University of Virginia Library

Appendix K
Selected Rotunda Documents

Chapman Johnson & James Breckenridge
to John Hartwell Cocke

We returned yesterday from the University, where we regreted your absence very much,
And were the more concerned to hear that indisposition had prevented your attendance--

We had a bare quorum, Mr. Cabell and Genl. Taylor being also absent--the letter had not
been heard from,--the former like yourself was prevented from attending, by sickness--

Want of information of the state of our finances, left us very much at a loss how to proceed,
in relation to our buildings--The first thing to be attained, in relation to them, was the
completion of the buildings commenced, and the erection of the Western range of hotels and
dormitories,--the next the erection of the large rotunda for the library &c--We considered it
an object of primary importance not to contract engagements, which our present resources,
without further legislative aid, would not certainly meet;--for we believed it to be very
clearly the expectation of the Legislature that no further application was to be made to them,
for aid, in erecting the buildings,--and we thought it more than doubtful, whether any
application for material and for that object, would be successful--We therefore wished
estimates to enable us to ascertain how far we could safely go--They were laid before us,
and they indicated our ability to do all we wished--But we were by no means satisfied with
these estimates--They dealt in generals, acceding all the details necessary to give confidence
in their accuracy--The accounts of the proctor never having been settled, and the accounts of
the undertakers never having been liquidated, and not a single building being entirely
finished, it was found wholly impracticable to give us those details which would have been
necessary to satisfy us, of the true state of our funds--

In this state of things, the question occurred, whether we should postpone all contracts for
the library till our next meeting, and, in the mean time, require the settlements and details
necessary to correct information,--or, relying on the correctness of the estimates submitted
to us, authorise contracts immediately,--or, taking the middle course, devolve the duty of
procuring the settlements and details, upon the committee of superintendance, and refer the
contracts to their discretion under certain limitations--Mr. Jefferson felt great confidence in
the correctness of the estimates, and he and Mr. Madison were willing to act immediately
upon their faith--We were unwilling to act upon their faith and differred only as to the
prudence of deferring the contracts till the next meeting or referring the subject to the
committee--The majority of the board, acting under the old prudential maxim ibis in medio
tutissimus,[860] concurred in a resolution, by which it is made the duty of the committee of
superintendance to ascertain, as accurately as may be, the true state of our resources, and by
which, they are authorised, to enter into contracts for the building of the library on the plan
submitted, provided they are fully satisfied, that the funds of the University are adequate, to
the completion of the buildings already begun, to the building of the Western range, and to
the building of the library, so far at least, as to put up the walls cover it in, & render it secure
and fit for use--in which security and fitness for use, are contemplated at least doors,
windows, floors, and stair cases--

On leaving Monticello, we at the suggestion of Mr. Jefferson called at the University to
converse with the proctor, and to stimulate him to prepare for a settlement of the accounts
and for the immediate exhibition of such statements and estimates in detail, as will be a safe
guide, in ascertaining our resources, & the demands upon us, and in deciding on the
propriety of entering into the proposed contracts--

We saw the proctor, and endeavoured to impress him with the necessity of making the
preparations above indicated as spedily and accurately as possible--we suggested to him
particularly the propriety of, at once, settling all his accounts with the workmen, for the
work already done, of ascertaining as accurately as possible, what would yet become due for
the work contracted for, and of receiving propositions for the work to be undertaken,
especially for the work, on the library, so as to enable him with some degree of accuracy to
estimate the costs of the building not yet contracted for--We hope that nothing will be
wanting on his part to prepare such information, as will enable you to survey accurately the
ground on which we are--But our conversations with him lead us to fear, that he had not
been very particular in that department of his duty which relates to the accounts, and that his
information in relation to the actual cost of the work done and contracted for is too
imperfect, to justify much reliance on the estimates, which have been submitted, to us--Our
enquiries too, and some rough calculations made by ourselves induce to fear, that after
completing the four ranges of buildings, making the garden walls, privies &c. necessary to
the plan exclusive of the library, there will be scarcely a dollar left, for the library--

We sincerely hope that the result of your investigations will prove these fears to be
groundless;--but we think them so well founded, and we think it so vitally important that no
material error should be made in the estimates, & that we should not again be brought
before the legislature, with contracts unfulfilled, with foundations not built upon, with naked
walls or useless walls, demanding to be protected or threatening to perish, or be a monument
of our want of foresight and our unprofitable expenditure of public money,--that we have
considered it our duty to communicate to you, what we have done, and what we think most
desirable to be done on the occasion--We are sure you will excuse us the liberty--

We know Mr. Jefferson's great zeal in the prosecution of the interesting plan which has been
committed to our care--We have heard him already express his confidence in our ability to
do what we wish upon this Subject--and we fear he will be too easily satisfied of this ability,
too difficult to persaude that there is any danger in proceeding--Having been ourselves
members of several past Legislatures, and having seen much of the temper manifested
towards the university in that body, we wish you to be fully persauded of the ill effect it is
likely to have upon our interests, if we commit any material blunder, in the work now to be
engaged in--and we cannot hesitate to say that we think it much better to lose a season, in
the building of the Library, than to encounter any Serious risk, of entering into contracts for
it, which we may be unable to fulfil--

We think it of very great importance, that the proctor should be required immediately to
settle all accounts with the undertakers, and that too before any new engagements are
entered into, even for the western range--The undertakers will be more easily brought to
settlements while they are expecting new contracts, than after they have been made--These
settlements will not only guide you in judging of the estimates of work to be done hereafter,
but will enable us probably, at the fall meeting, or at the end of the end of the year to make
such an exhibit,--as will show accurately, the whole extent of what will be required for the
completion of the buildings--and we think that the proctors department should hereafter be
conducted, as it should indeed have been herefore conducted, with a view to such exhibit
whenever it should be required--

