Colonial Williamsburg Digital Library

DR. CARTER'S BRICK HOUSE AND HOUSE ADJOINING
(Colonial lots 19 - east portion 18) Block 10 - Sites 13-14; 10 (11) June 7, 1932.
(Superseding report issued January 7, 1932)

An eighty foot brick house having complete cellars underneath, four separate entrances and about fourteen lodging rooms stood on the corner of Botetourt and Duke of Gloucester street until it was destroyed by a disastrous fire in April 1842 which burned practically every building in that block.

Complete excavation of Colonial lot 18, the 82½ feet west of this lot, would show whether an additional brick unit 40 x 34 feet adjoined the corner brick house. Excavation of part of the site shows a large cellar probably of these foundations, but on the area excavated no walls of a brick building have been found (see H. S. Ragland's report on Colonial lot #18 "Ravenscroft"). A fourteen inch foundation on the western part of the lot was excavated.

The building probably dates from some time prior to November 6, 1723 at which time Thomas Ravenscroft deeded two lots "18 and 19 with all houses" for £ 200.

Dudley Digges, who was Cole Digges' heir, allowed Dr. Kenneth McKenzie, the surgeon and apothecary, to build a tenement or shop on his lots with the liberty to remove them at any time. (Dr. McKenzie had been a tenant of Joanna Archer's lots, 16 and 17). On 2 July 21, 1755 Dudley Digges leased for fourteen years to James Currie, a wigmaker, this piece of ground whereon the shop stood and ten feet more for a shed. Foundations of this tenement, shop and shed appear to have been found.

Dudley Digges sold his two lots 18 and 19 to William Withers, a merchant, in a deed not recorded at Yorktown and referred to in a later deed.

On November 18, 1760 William Withers sold to William Holt, merchant, all of lot 18 for 350 £, a very large consideration (evidence of a possible brick house). At this time it was occupied by Mrs. Christianna Campbell, a tavernkeeper. He deeded, also, 2½ feet of lot #19 with it, an indication that the building on lot #18 encroached on #19, perhaps had a common wall.

In March of the next year Withers sold lot #19 to Dr. William Carter, the apothecary, for 375 £, only 25 £ more than he received for #18. This lot evidently had an 80 foot brick building on it. The similarity of price and the probability of a common wall between buildings on 18 and 19 offers support to a theory that on the eastern part of lot 18 was a brick building probably contemporaneous with the one on #19 and about 40 feet long.

When Dr. Carter deeded part of his house to Hugh Walker, a merchant, he recorded a cellar and first floor plan of the house. A blue print of this is appended to the report and is numbered 1 in the series of tracings. The dead to Hugh Walker follows: 3

February 16, 1764.

Carter, William - Surgeon
Rebecca, his wife
to
Walker, Hugh

Consideration: 300 Pounds.

One half the large cellar under the brick
house of the said William situate on the South side of Duke of Gloucester Street in city of Williamsburg, denoted in the plan of the said house hereto annexed by No. 3, the two rooms on the lower floor of the said House No. 4, and the two rooms on the second floor above No. 6 being over the two rooms below No. 6 as denoted in the said plan... the said William or assigns may at any time have the privilege to inclose a small piece of ground adjoining his or their back door... and at his own or their own expense build a cellar cap to the East end of the said Williams cellar No. 6, and a cellar cap in front to the said Hugh's cellar No. 3, and stop up the present cellar cap to the said cellar and also erect a brick partition dividing his cellar No. 3 from the cellar No. 4. (York County Records, Book VII - Deeds, p. 13-16)

Another portion of the house was deeded to Robert Anderson, surgeon, on August 8, 1764. The deed follows:

August 8, 1764.

Carter, William - Surgeon
Rebecca, his wife
Williamsburg
to
Anderson, Robert - Surgeon
same city.

Consideration: 225 Pounds.

One half the large cellar under the Brick House of the said William Carter, situate on the South side of the Duke of Gloucester Street in the said city, denoted in the plan of the said house annexed to a deed from the said William and Rebecca to Hugh Walker, No. 4, the two rooms in the lower floor of the said house No. 6 being at the East end, thereof... with the use and privilege of all ways, steps and stairs leading to and from the same … and that the passage to the Back Yard 4 and the eight feet wide passage across the said William's lot as denoted in the said plan shall remain and be in common for the use of the said Robert Anderson and William Carter. (York County Records, Book VII - Deeds, p. 67.)

