Colonial Williamsburg Digital Library

PALMER HOUSE
Block 9 Colonial Lot 27 (north)

PALMER HOUSE

LOCATION: South side of Duke of Gloucester Street near the Capitol

OWNERS:

• 1707/8--William Robertson
• 1718--John Brown
• 1732--Alexander Kerr
• 1740--John Palmer
• 1760-1780--Heirs of Palmer
• 1780-William Page
• 1782--Jean Lewis Rey & Peter deLa Croix
• --John Drewidz (half via deLa Croix)
• 1784--John Drewidz (half part) via Jean Lewis Rey
• 1789--Charles Hunt (& Richard Adams?)
• 1795-1810--Estate of Hunt
• 1810--John H. Smith
• 1815--Carter Burwell
• 1836--William W. Vest
• 1882--Estate of Vest
• 1882-1896--Estate of Vest
• 1896--Arthur Denmead
• 1903--Chandler B. Chapman
• 1913--Trustees for Estelle H. Christian
• 1927--Dr. W. A. R. Goodwin for Williamsburg Restoration
• 1927-1935--Williamsburg Restoration Inc.
• [ed-1935- C.W.S.]

Photostat copy of the Williamsburg Plat in "Williamsburg, The Old Colonial Capital" by Lyon G. Tyler

LOCATION:

Colonial Lot 27 on which the Palmer House is located, lies on the south side of Duke of Gloucester Street in Williamsburg near the Capitol Square. See Tyler's adaptation of the College Map, opposite page.

HISTORY:

On January 22, 1707/8 the Feoffees of Williamsburg conveyed Lots 26 and 27 to William Robertson:¹

[January 22, 1707/8]

[Feoffees of Williamsburg
to
William Robertson of James City County
Consideration: 30 shillings of good and lawful money
of England]

... do Grant Bargain Sell remiss Release & Confirm unto the said William Robertson Two Certain Lotts of Ground in the Said City of W^msburgh designed in the plott of the said City by these figures (26) and (27) with all Woods thereon Growing or being together with all profitts Comodities Emoluments & Advantages Whatsoever to the same belonging or in any Wise Appertaining TO HAVE AND TO HOLD... for ever... under the Limitations & Reservations hereafter Monconed...(that is to Say) that the said William Robertson his heirs or Assigns shall not in the Space of Twenty four Months, next Ensueing the date of these presents begin to build & finish upon Each Lott of the said Granted premisses one Good Dwelling house or houses of Such Dimensions and to be plased [sic] in Such Manner as by One Act of Assembly made at the Capitol the 23^d of October 1705... IN WITNESS whereof Mongo Ingles & Hugh Norvell Gents Two or the said feoffees or Trustees have set their hands & Seals the day & Year above Written.

Mongo Ingles (Seal)
Hugh Norvell (Seal)

² [Recorded York County Court
Feb. 24, 1707/8]

At the recording of this deed, there were no houses thereon. Robertson according to stipulations as laid down by the Assembly of 2 1705, erected houses on the property.¹ From deeds to the southern part of Lot 27, we learn that Robinson's dwelling was located thereon. (See: House History of the Robertson-Galt House, Research Department.) To what use Robertson put the northern part of Lot 27 for ten years is not known.

Robertson held Lot 27 until 1718 when he conveyed to Dr. John Brown.²

[November 10, 1718]

[William Robertson
to
John Brown
Consideration: 50 pounds current money of Virginia]

...all that parcel of Ground lying & being in the City of Williamsburgh, (being part of the s^d Robertsons Lotts whereon he now lives,)³ Beginning at that Corner of Lott 27 which joins on Duke of Gloucester Street & the Capitol Square & running thence South ¼ of a degree East Twelve poles thence West ¼ South Two poles Six links to a Stake Standing about four foot from the Corner of the s^d Robertsons Milk house Thence North Twelve Degrees five minutes West Eight Poles to the Third post of the Garden pales a little above the Upper Corner of the Barbers Shop Thence West a ¼ South three poles Twenty Two links thence North a ¼ West along Sullivants Pales to his Corner post on the Main Street four poles & thence along the Street to the place where it began... With all houses...⁴

From the architects plat (See: Illustration 1), one can see that the above deed included the entire northern part of Lot 27 with portions of Lot 26.

Dr. John Brown came to Williamsburg ca 1716 from England. 3 Francis Hume who had come to Virginia recently and stayed in Williamsburg during the October session of the Court, wrote to Ninian Home [Hume], England, concerning Dr. Brown:

[1716⁷]
... John Brown is very well and settled in Williamsburg at the desire of some of the best gentry thereabout he gott his freedom, since his arrival here, and is in a fair way to do very well in this place...¹

In the Spotswood correspondence, John Spotswood of Edinburgh, Scotland, cousin of Governor Alexander Spotswood of Virginia, wrote in May, 1717 introducing Dr. John Brown thus:

I am desired by the Right Honourable The Earle of Hume Veritable Sherriff of Berwick-Shire, (within which the Barony of Spotiswood lyeth, and I presently reside) to recommend to your Favour One John Brown late a Chyrurgeon in Coldstream, who has come to the place of your Goverment, This Gentleman is unknown to me, but (as I've informed myself) has the reputation of Skill in his Employment, and being a Man of probity. His Friends hear that You have been very kind to him, for which they & I thank You...²

In Bruton Parish Churchyard is the tombstone of "MARGARET BROWN of WILLIAMSBURG, wife to Doctor JOHN BROWN of WILLIAMSBURG late of COLD STREAM NORTH BRITAIN who died the 22^d day of August 1720 in the 36 year of Her Age"; also, the stone of "Jane Brown Daughter to the foresaid JOHN BROWN who died the 30 August 1720 the 14 day of Her Age."

Dr. Brown married again. His second wife's name was Mildred Howell.

It may be of interest to point out that when Dr. Brown began practicing in Williamsburg there were other doctors already established: Dr. Archibald Blair (d. 1736), Dr. William Cocke (d. 1720) and Dr. George 4 Nicholas (d. 1734).

Governor Spotswood had D^r Brown practice in his family at the Palace.¹

Dr. Brown lived on the property from 1718 to his death on September 24, 1726.² From subsequent court records to follow in the report, we know that Dr. Brown had a will bearing date September 8, 1726 in which he requested his executors to allow his wife, Mildred, use of the house and lots for three years after his decease and after that time had elapsed, empowered them to sell "the property for the best price they can."³

Within a month after Dr. Brown's death, his widow, Mildred, married "Henry Willis,⁴ Gentleman," of Fredericksburg., Virginia ... "the 30th of October, 1726."⁵

According to the will⁶ of Dr. Brown, his wife could hold the house and lots in Williamsburg until the three years had elapsed. In fact, it was nearly six years following Dr. Browns death until a sale could be made for the property on Lot 27. The buyer was Alexander Kerr,⁷ jeweler. (Deed to follow in report)

Alexander Kerr, a jeweler by trade, had come to Williamsburg 5 sometime prior to 1717. A letter from John Spotswood, Edinburgh, to his cousin, Governor Alexander Spotswood of Virginia, dated August 1717 gives details of Kerr's coming:

August 1717
…I recommend to your protection Alex[ande]r Ker, a younger sone of the Laird of Graden in Teviotdale, a jeweller by trade; who has sett up a shop, in Williamsburg. his mother is a daughter of Sir Harr[y?] of Roseling, & again her mother and grandmother were Spotswoods of our family, the last being a daughter of the Archbishop.¹

In September, 1718 Governor Spotswood wrote John Spotswood:

Virginia Septr, the 3rd. 1718
…Mr. Ker went hence about two Months ago, in order to return to Scotland & I gave him a Token (I think it was a double Ducate) to drink with you…²

Kerr had returned to Williamsburg by 1726. There is an account in the Ms Account Book of the Reverend Robert Rose 1726-1733, Colonial Williamsburg Archives, which indicates that on "May 5., 1726 Mr. Kerr the jeweler [was] paid £l:9:2."

