Colonial Williamsburg Digital Library

"Craig's House and Shop" Block 17-1, Lot #53

Lot #53 was one of the early grants made by the town trustees or feoffees. At first, it was granted along with Lot #54. The second grant of Lot #53 makes no mention of the latter lot. After the middle of the eighteenth century, Lot 353 was subdivided, and at one time had three different types of business carried on there. These were the jewelry shop of James Craig, the apothecary shop of James Carter, later of William Carter, and the shop of John Carter, merchant.

The first recorded grant of Lot #53 was made to Richard Bland. The deed (in abstract) reads:

August 30, 1708.

Consideration: 30 shillings.
Two certain lots of land in the city of Williamsburg denoted in the plat of the said city by the figures 53 and 54.
Shall begin to build within the space of 24 months upon each of said lots one or more good dwelling houses according to an Act of Assembly 1699.

[York County Records, Book III, Deeds & Bonds, p. 128]

It would appear that Bland allowed Lot #53 to revert to the city since he was not the grantor in the next deed to the lot. In 1723, the trustees again granted Lot #53, this time to a new grantee. There is no mention in the grant, of houses on the lot. The deed reads:

January 30, 1723.

Trustees, City of Williamsburg
to
Holloway, Gent., York Co.
Consideration: 15 shillings.

One certain lot of ground lying and being in the city of Williamsburg designed in the plan of the said city by the figures 53, with all woods…
Shall build within space of 24 months one or more good dwelling houses with brick chimney according to Act of Assembly 1705. [Ibid, p. 418]

Since John Holloway rather than the trustees was the next grantor, it would seem that a house was built by him on Lot #53 at some time between -2- January 30, 1723 and May 16, 1724. Holloway granted the lot to Henry Bowcock, innkeeper:

May 16, 1724.

Holloway, John
to
Bowcock, Henry
Consideration: 70 Pounds Current Money of Virginia.

One lot or half acre of land lying and being in the city of Williamsburg designed in the plot of the said city by the figures 53 with all houses. [Ibid, p. 421]

The York County records show that a Henry Bowcock had secured a license to keep an ordinary in his dwelling house in Williamsburg as early as March 18, 1716. [York County Records, Book 15, Orders, Wills, p. 96] He renewed his license in 1717 (?), 1718, 1720, 21, 23, 25 and 26. [Ibid, pp. 217, 246, 613; Book 16, pp. 48, 238, 251, 356, 402, and 405] It is not known where Bowcock kept his tavern before 1724. In view of the fact that there is no record of his having any other lots in Williamsburg in 1724, it is believed that his inn was kept at Lot #53 at that time. If he ever owned lots in James City County, the few records left for that county that are available here, do not contain the information.

Bowcock died some time during the winter of 1729-30, for he made his will on December 27, 1729 and it was recorded on February 16, 1730. [York County Records, Book 17, Orders, Wills, p. 43]

In his will, Bowcock deeded all of his real estate to his wife who was to be sole executrix of his will. Although Bowcock mentions "sons", he refers only to "Henry" by name. These clauses read:

And for the better enabling my wife to pay all my just debts, and to bring up and provide for my sons, I do hereby give and bequeath unto my said wife, all my lands, lots, and tenements, slaves, goods and chattels and all other my estate of what kind soever and to her heirs and assigns forever.

I do hereby appoint my loving wife Mary Bowcock, sole executrix of this my last will and testament and do direct that she be not held to give security for the probate of this my will.

-3-

The inventory of Bowcock's personal estate is a long one and shows that he had many articles useful in the upkeep of an ordinary. The inventory is particularily helpful for the light it throws on the number of rooms in the house.

Bowcock, Henry - Inventory.

March 16, 1729.