These suggestions will probably suffice to explain the reasons which induce a wish on our
part to impress you with the necessity, of requiring full and clear evidence of our ability to
meet our engagements before you suffer contracts to be entered into for other buildings--and
of enjoining it on the proctor so to keep his accounts in future, as to render them at all times,
easy of settlement--

We would suggest an enquiry, how far, it is prudent for the proctor to supply the lumber for
the buildings, and whether it would not be better that the undertakers should themselves
supply it, and be, therefore, entrusted in its careful preservation and use, and in its judicious
purchase--

There is one other subject only we will trouble you with--We are decidedly of opinion that
the hotels ought to be two storied buildings, instead of one--Single stories will furnish very
inadequate accomodation for genteel families, who would be desirous of occuping these
buildings as boarding houses, often for the convenience of educating their children--And
whenever families occupied them who could spare any of the rooms they would furnish very
desirable accomodations to such students, as might desire to be alone, and retired--If the
institution flourishes there must be many rooms of this kind wanting--and they surely cannot
be built so œconomically, any where else, as in the second story of these hotels--As to
symmetry of plan and beauty of appearance, we think nothing will be lost by making the
hotels in the Western range two storied buildings--For ourselves we prefer them not only for
œconomy and convenience but for beauty--We therefore strongly recommend that they
should be so built--with great respect & regard--Yours Truly--

James Breckenridge
C Johnson

LS, in Johnson's writing, ViU:JHC, 7p, with address "Genl John H: Cocke" and JHC docket
"Chapn, Johnson & Js Breckenridge Esqrs. April 1821." A pencil drawing appears on the
coversheet.

Thomas Jefferson to James Madison

Your favor of Mar. 29. did not come to hand until the 4th. instant. only mr Cabell, Genl.
Cocke and myself attended. messrs. Johnson and Taylor were retained in Richmond on
Lithgow's case, and Genl. Breckenridge hindered by business. it was not material as there
was not a single thing requisite to act on. we have to finish the 4. rows and appendages this
summer which will be done and then to rest on our oars. the question of the removal of the
seat of government has unhappily come athwart us, and is the real thing now entangling us.
Staunton & Richmond are both friendly to us as an University, but the latter fears that our
Rotunda will induce the legislature to quit them, & Staunton fears it will stop them here. you
will recollect that our brother Johnson has opposed constantly every proposition in the board
to begin that building, and moved himself in the late session to suspend interest with an
express Proviso that no money should be applied to that building; and mr Harvie one of he
zealous friends to the University, in a Philijyric against the Rotunda declared he would
never vote another Dollar to the University but on condition that it should not be applied to
that building. our opinion, and a very sound one has been from the beginning never to open
the institution until the buildings shall be compleat; because as soon as opened, all the funds
will be absorbed by salaries Etc. and the buildings remain for ever incompleat. we have
thought it better to open it fully, altho' a few years later, than let it go on for ever in an
imperfect state. I learn from those who were present at the last proceedings of the legislature
that there was a general regret even with the opposition itself, when they found that they had
done absolutely nothing at all for the institution. our course is a plain one, to pursue what is
best, and the public will come right and approve us in the end. this bugbear of the seat of
government will be understood at the next session, and we shall be enabled to proceed. the
establishment is now at that stage at which it will force itself on. we must manage our
dissenting brother softly; he is of too much weight to be given up. I inclose you his letter
and two from mr Cabell which will inform you more particularly of the state of things. be so
good as to return them when perused. ever & affectionately yours

Th: Jefferson

ALS, DLC:JM, 2p, with JM docket "Jefferson Ths."; polygraph copy, DLC:TJ. Jefferson
made the copy on a coversheet addressed to "Thomas Jefferson esqr. Monticello Virginia"
and postmarked at Boston on 8 November. Jefferson wrote James Breckenridge a similar
letter on 9 April, omitting the references to Chapman Johnson, and urging Breckenrige to
"give us the benefit of your firm and enlarged views" and declaring that "our motto should
be `be not wearied with well-doing'" (DLC:TJ).

John Neilson to John Hartwell Cocke

According to your advice I went to Mr Jefferson and told him how I was situated as to mony
matters, he was good enough to tell me he would attend to it, I have found the benefit of his
interference as I yesterday got a check from the Proctor for $500 though far below what I in
justice ought to have recd my wants made it very aceptable.

Mr Jefferson seems in high spirits in consequence of the mony granted by the Asembly, he
said he should write to the Visitors for them to sanction his measures, and fall to work
imediately. I beleive he would be anxious that Dinsmore and my self would undertake the
carpenter work but I avoided the subject being resolved to be guided entirely by your
judgement.

He is full of brickmaking ideas at present, he said they had or would engage Mr Thorn (a
brick-layer who came here in partnership with Mr Ware) as superintendent of the brick-yard
Mr. Jefferson being better pleased with the colour of his brick in No 2 and 4 than he is with
other that was made here, he does not know that Thorn was not the maker he that made
them left this at the very time I came up herewith Fittz Thorn has since been in the employ
of J Perry so that I think Mr Jefferson ought to look at No 8 Hotel C. and the Proctors
House, as it was with those jobs only he was engaged in the making of the brick.

