -5- Carrying up a Suitable paid of Staires-

Resolved That the house doth agree to the Said report

Then the Sixth report of the Said Committee being read

Wherein itt is proposed that the windowes in the lower Story be arched

Resolved that the House doth agree to the Said report

Then the seventh report of the said Committee being read-

Wherein itt is proposed that the lower floor be raised two feet from the ground

Resolved that the house doth agree to the Said report

Then the Eighth and last report of the Said Committee being read wherein itt is proposed that the Committee appointed to oversee the building of the Capitoll have power to send to England for all such material as are yet wanting from thence to finish the work-

Resolved that the House doth agree to the Said report-

Resolved that the House will tomorrow morning consider the proposal of Robert Snead presented to the House on Thursday last-concerning his undertaking to build the Capitoll.

August 1701 Session - 13th William III
ACT VI

An Act giving further directions in building the Capitoll and for building a Public Prison. WHEREAS it is concluded to be more suitable and comodius for the uniforms carrying on and finishing the Capitoll now erecting in the City of Williamsburgh that some alterations be made in the model of the said Capitoll laid downe and expressed in an Act of Assembly made at James City the 27th day of Aprill, Anno Domini 1699.

Be it therefore enacted by the governor, councell and burgesses of this present generall assembly and the authority thereof, and it is hereby enacted, That the following directions be observed, vizt.

That the porches of the said Capitoll be built circular fifteen foot in breadth from outside to outside, and that they stand upon Cedar columns (if to be had) if not the same to be sett upon other good, lasting and substanciall wood; that the cross building betwixt the two main buildings be of the same breadth with the maine buildings that all the great doors be arched, and that it be left to the committee which now is or hereafter shall be appointed to oversee the building of the capitol to direct what other doors shall be made therein, that the placing the four galleryes be left to the committee which now is or hereafter shall be appointed to oversee the building of the Capitoll, and that they have liberty to take so much room out of the adjacent rooms as in their discretion they shall think fit for the carrying up a suitable pair of staires.

That the windows in the lower story be arched, and that the lower floors be raised two foot from the ground and that the committee appointed to oversee the building of the said Capitoll have power and they are hereby impowered to send to England for all such materials as are yet wanting to finish the said worke. …(directions about prison)

And whereas the former law for building the Capitoll gave power to the Committee to make use only of two thousand pounds -6- Sterling, which sume is well nigh expended.

Be it therefore enacted by the authority aforesaid, and it is hereby enacted, That the said committee as often as they shall have occasion for money for the uses of the Capitoll or prison, shall from time to time apply themselves to the Governor or Commander in chiefe for the time being, to issue out his warrant to the Treasurer of this his majestyes Colony and Dominion, requiring him to pay so much money as they shall have occasion for; any former law to the contrary is any wise notwithstanding.

A petition of William Randolph for an allowance of one and forty shillings disbursed for a trunke and Chest to remove the Assembly Records in and for sixteen pounds of Candles being read

Ordered that he be allowed the Said sume and that itt be added to the book of reports for Public Claimes.

Friday, Sept. the 5th 1701

The Question was put

That the proposals of Robert Snead concerning his undertaking to build the Capitoll be rejected

Resolved in the Affirmative

Monday, September the 8th 1701

Resolved that a Bill be prepared for making Severall alterations in the Capitoll according to the Sevll resolutions of this House-

Ordered That itt be referred to the Committee of Propositions and Grievances to preparing the Said Bill to consider of a Suitable prison and to direct the model and also to insert a Clause giving power to the Committee appointed to inspect and Oversee the building the Capitol to make use of what mony shall be wanting for finishing the Capitol and for building the Said prison.

Wednesday 24th Sept. 1701

A Bill Entituled an Act Giving further directions in Building the Capitoll and for building a Public Prison Read the third time with the Amendmts.

Resolved
That the Bill with the Amendmts doe Pass

Wednesday August the 19th 1702

A Written Message from his Excelcy and the honble.
Council by Mr. Robertson

By his Excelcy the honble Council

Mr. Speaker and Gent: of the house of Burgesses
The building of the Capitol being so far advanced that 'tis hoped it will be finished before there be any occasion for another meeting of the Assembly. It is proposed that a Committee of the House of Burgesses be appointed to joine with such a number of the Council as shall be thought convenient; or that it -7- Be recommended to the Committee for Revisal of the Lawes, to consider of appropriateing the Rooms for the use of the Several offices, and particularly that the House of Burgesses may choose whether they will Sitt in the great Roome below, or above so that the said several Roomes may be fitted up during this winter season.

Whether it be convenient that this October Genll Court be kept at the Captiol and if so, that directions may be given for fitting up Roomes for holding the same and for the Secretarys Office; and that Boxes be provided for keeping the Records and other papers belonging to the Several offices, so as they may be removed easily in case of fire? Who shall take care of removing the said Records and placeing them in the respective places allotted for them, and when the same shall be done

That the bounds of the Capitol be laid out pursuant to the Act of Assembly and that it be considered whether it will not be necessary that the building be paled or railed in, or inclosed by a Brick Wall at a convenient distance round. And that directions may also be given concerning the bounds and rules of the prison.