In kitchen

168½lbs. pewter at 8½	5/17/2¾
27 lbs. hard pewter at 12	1/7/0
18½ lbs. old pewter at 6	0/9/3
1 pewter cistern & 2 basons	0/12/6
2 iron pots wt. 91 lbs.	1/2/9
2 do. broken 76	0/9/6
1 spice mortar and pestle	0/7/6
1 Dutch oven 12/6 - 1 do. 5/	0/17/6
1 large brass kettle wt. 61 lbs.	3/1/0
2 large old brass kettles	1/12/6
1 brass boyler - 30½	1/10/6
1 copper fish kettle, 1 do. cullender and pastry pan	1/19/4½
1 iron dripping pan	0/ 7/9
1 tin do., 1 plate frame	0/10/0
1 old stew pan, 2 old copper sauce pans	0/ 9/6
2 old husling pans and an old skillet	0/ 6/0
2 brass skillets, 1 brass frying pan	1/ 2/6
1 iron dust pail, 2 gridirons	0/9/0
1 jack, 4 spitts	2/10/0
1 roasting skreen	0/17/6
3 pot racks, 6 pr. fire dogs	0/17/6
1 fire shovel, flesh fork, skimmer and ladle	0/ 6/0
2 chaffing dishes, 1 cleaver	0/ 4/6
3 tin dish covers, cullender, patty pans, etc.	0/ 3/0
1 pr. brass scales and weights, stilliards	0/11/0
3 wax candle engines	0/ 5/0
1 tenant saw, 1 ax	0/ 9/0
1 copper waterpot	0/ 7/6

Little room.

1 Serutore	2/ 0/0
2 walnut oval tables	1/15/0
1 broken looking glass	0/15/0
7 leather chairs	1/ 8/0
1 pr. dogs, tongs, and bellows	0/10/0
7 old pictures	0/ 3/0
1 pr. money scales and weights	0/ 4/0

Hall.

3 walnut oval tables	3/10/0
Clock	8/ 0/0
14 leather chairs	5/ 5/0
1 corner cupboard	0/ 6/0
1 Parcel of maps	1/ 0/0
1 pr. fire dogs	0/ 5/0
1 large looking glass	2/10/0

-4-

Closet.

4 china bowls	1/ 5/0
6 glasses, ½ pt. and 2 qr. pint pots	0/ 5/6
1 pr. tables	0/10/0

Dining Room.

2 walnut oval tables	1/10/0
1 doz. leather chairs	3/ 0/0
1 large looking glass	1/10/0
4 maps and some small pictures	0/10/0
1 pr. fire tongs and pr. bellows	0/ 6/0

Closet.

2 china bowls		0/ 7/6
3 decanters, and sundry other glass ware		1/18/6
29 delft plates and 2 basons		0/ 8/0
11 Ivory case knives and 12 forks		0/11/0
10 white metal desert knives and 11 forks		0/ 7/6
31 stone pots, 2 white mugs, and a punch bowl		0/ 4/0
1 bird piece made by Brush		2/10/0
1 Dutch piece		1/10/0
1 Chagrin case with 1 doz. knives and forks, handles filled with silver		1/10/0
101 oz. 14 pt. plate of new sterling	6/	30/10/2¼
106, 14do. old sterling	5/6	29/ 6/10
36, 16 do. Virginia made	5/	9/ 4/0

Little Chamber.

1 walnut press	2/15/0
1 desk and book case	4/ 0/0
3 leather chairs	0/15/0
1 small oval table 7/6, warming pan 4/2, tea kettle 7/6, hand bell	0/ 9/6
1 copper chocolate pot, 2 coffee pots	0/15/0
1 small looking glass, 2 coffee mills	0/ 9/6
11 brass candlesticks, 3 pr. snuffers and stands	0/15/0
1 stone tea pot and 2 sugar pots	0/ 3/0
5 coffee mugs, milk pot, pt. mug	0/ 1/6
6 china chocolate cups	0/ 5/0
15 china cups and saucers	0/13/3
1 white metal tea pot	0/ 3/6
1 pr. fire dogs and shovel	0/ 6/0
1 parcel knives and forks	0/ 5/0
1 feather bed, quilt, bedstead, and old blue curtains	4/10/0

Above stairs.

1 feather bed, bolster, 2 pillows quilt, 1 pr. blankets, green China curtains, tester bedstead, cord, hide and old blanket	8/ 0/0
1 walnut table and dressing glass	1/ 5/0
1 Dutch table, 9 leather chairs	3/ 1/6
1 pr. fire dogs	0/ 2/6
1 feather bed, bolster, 2 pillows, 3 blankets, bedstead, cord, matt and old curtains £3.10.3 leather chairs, wall table 1 pr. dogs	4/13/6
1 feather bed, 2 pillows, 3 blankets, quilt, old blue curtains, tester bedstead and matt	5/10/0
4 cane chairs and old table	0/17/6
-5-
1 feather bed, bolster, 2 pillows, 3 blankets, quilt, bedstead and blue curtains	4/10/0
6 leather chairs, small old table, £2, small looking glass and fire dogs	2/ 2/6
1 feather bed, bolster, 2 pillows, 3 blankets, quilt, bedstead, old blue curtains laced with yellow	2/10/0
Another feather bed with some furniture	7/ 0/0
5 leather chairs, small table, 1 fire dog	1/ 5/0
1 close stool, 2 pewter pans	1/ 0/0
1 parcel of old painted pictures	1/ 0/0

Linnen.