I fear it will be an unprofitable job but of this you are a much better Judge than me, from a
great deal of experience you have had in the brick laying business, my opinion is you should
let the work out to one or more, causing them to give security for the faithfull performance
of the same, to the full amount of the mony they are to receive. the same rule to apply to all
that may be engaged of the Library, when work is imperfectly done it is but small
consolation that the price may be lowered. I have heard the proctor say he means to dispute
a good part of Antrims plaistering, had the precaution of taking security been used more
care would have been taken in the execution of the work. as I have formerly told you the
brick work can be done for $9 a 1,000 and I am not of the opinion nor is Mr Dinsmore that
you will be able to do them for a less sum, besides the want of responsibility in men
working in that manner.

I hope you will not impute it to vanity or impertenance my thus intruding my opinion on
you, it arises from a sincere desire that the work may be executed in a manner that will
reflect credit on all who are concerned in it, in short I would wish it equal to the grandeur of
the design, which I have never seen equaled.

Mr Jefferson thinks the funds will barely enable to close in the building and complete the
exterior part of it, there might be a large portion of the expence avoided in the work for
instance the stone work the whole of the steps might be dispensed with untill a future day.
the[y] could be built with brick with scantling in front, by keeping them one step short of the
design they would answer all the purposes required; and prepared for the stone ones when
the[y] could be obtained and requiring no alteration. by finishing the basement story which
may be in a very plain manner, that would afford ample convenience for lecture rooms
omitting to finish the next story and the Library room I had intended to have entered into a
detail of the expence but I beleive I shall omit it untill I see or hear from you I should deem
it would require but little time for the Proctor to furnish an acurrate statement of the debts of
the University and then you would be enabled to know what you could undertake he told me
he would join to my account as soon as he had done checking. Dinsmore managed to get
$300 at this time $200 at the January court, they manage matters much better than I can
whatever is the reason of it.

I had when I went down an elevation of the Pantheon with the flank veiw of Pavillions No 9
and 10 for Mrs Cocke I was ashamed to tell of it as it fell so far below my intentions,
however bad I may think of it I must have it conveyed down, the painting of the frame not
being done prevented me of bringing it allong with me I deem'd it the last ebullition of the
Rotunda in my brain, as soon as the laquor cools a little I Shall examine it, and see if I
cannot find a collage for Mrs Cocke in it.[861]

The Proctor sent a draught by me for $500 to Oldham so that his wants are suplied in part,
when I take a veiw of the place and the way things has been conducted the more I get
disgusted with it. our workmen are nearly all Africans Peck employs four of the Proctors
carpenters his Old man Sam is an apendage to the university being a master of all Arts at
one time a carpenter then tin man next printer

Henry is in the smith shop the waiting man Jack and Simon the Cook Ocasionaly at work
with the hands on levelling you may posibly think this has nothing to do with me or I with it
so I would think had I not felt it, Last June had the mony been paid that was due according
to contract to those who had then done the work their would have been little left for peck &
Crawfords Jobs

I scarce trust my self with a though of the future work being resolved whilst I remain in
Virginia to be wholly guided by your counsel. I have nearly finished all the drawings I
intended and then I may take Holiday. I remain with the most sincere respect Your most
Obedient Servant

John Neilson

ALS, ViU:JHC, 3p, with address "General J H Cocke Bremo Fluvanna" and JHC docket "J
Neilson recd. Febry 24"; printed (extract), in Lasala, "Thomas Jefferson's Designs for the
University of Virginia," #00-21.

Joseph Carrington Cabell to Thomas Jefferson

The Legislature being on the eve of adjournment, & all the business of my district, & indeed
of the State in general, being compleated, or so nearly so, as to admit of my departure, I left
town on the 23d. inst. & arrived here on the evening of the same day.

During the latter part of the session we provided by law that visitors of the University
should not lose their Seats by the mere fact of being absent from two successive meetings,
but only after a notification of that fact to the Executive by the Board of Visitors. I do not
recollect whether the provision had a retrospective bearing so as to embrace Mr. Johnson's
case. Perhaps it did not. I think Mr. Johnson seemed to wait for you to state to the Governor
whether you would wish him reappointed. I would take the liberty to recommend that you
should do so. Then you would certainly have from him in approbation of the loan.[862]

Genl. Cocke, in a letter lately received from him, expresses the strongest wish that in
contracting for the building of the Library the undertakers should be bound down to
compleat it for a definite amount. This wish is general among our friends. Nothing, in my
opinion, would be more advantageous or grateful to them. Great fears are entertained that
the workmen will be left too much at large. A strong & general wish prevails that we should
finish the buildings with the third loan. If we do this, I think, all will ultimately succeed. The
opposition in this quarter is broken. I think the enemy is ready to strike his colors. My friend
Doctr. Smith confesses that the public sentiment is decidedly with us; & if he admits it, it
must be so. Thro' the Senators & Delegates, I have, in conjunction with the delegates from
Albemarle, dispersed the circulars respecting the Professorship of agriculture over the whole
state.[863] I remain, Dr. Sir, faithfully yours

Jospeh C. Cabell

ALS, ViU:Cabell Papers, 2p [1980] with TJ docket "Cabell Joseph C Wmsbg Feb. 26. 23.
recd Mar 6"; printed, Cabell, Early History of the University of Virginia, 277-78.