Thursday, August 20th 1702

Resolves and accordingly ordered

That Boxes be provided for keeping the Records and other papers belonging to the Secretarys Office and Assembly office so as they may be removed Easily in case of fire.

Ordered that the Clerks of the said offices take care to remove the Records and other papers under their keeping into the respective places allotted for them in the Capitol at such time as they shall be directed by the Governor and Council.

Ordered That the Governour and Council be desired to give directions for removing the Records belonging to the Secretarys office and the Assembly office to the respective Clerks of the said offices, when conveniencys are fitted to receive them in the Capitol.

Wednesday August the 28th 1702

Mr. Cary from the Committee appointed to Joine with a Committee of the Council to consider of the appropriateing the Roomes in the Capitol for the use of the several offices and reported the proceedings of the said Committee which he read in his place and then delivered in at the Table where the Same being againe read were agreed to by the House, and were as followeth

Vizt:
That the building to the Westward next the College be appropriated to the use of the Genll Court and offices there to belonging to wit:

The great Roome below for the Genll Court to Sit in and the other part of the building below for the Stare case and Secretarys office.

The great Roome above sairs over the great Hall for the Council Chamber.

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The roomes at the other End of the house on that floor for the Council office.

That the building to the Eastward be appropriated to the use of the House of Burgesses and the offices thereto belonging to wit

The great Roome below for the House of Burgesses to Sit in

The other part of the building below for the Stair case and the Clerk of the House of Burgesses office

The great Roome above Staires over the great Hall and the Roomes over the Clerks office for Committee Roomes to be divided as shall be hereafter directed.

That the Chamber between the two great buildings over the Pe'ach (Porch?) be for a Conference Roome for the Council and Burgesses and a place for their sitting when they shall be appointed a Committee

That the Roomes in the Roofe of all the Buildings be appropriated to Such Uses as herafter shall be found necessary to apply them to…

That the Square of 475 foot Set apart by the Law for the Capitol to be built upon be meated out and that no building whatsoever be Erected thereon

That the rules of the prison be the Lot that the said Prison stands upon and the said Square of 475 feet.

Friday 9th April 1705

A message from the Councill by Mr. Robertson bringing in the Report of the Committee of Councill and Burgesses appointed to inspect the building of the Capitoll and prison agreed to with some Amendments by the Councill was read and agreed to by the House of Burgesses, as follows.

Agreed That the Overseer of the works of the Capitoll and prison take care and see that the same be forthwith done and finished according to the following directions (vizt.)

That the footsteps of the Generall Court House be rais'd two feet from the floor, and the seats of benches Whereon the Court is to sit raised a convenient highth above that.

That the Circular part thereof be raised from the Seat up to the Windows

That there be a Seat raised one Step above the Bench in the middle of the Circular end of the Court made Chairwise.

That the Queens 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 galleries made on at the Lower end of the Room, and the other on the East side

That the fitting and furnishing the room appropriated for the Secretaries Office with partitions boxes and for keeping and preserving the records thereto belonging be left to the direction of Mr. Secretary.

That there be provided tobe 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.

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That the Room appropriated for the Councill Office be fitted and furnished with boxes or presses for preserving and keeping the Records and papers thereto belonging according to the direction of the Clerk of the Councill.

That the Barr of the Burgesses room be Set off even with the Jamns of the wall next door.

That that part of the floor without the Barr and from the footsteps within be paved with Stone, and from the Barr to the Setting off of the Circle on each side of the House a platform a foot from the floor four foot and a half broad with a Seat next the Wall of a Suteable highth, and the Wall to be wainscoted three foot above that, and one other Seat within the Barr around the room of a Suitable hight above the floor, and that a break to pass through next the barr, and in the middle of the Lower Side Seats be left open, and that the Queens Arm's be provided to be Set up in the Assembly Room.

That the back part of that Seat within the Circle be wainscoted three foot high on the wall above the Seat, and the lower Seat without the Circle two foot above that.

That the Circular end be raised one step above the outward floor and laid with plank.

That the room be furnished with a large Armed Chair for the Speaker to sit in, and a cushion stuft with hair Suitable to it, and a table eight foot long and five foot broad.

That the room appropriated for the Assembly Office be fitted and furnished with boxes and so forth for keeping and preserving the records and papers thereto belonging and according to the direction of the Clerk of the House of Burgesses.

That the room over the Burgesses room be divided by a partition wall to be Studded lathed and plaisetered.

That the room over the Clerk of the House of Burgesses office be furnished with a long square table Eight foot long and four foot broad

That the Conference room be furnished with an Oval table fourteen foot long and Six foot broad

That the two rooms over the Burgesses room be furnished with three Oval tables each nine foot long and Six foot broad

That a sufficient quantity of green Cloth be provided to make Carpets off for all the tables

That Seven doz: of Russia leather Chairs be provided for furnishing the rooms above-stairs, and one doz: of large high brass candlesticks one doz: of flat ditto one dos. Of brass snuffers and half a doz. Snuffdishes, four doz. Large strong brass scones

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 burnished nails sufficient for doing the same (to wit) One hundred yards of three yrs wide green Serge, twelve pieces of fine narrow red tape, five thousand brass burnished nailes and Seventy yards of strong green cloth for carpets.