4 new damask table cloths	1/16/0
5 do. not new	1/15/0
12 Huckaback do.	3/18/0
6 older do.	1/10/0
7 coarser diaper table cloths	1/ 1/0
2 old damask table cloths	0/ 8/0
11 old table cloths of different sorts	3/ 0/6
2 large damask table cloths	1/ 0/0
24 napkins 24/, 6 more 6/, 10 coarser 7/6	1/17/6
12 huckaback towels 12/, 4 oznabrig towels 2/6	0/14/6
1 doz. pillow cases 10/ - 6 pr. holland sheets £6	6/10/0
9 pr. older holland sheets	5/12/6
27 yds. new Huckaback tabling	5/ 8/0

Without.

List of harness, horses, cows, etc.
2 pails, 2 tubs		0/ 8/0
Stone and earthern pots and jugs	0/12/6
2 chamber pots	0/ 2/6

Within.

Case for pistols
Holsters, Caps and housing embroidered	2/ 5/0
1 servants bed and furniture	2/ 0/0
List of clothes.

Cellar.

List of wines, etc. - Servants.

[York County Records, Book 17 - Orders, Wills, pp. 55-57]

Apparently Mary Bowcock, widow, continued to keep an ordinary for on July 20, 1730, she obtained a license for that purpose [York County Records, Book 17, Orders, Wills, p. 77]

Sometime before June 21, 1731 the widow Mary Bowcock married Henry Wetherburn. On record in York County is the evidence of this marriage in a suit in which Wetherburn and his wife were plaintiffs: -6-

In the action of debt between Henry Wetherburn and Mary his wife Excrix of the last Will and Testament of Henry Bowcock decd Pltfs and Mary Moody Dft, the Dft pray'd leave to imparte here till next court, which is granted [Ibid., pp. 184, 191]

No trace of the use and disposal of the house or houses and Lot #53 between the years 1730 and 1764 has come to light. On the latter date the property was first in the possession of Edward Booker and Henrica, his wife, who sold it to James Carter. An explanation may lie in the fact that the property remained in the possession of the Bowcocks. A Henry and an Edward Bowcock lived in York County. A York County record shows that in May 1765 a guardian was appointed for Henrica Bowcock, orphan of Henry Bowcock deceased. [Tyler's Quarterly, Vol. 6, p. 277]

On June 20, 1764 Lot #53, then in the possession of Edward and Henrica Booker was sold to James Carter (James Carter to John Carter). [York County Records, Book VII, Deeds, p. 163] It is clear from this deed that James and John Carter had built a new brick store of about forty feet width on the part of Lot #53 fronting Duke of Gloucester Street.

The next two deeds show that a James Craig, jeweller, was keeping a shop in a house on that part of Lot #53 which was nearest to Dr. George Gilmer's (Lot #52) and that Craig bought the entire house and the entire western portion of the lot. Craig's part of the lot was 36' 9" in width along the Duke of Gloucester Street and ran back in parallel lines to Nicholson Street. The deeds in which this information is found read:

August 30, 1765

Carter, James, Surgeon
Hester, his wife
to
Craig, James, Jeweller.
Consideration: 230 Pounds Current Money.

One piece or part of a lot of ground purchased by the said James Carter of Edward Booker and Henrica, his wife, lying and being on the north side of Duke of Gloucester Street in the City of Williamsburg aforesaid in the County of York, and bounded on the West by the Lot of Dr. George Gilmer, deceased, on the South by a line from the corner of -7- the said Gilmer's lot down the said street so as to include 15 feet of the House where the said Craig now keeps his shop thence North through the said house including the said Shop a straight course to the Northern Bounds of the said Lot and thence West to the said Gilmer's lot together with the Privileges of a Passage 6 ft. wide on the back side and on the East end of the said house so as to have a way round the said House to the Main Street… [York County Records, Book VII, Deeds, p. 167]

The second deed reads:

June 24, 1766.