In 1728 Kerr was witness to a legal paper between Richard Friend, Middlesex, England, ship chandler, and Charles Friend, ship captain, York.³

In December, 1732 the heirs of John Brown conveyed to Alexander Kerr a dwelling and lot on Duke of Gloucester Street:

[July 1, 1732]

THIS INDENTURE made the first day of July in the Sixth Year, of the Reign of Our Sovereign Lord GEORGE the Second by the Grace of God of Great Britain France and Ireland King defender of the faith & ca and in the Year of our Lord MDCCXXXII, BETWEEN Henry Willis of the County of Spotsilvania Gent & Mildred his Wife and John Holloway of the City of Williamsburgh Esq^r Surviving Executors of the last Will and Testament of John Brown late of 6 the said City deceased of the one part And Alexander Kerr of the said City Gent of the other part WITNESSETH That Whereas the above named John Brown was in his life time Seized in Fee of and in one Messuage Garden & out houses lying and being in the said City of W^msburgh Upon Duke of Gloucester Street and being so Seized made his last Will and Testament in Wrighting bearing date the Eighth day of September MDCCXXII, and thereby did devise in the Words following Viz^t, Item my Will is that my Exec^urs hereafter named three Years after my decease do sell my land and Houses in Williamsburgh to any person that Will purchase the same in Fee for the best price they can and that in the mean time my said Wife shall have the Use thereof And of his said last Will did Constitute the said Mildred then his Wife the said John Holloway & Richard Hickman now deceased his Exe^crs as by his said Will. (Releation being thereunto had) may more fully appear And whereas the said Mildred hath Enjoyed the said House and land with the Appurtenances for and during the space of three Years after the date of the said Testator they the said Henry Willis & Mildred his wife & the said John Holloway Esq^r in pursuance of the said Will and for and in Consideration of the Sum of One hundred pounds Curr^t Money of Virginia to them in hand paid Or Secured to be paid by the said Alexander Kerr the Receipt Whereof they do hereby Acknowledge (being the best price that could be got for the premisses) have Granted Bargained and Sold... Unto the said Alexander Kerr All that Messuage or Dwelling House with the Garden or Piece of Ground thereto belonging lying and being in the said City of Williamsburgh and bounded on the North by Duke of Gloucester Street on the East by the Capitol Square on the South by part of the Lots of John Grymes¹ Esq^r and on the West by the Lotts of the said John Grymes and that Piece of Ground lately Sold by the Exec^urs to John Stott² of the said City Watchmaker with all Houses outhouses Gardens Profits Easments & Hereditaments... To have and to hold... for Ever...

Sealed and Delivered in the presence of
Fran^s Fontain
Charles Brown
John Stott

Henry Willis S
Mild^d Willis S
John Holloway S

³ [Recorded York county court
Dec. 18, 1732]

From the above quoted deed it is obvious that a dwelling house was situated on the lot recently acquired by Kerr, and that there were gardens 7 and outhouses thereon.

On September 21, 1736 there was a complaint from the Burgesses about certain encroachments which Kerr had made on the Capitol Square:

The House was informed, That Mr. Alexander Ker has made several Encroachments upon the Capitol Square, particularly in setting a Brick-Kiln upon the Capitol Bounds.

Ordered, That the Directors of the City of Williamsburg, take Care to remove the Nusance of the said Brick-Kiln that is preparing to be burnt near the Capitol.¹

It is possible that Kerr had put the brick kiln on the Capitol bounds, temporarily, in view of making brick for his own use in enlarging the former Brown house. Nothing further has been found relating to this encroachment.

In July, 1737 Kerr advertised in the Virginia Gazette that a lottery would be held during the next October General Court "at My House or Store in Williamsburg":

ADVERTISEMENT.
PROPOSALS
For the Sale of sundry valuable Jewels, and Plate, amounting to
Four Hundred Pistoles. By Way of
LOTTERY.

For which
THERE are to be Four Hundred Tickets, at a Pistole each, Eighty of which will be Prizes; so that there will be Four Blanks to One Prize: The highest Prize will be of Sixty Two Pistoles Value, and the Lowest will be double the Value of the Ticket.

The greatest Prize is to be, One large Brilliant Diamond Ring, with a small Brilliant on each Side; One Solitair, or Breast Jewel, set with One large Amethist in the Middle, One large Amethist Drop, Three Garnets, Four Emeralds, and Nine Rose Diamonds; One Gold chas'd Box with an Egyptian Pebbleat the Top and Bottom; Value of them, Sixty Two Pistoles.

The second Prize, is one Brilliant Diamond Ring, with a small Brilliant on each Side; One Mother of Pearl Snuff-Box, set in Gold, chas'd Plates on the Top, and studded on the Botom [sic]; One fine Stone Seal set in Gold, Value of them Forty Pistoles.

The Third Prize is of Thirty Pistoles Value; the Fourth of Twenty Pistoles Value; and the rest of the Prizes gradually decrease in their Value, to the Number of Eighty Prizes, in all, 'till they come down to Two Pistoles, which are the lowest Prizes; so that every Adventurer has, for One Pistole a 8 Chance for a Prize of Sixty Two Pistoles; and if he draws but one of the lowest Prizes, he gets double the Value of his Money.

The Goods are rated at the common saleable Prices; and may be seen at any Time between this and the Day of Drawing the said Lottery, at my House or Store in Williamsburg.
Alexander Kerr

N.B. The said Lottery is proposed to be drawn some time in the next October General Court.¹

In August, 1737 the identical notice as quoted above appeared and in addition there was a list of the 80 prizes to be offered ²

On November 4, 1737 the Virginia Gazette reported: "Yesterday Mr. Kerr's Lottery of Jewels and Plate was drawn; and the highest Prize came up in Favour of Mrs. Dawson."³

In April, 1738 the estate of Mathew Pierce paid Kerr thus: "To Cash p^d Alex^r Kerr for the Mourning Rings---- £2.3.0."⁴

In 1737/38 a servant of Anne Sullivant was punished "for breaking In open a Cellar Window of the Store of Alex^r Kerr and from thence feloniously carrying away two bottles containing about three pints of Rum the property of Charles Scoffre."⁵

There must have been a close connection between Dr. John Brown and Dr. Charles Brown of Williamsburg. A Charles Brown was one of the witnesses to the deed between John Brown's heirs and Alexander Kerr in 1732. His will (April 6, 1738) was witnessed by Alexander Kerr. ⁶ In June, 1738 "the Library of the late Dr. Charles Brown [was] exposed for 9 Sale, at Mr. Kerr's House in the City of Williamsburg containing a very valuable Collection of Books, especially in all the Branches of Natural Philosophy and Physick."¹ An appraisment of his estate in September, 1738 listed among other items a chaise and harness and two horses, seven dissecting scalpells with hooks and atrocas, microscope, eighty two volumes in folio, one hundred and twenty eight in quarto, five hundred and seven in octavo and infra and two family pictures not appraised." John Graeme, executor of Kerr's estate, in October, 1738, was one of the appraisors of Dr. Charles Browns estate.² Dr. Charles Brown left his entire estate "to William Stith, late professor of Humanity in the College of William and Mary."³

Kerr's death was reported in the Virginia Gazette of October 20, 1738:

On Sunday last died in this City, Mr. Alexander Kerr, jeweler and Silversmith, after about 3 Weeks Illness: He was a good Proficient in his Business, and well respected by the Gentlemen of his Acquaintance.⁴

In the Bruton Parish Register 1662-1792 of births, baptisms and burials there is this item under "Alexander Kerr":

BURIALS ANNO 1737. [1737/38]

…
15. Mr Alexander Kerr-- & Rachel Rhodewell Octo^r 9^th5

Dr. Thomas Wharton, apothecary in Williamsburg, in his Account Book itemized his visits and medicines to Kerr. From October 7 to October 22nd, Kerr was charged £6.5.6.⁶

In these reports of Kerr's death there is a slight discrepancy as to the day but all agree upon the month and year as being October, 1738. Bruton Parish Register and the Virginia Gazette agree that the date of death was October 15th.¹

The month after Kerr's death, his estate was advertised for sale:

[November 17, 1738]

ON Monday the 28^th of November, and the following Days, will be exposed to Sale, to the best Bidder, on 12 Months Credit, or 5 per Cent. Discount for prompt Payment, the Estate of Mr. Alexander Kerr, deceas'd, late Jeweller in Williamsburg; consisting of a large Parcel of very saleable Store-Goods, Diamond and other Rings, Gold, Silver, and other Snuff-Boxes, Gold, and other Tooth-pick Cases and other Silver Work; together with the Furniture of his House:… There is also to be sold, in the same Manner, a well finished Brick House, in good Repair, together with a convenient Store, Coach-House, Stables, and other Office-Houses, and a large Garden, fronting the Main Street next the Capitol.²

Apparently, Kerr was not married. (No will has been located.)