Dr. Carter retained a part of the property himself, part of which he rented to various shop keepers and merchants according to the Virginia Gazette: Virginia Gazette
Purdie & Dixon, Eds.

March 21, 1766.

We the Subscribers in Williamsburg, have opened shop at the back of Doctor William Carter's brick building, and purpose carrying on the RIDING-CHAIR-MAKERS business, in all its branches; and likewise make carts, and all kinds of wheels...
William Cosby
Filmer Moore.

ibid.

December 18, 1766.

The parnership (?) of Cosby and Moore being to dissolve the 1st day of January next, this is to inform the publick that the business will be carried on in the usual manner by the subscriber, who hopes for encouragement...
William Cosby.

Dr. Carter mortgaged his house and lots on #19 on Palace street on June 27, 1767 to James and John Carter to guarantee £ 130 to Thomas Moore.

Hugh Walker sold his portion of the large brick house on #19 for 200 £ on June 8, 1770 to William Acrill.

In the meantime, the brick house on the eastern portion of lot #18 was used as a shop by J. I. Eilbeck according to the Virginia 5 Gazette: Virginia Gazette
Purdie & Dixon, Eds.

October 22, 1767.

Lately Imported, and to be Sold by the Subscriber in Williamsburg, at the large brick house nearly opposite the Post Office, Irish linen, white and brown sheeting, diaper table cloths, printed cottons...
J. Eilbeck

Mary Davis opened a lodging house in Dr. Carter's large brick house on March 29, 1770: Virginia Gazette
William Rind, Ed.

March 29, 1770.

The subscriber begs leave to inform the Public in general, and her friends in particular, that she has removed from Lester's ferry, and rented Dr. Carter's large brick house, on the Main street in Williamsburg; where she proposes to accomodate Ladies and Gentlemen with private lodgings. She has 12 or 14 very good lodging rooms with fire places in most of them, which will hold two or three beds in each; she is willing to rent out some of them yearly to such as may incline to find their own beds and furniture. The rooms above are convenient for Gentlemen, those below for Ladies; the house consisting of two parts, and divided lengthwise by a brick partition. She also has another house on the lot, separate from the first, with two rooms and fire places below, very suitable for a family. Her terms will be entirely regulated by her friends. She is NOW tolerably prepared for the reception of lodgers and horses, but hopes to be more completely so by the ensuing April court.
Mary Davis.

N.B. Any Ladies that may chose to spend a few weeks, in private times, whether for pleasure or education, may do it here both reasonably and conveniently.

William Holt, sold his lot #18 to James Anderson for £ 600 on October 20, 1770 including the 2½ feet of lot #19 which was part of 6 the lot.

After Holt sold his lot to James Anderson it was rented by a tavernkeeper:

Virginia Gazette
Purdie & Dixon, editors

March 7, 1771.

WILLIAM R. DRINKARD begs Leave to inform the Publick that he intends to open TAVERN in the House lately occupied by Mr William Holt; nearly opposite the Post Office, by the ensuing April Court. Those Gentlemen who please to favour him with their Custom may depend on good Accomodation.

The "Brick House Tavern" on lot #19 was operated by Richard and Mary Davis from 1770 to 1773, with the corner on Botetourt street being used as a shop. They were succeeded by Richard Hunt Singleton.

Virginia Gazette
William Rind, Ed.

Thursday, May 2, 1771. Williamsburg, the Brick
House, April 15, 1771.

THE public is informed that our stables are new done up and, properly divided, with great additions; that a very large pasture, remarkable for good grass and water, adjoining the town, and intirely new fenced in this spring, is engaged for Gentlemen's horses.
RICHARD DAVIS. ibid.
Purdie & Dixon, Eds.

June 20, 1771.

MARGARET HUNTER
MILLINER, Williamsburg
Hereby informs her Friends and Customers that she is removed to the Corner Store in Doctor Carter's Brick House, where she carried on the Millinery Business in all its Branches;... 7

Virginia Gazette
Purdie & Dixon, Eds.

October 29, 1772.

