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Chapter 4
The Building Campaign of 1819, Part 2
Documentary History of the Construction of the Buildings at the University
of Virginia, 1817-1828 |  |
Local Merchants
As for other progress at the site, merchant accounts probably reveal who was making the
best show. The Central College had purchased all of its iron-mongery and many other goods
from hardware merchant James Leitch of Charlottesville. Leitch of course was content to
continue the arrangement with the newly designated University of Virginia. But in May
1819 local merchants, sensing quite correctly that there was real money to made off the
buildings that were beginning to rise on the former farm one mile to the west, expressed
dissatisfaction at Leitch's "exclusive privilege" of furnishing the "Iron mongary &c."[310]
John Winn & Co. delayed submitting a proposal because its proprietor, John Winn, who
along with Leitch had served on a committee appointed to view sites for the Albemarle
Academy in 1814,[311] was away on business in Richmond, but the company did eventually
get its share of business.[312] Area merchant firm Bramham & Jones agreed to furnish "such
Merchandise as may be wanting for the use of said buildings at ten per cent On the Costs,
and Charges of getting the Materials to Charlottesville."[313] The bursar advised the proctor
to contract in the capital city if it was "much better for the institution," but Richmond firms
did not play a significant role in furnishing material for the building of the university until
August, right before Brockenbrough's removal from Richmond to the university site.[314]
310. The bursar requested local merchants to submit proposals for "furnishing the
University" (Alexander Garrett to Brockenbrough, 17 May 1819, ViU:PP).
311. See Peter Carr to TJ, 14 August 1814, in ViU:Carr-Cary Papers. Winn also served in
the county militia during the War of 1812. See List of Militia Subscriptions, 1812,
ViU:Maury Papers.
312. For example, John Winn & Co. arranged for the purchase and shipping of $894.68
worth of sheet iron from Baltimore in September, which apparently arrived at the university
by the beginning of November. See John M. Perry to Brockenbrough, 4 September 1819,
ViU:PP.
313. Bramham & Jones, Proposal, 16 May 1819, ViU:PP. John Winn and Horace Bramham
served on a committee that arranged a July 4th celebration in 1823 which Jefferson declined
to attend because of "age and debility" (see TJ to John Winn, William C. Rives, Daniel M.
Railey, John M. Railey, John Ormond, Horace Bramham, and George W. Nicholas, 25 June
1823, in Ford, Jefferson Correspondence, 10:276-77.
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Chapter 4
The Building Campaign of 1819, Part 2
Documentary History of the Construction of the Buildings at the University
of Virginia, 1817-1828 | |