On January 19, 1739 Graeme as executor of Kerr's estate,³ put notice in the Virginia Gazette which stated that "ALL Persons that are indebted to the Estate of Mr. Alexander Kerr, deceas'd, are desired forthwith to settle their Accounts, and pay their respective Debts, to the Subscriber, at Williamsburg...⁴

From January, 1739 to May, 1749 there is a gap in the history of the property. In a deed to adjoining property in May, 1749 we learn that John Palmer, lawyer, was located on the property (formerly Kerr's).⁵ NIVISON #3265 Vest Blk 9 #24
Progress Picture 10.15.32 (CWI) 11 See Illustration #3 for biographical Sketch.

Palmer may have obtained the property ca. 1740. At the November Court of York County, 1740, Palmer was granted a right of attorney.¹

Also, in 1740 Palmer's petition to practice law in the courts was certified by Edward Barradall, Attorney-General of the Colony. Barradall stated at the time that Palmer had "lived for several years past with his Majesties Attorney General as his Clerk & thereby gained some knowledge of the Law."²

In 1749 John Palmer had slaves baptized in Bruton Parish.³

In August, 1750 "the store of Mr. John Palmer" is located as "opposite to a storehouse of Nathaniel Walthoe."⁴

The latter part of 1752 John Palmer and wife, gave a mortgage or deed of trust upon the property to George Wythe:

[December 16, 1752]

[Indenture between "John Palmer of the City of Williamsburgh Attorney at Law and Elizabeth Lowe his Wife and George Wythe of the same place Attorney at Law" … Consideration £5]

… ALL that Messuage or Dwelling House and Storehouses thereto adjoining with the Lott or Ground thereto belonging where they the said John and Elizabeth now live Scituate and being on the South side of Duke of Gloucester Street in the said City of Williamsburgh and next and adjoining to the Capitol Square WITHALL Outhouses Yards Gardens Stables and Ways thereto belonging… To have and to hold… unto the said George Wythe his Heirs and Assigns… forever IN WITNESS whereof the said John Palmer and Elizabeth his Wife have here unto set their Hands and Seals the day and Year first above written.

J. Palmer (L.S.)
Eliz^a Lowe Palmer (L.S.)

Sealed and Delivered in
Presence of
[no names]

MEMORANDUM on the day and Year above Written Peaceable and Quiet 12 Possession and Seisin of the House and Premises above mentioned was had and taken by the said George Wythe in Presence of US.
[no names]

Received of the within Named George Wythe the sum of five Pounds this fifteenth day of December 1752 being the Consideration Money above mentioned to be by him paid to me,
J. Palmer

[Recorded December 18, 1752 Court York County]

Indenture & memo of livery of seisin and Receipt…[Elizabeth Lowe Palmer's consent to the sale &c]

[Acknowledged by
Peyton Randolph (L.S.)
John Holt(L.S.)

Signed by Tho^s Everard [Clerk of Ct]

¹

On January 3, 1753 Wythe conveyed the same property to John Palmer for £5-forever.²

From 1750 through 1758 Palmer carried an account with Alexander Craig, Williamsburg harness maker and chair builder. Such items as mending a chair, chaise, horse collars, saddles &c were charged to Palmer.³

During Palmer's occupancy and ownership of the property, his store or shop was burned. Daniel Fisher, a tea merchant, who came to Williamsburg in 1751 and was living on the property known as the "English Coffee House" (west of Walthoe's dwelling) at the time - gave a description of the fire which occurred on April 24, 1754:

…on Saturday the 24th of April, 1754, about 8 in the Evening, I being just got to bed my Daughter alarmed me with the cry of Fire at a neighbor's house, one Mr. Palmer, an Atty; there was our good friend Mr. Walthoe's house only between which and us; the apartment where the fire began was a back room or counting house joining to a store next Mr. Walthoe's, which was let to a merchant (Mr. Osborn) who was gone to England to fetch over his Family, and by the neglect of his Brother-in-Law who kept the Store in his absence, in leaving a fire too carelessly in the said room, while he staid longer than he intended at a Public House, the floor first catched and then the window curtains. With any tolerable management, the fire might easily [have] been extinguished,… Some persons… gave the word that there was a large quantity of Gun Powder in the store, which struck a 13 general terror for a considerable time, and the rope to my well, the nearest and only water within a good way, was broke or cut after drawing the first or second bucket. Mr. Palmer's well indeed was close by the room where the fire kindled, but the Cry of Gun Powder hindered that from being used till it grew too hot to stand at all in that place. The running off with the goods was the chief thing minded,… till at the last a Negro of Mr. Walthoe it is said, got up (it [the gunpowder] being kept just over the store or shop) and tumbled one of the barrels into the street, but the flames having then burst into that room also, the man was obliged to jump down himself to save his life. This was a little less than an hour after the fire was discovered. When the Powder Catched, the whole roof (covered with shingles, indeed we have no other) was in a blaze…¹

Mr. Palmer's store occupied by Osborne, and another building nearby, were burned. The Maryland Gazette published this account of the fire:

WILLIAMSBURG. April 25, [1754]

Last Saturday Night, about Eight o'Clock a terrible Fire broke out in the Store of Mr. Charles Osborne,² of this City, which burnt for two Hours with great Vehemance, and entirely consumed the same, together with two Dwelling Houses and a Jewellers Shop, adjoining; but was, by the Vigilance and Activity of several Gentlemen present, prevented from doing any further Mischief, the whole Loss is computed at upwards of Five Thousand Pounds.

³

Nothing further could be found about Charles Osborne, merchant, how long he rented from Palmer or who leased the store prior to Osbourne's occupancy.

To continue with Daniel Fisher's account:

The young man whose name was Armstrong, brother-in-law to Mr. Osborne with whom the care of the store was intrusted, and to whose neglect the breaking out of the fire is attributed, soon after his Brothers arrival, took a large dose of sublimate, which with great torture put an end to his days...

This honest man's goods and effects, being to be sold off June 11th at Public out cry, the honourable Wm. Nelson and 14 John Robinson Esqrs., being the Trustees and Mr. John Palmer an Attorney at Law, being the Chief Actor or Clerk to this Trust, I among many others attended this sale;...¹

From Fisher's account of the fire and the account as given in The Maryland Gazette we know that two dwelling houses and a shop were consumed in the fire. Archaeological excavations made in 1951 found some brick foundations of an earlier brick house. These were thought to have been foundations of the Kerr House. Evidence of a small house was found towards the west, also, in 1951.

Palmer rebuilt upon the same property. In 1759 he purchased the 3968 square feet on which Walthoe's house had stood before the burning.²

Palmer was owner of the property at his death in 1760. He had married Elizabeth Lowe Tyler, the aunt of Lewis, and John Tyler, judge and governor of Virginia. He was bursar at the College.³ He had three daughters: Elizabeth who married Richard Booker; Catherine who married Joseph Fuqua; and Mary Barradall who married Peter Stubbs. The last Named married her first cousin, Lewis Tyler, the first time.