For Fear it should have been reported, from some late Transactions here, that this House was broke up, I put an Advertisement in Mr. Rind's Gazette, to inform all my former Customers that they might depend upon being accommodated with their Lodgings and Entertainment as usual, and begged a Continuance of their Favours; but by receiveing Letters since from some of the Gentlemen, inquiring whether the House will be continued, induced me to believe that my Notice was not generally observed, and therefore insert this to assure them all that they may depend upon Lodgings, &c. as usual.
RICHARD DAVIS.

ibid.

December 17, 1772.

To be RENTED, and entered on immediately, for the Remainder of my Term, being four Years from the first of January next,
The large BRICK HOUSE on the main Street, in Williamsburg, together with the WOODEN STORE and other Improvements thereunto belonging. The whole Rent I am under obligation to pay to Doctor Carter is sixty Pounds a Year, and the above mentioned store rents for fifteen Pounds.
RICHARD DAVIS.

ibid.
William Rind, Ed.

January 14, 1773.

RICHARD HUNT SINGLETON, having taken the BRICK HOUSE TAVERN on the Main Streets Williamsburg, lately occupied by Mr. Richard Davis, returns thanks to all his old customers, and begs a continuance of their favours, as also of those Gentlemen who frequented the above Tavern, &c. as he is determined to keep the best of Liquors and endeavour, in every other respect, to give satisfaction.

Good STABLAGE and PASTURAGE for horses, &c.

8

Virginia Gazette
Alex. Purdie, Ed.

June 7, 1776.

Now selling by the subscriber, in Williamsburg, for ready money, at the corner store of doctor William Carter's brick house, the following articles, viz,
RUM, Geneva, Cordials of different sorts, Philadelphia steel, sole leather, calf skins, fine and coarse hats, fine and coarse linens, brown do. coarse woollen cloths, and coffee.
ADAM EKART

James Anderson, who was a blacksmith and iron worker, built several forges and buildings on lot #18 for his business. He was engaged in working for the Commonwealth of Virginia during the Revolutionary War:

Ordered that a Warrant issue to Mr. James Anderson for One hundred & forty six pounds five shillings for the hire of his Shop & Hands &c a Quarter of a year to the 20 Ult., Also the farther Sum of twenty two pounds two shillings & six pence, for Balance of his Account of work &c. previous to the Commencement of his Contract with the Committee of Safety. (Jour. of the Council of the State of Virginia, July 12, 1776-October 2, 1777, vol. 1, p. 184)

Humphrey Harwood, the brick mason and builder, had a long account with James Anderson for repairing his buildings on #18 and constructing his forges. This account offers further support for the theory that this house was a unit of #19, Dr. Carter's brick house.

Harwood Ms. Ledger
Ledger B - page 22.

Mr. James Anderson(Blacksmith)

1778	th
Decemr.	4	To 80 bricks 6/8. 3 bushl of lime a 2/3. . . . .	:13: 5
-9-
1778
Decemr.	4	To Seting up a Grate 22/6 & laying a harth 6/. . . . .	1: 8: 6
		To 1 Days labour 8/. . . . .	: 8:
1779
May	18	To 250 bricks 50/ 8 bushl of lime a 6/ & building up steps to front Door 120/. . . . .	10:18:
1783
Jan.	3	To 1 bushel of lime. . . . .	1/6
		To Repairing Chimney & altering the Arch & Plasterg, 7/6. . . . .	7: 6
June	3	To Bricking up your well 12/ & 2 Days labour a 3/. . . . .	:18:
1785
Decr.	20	To 200 bricks 6/ & 5 bushels of lime 5/. . . . .	:11:
		To laying an Harth 3/9 & setting up a Grate 7/6. . . . .	:11: 3
		To labourers work 2/6. . . . .	: 2: 6
1786
July	13	To mortar 2/ Repairing plastering 2/6 Whtwashing 2 Rooms. . . . .	:13: 6
		Wht washg 3 cealings @ 3/
		Do 2 passages 9/. & 6 clossets @ 2/. . . . .	:10:
		To 12 bushel of white wash 3/. . . . .	: 3:
Novemr	9	To 16 bushels of lime a 1/ & 325 bricks a 3/, & 3 days labr a 2/6	1:14:
		To building 2 forges 18/. . . . .	:18:
1787
April	3	To 250 laths at 1/6 & lathing & Plasterg Room to Shop 6/. . . . .	: 9: 9
		To 6 bushes of lime 6/. & Hair 9d. & labrs work 2/6. . . . .	: 9: 3

ibid. page 115.