That the roomes in the roofe of the building not being yet appropriated to any particular use, the furnishing the same be referred till there shall be occasion of them. That the records and papers in the Secretaries Office remain where they now are till the place in the Capitoll, appropriated -10- for the Secretaries Office be furnished and made sufficient to secure them from danger.

That John Redwood is the most fit person of the severall petitioners to be imployed to look after and take care of the Capitol and the furniture and to be Goaler of the Country prison when they shall be finished.

That thirty pounds per annum be the allowance given to those that shall hereafter be imployed therein, first Entering into Bond with good security for the due and faithfull performance of what shall be thought reasonable to enjoyn and oblige them to.

See Page 10A for insert of July 20th 1703

April 20, 1704

Mr. Speaker with the House attending, His Excellcy spoke to them as follows:

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen of the House of Burgesses

Her Majesty Queen Ann's Royal Capitol being the place appointed by Act of Assembly for holding the General Assemblys: And that building being now so far finished as to be capable of accommodating this Assembly; I do hereby in her Matys name prorogue you to the 21st instant to meet at her Matys said Capitol, and you are accordingly hereby prorogued.

Monday May the 1st 1704

Resolved that the house doth agree to his Excells Proposition in his message to this House on the 27th of April in these words.

That each of the Garretts of the East and West fronts of the Capitol be divided into four roomes and thus appropriated vizt:

One of the Auditor, One for the Secretary, One for the Judg of the Vice admiralty, One for my Lord Bishopp of London's Commissary, One to keep all the Collectors Accounts and Papers which are to be imployed for the same use, One for the Attorney generall and One for the Sheriff attending the Genll Court

That the Garrett over the Conference room be divided into four closets to be thus appropriated vizt

One for the Clerk of the Genll Assembly, One for the Clerk of the House of Burgesses and one for each of the two Clerks of the Committees

That the Garretts in the roof be boarded and so be made capable of holding severall necessary things and other uses.

Resolved That it be left to his Excelly the Governor to make his choice whether he will buy or lease the houses built for the workmen at the Capitol-

Ordered that Mr. Bird, Mr. Hayne, Mr. Ffossaker, Mr. Smith, Mr. Henry Ashton, and Mr. Hoe carrys the said Resolves to the Councill and desire their Concurrence thereto.

THE CAPITOL AT WILLIAMSBURG

July 20th, 1703
No. 24.

The Capitoll is built in two parts joined together by a middle building of teity foot one part of which is appropriate for the use of the Governor & Councell to sitt & hold Corte in & for the offices thereunto belonging & the other parte is appropriated for the use of the house of burgesses to sitt in & the offises thereof.

That parte that the Court sitts in is completely finished on the outside Except the balcony over the Grate dore Coming in on the west side & the lower flowers are finished soe that the Corte sate there in Aprell last. The other parte is Covered & wents only Glaseing and painting to be Completely finished on the outside. The middle building is Covered & the lower flower paved and the steps made and wants only the Bupulow to be finished the Dorment windows to be Closed on the sides Glased & painted which will be performed in a month or six weeks & then there remains onely the inside works to be finished but what time that will take to performe am not able to determine but doe hope itt will not be above eight or ten months.

Wednesday May the 3rd 1704

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen of the House of Burgesses

Since I find by yor Resolve of Yesterday Sent to myself and her Majests Honble Council that you have (according to my Proposalls) given directions in severall matters relateing to the Capitol, I take this Opertunity to acquaint you that I have directed Mr. Henry Cary to mark out the Bounds of the Square belonging to this Building, and I recommend to you to view the same, and if you find any cause to alter yor former directions therein that it may be ordered now while you are together, and I further recommend to you to send for Stones to be sett up to distinguish its bounds and that the Bounds and rules of the prison be now ascertained, and Stones also Sent for and sett up.

Thereon-
The Dyal plates sent in for the Clock being too large I recommend to you to direct what shall be done with them and how others may be provided in their stead-

If you find anything necessary to be done about your own house or offices thereunto belonging I recommend to you to consider of it now because I intend God willing to have the building finished before another Session of Assembly And for beautifying the room where yor House Sitt I propose for you to send for the Queens Armes in Glass for the Great window, the Armes of Virginia for One of the Ovall windows and what other Ornament you may please for the other of the said Ovall windows and I desire you will now give directions who shall take care of removeing the Records and Papers of your Clerks office when the room is fitted for them-

May the 3rd 1704 ffr: Nicholson

Resolved and accordingly Ordered

That the Dyal plates sent in for the Clock be disposed of by the Committee appointed to inspect and oversee the building of the Capitol as they shall think fit.