It seems that after Palmer's death his executors leased the property to several tenants prior to the sale. One of them, Benjamin Bucktrout, cabinet maker, advertised in the Virginia Gazette in February, 1769 that "there are 4 years of the lease unexpired." He was looking for a lessee to take up the lease. Bucktrout described the property thus:

To be RENTED, and entered on the 15th of May next, THE lease of a large and commodious BRICK HOUSE, opposite to the coffee-house and nigh the Capitol. It has every necessary convenience, is very fit for a tavern or for taking in 15 private lodgers, and has been long used by many Gentlemen in Assembly and Court times.

There are four years of the lease unexpired, about the last of April next.

I would also sell the FURNITURE as it stands, at a fair appraisement.
BENJAMIN BUCKTROUT.¹

Bucktrout's lease may have been taken up by John Minson Galt.² On September 21, 1769 Galt published the following notice in the newspaper:

[September 21, 1769]

JUST IMPORTED in the Experiment, Capt. Hamlyn, a fresh and complete ASSORTMENT of DRUGS and MEDICINES, chymical and galenical, which will be SOLD at a very low advance for ready money, and are as follows:

CRUDE antimony, ether, verdigrise, Barbados, hepatrick, and succotrine alces, common and rock allum, ambergris, compound waters of all kinds, quicksilver, balsoms of capivi, Peru, amber, and Tolu, Canadian alsam, Armenian bole, borax, calomel crude and prepared, camphor, canella alba, cantharides, cloves, Indian pink, greatly celebrated for destroying worms in children, Russian and Hudson's Bay castors, common and lunar caustick, cinnabar of antimony, native and fictictious cinnabar, potash, cochineal, colcothar vitriol, colocynth, confectio, cardica, conserves of hips, floes, and sorrel roses, worm wood and orange peel, Jesuits bark, orangepeel, cinnamon, cascarilla, cremor tartar, English and Spanish saffron, elaterium, plaisters and electaries of all kinds, essence of lemons, burgamot and ambergris, single and double camomile flowers, flower and brimstone, balaustines, senna, galls, grains of paradise, gums of all kinds, pearl barley, isinglast, Irish slate, litharge, common and flakey manna, sweet mercury, calcined mercury, corrosive sublimate, red precipitate, musk, chymical oils, opium, long pepper, ipecuanba, jallap, gentian, licorice, contrayerva, calamus aromaticus, china and sarsoparilla, best Turkey and India rhubarb, valerian, sago, alkaline, neutral, and volatile salts, sallop, seeds of anise, carraway, coriander, wild carrot, sennel and sennugreek, lesser cardamoins, staves acre, spermaceti, spirits of hartshorn, lavender, sal volatile and sal ammoniack, nitre, mineral acids, dulcified spirits of salt, vitriol, sal ammoniack, Spanish licorice, tartar emetick, vermacelli, white, blue, and green vitriols, extract of hemlock, glass of antimony, meadow, saffron, and mezereon roots, common and Nesbitt's clyster pipes, gold and silver leaf, Dutch metal, gallipots and viols, Anderson's Hooper's and Lockyer's pills, Turlington's balsom, Hill's pectoral balsom of honey, Bateman's drops, Squire's, Daffy's, and Bostock's elixers, Freeman's and Godfrey's cordials, 16 British oil, eau de luce, Dr. James's fever powders, court plaister, best lavender, and Hungary waters &c.

The subscriber intends opening shop at the brick house opposite the coffeehouse, as soon as he gets his utensils fixed, which will be in a fortnight at farthest; and this being the first importation, every thing may be depended upon as entirely fresh, and bought of one of the best hands in London. Those who will please to favour him with their orders may depend on having them immediately executed, and every thing put lip in the best manner, by

Their most obedient humble servant,
JOHN MINSON GALT.

¹

Dr. Galt may have continued at this site from September, 1769 to April, 1775 when he went into partnership with Dr. William Pasteur at site on Duke of Gloucester Street: lot 56.² Two notices by Dr. Galt in the Virginia Gazette of 1772 indicate that he was located, most probably on Lot 27:

[April 23, 1772]

Dr. KEYSER'S famous PILLS are to be had, with full Directions for their Use in all Cases, at JOHN M. GALT'S Shop, near the Capitol, in Williamsburg,…

[October 15, 1772]

DOCTOR KEYSER's famous PILLS, with full Directions for their Use in all Cases, are to be had (largest Boxes five dollars, The small two Dollars an a Half) at JOHN M. GALTS Shop, in Williamsburg.⁴

Two other notices by Dr. Galt: one for May 20, 1773, and one for June 23, 1774 advertise the Kayser pills "at my Shop, in this city" but do not give location of the shop.⁵

In December, 1770 Beverly Dickson,⁶ merchant, rented a part of the 17 brick house for a store. B. Dickson and mother returned to Va. after a visit to London. He had purchased goods from a haberdasher and jeweler named Bayliss and a jeweler by name, Throughton in Faⁿ Church.¹ A letter of Nathaniel Littleton Savage, December 29, 1770 stated that Mrs. Dickson was setting up her son in the haberdashery business and had taken two Rooms in the Brick House and ordered goods from Norton.²

In August, 1771 Beverly Dickson advertised his store ready for business:

Just IMPORTED, in the Virginia, Captain Robertson, and to be SOLD at the Subscriber's Store, next the Capitol, on the most reasonable Terms, for ready Money,
SUPERFINE Broadcloths, Bath Coating, Frieze, Welch Cotton and Plains, a great Variety of striped and flowered Satins, Ditto Lustrings, Paduafoy, China Tafetas, Thread Satin, Satin and Persian quilted Coats, Marseilles Quilting, Silk Damascus, Cambrick, striped and plain Muslins, Muslin Handkerchiefs with striped Borders, Irish, Princess, and Russia Linen, printed Calicoes and Cottons, Mens Silk, Cotton, and Thread Hose, Silk and Worsted Patterns for Breeches, Men's Cloaks, fine Hair Shag, fine Hyson and Bohea Tea, single and double refined Sugar, Mens fashionable Hats, Womens Cane Ditto, Shoes and Boots, Womens Satin, Morrocco, white Kid, and Calimanco Shoes, Silver and gilt Shoe, Knee, and Stock Buckles, India Umbrellas, Snuff-Boxes, Weston's, Scotch, and Rappee Snuff, fine Shag Tobacco, Velvet and Leather Caps, Portmanteau Trunks, Spices of all Sorts, with a great Variety of other Articles.
BEVERLY DICKSON³

Several invoices from Dickson to Norton indicate that Dickson was still in business in Williamsburg in 1773: One "Invoice of Goods for Bev^y Dickson to be sent p^r first ship" (no date given); another "Invoice for Goods for Beverly Dickson W^msBurg Vir^a" (May 10, 1773) and 18 another "Invoice inclosed to be sent first ship B. D." (April 23, 1773) can be found in the Savage-Norton Letters.¹ Ordered from Norton were many yards of fashionable materials, shoes, hose, buttons, purses, men's coats velvet caps, women's and children's shoes, horse whips, table cloths, plated suprs, linen &c. Dickson stressed that he wanted the best in quality.

It is not known if Dickson's store was kept open during the Revolutionary War or not. Nothing further has come to light concerning his mercantile business.

However, in November, 1773 heirs of Palmer offered the property for sale:

[November 11, 1773]

THE LOTS near the Capitol in Williamsburg, held in Coparcenary by the Orphans of the late John Palmer, whereon is an exceeding good Brick House two Stories high, also a small wooden. One, very convenient for a Gentleman's Study, with two Rooms, all other necessary Outhouses, and a Garden. The Payments shall be made easy to the Purchaser, and a good Title when Possession is given, which will be on the 11th of January.