Carter, James, Surgeon
Hester, his wife
to
Craig, James, Jeweller
Consideration: 200 Pounds Current Money.

One piece or part of a lot of ground purchased by the said James Carter of Edward Booker and Henrica, his wife, lying and being on the North side of the Duke of Gloucester Street in the city of Williamsburg, County of York, and bounded on the West by the ground lately purchased by the said James Craig of the said James Carter, on the said Duke of Gloucester Street 21 feet 9 inches Eastwardly to the said James Carter's brick house or shop and along and adjoining the wall of the said House or shop a straight course the whole length of the said lot to Nicholson Street and along the said street Westwardly 21-¾ feet to the ground of the said James Craig. [Ibid, p. 183]

The known facts about James Craig, jeweller, prior to 1765 are as follows:

Craig had come into Virginia with Dr. George Riddell of Yorktown. He had been in Virginia a long time. His first known announcement in the Virginia Gazette appeared in 1746, when he advertised his craftsmanship as a jeweller at his shop on Francis Street. [Letter to John Norton, April 21, 1768 in Norton Papers, Department of Research and Record; Virginia Gazette, William Parks, September 25, 1746] In 1752, Craig advertised "a new Assortment of Silver work" for sale in Williamsburg as well as "Diamonds, Amethists, etc." [Virginia Gazette, William Hunter, May 15] In 1759 a James Craig was in the tenure and occupation "of houses and lots in the said city of Williamsburgh which I (Thomas Penman) formerly purchased of Robert Stevenson…" [Will of Thomas Penman, Aug. 12, York County Records, Book XX, -8- Wills, Inventories, p. 527] Three children, Adam in 1759, Ann in 1764 and James in 1766 were born to a James Craig, "Jeweller", and Anne Stevenson. [Bruton Parish Register, pp. 18 and 25]

Although Craig's shop was located on Duke of Gloucester Street in 1766, the announcement of a changed location nowhere appears in an advertisement yet available.¹ His first known announcement after he was located at Lot #53 reads:

[October 10, 1766]

Just imported in the MATTY, Capt FOX and to be sold at the Subscriber's SHOP i[n] WILLIAMSBURG, A NEAT ASSORTMENT OF JEWELLERY, Plate and fine Cutlery Cheap, for Ready Money
JAMES CRAIG

N.B. The highest price for old GOLD and SIVLER

(Purdie and Dixon)
[Virginia Gazette]

On April 7, 1768, Craig advertised imported goods which through a later letter of his, may be traced directly to a Mr. Webb of London. These were "A CHOICE Assortment of JEWELLERY, PLATE, TOYS, and fine CUTTLERY." [Virginia Gazette, Purdie & Dixon]

In a few weeks, Craig ordered more of these goods through the London merchant, John Norton. Craig sent a small box of jeweller's goods and money which he wanted sold to Robert Cruickshank, "Goldsmith at the Golden. Ball. old Jewry London." From him Craig wanted certain goods, and assured Norton that Cruickshank was "acquanted wt my Manner of Describing what things I want as I have had things from him."

The "Jewelers work, Toys, & Cutlery" Craig wanted "from one Mr. William Webb, the silver work Mr. Cruickshank will make. I had some things was bot from Mr. Webb latly I think was the best things I ever had since I came to Virga." [Craig to Norton, April 21, 1768; also Enclosure Mss. Norton papers, Dept. of Research and Record]

-9-

A deed given by George Gilmer in 1770 to Jane Hunter to a part of Lot #52 names the Carter brick shop and the lot of Mr. James Craig as the eastern boundary of her property. [York County Records, Book 8, Deeds, p. 67, June 4, 1770]

As a member of the association of merchants in Williamsburg in 1770 [Virginia Gazette, Purdie & Dixon, July 26] Craig was pledged not to import watches, clocks and silversmiths work of any sorts. [Journal of the House of Burgesses of Virginia, 1770-1772, p. XXVIII] In a letter to John Norton, on August 31st, 1770, Craig expresses his "sorrow" at not being able to send a remittance on his account with Norton, and adds "I assure you sir times is very hard wt tradesmen in This Country at present we have very little trade and what we do we are ill paid for it." [Letters of John Norton & Sons, Mss. Colonial Williamsburg, Inc.]

