 |
Chapter 11
The Final Years: 1826-1828
Documentary History of the Construction of the Buildings at the University
of Virginia, 1817-1828 |  |
Steps for the Rotunda
Although the emphasis of the work soon would shift entirely toward maintenance and minor
innovations, the proctor still had his hands full overseeing uncompleted construction tasks at
the site. Anxious to complete the "Steps of the Portico" at the Rotunda, he wrote to
Philadelphia in search of a contractor, who, it turned out, wanted "rather more" than the
proctor was willing to give; Brockenbrough then sought workmen in Richmond.[800] The
firm of William Mountjoy & Co., "having so much to do we Could not leave here with any
sort of Convenience," offered to furnish the stone ("greatly superior quality, to the
Albemarle stone"), cut the "moulded or plain Square steps" in Richmond "agreeably to yr
directions," and to "deliver them on the spot & put them up in the best manner for the price
hereafter to be agreed on."[801] The proctor rejected this offer too, and the Rotunda steps
remained unfinished for several more years.[802]
802. On 4 March 1828 Brockenbrough informed John Hartwell Cocke that he had calculated
the "cost of getting the Stone for Steps of the Rotunda--it will take about 700 feet running
measure--the stone in the rough State will be about 18 inches wide & 8½ Thick--which is
about equal to a cubic foot not less than six feet long--for getting & loading agreeable to the
aforesaid dimentions 40 cents per foot lineal will be given or 45 cents for it delivered at the
university--I take it four loads a day can be made from your quarry each load about 20 feet
which will be equal to $4.00 per day for waggon & Teams--The stone must be agreeable to
this size to be given--There will be some smaller stuff wanted--but not much which may be
at the same rate--he getting this quantity of Steps, there will be a considerable quantity of
smaller stuff--which will answer for other Steps or building Stone & which will more Than
pay for what stone will be requir'd for the Rotunda Steps" (ViU:JHC). Brockenbrough did
not contract with anyone for the quarrying of the stone at that time, however (see
Brockenbrough to Cocke, 23-24 March 1828, in ViU:JHC).
|
Chapter 11
The Final Years: 1826-1828
Documentary History of the Construction of the Buildings at the University
of Virginia, 1817-1828 | |