Resolved and accordingly Ordered

That the Dyal plates for the Clock be drawn on the square of the Cupolo

Resolved that the Overseers appointed to oversee the building of the Capitol hath mistaken the Directions of this House and Therefore

Ordered that he cause the partitions on the second floore over the roome where the Burgessess sitt to be pulled downe and that he pursue the former Resolves of the house concerning the same-

Resolved that it is not convenient to send for the Queens Armes in Glass for the great window in the room where the Burgesses sit nor for any Ornaments for the Oval windowes in the said room

Resolved That the Virginia Armes be sent for, and that they be sett up in the room where the House of Burgesses sitt-

Resolved and accordingly Ordered

That the Clerk of the House of Burgesses remove the Records and papers belonging to the Assembly Office to the Capitoll when there shall be a room fitted for them.

Wednesday May the 10th 1704

By the House of Burgesses

Resolved and accordingly Ordered

That the Dyal plates sent in for the Clock be disposed of by the Committee appointed to inspect and oversee the building of the Capitol as they shall think fitt.

Resolved and accordingly Ordered

That the Dyal plates for the Clock be drawn on the Square Cupola

Thursday May the 11th 1704

Mr. Speaker & Gentlemen of the House of Burgesses

I am obliged to you for yor Resolve of the first Instant, vizt: That you leave it to me to make my choice whether to buy or Lease the houses built for the Workmen at the Capitoll. I had rather buy them. I have Enquired and find that only the Chimneys and the Roofes of these houses are quite finished but I am willing to give one hundred twenty-five pounds for them and the house where the lime is made up because when it is removed it will serve me for a Stable; if you approve of the proposition, I desire it may be past into an Ordinance directing who shall pass the Right to me, when that is done, to whom I shall pass the money and give me a Discharge for it. If you please to do these things you will very much oblige him who is
Yor most affectionate & ass ured ffriend
ffr: Nicholson

Friday May the 12th 1704

Ordered That Mr. Robertson, Mr. Mosely, Mr. Turberfill Mr. Henry Ashton, carry the said Ordinance with the Resolves of this House for pulling down the partitions on the Second floor over the Room where the House of Burgesses Sitt and to the Councill and desire their Concurrence thereunto-

August the 9th 1704

Upon reading a Petition presented by the Committee appointed to inspect and oversee the building of the Capitol & Mr. Henry Cary, Overseer of the said work Complaining that two of the Carpenters imployed in the said work, have lately gone away to the great hindrance of the same; His Excellency and the Council having called Mr. Cary before them enquired of him whether the work of the Capitol can be finished this Fall, and he having given his opinion that if he can but procure three Carpenters more besides the seven he has at present, he doubts not to have all the work finished before the Latter end of November except the brick wall about the Court yard which he cannot promise to have perfected, the late rains having interrupted the making of the bricks, Whereupon it is considered by this board that the finishing the work of the Capitol before Winter will save a considerable charge to the Country, And therefore Ordered that Mr. Cary use his utmost endeavors to procure as many Carpenters as will be sufficient to finish the same by the time proposed…And it is further Ordered that if by badness of weather or other disappointment it shall happen that the brick wall round the Court yard cannot all be finished this fall, then Mr. Cary do so order the work that no more of it be begun then can be conveniently carried up and caped before the approach of the Frosts.

Ordered that Mr. Cary informe his Excellency and the Councill at the beginning of next General Court what further Progress he hath made in the building, that if it shall appear that the whole cannot be finished before Winter, the workmen may be discharged till next Spring.

March 3rd, 1705. Virginia, Govr. Nicholson to the Council of Trade and Plantations.

(Referring to Mr. Blair) I should be very glad to -13- find that he had sent a true copy, so that it might be seen he had the assurance to reflect upon what I had ordered to be put upon the Capitole, which was done in cutt bricks, and first showed on the day that I proclaimed her Majesty; at the top there was cut the Sun, Moon and the planet Jupiter, and underneath HER MAJESTY QUEEN ANNE HER ROYALL CAPITOLL. He said that in Chelsea College it was mentioned that it was begun in King Charles II.'s time, continued in King James' and finished in King William's; in whose time there was nothing of the Capitoll done but the foundation.

Wednesday May 2nd 1705

The petition of James Minge praying allowance for drawing and calculating eight large Dyals for the Capitol..

…Referred to the consideration of the House of Burgesses.

Thursday May the 10th 1705

Mr. Cary from the Committee Appointed to Inspect what Directions have been given about the Capitoll and Likewise to consider what is further necessary to be Done to it Reported That the Said Committee had Taken the Same into Consideration and Therein had agreed upon Several Matters which he read in his place and Then Deliverred in at the table where being again Read and the House proceeded to the Imediate Consideration Thereof and Thereupon Came to these Resolutions ffollowing

Resolved That the Roofs of The Capitoll and prison be Tarred again This Summer as often as the Overseer of the Building Shall Think ffitt

That the wanscote and other Wooden Work on the first and Second fllor in that part of the Building where the General Court is to be painted Like Marble and the wanscote and other wooden work on The two first floors in the other part of the Building shall be painted Like Wanscote, and the Doors and other wooden work in The Roof shall be painted white and the Cupolo to be painted in Such manner as Shall be Directed by the Overseer of the Building that there be Six Large Sundialls painted upon the Cupolo.