Abiah B. Thorn & Nathaniel Chamberlain
Contract for Laying Brick for the Rotunda

We Arthur S Brockenbrough Proctor of the University of Virginia on the one part and Abiah
B Thorn and Nathaniel Chamberlain on the other part, do hereby enter into the following
articles of agreement--Witnesseth, that the said Brockenbrough as Proctor of the University
of Va, doth agree to let the said Thorn and Chamberlain have the laying of the bricks of the
Rotunda, the said Brockenbrough doth further agree to furnish the bricks, lime, Sand and
scaffolding at the expence of the University of Va all of which is to be delivered at
convenient distances from the building--

The said Thorn and Chamberlain doth agree on their part to have the work done on the
following manner, viz they are not to put in the wall any samel bricks, nor to use more than
one bat to five whole bricks, the bricks to be layed in what is called flemish bond that is
header & Strecher alternately, the walls to be solidly grouted from bottom to Top and in
every course if deemed necessary by the Proctor with cement of a fourth lime and three
fourth good pure sand, for the out side work the mortar to be made of a third lime and two
thirds good sharp sand--The out side bricks to be of the best rubed stretchers and equal in
quality and regular colour to the fronts of the Pavilions No 2 and 4 the Walls in all cases are
to be run perfectly plum and true, under the penalty of being taken down and put up
correctly by other persons at the expence of the said Thorn and Chamberlain if they object
to doing it themselves and the waist of materials by said alteration to be charged to
them--the carpenters to have the right to examine into the correctness of the work as it goes
on and to notify the Proctor if any thing be going on wrong in time for correction--but if any
alteration is deemed necessary in any part of the brick work executed agreeable to the
instructions of the carpenter or Proctor, then the said Thorn & Chamberlain is to be paid the
full value of such alteration agreeable the prices of the other work--the said Thorn &
Chamberlain is to put up all the necessary scaffolding for their work in a good & substancial
manner which is to remain for the use of the Carpenters--they are to find the labourers to
make up the mortar and attend the brick layers--for the brick-work executed faithfully and
agreeable to the foregoing Memoranda, the aforesaid A. S Brockenbrough Proctor will pay
unto the said Thorn & Chamberlain as the work progresses two dollars and seventy five
cents for every thousand bricks in the said building measured as heretofore at this place that
is with one half of the openings deducted from the solid contents--it is understood by the
contracting parties that none but experienced and compitent workmen are to be employed in
laying the bricks of this building--Witness our hands & seals this 8th day of March One
thousand eight hundred & twenty three--
A. S. Brockenbrough Proctor (seal)

of the University of Va--

A B Thorn (seal)

Nathl Chamberlain

A. S. Brockenbrough Proctor of the University of Va and A. B Thorn do hereby agree to the
following articles Viz. The said Thorn is to superintend the making and burning the bricks
for the Rotunda from the commencment of the making to the end at the rate of fifty dollars
per month to see them properly Killed & burned and before hand give the necessary
instructions for the preparation of the yard witness our hands this 8th day of March--1823

A. S. Brockenbrough Proctor
A B Thorn

ADS, in ASB's writing, ViU:PP, 3p, with ASB docket "Contract of A. S. Brockenbrough
Proctor wth Thorn & Chamberlain for Laying Brick of the Rotunda." Brockenbrough
apparently sent this contract to Jefferson for approval, and Jefferson returned it to him on 12
March.

Arthur Spicer Brockenbrough to Thomas Jefferson

I enclose you a contract entered into between myself as Proctor of the U. Va and Dinsmore
& Neilson subject to your approval--I have adopted this plan for several reasons, I found
great difficulty in fixing the prices of a great portion of the work, to fix the prices of a few
items only, would be almost giving them their own prices for the balance, for a great part
could not be correctly settled at this time, and again giving them that part would prevent any
competition hereafter, and contracts should be made for lumber without delay for the roof
&c--this plan has advantages over any other in my opinion, for it ensures the faithful
performances of the work, by Men competent to the task, where as if it had have been
undertaken even by the same persons by the job they must have made very large
calculations or hazarded too much for their safety, any alterations that might have be
hereafter made would be attended with considerable loss to the institution, and again I
believe that Carpenters work executed in Philadelphia at 10 or 15 per cent below the book of
Prices--The work perhaps might have been let for less money than it will cost agreeable--to
this contract, but sir it would not have been done as faithfuly as I now think it will be--there
will an expence of some few hundred dollars in the measuring charges but no equal to the
saving in the per centage below the book of prices and there will be no difficulty in settling
the Bill--I Shall be happy to hear you are satisfied with the arrangement entered into with
Messrs Dinsmore & Neilson--

I have made one other contract, with Wm B Phillips for 400,000 hard bricks to be taken
from the Kiln at $4.50 per thousand--One hundred & twenty thousand of which will be
ready by the time the weather will permit their being layed, so that I think we shall make an
early start at the work--I am Sir most respectfully your obt sert

A. S. Brockenbrough

ALS, ViU:PP, 2p, with TJ docket "Brockenbrough A. S. Mar. 12. 23." This document is
badly stained and mildewed. Jefferson sent the contract of this date with Dinsmore &
Neilson back to Brockenbrough on 12 March.

James Dinsmore & John Neilson
& Arthur Spicer Brockenbrough
Contract for Work on the Rotunda