1787
July	3rd	To 12 bushels of lime 2/ & 3/4 bushel hair 1/6..	:13: 6
		To 2 days labour 5/. & repairing Plastering 12.. . . . .	:17:
-10-
July	3	To laying harth and reparing a Grate 3/. . . . .	: 3:
		To 66 Bricks 2/. & white washing 4 Rooms & 2 passages at 4/6	1: 9:
		To 7 bushel of Whitewash 2/	: 2:
1788
Feb.	26	To 6 bushels of lime 6/ labr 2/6 & building a forge 6/. . . . .	:14: 6
			18:12: 8
Decr	10	To Amt of Sundries as pr under written account. . . . .	4:16: 4
			23: 8: 7
		To 620 Bricks a 3/. & 10 bushels of lime 18/ 3 days labr a 2/6 & building a forge 15/. . . . .	2:19: 1
			26: 7: 8

ibid (loose leaf account opposite p. B-115)

1784
May	19	To 4 bushs of lime 4/, & hair 4d.	: 4:
		To Repairing plastering 6/. & labours work 1/6	7: 6
June	5	To 1 bushs whtwash 2/. & Do 2 Rooms & 2 passages a 4/6	1: :
		To wht wasg do 2 clossets 5/ & cealing to Room 2/6	: 7: 6
1785
Feb.	18	To 7 bus of lime 7/. & 800 bricks a 3/	1:11:
		To 3 days labr a 2/6 & underpining Smoke House 15/	1: 2: 6
		To Repairing Jambs to Cellar Steps 3/6	: 3: 6
			4:16: 4

ibid. Ledger C- p. 5

1788
Decr	10	To 6 bushels of lime 6/. & building a forge 6/	:12:
		To labour 2/6	: 2: 6
		To 23 Sundries 24/7 (30th) To Sundry work 34/6	2:19: 1
-11-
1789
Septr	15	To 9 bushels of lime a 9d 88 Bricks & mendg well 10/	:16: 9
Octor	22	To 2 bush of lime 1/6 & building a Forge 15	:16: 6
Novr	4	To building a Forge 15/	:15:
1790
Jan.	2	To 2 bushels of lime 1/6 & mending Plastering 1/6	: 3:
June	22	To 2 bushels of whitewash
		To whitewashing 2 Rooms a 3/9 & 2 Ceilings & 7 clossets a 1/6	1: 2: 6
		To do 2 Passages a 3/9 lime & mendg spots 6d.
July	22	To 2 days work of Nate building a wall, putting in a door frame & window frame 8/	: 8:
Octor	24	To 1-½ bush: of lime 1/1 ½ & mending plaistering 1/.	: 2: 2-½
		To whitewash & whitewashing 1/	: 1:
1791
		To 3 bush: lime a 9d laying a Hearth, mending Plast. 4/	: 6: 3

The shop in Dr. Carter's brick house continued to have a succession of tenants.

Virginia Gazette
J. Clarkson & A. Davis, Eds.

August 19, 1780.

THOMAS BREND,
BOOKBINDER AND STATIONER
Has for SALE at his shop at the corner of Dr. Carter's large brick house, Testaments, Spelling books, Primers, Ruddeman's Rudiments of Latin Tongue, Watt's Psalms, Blank Books, Quills,...

In June 1783 Robert Anderson sold back to Dr. Carter the portion he had purchased from him. In the absence of deeds from 12 William Acrill for his portion of the building it can be assumed reasonably that he failed to pay for it because in the Williamsburg tax lists Dr. Carter owns a full lot until 1797.

In 1801 Leroy Anderson owned lot #19 which he insured in 1806. This insurance policy is blue print #2 with this report.

James Anderson died about 1798 & his estate was divided. Leroy Anderson got the eastern portion which was one-half a lot according to the tax books of 1806 and from 1810 until 1819 it was a one-fourth lot. This seems to indicate that he owned only so much of the Duke of Gloucester street as contained the brick building on #18. Nancy Camp inherited the western portion and had a large wooden house on the lot which extended over into lot #17 on the west. There is an insurance policy for Nancy Camp's house which will be issued as a separate report on lot #18.