That Twlve hundred foot of flag Stone to pave the walks that Leads to the Capitol be Sent for to England

That the Spring be Laid Round with the pieces of the broken flagg Stones to keep it from filling up

That there be a Privy house built Convenient to the Capitol upon The hill Side Eight foor wide and sixteen foot Long with a Lock upon Every Door

That a pair of Stocks Pillory and whipping post be built near the capitol.

Ordered That the Said Resolves be sent to the Council for their Concurrence.

Friday Mmay 11th 1705

A message from the Burgesses to the Council by Mr. James Wilson and others who brought sevll Resolves to which they desire the Councils concurrence

Which Resolves being read were agreed to, and are as follows viz.

Resolved

That the roof of the Capitol and prison be tarred again -14- this Summer as often as the overseer of the Building shall think fitt.

That the Wainscot and other wooden work on the firsts and second floor in that part of the Building where the Genll Court is, be paineted like marble, and the wainscot and other wooden work on the two first floors in the other part of the Building shall be painted like Wainscot, and the Doors and other wooden work in the roof shall be mainted white, and the Cupola to be painted in such a manner as shall be directed by the Overseer of the building

That there be six large Sundials painted upon the Cupola

That twelve hundred foot of flag stone to pave the walks that lead to the Capitoll be sent for to England

That the Spring be laid round with the pieces of the broken flagg stones to keep it from filling up

That there be a privy House built convenient to the Capitoll upon the Hillside eight foot wide and sixteen foot long with a lock upon every door.

Fryday May the 11th 1705

Mr. Speaker and Gent of the House of Burgesses

I propose to you to give Directions That the partition in the Room Appointed for the Committee of Claims be Taken Down and that Room be enlarged for as it is now I think it is the only Irregular piece of work about the Capitol.

Mr. Minge proposes to make two sundials of the Dial plates sent in for the Clock to be placed on each front and I recommend to you to give directions therein.
ffr. Nicholson

Ordered That the Said Message ly upon the Table

October 1705 Session - 5th Anne
CHAP. XLIII.

An Act Continuing the Act directing the building the Capitol and the city of Williamsburg; with additions.

I. WHEREAS by an Act made at a General Assembly begun at James City the twenty-seventh day of April, and in the eleventh year of his late Majesty's reign, entituled an Act directing the building the Capitol, and the City of Williamsburg, it is enacted that Whereas the State House where the general assemblies and general courts for this his Majesty's Colony and Dominion of Virginia, were kept and held, hath been unhappily burnt down; and it being of absolute necessity that another building be erected, with all the expedition possible, for the convenient sitting and holding of the general assemblies and courts, at a healthy, proper and commodious place, suitable for the reception of a considerable number and concourse of people, that of necessity must resot to the place where the general assemblies will be convened, and where the council and supreme court of justice for this His Majesty's colony and Dominion will be held and kept:

And forasmuch as the place commonly called and known by the name of the Middle Plantation hath been found by constant experience, to be healthy, and agreeable to the constitutions of the inhabitants of this his Majesty's Colony and Dominion, having the natural advantage of a serene and temperate air, dry and champaign land, and plentifully stored with wholesome springs, -15- and the convenience of two navigable, and pleasant creeks that run out of James and York rivers, necessary for the supplying of the place with provisions and other things of necessity.

II. Be it enacted by the Governor, Council and Burgesses of this present general assembly, and the authority thereof, and it is hereby enacted, that four hundred seventy-five foot square of land, lying and being at the said Middle Plantation, which hath been already agreed upon by his Excellency the Governor, Council and Burgesses, of this present general assembly, to be taken up and surveyed, as a convenient place for such uses, be the ground appropriated to the only and sole use of a building for the general assemblies and courts to be held and kept in: And that the said building shall forever hereafter be called and known by the name of the Capitoll, of this His Majesty's Colony and Dominion of Virginia; and that the space of two hundred foot of ground; every way from the said Capitoll, shall not be built upon, planted or occupied, forever but shall be wholly and solely appropriated and kept for the said use, and to no other use or purpose whatsoever.

III. And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, and it is hereby enacted, That the said Capitoll shall be erected and built in manner and form according to the rules and dimensions following. Viz: That the said building shall be made in this form and Figure H, that the foundation of the building shall be four bricks thick, up to or near the surface of the ground; and that the walls of the said building from thence, shall be three bricks and a half thick, to the water table; and from the water table, to the top of the first story, three bricks thick; and from thence to the top of the second story, two bricks and a half thick; the length of each side or part of which building shall be seventy-five foot, from inside to inside; the breadth thereof, twenty-five foot, from inside to inside; and the first story of which shall be semi-circular, and the lower rooms at the said end, fifty foot long, and shall be parted by a wall, from the rest of the building, on each side or part: which other part shall be divided into four divisions, whereof one to be for a large and handsome staircase; That the middle of the front, on each side of the said building shall have a circular porch, with an iron balcony upon the first floor over it, and great folding gates to each porch of six foot breadth both; and that four galleries shall be in the room below, that shall be called the general court house; the upper story of each side to be ten foot pitch and be divide as shall be directed by the Committee appointed to revise the laws: That the two parts of the building shall be joined by a cross gallery of thirty foot long, and fifteen foot wide, each way, according to the figure herein before specified, raised upon piazzas, and built as high as the other parts of the building; and in the middle thereof, a cupola to surmount the rest of the building, which shall have a clock placed in it; and on the top of the said cupola shall be put a flag upon occasion: That the windows to each story of the building, shall be sash windows, and that the roof shall be a hip roof, with dormant windows; and shall be well shingled with ciprus shingles; and that the -16- great room below, of each building, shall be laid with flag stones; One part or side of which building, shall be, and is hereby appropriated to the use of the general court, and council, for the holding and keeping of the said general court, and council therein, and the several offices thereto belonging; and the other part or side of the said building shall be, and is hereby appropriated to the use of the house of Burgesses, and the officers thereof, and to no other use or uses whatsoever.