We, Arthur S Brockenbrough Proctor acting for and in behalf of the University of Virginia
on the one part, and James Dinsmore and John Neilson for themselves on the other part, do
hereby enter into the following articles of agreement--Viz 1st A. S. Brockenbrough Proctor
agrees that the said Dinsmore & Neilson may do the following parts of the Carpenters and
Joiners work of the Rotunda Viz. All the Window frames & sashes, the two principal floors,
the out side doors including the outside finishing, the staircases, all the centers for the brick
work, the framing of the roof and sheeting, The portico framing and sheeting the Corinthian
entablature all round complete--the Base & Cornice of the Attic, the steping on the roof, the
wood bricks and bond timbers &c that may be required hereafter for the finishing of the
inside work, all to be executed in the best and most substantial manner--2nd The materials
for the above named work to be furnished at the expence of the University--3rd The bills of
Lumber to be made out by Dinsmore & Neilson and they to contract for the same on the best
possible terms, to have the same well seasoned before it's used, to take care of the same and
see that there is no unnecessary waste--the Proctor to be furnished with a copy of all the
bills of lumber contracted for, as well as for bills of other articles that will be required for
the said work, 4th the brick-work to be layed off at the commencement by the Said
Dinsmore & Neilson and they are to examine the correctness of it as it progresses, and if not
done agreeable to their directions to notify the Proctor in time for correction, but if any part
of the brick work done agreeable to the directions of the said Dinsmore & Neilson or either
of them, should be found wrong, they the said Dinsmore & Neilson must pay for the
necessary alteration of the brick work, including the loss of materials & labour--5th The
prices of the aforesaid Carpenters work to be governed by the average prices of work in
Philadelphia undertaken between the time of signing this contract and the completion of the
work to be ascertained in the following manner We are mutually to agree on two
Philadelphia Measurers to come on and Measure the work, the prices for which shall be
fixed agreeable to the present prices of work in Philadelphia that is at the percentages above
or below their price Books, for all work not embraced in the said Books, they shall be
guided by what they shall deem justice to both parties--6th Money to be paid from time to
time as the work progresses say Dollars per Month for each good hand employed on the said
building including the undertakers--the Balance of the Bill at the completi[o]n of the
work--each party to pay an equal proportion of the measuring charges--this contract to be
null & void untill approved by the Rector of the University of Virginia. Witness our hands
and seals this 11th day of March One thousand eight hundred & twenty three

Test A. S. Brockenbrough Proctor (Seal)

John M Perry acting for the University Va

Jas. Dinsmore (Seal)

John Neilson (Seal)

DS, in ASB's writing, ViU:PP, 3p [1983] with ASB docket "Brockenbrough A. S. Proctor
with Dinsmore & Neilson for the work of the Rotunda"; printed, O'Neal, Jefferson's
Buildings at the University of Virginia: The Rotunda, 24-25. Brockenbrough sent this
contract to Jefferson for approval on 11 March, and Jefferson returned it with his reply the
following day.

Thomas Jefferson to Arthur Spicer Brockenbrough

I return you the contract with Dinsmore & Nelson which I approve of for the strong reasons
assigned in your letter. I think my Colleagues, as well as myself are very desirous of being
able at certain stages of the work to ascertain the exact state of our funds, that we may stop
where they fail. The having to bring measurers from Philadelphia may be some obstruction
to that. but I presume we may hereafter find means of effecting that

I return you also the contract with Thorn & Chamberlain and salute you with friendship and
respect

Th: Jefferson

ALS, ViU:PP, 1p [1983] with ASB docket "T. Jefferson to A S B----h Mar 12. 23"; ADft,
ViU:PP, 1p [1983]; printed, O'Neal, Jefferson's Buildings at the University of Virginia: The
Rotunda, 25. Dinsmore & Neilson's contract with Brockenbrough of 11 March for work on
the Rotunda is attached to the ALS. For the contract of Thorn & Chamberlain of 8 March
for brickwork on the Rotunda, see above.

Thomas Jefferson to James Madison,
James Breckenridge, Joseph Carrington Cabell,
Chapman Johnson, & John Hartwell Cocke

Having received from all our brethren approbations of the loan, I authorised Mr.
Brockenbrough to engage the work of the Rotunda and have it commenced immediately. We
had only two bricklayers and two carpenters capable of executing it with solidity and
correctness, these had not capital sufficient for so great an undertaking, nor would they have
risked their little all but for a great advance on the estimated cost, probably 50. per cent. for
this reason and others very decisive Mr. Brockenbrough declined that mode of engagement,
and on consideration of his reasons I approved of them. he has engaged Thorn &
Chamberlain for the brickwork, and Dinsmore & Nelson for the roof and carpenter's work
on terms which I think will make our money go the farthest possible, for good work; and his
engagement is only for the hull compleat. that done, we can pay for it, see the state of our
funds and engage a portion of the inside work so as to stop where our funds may fail, should
they fail before it's entire completion. there it may rest ever so long, be used, and not delay
the opening of the institution, the work will occupy three years. all this will be more fully
explained at our meeting and will I hope recieve your approbation.[864] I shall hope to see
you at Monticello the day before at least. accept the assurance of my friendly esteem &
respect.

Th: Jefferson

LS, addressed to Cocke, ViU:Cocke Family Papers, 1p [1984], with address "General John
H. Cocke Bremo. Fluvanna to the care of W. M. Cary esq. near Wilmington Fluvanna" and
JHC docket "Mr. Jefferson recd. 25. Mar."; LS, addressed to Cabell, ViU:Cabell Papers
[1984] with address "Joseph C. Cabell esq. Williamsburg" and JCC docket "Mr. Jefferson
March 12. 1823. Ansd. 24th."; LS, addressed to Madison, DLC:JM; ADft, DLC:TJ; extract,
in "Extracts of Letters from TJ to JHC," ViU:Cocke Family Papers; printed, O'Neal,
Jefferson's Buildings at the University of Virginia: The Rotunda, 25-26; printed, Cabell,
Early History of the University of Virginia, 278-79. The addresses and signatures are in
Jefferson's writing, and the ADft contains Jefferson's docket "Madison James. Breckenridge
James. Cabell Jos. C. Johnson Chapman Cocke J. H. Mar. 12. 23.

