462. ARCHITECTURE, Williamsburg Capitol.—
The only public buildings worthy
mention [in Virginia] are the Capitol, the
Palace, the College, and the Hospital for Lunatics,
all of them in Williamsburg, heretofore
the seat of our government. The Capitol is a
light and airy structure, with a portico in front
of two orders, the lower of which, being Doric,
is tolerably just in its proportions and ornaments,
save only that the intercolonnations are
too large. The upper is Ionic, much too small
for that on which it is mounted, its ornaments
not proper to the order, nor proportioned within
themselves. It is crowned with a pediment,
which is too large for its span. Yet, on the
whole, it is the most pleasing piece of architecture
we have. The Palace is not handsome without,
but it is spacious and commodious within,
is prettily situated, and with the grounds annexed
to it, is capable of being made an elegant
seat. The College and Hospital are rude,
misshapen piles, which, but that they have
roofs, would be taken for brick-kilns. There
are no other public buildings but churches and
court-houses, in which no attempts are made
at elegance. Indeed, it would not be easy to
execute such an attempt, as a workman could
scarcely be found here capable of drawing an
order.—
Notes on Virginia. Washington ed. viii, 394.
Ford ed., iii, 257.
(1782)