LEWIS TYLER

²

The above notice brought no buyers-at least, a sale was not completed. On April 20, 1775 John Tyler advertised that Palmer's property was for sale:

[April 20 1775]

THE BRICKHOUSE, and its APPURTENANCES, near the capitol, in Williamsburg, belonging to the daughters of the late John Palmer. For terms apply to me, in Charles City.
JOHN TYLER.³

On March 15, 1780 William Page⁴ and Elizabeth, his wife, purchased 19 the Palmer house and lot from the heirs: (See: York County Records, Deeds VI, pp. 128-129- William Page and wife to Jean Lewis Rey and Peter Dela Croix, August 16, 1782; Deeds VI, p. 134-Peter Dela Croix to John Drewidz, September 7, 1782; and Deeds VI, p. 243 John Lewis Rey and Peter Dela Croix to John Drewidz, September 7, 1784.) No direct deed from Palmer's heirs to Page has survived.

A William Page of Williamsburg had a store at Robert Nicholson's on York Road in February, 1775; in July, 1772 he advertised that he had opened a "City Vendue Office" where he would sell all sorts of goods left with him by the public at auction (No location given); in December, 1777 he advertised linens for sale (No location given).¹ From 1774 to 1777 a William Page "cleaned and washed" clothes, and dyed hose, cloth &c for Captain Anderson, to the amount of £25.2.9.² (Doubtless this was done for the militia.)

It is not known if the William Page who owned or rented the Palmer house was the same William Page who was at Nicholson's, had Vendue Office and cleaned and dyed clothes but it seems probable.

A William Page rode the Public Express in Williamsburg from 1775 to 1777.³

In August, 1782 Page conveyed the property once Palmer's to Jean Rey and Peter Dela Croix, merchants:

[August 16, 1782]

[William Page, merchant and Elizabeth, his wife,
to
Jean Lewis Rey and Peter de La Croix, merchants
Consideration: 760 Pounds apeice]

20

...all that Lot or parcel of Land situate lying and being on the South side of the Duke of Gloucester Street in the said City of Williamsburg and bounded on the North by the said Duke of Gloucester Street on the West by the Lotts of William Goodson dec'd on the South by the Lotts of the Honble Thomas Nelson esquire and on the East by the Capitol Square it being the same Lott or parcel of Land that belonged to John Parmer [Palmer] deceased and at his death descended to his Children Elizabeth Catherine & Mary Barradall and by the said Children sold and conveyed to the aforesaid William Page... with all Houses Buildings...¹

[Recorded: York County Court August 17, 1782]

Three days later (August 19, 1782) Jean Lewis Rey gave mortgage for his moiety in the property to "James Galt, Silversmith" of Williamsburg.²

As no conveyance from Rey to Galt has been located in the records or to John Drewidz (who acquired the other moiety from Peter de La Croix)-it is assumed that Rey moved away and deeded his part to Drewidz.

A short time later (September 7, 1782) Peter de La Croix conveyed to John Drewidz his moiety in the property. The lot was bounded and described thus:

[September 7, 1782]

[Peter de La Croix, merchant, Williamsburg,
to
John Drewitz [Drewidz] merchant,
Consideration: £375 Current Money of Virginia]

... one equal Moiety or half part of all that Lott or half Acre of Land situate lying and being on the South side of Duke of Gloucester Street in the said City of Williamsburg and bounded as followeth on the North by the said Duke of Gloucester Street on the West by the Lots of William Goodson deceased on the South by the Lot of Thomas Nelson Esquire on the East by the Capitol square being the Lot or parcel of Land purchased by and conveyed to the said Peter Dela Croix and Jean Louis Rey by William Page and Elizabeth his Wife late of the City of Williamsburg Merchant and by the said Page purchased of Richard Booker and Elizabeth his Wife, Joseph Fuqua Junior and Catherine his Wife and Peter Stubbs and Mary Barradall his Wife as by their joint conveyance... March 15, 1780... with all Houses Buildings yards...³

21[Recorded: York County Court September 17, 1782]

Williamsburg Personal Property Tax records indicate that John Drewidz in 1783 paid tax on 4 slaves, 3 horses, 1 cattle and 4 wheels.¹

The Frenchman's Map of Williamsburg (1782) shows a large square house situated on the lot, with two smaller dependencies to the rear. (See: Illustration #1 for architects drawing of the property as seen on the Frenchman's Map.)

It was not until September, 1784 that Drewidz came into the entire property: Jean L. Rey conveyed his half of the lot and houses to Drewidz naming £860 as value.²

After coming into the property Drewidz had Humphrey Harwood make extensive changes and repairs such as whitewashing 6 rooms and 2 passages with stairway, plastering, repairing cellar wall and steps, underpinning store shed, plastering back room to store and setting up a stove. These accounts ran from August, 1782 into November, 1785.³ Items for bricks, and repairs made to the sink in the kitchen were noted, also.

From accounts which followed under the heading "Mess^rs Hunt⁴ and 22 Drewidz" -July 1785 to May 5, 1787, over 7000 bricks were used in building chimney to outhouse, underpinning addition, building pillers in cellar, underpinning addition to snuff M^f House, building well under shaft, repairing in M^r Brown's rooms, building foundation for cutting machine, support to the girder in Mill room, repairs to Mill house &c.¹ (All these items were under the "factory acct--[amounting to] £33.17.3")

From Harwood's accounts noted as the "factory acct" the writer has listed the type of work done by him at the snuff manufacturing factory--doubtless in the basement or in an outhouse on the property:

• 4100 bricks
• building chimney to outhouse
• addition-underpinning
• pillars in cellar
• removing old chimney
• 1000 bricks
• underpinning addition to Snuff M¹ House
• building wall under shaft
• 974 lathes and lime
• laying hearth
• 560 bricks
• repairs to Mr. Brown's rooms
• 1800 bricks
• building foundation for cutting machine
• building pillar to support the girder (Mill Room)
• whitewashing 2 rooms & passage (Mr. Brown's)
• digging & bricking well in Cellar
• repairs (plaster) in Mill House
• 1110 lb Oats for Factory
• 1065 lb Oats for Factory
• 20 bushels of lime Laborers work and
• building a furnace
• painting Addition to factory
• repairing plastering at Factory.

In Illustration #5 are filed Diderot plates on the manufacture of snuff.² It looks as though Charles Hunt and Richard Adams³ took over the snuff 23 making business from Drewidz sometime in 1786.

In November, 1786 "Hunt & Adams Tobacco & Snuff Manufacturers in the City of Williamsburg" petitioned the Speaker and members of the House of Delegates to make it more profitable for them to operate their mills by a change in Duty then collected by the Naval Officer at Norfolk:

[1786 Nov. 24th]

"To The Honourable The Speaker and Gentlemen of the House of Delegates This Petition of Hunt & Adams Tobacco & Snuff Manufacturers in the City of Williamsburg Humbly Seweth

That your Petitioners have at a very heavy expence and great Hazard imported and brought into this State from Europe a compleat Snuff Mill and Cutting Engine for the purpose of Manufacturing Snuff and Tobacco, that these Works are erected upon so large a Scale as that your Petitioners apprehend they will be able not only to supply the consumption of the State but also to haveaconsiderable quantity for exportation... Your Petitioners beg leave farther to observe that they have now on hand a considerable quantity of Snuff and Tobacco of their own Manufacture which they wish to export, but as this inconvenience has already been experienced in which they have actually paid the Duty of one Shilling per pound on their returned Snuff to the Naval Officer at Norfolk, it must of course put a period to their hopes of deriving any Advantage from this expensive work by a Trade to foreign Markets unless relieved from these Duties by your Honourable House, your Petitioners pray that the Duty of one Shilling per pound upon all Manufactured Snuff and Tobacco imported into this State from Europe or from the other States may be continued.

[also petitioned "that they may be Relieved from paying the several Duties aforesaid and also be allowed to receive Tobacco from any Inspection within the State for the purpose of Manufacturing without a personal application for the same in any manner which the House shall in their Wisdom seem right and your Petitioners as in Duty bound shall ever pray."]

[Endorsed]
"Hunt & Adams pet^o Nov^r 24^th 1786 ref^d to prop^s"¹

From the description given by the firm, one realizes that the business of manufacturing snuff was quite extensive and the equipment complete for large size production.