Chapman Johnson to John Hartwell Cocke

I received your letter, by Mr. Dyer, day before yesterday, and avail myself of the first mail to
answer it--

I expect, pretty certainly, to be at Monticello at the meeting of the visitors on monday
next,--and hope I shall meet you there--My purpose is to set out in the State from this place,
friday morning, and get to Charlottesville, saturday evening--and next day go to Mr.
Jeffersons--This mode of conveyance, the only one left for me, will deprive me of the
pleasure of calling on you as I go up--and I regret it very much, not only because of the real
gratification I should have, in going to see you, but because I should wish an oppertunity of
conversing with you, on the subject of the University before we meet in conclave--

I have much satisfaction in reflecting that our opinions have generally concurred, on the
subject of this institution; and I am glad to find, that on; the Subject of the rotunda, they are
likely again to concur--I fear, however, that the old chief has us bound beyond our power of
extrication--But we should not suffer this apprension to prevent us from doing our duty;
which requires, I think, that we should so, enquire what is done, how far it is prudent to
proceed, how far practicable to retreat--

I am very desirous to build the rotunda, if we can do it with prudence--Though I believe the
public disapproves the building, yet they expect it, and consider it a part of the system which
they have authorised--The Legislature, however, have, no doubt, for the most part, acted
under the belief, that the appropriation made, was adequate or nearly adequate to its
completion--and I fear with you, that they would ill bear an application for another $60,000
dollars, to complete the buildings--My conjectures lead me most strongly to anticipate that,
if the rotunda is built under the system here before pursued, an additional $60,000, is the
least sum, that would probably suffice to finish the buildings--

I think therefore that we ought both to attend, if we can, and do what we are able,--first to
ascertain our real condition, and next, to prevent an engagement in any work of undefined
expence--I will certainly attend, unless prevented, by something, which I do not now
anticipate--with very great respect your sincere friend

C Johnston

ALS, ViU:JHC, 2p, with address "Genl. John H: Cocke near New Canton" and JHC docket
"Chapman Johnson 30. Mar. recd. 12 April."

Joseph Carrington Cabell
to Louisa Maxwell Holmes Cocke

This will be handed you by my servant Archer who at the same time will bring home the
Horse the Genl. was kind enough to lend me. I was at home only two days busier than any
bee in your hives. My trouble of mind was greatly encreased by letters from my friends in
Albemarle calling on me in the most urgent manner to come out as a candidate for Congress.
Doctr. Cocke had been up to my House to see me on the occasion. Be good enough to tell
the General I have shewn myself firmer than he thought me--& therefore I suppose there is
some hope of me. Mr. Johnson was at our meeting & seemed ass if he wished the Genl. was
there. However we had a pleasant meeting, and the Rotunda goes on, and Mr. Jefferson is
delighted. The buildings appear more & more beautiful every time I see them. I hope to find
your husband in Richmond on tomorrow evening. Mr. Loyall is in the stage & will be here
this evening. Be pleased to give my love to the children. I am Dr. Madam, your friend
sincerely

Joseph C. Cabell

ALS, ViU:JHC, 1p, with JHC docket "Mr. Jos. Cabell--Ap. 8. 1823."

Thomas Jefferson to John Trumbull

I always hear from you, and of you with great pleasure, and shall recieve the visit you
promise with distinguished welcome and gratification. the copies of your engraving of the
Declaration of Independance I shall be glad to recieve glazed and framed, not overloaded
with gilt, the glare of which is too much of a foil to the print.[865] a narrow slip of gilt on the
inner & outer edge of the frame, and black between them abstracts less of our attention from
it's principal, if packed in a tight box, and addressed to me, to the care of Colo. Bernard
Peyton my correspondent in Richmond, and sent thither by the Steamboat or other vessel, it
will probably come safe. of the Resignation of Genl. Washington I shall be glad to subscribe
for one copy, to be framed, glazed & forwarded in like manner. perhaps you could bring
them on with you in the stage which would be safer.[866]

Independant of the motives of friendship to which we shall owe your kind visit, I can
promise you a gratification well worth the trouble of your journey, in a visit to our
University. I can assure you that, as a specimen of architecture strictly classical, you will
find it unrivalled in this country, and possessing the merit of pure originality in the design. it
is by such as yourself therefore that I wish it to be seen and judged. the building however
which is to be it's greatest ornament, and in fact the key-stone which is to give Unity to all
that is already done, will only have it's walls compleated the present year, and will not
recieve it's roof until the next: but this your experienced eye will supply. it's Perspective
would furnish a subject worthy of your pencil and of the burin of Mr. Durand. it would be a
very popular print.[867]

My daughter joins me in the welcome of which we give you the assurance, with that of our
unchanged affections and respect

Th: Jefferson

ALS, Marietta College, Ohio: Charles Goddard Slack Collection, until sold on 16 December
1992 by Sotheby's, and now privately owned, 1p, with address and Trumbull docket; ADftS,
DLC:TJ; facsimile, Sotheby's Auction Catalog, 16 December 1992, no. 73.