It is impossible to say at what date Craig first called his shop "The Golden Ball", but the earliest record yet found is an advertisement in the Virginia Gazette of 1772:

JAMES CRAIG
At The GOLDEN BALL,
WILLIAMSBURG,
Begs leave to inform the Publick that he has just got an eminent Hand, in the WATCH and CLOCK MAKING BUSINESS, who served a regular Apprenticeship to the same in Great Britain, and will be much obliged to those who favour him with their commands. He makes, and repairs, REPEATING, HORIZONTAL, and STOP WATCHES, in the neatest and best manner.

JEWELLERY, GOLD, and SILVER WORK, as usual, made in the neatest Manner, and on reasonable terms, at the above Shop.

[Virginia Gazette, Purdie & Dixon, Eds., Oct. 1]

It will be noted that Craig does not refer to any imported jewelry in this advertisement.

Craig's shop was still known as the Golden Ball in 1774. Robert Bruce, watch and clock maker, announced that he had moved from "Mr. Craig's, at the Golden Ball to the opposite Side of the Street". [Ibid, June 2] -10- Craig's announcement of 1772 in which he called his shop "the Golden Ball" reappeared in the issues of the Virginia Gazette of July 14, 21 and 28. [Purdie and Dixon] This is the last recorded use, yet found, of the name "Golden Ball" for Craig's shop.¹

In a deed of 1774 "the lots or parts of lots of James Craig and Margaret Hunter" were given as the eastern boundary of the western portion of Lot #52. The lot of Margaret Hunter occupied the eastern part of Lot #52.

In 1775, Craig offered "a neat assortment of GOLD and SILVER WORK" for sale. This he was willing to sell cheap. [Virginia Gazette, Dixon & Hunter, April 15; Purdie, April 21, May 5] Craig mentioned no imported jewelry or plate.

In 1779, a James Craig advertised his house and shop for sale. The wording of the announcement implies that the house and shop were joined. This was true of Craig's house and shop on Lot #53. Therefore the advertisement below is believed to refer to Craig's part of Lot #53: -10A-

[June 5, 1779]

To be sold to the highest bidder for ready money, before the Raleigh door, on Thursday the 10th of June, the house and shop the subscriber now lives in, with a garden, kitchen, stable, chairhouse, smokehouse, and dairy. [Virginia Gazette, Dixon & Nicolson]

When James Carter deeded his part of the brick store to William Carter in July of that year, he described it as "bounded on the East by the lot of John Carter, merchant, on the West by the lot of James Craig." [York County Records, Book VI, Deeds, 1771-1795, P. 47]

An advertisement for a lost gold watch shows that there was a Mr. James Craig still living, in Williamsburg in 1782. [Virginia Gazette or the American Advertiser, James Hayes, June 15]

The Frenchman's Map of 1782 (?) or 1786 (?) shows, in what seems to be the western portion of Lot #53, a house fronting the Duke of Gloucester Street wedged between a larger house on the west and a still larger one on the east. The relationship of the house believed to be Craig's and its outhouses is indicated on the tracing following. (It is to be understood, of course, that the assumption that this is the Craig property is based on its proximity to the Raleigh Tavern on the map).

[This drawing has been slightly enlarged and the buildings on what is apparently Lot #53 are shaded heavily]

-11-

A James Craig was a proprietor of a lot or lots in Williamsburg in 1783. [William and Mary Quarterly, Vol. XI, P. 114] In the enumeration of the heads, of families in Williamsburg in 1782, a James Craig had five in his family, and owned five slaves. [Census of 1790 in the Virginia State Library] In 1792, a James Craig in Williamsburg had two tithables. [File B-100, York County Clerk's Office. Card #965 in the York County Records in the Department of Research and Record]

In his will made on December 13, 1793, a James Craig provided that his houses and lots in the city of Williamsburg should go to his daughter, Anne, and after her death to his son, Adam Craig and his heirs. Craig mentions another son, James, in his will. The date on which the will was probated shows that Craig had died before June 16, 1794. The will reads:

I give to my daughter Anne Miller, wife of David Miller, my houses and lots in the city of Williamsburg for her life and after her death, I give the said houses to my son Adam Craig and his heirs forever.
I give to my son Adam my table clock.
I lend my household furniture to my daughter Ann Miller and after her death I give the same to my son Adam.
All the rest of my estate I wish to be equally divided between my sons Adam and James.
Son Adam appointed executor. [York County Records, Book 23, Wills, Inventories, p. 401]

The inventory of James Craig's estate is very brief and contains no articles useful in a goldsmith's trade:

June 25, 1794.