Williamsburg Land Tax lists for 1786 indicate that Charles Hunt owned 1 lot in Williamsburg.²

A notice in a Richmond newspaper, the Virginia Gazette, or American Advertiser, of August 2, 1786, refers to Hunt & Adams store in Williamsburg:

Last Sunday sen'night the house of Messrs. Hunt and Adams, at Williamsburg, was struck with lightening, destroying the chimney, and entering a lower room melted a number of buckles, with a quantity of hardware.¹

In March, 1787 Charles Hunt and Richard Adams under the firm name of "Hunt & Adams" advertised snuff mills at Williamsburg thus:

[March 28, 1787]

SNUFF-MILLS
AT
WILLIAMSBURG,

The proprietors of which, have for Sale, a large quantity of SCOTCH SNUFF, two years old, and by Judges of that article, said to be fully equal to any imported from Europe. RAPPEE SNUFF superior to what can possibly cross the Atlantic. TWIST and SHAG for chewing, fine CUT for smoaking, to be had at the same Place. The Prices wholesale, are 25 per cent lower than any other State do furnish those articles for. All Orders addressed as above, due attention will be paid for Expedition and care in packing; by the Public's devoted Servants.

HUNT & ADAMS.

In August, 1787 the same notice appeared in the Virginia Gazette and Weekly Advertiser, Thos. Nicolson, ed., "SNUFF MILLS, AT WILLIAMSBURG."

On March 15, 1787 Drewidz advertised his house and lot in Williamsburg for sale:

[March 15, 1787]

For Sale, Or to be rented and possession given on the first of June next (or sooner if convenient)

My HOUSE & LOT In THIS CITY

As this lot is so completely fixed either for a private gentleman's family or a Merchant, having thereon proper store houses, I think a more particular description unnecessary, 24 presuming any person inclinable to rent or purchase will first view it. For farther particulars enquire of Messrs. HUNT & ADAMS, or the subscriber.

JOHN DREWIDZ.

¹

The same year (August 30, 1787) Drewidz advertised that his house and lot in the city would be sold at public auction:

[August 30, 1787]

To be Sold,
At public auction before the Rawleigh door, on the second Monday in October next, at 3 o'clock in the afternoon,
MY HOUSE AND LOT, In THIS CITY.
It is a large brick building, and so completely fixed either for a private Gentleman's family or a merchant, having thereon proper storehouses, I think a more particular description unnecessary, presuming any person inclinable to purchase will first view the premises. The terms of sale, on half cash, and the remainder payable in six months, the purchaser giving bond with approved security. Mess. HUNT & ADAMS, will attend the sale and make a title.
JOHN DREWIDZ.²

On January 2, 1788 Hunt and Adams advertised that they had "imported a large assortment of drugs and medicines from London; also manufacturers of shag and pigtail tobacco, Scotch Rappee snuffs, best Kite for smoking, to be had at their Manufactury at Williamsburg, and medicine store in Richmond."³

There was a suit in August, 1788 between Hunt & Adams and Drewidz:

[Suit] mess^rs Hunt and Adams Pl^ts
against
John C. Drewidz Def^t IN CHANCERY

[Aug. 20, 1788]

...By consent of the Parties It is Decreed and ordered that unless the Def^t within one month pay to the Plt^s the sum of one thousand four hundred and ninety four pounds four shillings and ten pence Current Money of Virginia with Interest thereon to be computed after the rate of five per centum per annum from the fifteenth day of April 1787 til payment and the Costs of this suit that the said Def^t be from thenceforth barred and foreclosed and from all equity of redemption in and to the Mortgaged Lot of Ground... lying and being on the south side of Duke of Gloucester Street in the City of Williamsburg bounded on the west by the Lot of 25 William Goodson deceased on the South by the Lots of Thomas Nelson junior Esquire on the East by the Capitol Square and on the North by Duke of Gloucester Street, being the Lot of Ground purchased by the Def^t of Jean Louis Ray and Peter Dela Croix, also the Negro man David, Negro man Ben, Negro Woman Lydia, one Bay Horse, one Sorrel Mare, one double Chair, one Single Chair for riding with Harnesses thereunto belonging, one Mohogany Desk, and Book Case, two large looking Glasses, two small ditto, forty five pictures or Prints-twelve Mohogany Chairs, eight Walnut ditto, twelve Windsor ditto, a large Mohogany dining Table, one small ditto, and two small ditto, one Mohogany Dressing Table, one large round Table, two Mohogany Stands, six Beds with Bolsters and twelve Pillows, five Bedsteads and three setts Curtains, twelve pair Sheets, fourteen Blankets, one pair Silver plated Candlesticks, one Silver Tea boiler, seven Silver Table Spoons, thirteen silver tea spoons, one Silver Tankard, two setts China, twenty six Cups and Saucers, five China Bowls, together with all the Def^ts Kitchen Furniture to include three large Copper Kettles and Boilers, and [?] the Sherif after advertising the same sell the said Lott of Ground Negroes Stock Furniture and other Articles be prementioned at public Auction for ready Money and out of the Money arising thereby pay and satisfy this Decree to the Pl^ts and return the Overplus if any (after deducting the Expences of the Sale) to the Def^t...[sheriff to report same to court]

[Written on page to left of above] The House and Lot mentioned in the within DEED sold by me to Mess^rs Hunt & Adams for the sum of £270, the other mortgaged Articles not to be found by me.
Jn^o Bryan DS YCC

For: y^d to King W^m Aug. 1789"¹

Hunt & Adams advertised in September, 1788 "An Elegant Phaeton, upon an entire new construction, for one or two Horses, with new Harness compleat. It may be viewed at the subscribers house... The lowest price that will be taken is Sixty Pounds."²

In September, 1788 the sheriff of York County advertised the Drewidz property for sale:

[September 24, 1788]

Pursuant to a DECREE of the Worshipful Court of the county of York, will be sold on the 13th day of October next, to satisfy a debt due from John C. Drewidz, to Messrs. Hunt & Adams, the HOUSE & LOTS In the said county, and in the city of Williamsburg, whereon the said Drewidz formerly lived, for ready money. The sale 26 will be on the premises near the Capitol.
MERRITT MOORE, Shff.¹

Hunt & Adams were still in business in December, 1788:

December 18, 1788.

MEDICINES
Just imported in the Ship Betsey, Capt. COLLEY, from LONDON,
And for sale by
HUNT & ADAMS,
At their MEDICINE STORES in Richmond and Williamsburg.

Red Bark; Jesuits ditto; Spirits Nitre; Balsam Capivi; Spanish Flies; Sugar Candy; Red and white calomel, Cream Tarter; Vitriol, Tarter; Opium; Musk; Glauber Salts; Gum Guaiacum: Jalop,

Isinglas; Laudinum Drops; Essence Pepper Mint; Sallad Oil; Quicksilver; Oil Cinnamon; Musk Calomel; Rhubarb; British Oil; Bateman's Drops; Jesuits Drops; Cephalick Snuff; Turlington's Balsam; Scots Pills; Balsam Honey; Daffy's Vials; corks; Gallipots &c. and all sorts of Patent Medicines and Drugs of the best quality.²

Williamsburg Land Tax records for 1789 indicate that Drewidz transferred his property to Hunt and Adams in that year.³ From the tax records for 1786, it looks as though Charles Hunt had bought from Drewidz; however, in 1789 Hunt & Adams are shown as buying 2 lots from Drewidz; then in 1791 Hunt & Adams hold 3 lots. (This is confusing data.)

The College Map (1791?) denotes the name "Hunt" on the lot. See: plat opposite page 1, of the report. The Bucktrout-Lively Map (1803,1867) names "Hunt" thereon.

In October, 1791 Charles Hunt was recommended to be a director of the Eastern State Hospital, Williamsburg, "as conveniently situated." ⁴ In 27 November, 1793 he was appointed a director.¹

In 1794, Richard Corbin who was living in Williamsburg, paid an account owing to the estate of Charles Hunt, deceased merchant.² Items such as wines, cloths, sewing thread, spades, paint, oils and &c. were bought from Hunt.