IV. And be it further enacted, by the authority aforesaid, and it is hereby enacted, That the Committee appointed for the revisal of the laws, are hereby impowered and required from time to time to inspect and oversee the said building, until it shall be finished, and to covenant and agree with such and so many undertakers or overseer of the said building as they shall think fit, and to give such necessary orders and directions therein, from time to time, as they shall see cause for the carrying on, furtherance and finishing of the said work, according to the aforesaid rules and dimensions; and that the said committee be likewise empowered, by virtue of this act, on the public account and risqué, to send for, out of England, iron-work, glass, paint, stone and all other materials, as they shall think necessary, for and towards the carrying on and finishing the said building.

V. And be it further enacted, by the authority aforesaid, and it is hereby enacted, That the said Committee as often as they shall have occasion for money for the uses aforesaid, shall, from time to time, apply themselves to the governor, or commander in chief, for the time being, to issue out his warrant to the treasurer of this his majesty's colony and dominion, requiring him to pay so much money as they shall have occasion for, not exceeding the sum of two thousand pounds sterling; who is hereby impowered and required to deliver and pay the same to the said committee, upon such warrant; which said sum or sums, the said committee shall account for to the next meeting of the assembly, and also make report of their proceedings in the building of the said Capitol.

November the 2nd 1705

His Excellency by advice of her Maty Council signed the following Warrants on the Auditor to be paid out of her Matys Revenue of two Shillings per hogshead Viz

Upon the Petition of Edmund Jenings Esqr Ordered that he be paid the Sum of Eighteen pounds one Shilling & fourpence out of her Majestys Revenue of two Shillings per hogshead being so much expended by him in England for the Queens Arms stained in Glass, and other Ornaments for the use of the General Court House, and ordered that a/Warrant be prepared accordingly.

1705

To the Honble Genll Assembly

Miles Cary Wm. Buckner & Wm. Robertson Atorneys of Collo Francis Nicholson Humbly shew - That the sd Collo Nicholson while Governor here did -17- procure the favour of her Majesty to bestow her Royal picture, and arms to be set up in the Capitol That for the passing of orders of Council and other Warrants, and for defraying the charges in putting the said picture and arms on Shipboard the said Governor Nicholson by Mr. Thraile hi solicitor expended the sum of eleven pounds thirteen shillings st as by an accot herewith produced may appear.

Wherefore the said Attorneys in behalf of the sd Collo Nicholson pray that the said sum of eleven pounds thirteen shillings str may be repaid to the said Collo Nicholson, it being paid by him for the public Service of this Country.

And petr shall every pray etc

Endorsed: Pet of Collo Nicholsons / attorneys / Novr 2nd 1705 / By the Council / Refered to the consideration / of the house of Burgs / Wil Robertson Cl O. Ass. / November the 3rd 1705 / By the House of Burgesses / Referred to the Cl. G. Ass. / November the 3rd 1705 / By the House of Burgesses / Referred to the Committee of Claims / Will Randolph,Cl. H B / rejected as being no / Country Charge /

/Paper accompanying./

F N An account of the Charges for obtaining the Queen's Picture and Queen's Armes, with two carved guilt frames for her Majties Province of Virginia

Thursday November the 29th 1705

Mr. Miles Cary from The Committee Appointed to Consider What further Directions are Necessary to be given Concerning The finishing The Capitol and other Public Buildings Reported that the Said Committee had come to several resolutions which he read in his place and then delivered them in at the Table where the same being again read and agreed unto by the House.

Resolved that it is not convenient at this time to make any alterations in the Capitoll

Resolved that Mr. Henry Cary, the overseer of the Building of the Capitol and the Several workmen employed about the same be on Wednesday next discharged

Resolved that the two houses and all goods and materials now in the possession of Mr. Henry Cary belonging to the country remain as they now are undisposed off, except the three Negro slaves which the said Cary is to be possessed off according to a Resolve of the assembly at the last Session

Resolved that the four Master keys to the Locks of the Capitol in the hands of Mr. Henry Cary, Mr. William Robertson and Mr. Charles Chiswell be called in and destroyed.