Craig, James - Inventory

List of slaves
Horse, cart, etc.
-12-
10 mahogany chairs and 1 armed ditto	7/ 0/0
A mahogany desk and book case	5/ 0/0
3 black walnut chairs	0/15/0
2 looking glasses	2/10/0
1 large black walnut table	0/10/0
1 round ditto smaller	0/ 5/0
1 smaller ditto	0/ 5/0
1 corner mahogany table	1/ 0/0
1 card table	1/ 0/0
1 tea ditto	0/15/0
1 eight day table clock	7/10/0
2 beds	4/ 0/0
1 bedstead	0/10/0
1 corner glass and cupboard	0/ 7/6
1 candle stand	0/ 2/0
3 pots, 1 dutch oven, grid Iron & fish kettle and Spit	1/10/0
1 Fiddle and Case	1/ 0/0
1 pr. scales	1/ 0/0
Total	£ 93/ 9/6

[York County Records, Book 23, Wills, Inventories, p. 483]

The Unknown Draftsman's Map (late eighteenth or early nineteenth century) ignores the subdivision of Lot #53 as is apparent from the fact that it lists the name only of Davis, the owner of the Carter brick store property in Lot #53.

[This tracing has been slightly enlarged]

-13-

On the other hand, several sources, independent of each other, prove that the western portion of Lot #53 remained in the ownership of James Craig's descendants. James Davis describes his two-story brick store (the Carter's brick store) as located "on the north side of main street situated between the Raleigh Tavern (Philip Moody) and the Lott of James Craig decd …' [policy no. 647, p. 42, May, 1806]

-14-

In a policy on the one-story brick building, believed to be the most easterly building on Lot #52, Philip Moody described his dwelling house on the north side of Main Street occupied by Peter Powell as "situated between the Lott of Wm Russell on the East and the Lott of David Miller's Estate on the west." Apparently the appraiser confused the western and eastern boundaries, for Russell is shown on the Unknown Draftsman's Map at #52, and Davis, who described his store as next to James Craig, on Lot #53. Furthermore, the accompanying drawing shows Moody's brick building as standing only one foot from a wooden house east and forty feet away from a brick house. Archaeological drawings show this relationship between the most easterly building on Lot #52, Craig's Shop, and the western foundation of the Carter's brick store. (see p. 14A)

The Williamsburg Land Tax records give a fairly complete and continuous record of the Craig-Miller property. In 1791, James Craig was shown as possessing one-third of a lot, the annual rent of which was £12. In 1801 when property began to be valued in dollars in the tax records, Craig's one-third lot credited to his estate was valued at $40 annually. In 1806, a "Robert Miller" was shown as having three-quarters of a lot which he got "via Craige". From 1810 through 1820, David Miller's estate was taxed for three-quarters of a lot, the annual value of which was $100. In 1820 the Miller property was listed as follows:

Year	Owner	Residence	No. of Lots	Estate	Value Of Lots	Value due to bldg.	Yearly rent	Tax
1820	Miller, Ann	Williamsburg	1	In fee	$975	$900	$100	$3

The property had been "formerly charged to D. Millers". It continued to be recorded in the tax records in Ann Miller's name until 1847.

At her death, sometime before 1845, the lot and houses passed to her brother, Adam Craig's heir. An Adam Craig, formerly of Williamsburg, had died in Richmond in 1808. (See Mary Wingfield Scott, Houses of Old Richmond, pp. 16-17. The obituary notice concerning Craig appeared in the Richmond Enquirer, May 14, 1808)

14A

Policy no 665, p. 39 May 27, 1806

-15-

George. W. Southall, lawyer of Williamsburg, wrote Robert Stanard, lawyer and son-in-law¹ of the deceased Adam Craig, the status of the Craig-Miller property. This is inferred from Stanard's, answer of October 3, 1845:

I had been informed that the house and lot that was occupied by Mrs Miller would at her death belong to the estate of Mr. Craig but did not know until I received your letter that the information was correct much less the manner in which the title was derived.