Hunt died in 1794. His will was proved in York county court on July 20, 1795 by his widow, Jane Hunt.³ Hunt had written the will in London on February 12, 1785. His will was filed in the Prerogative Court of Canterbury on December 24, 1795.⁴

Hunt's will follows:

[February 12, 1785]

IN THE NAME OF GOD Amen, I Charles Hunt late of Queen Street, London but now about to proceed to and settle at Williamsburg in the State of Virginia in North America Merchant do by this my last Will and Testament give devise and bequeath all such real and Personal Estates Goods Chattels Rights and Credits as I shall or may be seized or possessed of or entitled unto at the time of my death unto Richard Adams of bread Street London Merchant and John Clay of Smithfield bans London Oilman and unto the Survivor of them and the Executors and Administrators of such Survivor In Trust to sell and dispose of the same and with and out of the proceeds thereof to pay and discharge all my just Debts funeral and Testamentary expences, and after payment thereof upon further Trust to pay the residue and Remainder of my estates and Effects unto my wife Jane Hunt unto whom I give and bequeath the same to and for her own proper use and behoof for ever. And I do nominate constitute and appoint the said Richard Adams and John Clay Executors of this my last Will 28 and Testament...

[Probated]
July 20, 1795
York County.¹

Following Hunt's death, there were quite a few suits for debts owed the estate-all brought by Jane Hunt, administratrix.²

On January 27, 1795 Hunts personal estate was advertised for sale:

Williamsburg, January 27, 1795

TO BE SOLD,
On TUESDAY the 17th day of nexth Month, at the Dwelling-house of the late CHARLES HUNT, of this City,
ALL the personal ESTATE of the said deceased, consisting of House Servants, Household and Kitchen Furniture--a large stock of Dry Goods-Medicines-Wines of excellent quality-Rum and Sugar- also a carriage, Chair and Horses.
JANE HUNT, Administratrix.³

There is no record so far as the writer could find that Jane Hunt recorded the above sale of the personal property. Loss of James City County Court Records may account for this.

By 1798 Jane Hunt had married Jeremiah Barton of York County,⁴ It is possible that following the marriage in February, 1798 that Barton moved up to Williamsburg to live in the Hunt house.⁵

Mrs. Barton was dead in July, 1801 for Benjamin Waller, trustee, Williamsburg, advertised that a negro woman was to be sold under deed of trust in Petersburg executed to him by Mrs. Jane Hunt, late Mrs. Barton, 29 to secure Dr. Ashley Adams.¹

The Hunt estate held the property until 1810 when John H. Smith became the owner.² Smith held for five years, then sold to Carter Burwell.³ During Smiths ownership the Williamsburg Personal Property Tax shows that he owned 9 slaves, 3 horses and a chair.⁴

Burwell, evidently, did not live at the property-for Personal Property Taxes for the city do not give his name. Probably he rented the property to someone.

In 1836 Burwell sold to William W. Vest, prominent merchant and land holder of Williamsburg. At this date the buildings were valued at $2000.⁵ Vest, evidently came into the property in 1834 for an insurance policy of that date, definitely locates him at this site as owner: "my buildings on my own land now occupied by myself and situated between Galt's lot on the South. Powells lot on the west, the main street in Williamsburg on the north, and the Capitol square on the East... The Dwelling-- A---$3000; The Kitchen--B--$200.-$320O." ⁶

In 1839 Vest insured the property again. This date it was valued at $4000.¹ The diagram for the policy shows a brick dwelling, two stories high, 36 by 40 feet with kitchen and laundry in the rear yard.

Vest insured the property in 1846 thus: "my Building on the Main street in Williamsburg now occupied by myself situated between the lots of Peter Powell's estate on the West and Alexander D. Galts estate on the south... $4000 A. Brick Dwelling Covered with wood two stories- Dwelling of wood-Kitchen of wood."² He insured it again in 1853, "my Building on the Main street and Capitol Square now occupied by Myself situated between the said street and Square on the North and East-the lot W. W. Ware on the West, and A. D. Galts estate lot on the South... $4000-Dwelling of Brick two stories Covered with wood-wood Kitchen-wood Smoke house-Wood Laundry."³

Another policy of Vests of 1858 situated the place as "between the Capitol square on the East, the land of A. D. Galts estate South, of William Blassingame West, and the Main street North... The new addition to the Dwelling-$3000." It was 24 by 36 feet with a hall dividing it from the old dwelling part of the house which is 42 by 36 feet; a kitchen 24 by 18 feet, laundry 18 by 16 feet with shed, and a smoke house and gardens --all indicated on the diagram of the property.⁴

"The addition" to the house is noted in a letter written on September 15, 1858 in which the correspondent states: "...Vest had made a brick addition to his dwelling House. It is now a large building with the old passage now in the middle, the addition being equal to the old part."⁵

In 1860 Vest insured the property thus: "my Building on the South side of Main street now occupied by Myself situated between the Capitol Square on the East, the land of A. D. Galt's Estate on the South and of W^m Blassingham on the West in the said City of Williamsburg and in the county of York... Dwelling & Addition $7000 Walls-Brick Roof-Wood 42 by 36 feet, Passage, Addition Walls brick Roof-Wood 24 by 36 feet."¹

During the War Between the States the house served as military headquarters, first for Gen. Magruder and then Gen. Joseph E. Johnston of the Confederate side; and later for Gen. George B. McClellan of the Federal troops.² McClellan described Williamsburg and the Vest House thus:

[May 6, 1862]

This is a beautiful town; several very old houses and churches, pretty gardens. I have taken possession of a very fine old house which Joe Johnston occupied as headquarters. It has a lovely flower-garden, and conservatory.³

Provost Marshall Campbell for the Union Army occupied this house, also. On September 9, 1862 General Henry A. Wise led an attack on Williamsburg at which time Wise had an encounter with Colonel Campbell. The story is related by David Cronin.⁴

Leading the extreme advance in the charge, was an instructed officer with a few men, who halted at the Vest Mansion. The Colonel, asleep in the bedroom in rear of his office, was not awakened by the distant firing and was first aroused by the presence of a Confederate officer who in imperative tones, with pointed revolver, ordered him to surrender and get up and dress. Taken at such disadvantage, he of course, complied, but leisurely and without remark, after the silent manner of the Scotch, in embarrassing situations. Just as he reached the front door with his captors, the General himself arrived and ordered him 32 back for an interview which was brief, and held with the General in the usual official chair at the table, the prisoner sitting in the chair opposite to which he had been invited by one of the guards, or by the General, for 'there was much confusion.' The General's first question was singular but explainable when it is remembered that Wise had near relatives in Philadelphia and the social consequence of the prisoner might be considered in the importance of his capture. 'To what family of the Campbell's in Philadelphia, do you belong?' he asked. 'To no family on the face of the earth, just now,' was the Colonel's bitter response.

Similar queries relating to the personal equation of the captive were repeated and remained unanswered but no questions bearing upon the military situation, were asked. The interview was interrupted by the arrival of welcoming townspeople and the Colonel was suavely committed to the custody of his guards and taken away. For a few weeks he was confined in Libby prison and then exchanged. He resigned from the service Oct. 16th.¹

From the spring of 1862 when Gen. Magruder was established at the Vest House to the autumn of 1865- a period of over three years- this house was continuously occupied as headquarters of either Confederate or Union forces.

Following Colonel Campbell's occupation as Military Governor and Provost Marshall, came Major Christopher Kleinz. He was followed by several other Provost Marshalls.

