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Chapter 2
The Building Campaign of 1818
Documentary History of the Construction of the Buildings at the University
of Virginia, 1817-1828 |  |
The Raggi Brothers
In November 1818 Thomas Appleton sent Jefferson the good news that he had finally found
two Italian stonecutters willing to travel to America. "By the first vessel bound to any
Southern port, I shall convey to you, the two artists you are desired of obtaining, and I hope,
Sir, you will find them corresponding, in all respects, to the wishes you express'd in your
letter." The elder of the two, said Appleton, was Giacomo Raggi, a very able artist in his
45th year: "he is capable of cutting the columns of every order of Architecture, and in which
are compris'd pilastres, cornice, basement, pedastals, indeed all those members, which come
within the denominations of "il Solida": After this, another order of workman is requir'd,
which is term'd in italian "Ornalista," who performs all the ornamental parts of the
columns." For this latter work Appleton selected Michele Raggi, Giacomo's 35 year old
cousin, said to be equally able in his profession. Both men were married and had been
warmly recommended to Appleton by friends at Carrara, and both men, said Appleton,
"appear in great vigour of health; and their morals are irreproachable." Agreeable to
Jefferson's instructions, Appleton stipulated a three year term, with a "Suitable lodging and
diet," and $525 Spanish dollars wages to each annually.
been sent to the U. States; and their salary is not more than one half of what
others have been allow'd.—they will carry with them all their necessary
instruments of working; together with many plans and models of
architecture.—in a word, Sir, before they depart, a notarial act of the most
binding sort, will be sign'd by them, and a copy sent to you.—You are sensible,
Sir, that it is extreamely difficult, if not impossible, to find any of this order of
men, who are to leave, perhaps, forever, their native country, without
anticipating some portion of their first year's salary; I shall therefore be
compell'd to advance to each, about—150. dollars, to prepare them for So great
an undertaking.—It is also, the universal custom among our merchant-captains,
to receive the passage-money before sailing, which I presume, will be—100.
dollars each, So that, at least, 500. dollars will be requir'd; and no bill, however
good, on the U.S., can be dispos'd of, at less than 10. Ct. discount; and this I
shall be compell'd, I presume, to allow to the purchasers—I believe that neither
of these artists require any incitement to conduct themselves with honesty and
good faith; but I have made to them a sort of homelie, which seems to have
deeply impress'd their minds, that their happiness, at least in this world,
depends on an undeviating observance of honor and fidelity.—there is now but
one American-vessel in port; and which is bound to India—indeed, never has
there been a period, during the 20 years I have resided here, that the commerce
of all parts of the mediterranean was at so low an ebb, as at the present time,
however, by the first vessel, the artists Shall be Sent; and, depend Sir, every
proper precaution shall be taken, that they may be safely consign'd into your
hands."[140]
This apparent good news from Italy respecting the importation of stonecutters would not be
received by Jefferson until 19 February 1819, three months later.
|
Chapter 2
The Building Campaign of 1818
Documentary History of the Construction of the Buildings at the University
of Virginia, 1817-1828 | |