Leroy Anderson sold his large brick house in two parts; the eastern or corner portion to Simon Block and the western or middle portion to Robert E. Griffith. Two insurance policies covering these halves of the house have been traced and are blue prints #3 and #4.

Robert E. Griffith, who owned the western portion of lot #19 lived in Philadelphia and turned the building over to his agent, Robert Anderson who wrote the following:

Va. W^msburg. 4th August 1815
[Letter to Mr. Robert E. Griffith, Philadelphia, Pa]
...I avail myself of the opportunity which the return of Mr. Andrews to the north presents, to 13 reply to your communication of the 20th Oct last by the gentleman; and to inform you of the disposition which I have made of your house and lot in this place. The tenant of the past, has taken for the present year, a portion of the house at forty dollars. I have, however, according with my engagements to him, had some repairs put on the lot which amounted to $46.37... Some other repairs are now necessary... I have not been able to rent out the balance of the house--its confined yard (there being no outlet except through the dwelling) being a great inconvenience ... The house is ensured in the Mutual Assurance Society of Va. (I believe for $800), and that Society has claims for annual quotas of $4 8/100 ea for 1813,14, & 15... (Griffith, Robert E.; Anderson Account Books, No. 3.)

In 1817 Thomas Sands acquired the whole building on lot #19 and insured it. [This policy is not available.] In 1821 he owed Robert Anderson $15.68 for "steps, shingling, & repairs, gate &c".

In April 1842 a disastrous fire destroyed practically all the buildings in this block including the main buildings on the front part of lots #19 and #18. The end of the history of lot #19 is found in a promissory note of Robert Anderson dated December 14, 1846 to sell Thomas Sands lot in a suit Piggott vs Sands "being for purchase of old Brick House lot in Wmsburg, Main street."

Mr. Charles in his Recollections of Williamsburg refers to the ruins standing before the War Between the States:

... There were, when the War began, no more houses on this square fronting on Duke of Gloucester Street, but instead there were immense brick gable-ends of houses that had 14 long, since been destroyed by fire. These foundations were often filled with water that afforded the small boys rare sport--boating in the summer and skating in the winter." (Charles, John S.; Recollections of Williamsburg, page 43.)

DR. CARTER'S BRICK HOUSE
Block 10, Site # 10.
January 4, 1932.

[Superseding report issued, November 21, 1930]

^{1932
Res Files
Obsolete}

The large brick house which stood on the southwest corner of Duke of Gloucester and Botetourt streets was erected some time prior to 1761 by William Withers or by Dudley Digges. From 1761 until the close of the century the building was owned chiefly by Dr. William Carter, surgeon and apothecary and was known and advertised as Dr. Carter's brick house.

A brief digest of the chain of title to this lot follows, in which is included any significant architectural data in the deeds:

1761, March 16,
Wm. Withers merchant to Wm. Carter apothecary lot purchased from Dudley Digges and all houses. . . £ 375.

1764, Feb. 16.
Wm. Carter to Hugh Walker
One half the large cellar under the brick house of the said William situate on the South side of Duke of Gloucester Street in city of Williamsburg, denoted in the plan of the said house hereto annexed by No. 3, the two rooms on the lower floor of the said House No. 4, and the two rooms on the second floor above No. 6 being over the two rooms below No. 6 as denoted in the said plan... the said William or assigns may at any time have the privilege to inclose a small piece of ground adjoining his or their back door... and at his own or their own expense build a cellar cap to the Fast end of the said Williams cellar No. 6, and a cellar cap in front to the said Hugh's cellar No. 3, and stop up the present cellar cap to the said cellar and also erect a brick partition dividing his cellar No. 3 from the cellar No. 4. 2 Consideration: £ 300. (York County Records - Book VII - Deeds.)
[See blue print of plat with this report].

1764, Aug. 8. Carter, William - Surgeon, Rebecca, his wife
Williamsburg.
to
Anderson, Robert - Surgeon August 8, 1764.
Same City.

Consideration: 225 Pounds.