David Cronin described the Vest Mansion in this way:

The Vest Mansion was a large brick building of three stories, if the attic floor be included, comparatively new, with modern improvements, situated at the southern end of the main street of Williamsburg. It was owned and inhabited as a residence by W. W. Vest, a prominent merchant of the place. Though outwardly a rather plain substantial structure, its size and situation made it imposing. It was divided into two wings by a central front door and wide hallway leading to a garden, coach house and stables in the rear. The first floor of the eastern wing, consisted of a spacious drawing room with a rear room converted into a bedroom, and these were the apartments occupied as official headquarters. They were tastefully and richly furnished. Costly carpets, cushioned easy-chairs, cut glass chandeliers, pier and mantel mirrors met the eye and a cheerful fireplace with old fashioned andirons, gave an air of comfort. But the principal feature of the official apartment was a long and broad mahogany table standing near the centre. It was covered with green baize 33 cloth and was precisely like the table stationed within the bar of Court Houses or in important public offices. …

A few stone steps with an iron railing at the front door gave ready access to the broad sidewalk and the width of the street afforded ample standing room for the horses of the officers and their orderlies. These facilities added to the convenient stables in the rear entered through a side-gate below the garden, made up all that could be seasonable required for the headquarters of an army in the field…¹

Mr. Vest and family² re-occupied the Vest Mansion after the War. (He had fled at the beginning of the conflict to Richmond.) Vest continued to own much property in Williamsburg until his death in 1892.³

In 1882 Vest acquired a small piece of land from the City bounding on his property:

[June 19, 1882]

[John A. Henley, Mayor
For City of Williamsburg
to
William W. Vest.
Consideration #150]

This Deed made the 19th day of June in the year 1882 between the Mayor and Common Council of the City of Williamsburg party of the first part and William W. Vest, party of the second part witnesseth: that in accordance with an order of the Common Council of the City of Williamsburg made and entered of record on the 15th day of May 1882, and in consideration of the Sum of One hundred and fifty Dollars, paid by the party of the second part, to the party of the first party, at or before the Sealing and delivery of these presents, the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, the Said party of the first part, doth Grant, sell, give Claim release and Convey unto the said party of the Second part, All that lot or parcel of land, now within 34 the enclosure of the premises of the party of the Second part bounded as follows,--on the North by Duke of Gloucester Street on the South by a lot owned by the Corporation- on the west by the party of the Second part- on the East by a Cross Street, running South East from the Duke of Gloucester Street to Francis Street…¹

Mr. Vest in his will bequeathed "to Eliza Baker who has been my faithful servant for Twenty years, during her life that portion of my premises with the buildings thereon, on the south eastern corner of my home lot, 133 ft in length east & west by 40 ft in width on Francis Street. …"²

After Vest's death the property passed to his daughter, Willie Vest who conveyed it to Arthur Denmead in 1896. It was sold by Denmead in 1903 to Chandler B. Chapman. Chapman conveyed in 1913 to a trustee for Estelle H. Christian. In 1927 Christian conveyed to Dr. W. A. R. Goodwin representing Williamsburg Restoration. (Title to the property from the Vest sale to 1927 can be found in the Accounting Department, Colonial Williamsburg) or at the Court House for Williamsburg and James City County.

Mr. John S. Charles, an old citizen, writing in 1927 of the city as he recalled it during the War Between the States described the Vest house thus:

…These houses were there when the Union host marched past the bands playing 'Yankee Doodle' and 'On to Richmond,' and when General McClellan made his headquarters in the Vest house, which presented then the same appearance on the exterior as it does today. On this Vest lot there were in 1861 no other buildings except a kitchen, and a stable and a barn in the rear part of the lot…³

Veal 56-RU-215 (CWI)

Mrs. Victoria King Lee in her recollections, "Williamsburg in 1861," states that "the Vest house, owned and lived in by the Vests during the first part of the war, looks today exactly as it did then."¹

In 1896 the property was conveyed to Arthur Denmead. From Denmead it passed in 1903 to Chandler B. Chapman. In 1913 Chapman as trustee for Estelle H. Christian held until 1927 when Christian conveyed to Dr. William A. R. Goodwin for Williamsburg Restoration.²

The house was extensively repaired in 1932-33. In 1951-2 the portion added by Mr. Vest in 1858 was removed; and the building has now been restored to its eighteenth century appearance.

For details of this later change, see Architectural and Archaeological Reports, Colonial Williamsburg; and typescripts: "The Palmer House" (History); and "Architectural Notes," Illustration #7.

Illustration #1

From Frenchman's Map 1782?

Illustration #2

Illustration #3

Illustration #4

Illustration #5

Illustration #6

Illustration #7
THE PALMER HOUSE
October 26, 1952

INDEX

REFERENCE TO HOUSE, OUTBUILDINGS, YARD & GARDENS:

HOUSE:

2, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 13, 18, 20, 23a, 24, 25, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 34, 35, Illus. #5, Illus. #6,

Addition,

22, 30, 31, Illus. #5, Illus. #6,

Apartment,

12, 32,

Attic,

32,

Brick,

14, 16, 17, 18, 30, 32, Illus. #5,

Bricks,

Illus. #5, Illus. #6,

Cellar,

22, Illus. #5,

Chimneys,

22, 23a, Illus. #5,

Closets,

Illus. #5,

Conservatory,

31,

Doors,

32, Illus. #5,

front,

31,

Fires,

12, 13, 23a,

Fireplace,

32,

Floor,

12,

Foundations,

22, Illus. #5,

Frames,

Illus. #5,

Furnace, (snuff)

22, Illus. #5,

Furnishings,

25, 28,

curtains,

12, 25,

furniture,

15, 25, 28,

silver,

25,

Girder,

22, Illus. #5,

Grate,

Illus. #5,

Hall,

30,

Hallway,

32,

Hearth,

22, Illus. #5,

Lathing,

Illus. #5,

Lots,

1, 2, 4, 18, 20, 23, 26, 33,

Painting,

Illus. #5,

Passage,

21, 30, Illus. #5, Illus. #6,

Pillars,

22, Illus. #5,

Plastering,

21, Illus. #5,

Porch,

Illus. #5, Illus. #6,

Posts,

Illus. #5,

Repairs,

21, 22, Illus. #5,

Roof,

13,

Rooms,

18, 21, 22, Illus. #5,

back,

12, Illus. #5,

bed (rear)

32,

counting,

12,

drawing,

32,

mill,

22,

Seats (window)

Illus. #5,

Servants,

21, 28, 29, 33fn.,

Shingles,

13,

Size of,

Illus #6,

Shop,

5, 13, 16,

Steps

cellar,

21,

stone,

33,

front,

Illus. #5.

Stairway,

21, Illus. #5,

Store,

8-11, 12, 13, 17, 21, 23a, 24, 26-28, Illus. #4 (goods sold at),

Story

2-story,

18, 30, Illus. #5, Illus. #6,

Stove,

21, Illus. #5,

underpinning,

22, Illus. #5,

Wall,

21, 22, Illus. #5,

Whitewashing,

21, Illus. #5,

Windows,

8, Illus. #5,

Wing, (east)

32,

Wooden,

18.

OUTBUILDINGS:

6, 11, 18, 22, 34, Illus. #5,

Barn,

34,

Chimney,

Illus. #5,

Coach-house,

32,

carriages,

28,

chair,

12, 21, 25, 29,

chaise,

12,

phaeton,

25,

wheels,

21,

Engine (cutting)

23,

Factory (snuff)

22, 23, Illus. #5,

Furnace (snuff)

Illus. #5,

Kitchens,

28, 29, 30, 34, Illus. #6,

floor,

Illus. #5,

hearth,

Illus. #5,

oven,

Illus. #5,

plaster,

Illus. #5,

porch,

Illus. #5,

sink,

Illus. #5,

Laundry,

30, Illus. #6,

Millhouse,

22, 23, 23a, 24, Illus. #5,

Shed,

30, Illus. #5, Illus. #6,

Slave Quarters,

34,

Smokehouse,

30, Illus. #6,

Stables,

11, 32, 34, Illus. #5,

Snuff house,

22,

Still,

Illus. #5,

Storehouses,

11, 24, Illus. #5,

YARDS & GARDENS:

Cattle,

21, Illus. #2,

Drape,

Illus. #5,

Flowers,

31,

Gardens,

6, 11, 18, 30, 31, 32, Illus. #6,

Horses,

28, 29,

Kiln (brick),

7,

Well,

13, 22, Illus. #5

Yard,

11, 20, 30.