Thomas Jefferson to William Short

Your favor of July 28. from Avon came to hand on the 10th. of August and I have delayed
answering it on the presumption of your continued absence. but the approach of the season
of frost in that region has probably, before this time, turned you about to the South. I readily
concieve that, by the time of your return to Philadelphia, you will have had travelling
enough for the present, and therefore acquiesce in your proposition to give us the next
season. your own convenience is a sufficient reason, and an auxiliary one is that we shall
then have more for you to see and approve. by that time our Rotunda (the walls of which
will be finished this month) will have recieved it's roof, and will shew itself externally to
some advantage. it's columns only will be wanting, as they must await their Capitels from
Italy. we have just recieved from thence, and are now putting up the marble capitels of the
buildings we have already erected, which compleats our whole system, except the Rotunda
and it's adjacent Gymnasia. all are now ready to recieve their occupants; and should the
legislature, at their next session, liberate our funds, as is hoped, we shall ask but one year
more to procure our Professors, for most of whom we must go to Europe. in your
substitution of Monticello instead of your annual visit to Black rock, I will engage you equal
health, and a more genial and pleasant climate. but instead of the flitting, flurting and gay
assemblage of that place, you must be contented with plain and sober family and neighborly
society, with the assurance that you shall hear no wrangling about the next President, altho'
the excitement on that subject will then beat it's achme numerous have been the attempts to
entangle me in that imbroglio. but, at the age of 80, I seek quiet and abjure contention. I read
but a single newspaper, Ritchie's Enquirer, the best that is published or ever has been
published in America. you should read it also to keep yourself aufait of your own state; for
we still claim you as belonging to us. a city life offers you indeed more means of dissipating
time, but more frequent also, and more painful objects of vice and wretchedness. New York,
for example, like London, seems to be a Cloacina of all the depravities of human nature.
Philadelphia doubtless has it's share. here on the contrary crime is scarcely heard of,
breaches of order rare, and our societies, if not refined, are rational moral and affectionate at
least. our only blot is becoming less offensive by the great improvement in the condition and
civilization of that race, who can now more advantageously compare their situation with that
of the laborers of Europe. still it is a hideous blot, as well form the heteromorph peculiarities
of the race, as that, with them, physical compulsion to action must be substituted for the
moral necessity which constrains the free laborer to work equally hard. we feel & deplore it
morally and politically, and we look without entire despair to some redeeming means not yet
specifically foreseen. I am happy in believing that the conviction of the necessity of
removing this evil gains ground with time. their emigration to the Westward lightens the
difficulty by dividing it and renders it more practical on the whole. and the neighborhood of
a government of their colour promises a more accessible asylum than that from whence they
came. ever and affectionately yours.

Th: Jefferson

ALS (polygraph copy), DLC:TJ.

Thomas Jefferson's Instructions
for Bricklaying & Carpentry for the Rotunda

Not a single Samel brick to be used nor more than 2 bats in ten bricks the bond to be header
& Stretcher through the whole thickness and in every course of bricks to be solidly grouted
the cement sand & lime sand[868] the Wall to be ½ a brick thicker than in the drawings to be
added inside--the outer bricks uniform in colour and of the colour of Pavilions 2 and 4--the
brickwork to be contracted for to the top of the Corinthian cornice only at first--the
carpenters to have a right to examine the correctness of the work as it goes on and to notify
the Proctor in time for correction if anything be going on wrong

The plank used by the Carpenters to be completely seasoned--the ribs of the roof to be
completely semicircular of 4 thicknesses breaking joints--

the curved plate of 4 thicknesses also of 3 Inch thick breaking joints and iron bolted

The first undertaking to be only of the walls, roof Corinthian entablature, windows, doors,
floors & staircases the carpenters work at the Printed prices and Where not specified among
them to be settled before hand

AD (copy), in ASB's writing, ViU:PP, 1p [2044] with ASB docket "Copy Mr Jefferson
instructns for Brick Laying & Carpenters W."; ADft, in TJ's writing, ViU:TJ [2042]; printed,
O'Neal, Jefferson's Buildings at the University of Virginia: The Rotunda, 22. The date is
taken from the Thurlow-Berkeley Calendar and the document's placement in ViU:PP.
O'Neal labels these instructions as a "fragment of a copy" of the advertisement that Jefferson
sent to Brockenbrough on 11 October 1822 (see above, and ibid.). Brockenbrough's docket
indicates otherwise, however.

Arthur Spicer Brockenbrough
Estimate of the Cost of the Rotunda

An Estimate of the cost of the Rotunda as far as the contracts that have been made towards
the completion of it go--

                             

Amt. Paid for Materials for the brick work	$6,905.47
Amt. pd to Thorn & Chamberlain for the work	2,856.25
	9,761.72
Amt. To complete the brick work of the Lbrary & Terras say	1,000.00
Amt. Contract with G. Raggi for 10 Bases & 2 Pilaster bases[869]	715.00
Cost of Capitels in Italy say	7,000.00
Transportation, duty &c on the Same & bases	2,450.00
	10,165.00
pd for Stone Window & doorsills	255.00
to complete the stone steps on the back & Terras Stonework	1,200.00
	1,455.00
paid for Materials principally Lumber & iron which nearly pays for all the Lumber	6,165.00
For Tin & Copper for the roof of Dome & Portico	2,000.00
Glass & Glazing including the sky light	500.00
	$31,046.72

Nails, hard ware, painting & Workmans bills will not
I presume exceed the balance of the $41,000

respectfully submited by your obt sert A. S Brockenbrough P.

ADS, ViU:PP, 1p [2066] with TJ docket "Rotunda. A. S. Brockenbro's estimate"; printed,
O'Neal, Jefferson's Buildings at the University of Virginia: The Rotunda, 30. This document
is badly stained.

Philip Sturtevant to Arthur Spicer Brockenbrough

I Recd. yours of the 7th yesterday and in answer there to I will Carve the Composit Capitals
in Cluding the Neck Moulding in Every respect Out of the Best of Timber and in the Best
Manner after the Plan of Palladio in his first Book Plate xxx for 75 Seventy five Cents Per
inch Measured By Girting the Collum or Capital at the Neck I Realy am So anxsious to Cut
them that I must Beg of you Not to dispose of the work with Out Leting Me Know and I
must Honestly Say that I Could furnice them Something Lower Rather than Miss of the Job
But thay are So Extremly Low that I Think you will Not Hesitate to Give me the work as I
Must again assure you Thay Shall be Done in the Very Best Manner Carfully Boxt up and
forwarded on Respectfully Yours

Philip Sturtevant

ALS, ViU:PP, 1p, with ASB docket "P. Sturtevant 17 June 24 Composit Capitals."
Brockenbrough calculated a column of figures totaling 1,290 on the coversheet.