One half the large cellar under the Brick House of the said William Carter, situate on the South side of the Duke of Gloucester Street in the said city, denoted in the plan of the said house annexed to a deed from the said William and Rebecca to Hugh Walker, No. 4, the two rooms in the lower floor of the said house No. 6 being at the East end, thereof... with the use and privilege of all ways, steps and stairs leading to and from the same... and that the passage to the Back Yard and the eight feet wide passage across the said William's lot as denoted in the said plan shall remain and be in common for the use of the said Robert Anderson and William Carter. (Page 67)
(York County Records - Book VII - Deeds.)

1767, June 27.
Wm. Carter to James Carter and John Carter - mortgage on lot # 19 for £ 130.

1770, June 8.
Hugh Walker to Wm Acrill, Same property as Feb. 16, 1764. £ 200.

1783, June 12.
Robert Anderson to Wm. Carter. Same property as Aug. 8, l764. £ 160.

During the eighteenth century Dr. Carter's brick house was used as a tavern and had a number of shops in it. The following advertisements from the Virginia Gazette are given for the significant architectural facts in them:

(Purdie & Dixon, eds.) 1766, March 21. -
We the Subscribers in Williamsburg, have 3 opened shop at the back of Doctor William Carter's brick building, and purpose carrying on the RIDING-CHAIR-MAKER'S business, in all its branches; and likewise make carts, and all kinds of wheels.
William Cosby
Filmer Moore.

(William Rind, Ed.)

1770 March 29. -
The subscriber begs leave to inform the Public in general, and her friends in particular, that she has removed from Lester's ferry, and rented Dr. Carter's large brick house, on the Main street in Williamsburg; where she proposes to accomodate Ladies and Gentlemen with private lodgings. She has 12 or 14 very good lodgings rooms, with fire places in most of them, which will hold two or three beds in each; she is willing to rent out some of them yearly to such as may incline to find their own beds and furniture. The rooms above are convenient for Gentlemen, those below for Ladies; the house consisting of two parts, and divided lengthwise by a brick partition. She has also another house on the lot, separate from the first, with two rooms and fire places below, very suitable for a family. Her terms will be entirely regulated by her friends. She is NOW tolerably prepared for the reception of lodgers and horses, but hopes to be more completely so by the ensuing April court.
MARY DAVIS

N. B. Any Ladies that may chuse to spend a few weeks, in private times, whether for pleasure or education, may do it here both reasonably and conveniently.

(William Rind, ed.) 1770, September 27, -
Just IMPORTED from LONDON,
And to be SOLD at a reasonable Advance, for ready MONEY only,
COMPLETE Sets of BOTTLES and STAFFORDSHIRE WARE, fit for the FACULTY. Likewise PICKLING JARS of all Sorts for Family Use. They may be viewed at any Time, by applying to James Anderson, Blacksmith, in the Back Street.

(William Rind, Ed) 1771, May 2.
Williamsburg, the Brick House
April 15, 1771.
THE public is informed that our stables are new done up and properly divided, with great additions; that a very large pasture, remarkable for good grass and water 4 adjoining the town, and interly new fenced in this spring, is engaged for Gentlemen's horses.
RICHARD DAVIS.

(Purdie & Dixon, eds.) 1771, June 20. - MARGARET HUNTER
MILLINER, Williamsburg
Hereby informs her Friends and Customers that she is removed to the Corner Store in Doctor Carter's Brick House, ...

(Purdie & Dixon, eds.) 1772, October 29.
For Fear it should have been reported,
from some late Transactions here, that this House was broke up, I put an Advertisement in Rind's Gazette, to inform all my former Customers that they might depend upon being accommodated with their Lodgings and Entertainment as usual, and begged a Continuance of their Favours; but by receiveing Letters since from some of the Gentlemen, inquiring whether the House will be contined, induced me to believe that my Notice was not generally observed, and therefore insert this to assure them all that they may depend upon Lodgings, &c. as usual
RICHARD DAVIS.

(Purdie & Dixon, Eds.) 1772, December 17.
To be RENTED, and entered on immediately, for the Remainder of my Term, being four Years from the first of January next,
The large BRICK HOUSE on the main Street, in Williamsburg, together with the WOODEN STORE and other Improvements thereunto belonging. The whole Rent I am under Obligation to pay to Doctor Carter is sixty Pounds a Year, and the above mentioned store rents for fifteen Pounds.
RICHARD DAVIS.