…

Ordered that Mr. Miles Cary, Mr. Robert Beverly, Mr. Hill and Mr. Francis Meriwether Carry Copys of the three last resolves relateing to the Capitol, to the Council and desire their honours assent thereto

…

A written message from the Council by Mr. Robertson

Mr. Speaker
The Council have agreed to your Resolves concerning the Capitol with an amendment and think it further necessary that -18- some person be appointed to take care of the Countrys Houses and material left therein until further directions be given at the next meeting of the Assembly.

Resolved that the House doth agree to the amendment proposed by the Council to the Resolves concerning the Capitol in these words at the end of the second line after the word (discharged) add until the next meeting of The Assembly

Ordered that John Redwood take care of the countrys houses and materials left therein until further directions be given at the next meeting of The Assembly

Ordered that the Messinger go to Mr. Henry Cary, Mr. William Robertson, and Mr. Charles Chiswell, and acquaint them that this house expects they will deliver unto him the four Master Keys to the locks of the Capitol which are in their possession: and after some time-

The Messenger brought into the House three of the Said Keys and acquainted the House that he had received two of them from Mr. Henry Cary and the other from Mr. Henry Lightfoot, and that Mr. Chiswell declared he had never had either of the said keys in his possession.

Ordered that the messenger taken (take) from Mr. William Robertson the master key which is his possession and attend with the same tomorrow at the first meeting of the House.

Fryday April the 26th 1706

A member of the House moving for leave to bring in a petition of Nicholas Humphrey Commander of the Ship Hartwell of London, leave is accordingly given him, and the said petition being read, praying that he may be allowed for bringing over in the said ship twenty tonn of paving stones for the use of the Capitol.

Ordered that the Consideration of the said petition be referred to the Committee for publick Claimes to report their Opinions therein.

Fryday June the 7th 1706

Resolved that the Queens Arms be painted upon the front of the Cupolo of the Capitol

And then upon an other motion made, and the question put-

Resolved that the Queens Arms be painted in the same place, where Collo Nicholson's armes are now painted

Ordered that Mr. Henry Cary take care, that the Queen's Armes be painted on the Cupolo according to the Resolves of this House

Ordered that Mr. Robert Beverly, Mr. Hill, Mr. Edwards and Mr. Sullivan do carry a Copy of the said Resolves to the Councill and desire their concurrence thereto.

Saturday June 8th 1706

A message from the Burgesses to the Council by Mr. Robert Beverley and others who brought several Resolves to which they desire the Council's concurrence. And the said resolves were Read and agreed to and are as follows:

Resolved
-19- That the Queens Armes be painted upon the front of the Cupolo of the Capitol

Resolved
That the Queens Arms be painted in the same place where Collo Nicholsons Armes are now painted

Ordered
That Mr. Henry Cary take care that the Queens Armes be painted on the Cupolo according to the Resolves of this House

Fryday June 21st 1706

Ordered that all the materials and utensils belonging to the Capitol which are now in the hands of the said Henry Cary, and necessary for the carrying on the building of the Governours House be appropriated to that use, and that all the other materials in his hands belonging to the Capitol be sold

Ordered that the sum of one hundred and five pounds due from the said Henry Cary to the Country for the three Negroes sold him, and all the money arising upon the sales of the Houses and materials aforesaid be appropriated to the carrying on the building of the Governours house, and that he give account thereof to the next Assembly.

Ordered that the said Henry Cary do fit up the Office belonging to the House of Burgesses usefull for preserving the Records and Papers thereto belonging.

Ordered that the said Henry Cary do cause the pavements in the piassas to be taken up, and new laid, and that the well be filled up and the pavement of the walk leading thereby finished

Ordered that that part of the floor above the steps in the House of Burgesses be made even with the other parts of the floor, and that all the benches therein be made broader

Ordered that Mr. Miles Cary, Mr. Bland, Mr. N. West, and Mr. Williams Armstead do carry coppies of the said orders to the Councill and desire their concurrence thereto

Fryday June 21st 1706

Ordered
That the said Henry Cary do fitt up the office belonging to the House of Burgesses usefull for preserving the Records and Papers thereto belonging

Ordered
That the said Henry Cary do cause the pavements in the piazzas to be taken up and new laid, and that the well be filled up, and the pavement of the walk leading thereby finished.

Ordered
That the part of the floor above the steps in the House of Burgesses be made even with the other part of the floor, and that all the benches therein be made broader

And the said Orders being read were agreed to with the following amendments, viz. at 21st line at the end add (and that he fitt up the Secretarys offce, and Councill office with such presses, barrs and desks as are wanting there, according to the direction of the Secretary and Clerk of the Councill) and
(Ordered
That the said Henry Cary cause such alteracons to be made in the General Court House as shall be directed by the Governor and Councill)

-20-

Ordered

That the Clerk of the Genll Assembly carry the said orders to the House of Burgesses and acquaint them that the Council have agreed thereto with some amendments to which they desire the Concurrence of that House.