Thomas Jefferson to William J. Coffee

When shall we get our roses for the Rotunda? the whole scaffolding of the building is
obliged to be kept standing only to enable the workmen to put up these small ornaments. I
am sure you have been using due diligence, yet our necessity obliges me to make this
enquiry. our instn will certainly be opened on the 1st. of Feb, and the Rotunda will be then
in a condn for use. I have been expecting also our plates from mr Maverick. accept the
assurance of my frdshp and respect.

Th: J.

ADftS, DLC:TJ, 1p, with TJ docket "Coffee Wm. J. Dec. 9. 24."; printed (extract), O'Neal,
Jefferson's Buildings at the University of Virginia: The Rotunda, 32. TJ made this draft on a
coversheet addressed to "Thomas Jefferson Esqr. Monticello." Coffee wrote TJ about these
ornaments on 11 September and 20 December.

Arthur Spicer Brockenbrough to Thomas Jefferson

In finishing the Library room of the Rotunda in what way do you propose securing it at the
head of The stairs? whether by a partition around the well hole of the Stairs and a door in
the front of landing or a lobby extending to the rear of the columns next the stairs? I should
be glad to have your opinion on the subject.--Dr Emmet I find is much dissatisfied with the
proposed arrangement for his laboratory--He thinks the small room in the basement of the
Rotunda will not answer the purpose for the want of room & light--he wishes to have the
use of both of the large oval rooms in the basement one for his lecture room the other for a
laboratory, if this be granted him where then shall the room for a Museum be fited up?--Will
the dining room of the Pavilion No 1 answer that purpose for the present?--or the rooms on
the 2nd floor of the same pavilion?--In a letter of 4th ulto: Dr Brockenbrough informs me he
has remited $18,000--to the Bank of the U.S. in Philadelphia to be placed to the Credit of
Wm Hilliard, a reciept for the same to be forwarded to me from that Bank--With the hope,
that your disease is so far abated as to permit us to have the pleasure of your company here
before long I have the honor to be with great respect your Obt sevt

A. S Brockenbrough

ALS, ViU:PP, 2p [2192] with TJ docket "Brockenbro' A. S. Unvy. June 6. 25. recd June 7.";
printed (extract), O'Neal, Jefferson's Buildings at the University of Virginia: The Rotunda,
35-36.

Philip Sturtevant to Arthur Spicer Brockenbrough

I Recd. yours of the 14th and I will take 4 dollars Per window for the 11 windows I sent you
that is the 11 Sets of Blinds as the Money will Be of Servis to me at this time and if You will
Enclose it to Me in a Letter this Shall Be Youre Rect. for the Same at My Risque I Have Ben
More fortunate in Getting timber than I Expected that Is White Pine from the State of Main
for the Most important Part of My work that is the Capitals it would Be a Satisfaction to Me
to Get from your or Mr Neilsons Hand the Size of the Composit Capital which I understand
to Be 14¾ inches at the Smallest Part of the Collum as I took the Measure my Self I am
Certain I am right unless you Say to the Contrary I Have Drawn the Capital and Shall
Commence Cutting up my Stuff tomorow I am yours with Respect

Philip Sturtevant

ALS, ViU:PP, 1p, with address "Mr A S Brockenbrough University of Via" and ASB docket
"P. Sturtevant." The Richmond postmark is dated 19 June. On the verso ASB wrote this
note: "July 14th '25 Diameter of the Comp: Capitels 17 inches[;] dim: Dia: '52 = 14. 2/10th[;]
Height of Capitel exclusive of Astragal 1.10 = 19.8/10 agreeabe to J. Neilsons
Memorandum--"

Joseph Antrim to Arthur Spicer Brockenbrough

The subscriber is willing to put stucco cornices and do the plastering that remains undone
inside of the rotunda and give such a credit on the amount of the same as may in the
judgment of the Visitors or Proctor suit thear conveniance, provided it does not exceed two
years they paying intrest on the same anually--and executing to subscriber thear bond or
bonds in order that said subscriber may if nessary procure money on the same,--Said
subscriber will also Plaster the Anatomical hall on same terms except the materials which
must be acertained, say one half of the amount of Plastering & materials

Joseph Antrim

ALS, ViU:PP, 1p, with address "Mr. A S Brockenbrough P U.Va." and ASB docket
"Cornices Antrims Proposals repairs to Proctors house."

Arthur Spicer Brockenbrough
Memorandum

Stairs 3.6 wide $2.621/2 per rise including Hand rail (of Mahogany or walnut) & balusters,
String & brackets--

Quarter pace $1.60--Half Pace $2.33--Ramps in rail $2.67 each

The above is agreeable to the Phila Price book which governed us in pricing the work at the
University--

Memn. The Iron railing on the terrace near the Rotunda

Where to be placed--

Doors on the Stairs of the Rotunda, whether to be removed altogether or others put up--

We are much in want of a Man to Work with the labourers it's impossible to get along
without one--do you Know where such a man can be had? he would be otherwise usefull
here, we could establish a patrole or guard to Keep off stragling negroes &c of nights & on
sundays--The above is submitted for the consideration of Genl. Cocke

A S Brockenbrough P. UVa

ADS, ViU:JHC, 1p, with address "Genl. J. H. Cocke" and John Cocke, Jr. docket "Letter A.
S. Brockenbrough 9 Nov. 1827." It is possible that part of this memorandum or an attached
letter has been separated from the document.