(William Rind, Ed.) 1773, January 14,
RICHARD HUNT SINGLETON, having taken the BRICK HOUSE TAVERN on the Main Street, Williamsburg, lately occupied by Mr. Richard Davis, returns thanks to all his old customers, and begs a continuance of their favours, as also of those Gentlemen who frequented the above Tavern, &c. as he is determined to keep the best of Liquors and endeavour, in every other respect, to give satisfaction.
Good STABLAGE and PASTURAGE for horses, &c.

5

James Anderson acquired this property late in the eighteenth century. The building just south of the brick house shewn on the accompanying plat and on the Frenchman's map was used as a smith's shop. During the time James Anderson owned this property he made the following repairs to the large brick house and to the smaller wooden buildings:

James Anderson -Account with H. Harwood.

1779,	May 18.	To 250 Bricks 50/. 8 bushs of lime a 6/ & building a pr steps to front Door 120/	10:18:0
1783,	Jan. 3.	To Reparing Chimney & altering the Arch & plasterg 7/6	: 7:6
	June 3	To Bricking up your Well 12/ & 2 Days labour a 3/	0;18:0
1786,	July 13.	To mortar 2/. Repairing plastering 2/6 whte washing 2 Rooms 9/	0:13:6
		Whtee washing 3 cealings a 3/. Do 2 passage 9/ & 6 closets a 2/	1:10:0
1787,	April 3.	To 250 Lathes a 1/6 & lathing & plasterg Room to shop 6/	0: 9:9
	July 3.	To 66 Bricks 2/. & whitewashing 4 Rooms & 2 passages a 4/6	1: 9:0
1784,	June 5.	To 1 bush whte was 4. & Do 2 Rooms & 2 passages a 4/6	1:10:0
		To Wht washg do 2 closets 5/ & 1 Cealing to Room 2/6	0: 7:6
1785,	February 18.	To 3 days labr a 2/6 & underpining Smoke House 15/	1: 2:6
		To Repairing Jambs to cellar Steps 3/6	0: 3:6
6
1790,	June 22.	To Whitewashing 2 Rooms a 3/9 & 2 Ceilings & 7 closets a 1/6	1; 2:6
		To do .. 2 passages a 3/9 - lime & mendg Spots 6	0: 0:6
	July 22.	To 2 days work of Matt building a Wall-putting in a door frame & window frame 8/	0: 8:0

After James Anderson's death, his heir Leroy Anderson owned the building which he insured in 1806. At this time the building in the rear that had been a smith's shop was made into a kitchen. It is logical to infer from the absence of other records that the kitchens to Dr. Carter's brick house were in the cellar or some place else in the main building.

This building fell into ruin some time before the Civil War. At that time the house was blasted and bricks carried to Magruder to strengthen the Union fortifications, according to Mr. Charles' "Recollections of Williamsburg".

The house was one of the landmarks of 18th century Williamsburg; other buildings being advertised in relation to it. The large consideration for which it sold indicates that it was a well constructed building.

Mr. Charles said that one wall remained standing for a number of years and the line of the wall indicates that the house had a gable roof. The cellars were open to the weather and were filled with water and debris. This may account for the destruction of some archaeological evidence.

7

The reference from Mr. Charles notes follows:

...On the S. E. corner of the Duke of Gloucester and Botetourt Streets there were the towering brick gables of a big building with two sets of semi circular stone steps. Those walls are distinctly remembered by the writer. They were pulled down about 1870 and a big frame house was erected on the site. (Mr. Charles' Recollections of Williamsburg. p. 45 ¶ 4.)

REPORT ON BRICK HOUSE ON SITE
BLOCK 10, #10 (11).
November 21, 1930.

^{1930 - Obsolete
superseded}

On this corner of Duke of Gloucester and Botetourt Street there was a large brick colonial house owned, and probably built by Dr. William Carter. This house had a wooden house attached to it and a court yard of some sort. In the back part of the yard was a small house and a smithy. There were shops kept in the house and the building was of such interest that it was called "The Brick House" or "Dr. Carter's Brick House" and was not infrequently used as a landmark to identify other buildings.

Dr. Carter sold portions of the building to different individuals. In the deeds recording this sale are many significant architectural facts pertaining to the buildings and a cellar and yard plan of the building. The blue print accompanying this report was a tracing from the original in the York records. The following deeds refer to this:

February 16,1764

William Carter,-Surgeon -
to
Hugh Walker
Consideration: 300 Pounds.