The will of A. Craig devised all his estate, except the provision he made for his widow to his exors for sale and distribution among his children (except his eldest for whom he had made provision in western lands) and the reversionary interest in the house and lot in Williamsburg are of course comprehended in the devise. After the death of the exor I qualified as his admr d b n with will annexed and it will devolve on me to dispose of the house & Lot in Williamsburg. I authorise you to take possession of it on any terms you may think reasonable and hold it until an opportunity may offer to make sale of publicly or otherwise.

[Southall Papers, Folder 47]

In conformity with the plan outlined in this letter, the property was offered for sale and described as follows:

March 18, 1846

A House & Lot
In the City of Williamsburg
For Sale.
On Tuesday, the 31st March, I shall offer for sale, at public auction, The House & Lot
In the City of Williamsburg, lately occupied by Mrs. Miller.
It is eligibly situated, in a central part of the City
The terms will be the purchase money in three equal installments…

[Folder 133, Southall Papers, College of William and Mary]

The purchaser was George W. Southall, and the record of the sale was written by hand on the back of the poster:

Received of Mr Geo. W. Southall his check on the Farmers Bank of Virginia for six hundred & fifty dollars being in full of purchase of the house & lots within described & sold by Ro. Stanard as admr de bonis now -16- of Adam Craig deceased… [Ibid]

In 1847 and 1850, George W. Southall was charged for a lot, the value of which was that of Ann Miller's for the year 1843.

Southall died intestate in November, 1851. His nephew, Robert A. Bright, was entitled to a fourth part of the estate. [Samuel F. Bright, guardian of R. A. Bright, to the Circuit Court of Law and Chancery for James City and Williamsburg in Southall Papers, Folder 351] On November 27, 1852 the Superior Court of James City County issued the following decree:

The Court being of the opinion that it would promote the interest of the infant defendant Robert A. Bright to sell the real estate in the bill mentioned descended to the said infant from George W. Southall deceased ... described in said bill as follows ...

5th a lot of land with the houses thereon; on the north side of Main St. adjoining the store house of Wm. W. Vest¹ known as "Miller's lot", Valued at $800 to be sold etc.

[Southall Papers]

In 1854, G. W. Southall's estate was taxed for a lot "Known as the Miller Lot" on which was a house valued at $600, both house and lot, at $850. A lot and house of the same value were charged to Southall's estate in 1859. In 1861, a lot with the same property valuations and described as being "On Main Street adjoining Vests new Store"¹ and as "Transfers from G. W. Southall by S. F. Bright Comr" had come into the possession of W. H. Lee.

Two citizens who remember the appearance of Williamsburg at the time of the Civil War comment on the appearance of the Lee (Craig) house:

The next house east [of the Kinnamer Store] was an old story-and-a-half frame building with dormer windows -17- and shed attached to the rear. Up to a few years ago, the brick wall was hard against the eastern side of the house. This wall was the western end of a big brick building with stone steps in front. This was then the leading mercantile establishment in the city, and was on the lot next to the Raleigh Tavern, and separated from it only by a four foot alley. [Mr. Charles, Recollections, p. 45]

Next [on the west] to the Tavern [Raleigh] was the Lee house, a quaint story-and-a-half house with two front entrances on Duke of Gloucester Street, built high from the street on a four or five foot foundation. Steps led up to two small platform porches. [Mrs. Victoria Lee, p. 73, in the Charles, Lee, Vandergrift typed mss.]

In his archaeological report on Block #17, Mr. Herbert Ragland comments as follows on the house, foundations, and boundaries of the property under discussion:

An old colored woman, the mother of William Baker, the sexton of Bruton Parish Church, who worked for Mr. Vest, said that Vest's store [Carter's Brick Store] was very close to the house west of it, the old Lee house - that there was just enough room for a person to walk between the two buildings. Her statement has been verified for the east foundation wall of the Lee House recently uncovered is actually 2' 1½" west of the west wall of the Carter (later Vest) building…

At the time of the Civil War and until its removal in 1907, the building on this site was known as the Lee House. Mr. Edward Lee, who works in the Williamsburg Post Office, told me that he pulled the building down in 1907, and that his grandfather had lived in the house… Both Mr. Lee and Miss Kitty Morecock told me that the Lee House was a story and a half building with a gable roof and dormer windows front and back, two rooms on the first floor on the street side, and one or two behind, a hall at the eastern end of the house, running straight through the building with doors to the hall from the front and back.

[Report, January 5, 1931]