Monday November the 16th 1713

The House (according to Order) proceeded to take into Consideration the Report made by the Committee appointed to consider of that part of the Governours Speech Relating to the Capitol and the City of Williamsburgh

And upon consideration of the Said Report
Resolved that the Capitol be repaired with all convenient speed and that John Holloway and John Clayton, Gentlemen, have power to imploy workmen to make such repairs in and about the Capitol as by them shall be thought convenient and necessary.

Wednesday June 19th 1723

Resolved
That Mr. John Holloway, Mr. John Clayton and Mr. Archibald Blair be impowered to agree with workmen to build two stacks of Chimneys with two fireplaces in each Chimney, at the North End of the Capitol and that the charge thereof be defrayed out of the publick money in the hands of Peter Beverley, Esquire, Treasurer

Ordered
That Mr. John Holloway and Mr. John Clayton who have the care of repairing the Capitol, do cause all the windows in the chambers on the first and second floor of the Capitol to be made to run with Leads, and that the charge thereof be paid out of the publick money in the hands of P. Beverley, Esq., Treasurer

Publick Buildings here of Note, are the College, the Capitol, the Governor's House, and the Church……

Fronting the College at near its whole breadth, is extended a noble street mathematically straight (for the first design of the town's form is changed to a much better) just three-quarters of a mile in length: At the other end of which stands the Capitol, a noble, beautiful, and commodious pile as any of its kind, built at the cost of the late Queen, and by the direction of the Governor

In this is the Secretary's office with all the Courts of Justice and Law, held in the same Form, and near the same manner, as in England; except the Ecclesiastical Courts.

Here the Governor and twelve Counsellors sit as Judges, at the General Courts in April and October, whither Trials and Causes are removed from Courts, held at the Court-houses monthly in every County by a Bench of Justices and a County Clerk

Here are also held the Oyer and Terminer Courts, one in Summer and the other in Winter, added by the Charity of the late Queen, for the Prevention of Prisoners lying in Goal above a quarter of a year before their trial.

-21-

Here are also held Courts Martial, by Judges appointed on Purpose, for the trial of Pyrates; likewise Courts of Admiralty, for the Trial of Ships for illegal Trade

The Building is in the form of an H nearly; the Secretary's office, and the General Court taking up one side below stairs; the middle being an handsome Portico leading to the Clerk of the Assmblies office, and the House of Burgesses on the other side; which last is not unlike the House of Commons

In each Wing is a good Staircase, one leading to the Council Chamber, where the Governor and Council sit in very great State, in Imitation of the King and Council, or the Lord Chancellor and House of Lords

Over the Portico is a large room where conferences are held, and prayers are read by the Chaplain to the General Assembly; which office I have had the Honour for some years to perform. At one end of this is a lobby, and near it is the Clerk of the Council's office; and at the other end are several chambers for the Committee of Claims, Privileges and Elections; and over all these are several good offices for the Receiver General, for the Auditor, Treasurer, etc. and upon the middle is raised a lofty Cupola with a large clock.

The whole is surrounded with a neat Area, encompassed with a good wall, and near it is a strong sweet Prison…

The cause of my being so particular in describing the Capitol is because it is the best and most commodious Pile of its Kind that I have seen or heard of.

Because the State House, Jamestown, and the College have been burnt down, therefore is prohibited in the Capitol the use of Fire, Candles and Tobacco

At the Capitol, at publick times, may be seen a great number of handsome, well-dressed compleat Gentlemen… These buildings here described are justly reputed the best in all the English America, and are exceeded by few of their Kind in England

Saturday may 21st 1726

Ordered
That Mr. Speaker and mr. Blair be appointed to survey the Capitol and to order such repairs to be done in and about the same as to them from time to time shall seem necessary

Ordered
That no pine Timber or plank be hereafter made use of for repairing the said building except so much as shall be necessary for repairing the floors

Friday March 29th 1726

Ordered
That the sum of flourty shillings be paid to John Mundell for providing wood for fires during this seassion

Wednesday May the 27th 1730

Ordered that the small windows in the end of the Chamber of the House of Burgesses and those in the General Court be altered and made into sash windows uniform to the rest and that the Councils Concurrence be desired to this Order by the Committee of Propositions and Grievances

Monday, March 30, 1747

The Governor commands the immediate attendance of this House in the Council Chamber

Mr. Speaker, with the House, went up accordingly; and being returned, he reported that the House had attended the Governor in the Council Chamber, and that he was pleased to make a speech to the Council and this House;

The astonishing Fate of the Capitol occasions this meeting, and proves a loss the more to be deplored, as being apparently the effect of malice and design. I must indeed own it is difficult to comprehend how so flagitious a Crime could be committed or even imagined, by any rational Creature. But when you have considered that the first Emission of the Smoke through the shingles was from an upper retired room without chimney, or wainscot; that the persons who on its first appearance hastened thither to discover the causer, found all the inside of the roof in one blaze, impossible to be extinguished; and that a fire kindled by accident could not have made so rapid a progress; you will be forced to ascribe it to the horrid machinations of desperate villains, instigated by infernal madness.

Tuesday April 7, 1747

An account of old Iron, Lead, and Bell-Metal, saved out of the ruins of the Capitol, was presented to the House.