One half the large cellar under the brick house of the said William situate on the South side of Duke of Gloucester Street in city of Williamsburg, denoted in the plan of the said house hereto annexed by No.3, the two rooms on the lower floor of the said House No.4, and the two rooms on the second floor above No. 6 being over the two rooms below No.6 as denoted in the said plan ....the said William or assigns may at any time have the privilege to inclose a small piece of ground adjoining his or their back
door and at his own or their own expense build a cellar cap to the East end of the said Williams cellar No. 6,
2 and a cellar cap to the said cellar and also erect a brick partition dividing his cellar No. 3 from the cellar No. 4.(--Book VII - Deeds,p.13 - 16)

August 8. 1764

William Carter - Surgeon--
to
Robert Anderson
Consideration: 225 Pounds.

One half the large cellar under the brick house of the said William Carter, situate on the South side of Duke of Gloucester Street in city of Williamsburg denoted in the plan of the said house annexed to a deed from the said William and Rebecca to Hugh Walker recorded in the Court of York County No. 4 the two rooms on the lower floor of the house No. 6 being at the East end Thereof... (Book VII-Deeds, p.67)

June 27,1767.

William Carter - Surgeon--
to
James Carter - Surgeon
John Carter - Merchant
Consideration: 130 Pounds.

....also all that piece or parcel of ground situate on the South side of the Duke of Gloucester Street in the said city and bounded on the North by the last mentioned Street, on the East by a cross street running from the said street to Francis Street, on the South by the ground sold by the said William to James Anderson, Blacksmith, and on the west by the ground sold by William Withers to William Holt, and is part of the two lots purchased of the said Withers of Dudley Digges, and sold by the said Withers to said William Carter. And all houses. (Book VII-Deeds p.300)

June 8, 1770

Hugh Walker
to
William Acrill - Gent
Consideration: 200 Pounds

One half of the large cellar under the brick house called Doctor William Carter's situate on the South side of the Duke of Gloucester Street in the City of Williamsburg, denoted in the plan of the said house duly recorded in the County Court of York by No. 3, the two rooms on the lower floor of the said house No. 4, and the two rooms on the second floor above No. 6 being over the two rooms below No. 6 as denoted in the said plan being the rooms conveyed the said Hugh Walker by the said William Carter. (Book B-Deeds-p.62)

3

Virginia Gazette - March 21, 1766
We have opened shop in Williamsburg at the back of Dr. Wm. Carter's brick building, and purpose carrying on the Riding Chair Maker's business in all its branches, - Wm. Cosby & Filmer Moore.

BLOCK 10 SITES 12, 13, & 14.
(Colonial Lot #18)
July 13, 1931.

^{1931 - Obsolete}

As early as November 16, 1723 there were buildings on this colonial lot and on #19 just east of it. These buildings were sold at that time (deed #395) by Thomas and Elizabeth Ravenscroft to Col. Digges for £200, a large consideration.

In an unrecorded deed, Dudley Digges deeded the two lots to William Withers, a merchant, according to a reference in a later deed (#634). William Withers sold lot #19 to Wm. Carter, the apothecary, for £375 on March 16, 1761 (#634).

On November 18, 1760 William Withers deeded lot #18 (#630) plus five and one-half feet of the lot to the east, lot #19, to William Holt, a merchant, for £350, a large consideration. At this time the building was occupied by Christianna Campbell, a famous Williamsburg tavern keeper. A club which George Washington attended frequently, met at Mrs. Campbell's.

The lot was next sold by William Holt to James Anderson for £600 on October 20, 1770 (#729).

After the death of James Anderson the property was owned by Robert E. Griffiths, by whom it was insured on June 15, 1815 (policy on page 30). In this policy it was described as a two story brick building 40 x 34 feet, occupied by John Anderson. The only outbuilding mentioned in the Policy was a smoke-house. Due to the fact that this property was always sold for a large consideration from its first sale in 1723 it is probable that this building insured in 1815 was the original brick building on the site.

Page 2

Mr. Charles in his "Recollections of Williamsburg" says there were remains of brick walls on this site before the Civil War.