Colonial Williamsburg Digital Library

[Map]

[Wythe House - Illustration]

THE WYTHE HOUSE
Block 21

IN SUMMARY:

The Wythe House is located on the west side of Palace Street bounded by Bruton Parish Churchyard to the south and Prince George Street to the north. The lot is not numbered on early town plats, but is marked "Skipwith," on all of them. The Skipwiths owned the property in the early nineteenth century.

The first legal record relating to the property appears in the will of Richard Taliaferro of James City County, written in 1775 and proved and recorded in 1779. In the document Taliaferro bequeathed "my House and Lotts in the City of Williamsburg situated on the West side of Palace Street, and on the North side of the Churchyard, to my Son in Law, Mr George Wythe, and his wife, My Daughter Elizabeth, during their lives, and the Life of the longest liver of them, and afterwards to my Grand son Richard Taliaferro and his heirs forever. Provided my said Daughter shall die without issue living at her death, but if she shall leave lawful issue of her body living at her death, then I give the said Houses and Lotts to her and her heirs forever." Mrs. Wythe left no living heirs. (Prior to 1775 a boundary to adjoining property put George Wythe on the East: "All those lots... bounded on the North by lot and street [Prince George Street] on the West by the lot of Robert Hyland and John Holt, on the South by the Church Wall, and on the East by the lot of George Wythe.") Mrs. Wythe died in 1787. In 1791 Wythe gave up his life right in the property which then descended, according to Taliaferro's will, to Richard Taliaferro, his grandson. Richard Taliaferro, the grandson, died in 1791. The property was advertised for sale, according to the will, and was sold: "... I hereby devise and direct, that my executors hereinafter named, or the survivor of them, and the heirs of such survivors, shall sell my house and lot of land in the city of Williamsburg, and now in the occupation of the Hon. George Wythe, esquire, upon _ years credit, ... and that the money arising from such sale, shall be equally divided amongst all my brothers and sisters." James Madison, President of William and Mary College, became the owner in 1792. Madison held it only one year, selling to the Reverend John Dunbar in 1793. By the will of John Dunbar (1793 or 1794) the property was devised to his wife, Elizabeth Hill Dunbar; "I give, devise & bequeath unto my beloved wife, Eliza Hill Dunbar, and to her heirs forever all ray Estate both real & personal of what nature whatsoever the same maybe to her sole use & benefit forever." Mrs. Dunbar continued to own and occupy the Wythe House until her death. In 1799 she married Colonel Henry Skipwith. Skipwith and his wife continued to live on the property. Skipwith died in 1815; Mrs. Skipwith died in 1819. According to her will (which has not been located but references to it are extant), the property was devised to her daughter Mrs. George Izard. Mrs. Izard or her heirs held the property until 1841 when Professor John Millington, who had been occupying the house since 1835, became the owner. Millington continued to be the owner until 1866 when he conveyed it to Miss Mary King Sherwell. Miss Sherwell was the owner until 1926 when she conveyed to The Marshall Foundation for use as a parish house for Bruton Parish Church. It was partially restored and used as a parish house from 1926 to 1938 when it was acquired by Colonial Williamsburg Restoration. It is now one of the Exhibition Buildings.

LOCATION:

The Wythe House stands on the west side of Palace Street, bounded by Bruton Parish Churchyard to the south and Prince George Street to the north. The lot is not numbered on early town plats, but is marked "Skipwith" on all of them.¹ (See Dr. Tyler's adaptation of the town plats, opposite this page.) The Skipwiths owned the property in the early part of the nineteenth century.

HISTORY:

Although the lot on which the Wythe House stands is in the York County portion of Williamsburg, no deed of conveyance has been found in the York County records. This would indicate that conveyance of this lot was recorded in either the General Court records, or in the Williamsburg Hastings Court records- both of which were destroyed in the Civil War.

TALIAFERRO AND WYTHE OWNERSHIP

The first record we have found establishing George Wythe on this lot appears in a deed, dated 1772, to adjoining property to the rear of the present Wythe lot, and facing on Prince George Street as follows:

[John and James Blair, executors of John Blair, to James Gardner: October 25, 1772.] -2- ... All those lots of land lying and being in the city of Williamsburg lately occupied by John Warrington and Joseph Kidd, bounded on the North by lot and street [Prince George Street], on the West by the lot of Robert Hyland and John Holt, on the South by the Church Wall, and on the East by the lot of George Wythe." ¹

The next record which establishes George Wythe on the property is the will of Richard Taliaferro,² written in 1775 and proved and recorded in James City County Court in 1779. From the will, it is obvious that Richard Taliaferro owned the property, and that his daughter, Elizabeth, and her husband, George Wythe, had been occupying it for an unspecified period of time. The will allowed Elizabeth and George Wythe life-right in the property, with the reversion of title to Richard Taliaferro's grandson, as follows:

"…I Give and desire my House and Lotts in the City of Williamsburg, situate on the West side of Palace Street, and on the North side of the Church yard, to my Son in Law, Mr George Wythe, and his wife, my Daughter Elizabeth, during their lives, and the Life of the longest liver of them, and afterwards to my Grand son Richard Taliaferro and his heirs forever. Provided, my said Daughter shall die without issue living at her death, but if she shall leave lawful issue of her body living at her death, then I give the said Houses and Lotts to her and her heirs forever."

Richard Taliaferro lived on his plantation, "Powhatan," in James City County, several miles from Williamsburg. Because he was one of -3- the colony's "most Skillful Architects,"¹ and because the house is similar to others attributed to Taliaferro,² it is believed that Taliaferro built the house. As we know of no other house occupied by George Wythe after his marriage to Elizabeth Taliaferro ca. 1755, it has been assumed that they moved into the house about that time. The house remained in George Wythe's possession until sometime in 1791.

It is thought that, in the latter part of 1748, George Wythe, a young practicing attorney, came to Williamsburg from Spotsylvania County. He had been a student at William and Mary College ca. 1740³ coming from Elizabeth City County, his home. Littleton Waller Tazewell states that Wythe "came to Williamsburg and commenced the study of the law under the direction of my grandfather, [Benjamin] Waller, who was ten years older than himself."⁴ Another source states that Wythe after reading law in the home of his uncle-in-law, Stephen Dewey of Prince George County, had qualified to practice in the General Court in 1746.⁵

A deed from William Keith to Stephen Dewey (York County records, Deeds V, p. 74) dated November 21, 1743, noted that Dewey was from Williamsburg. Wythe could have lived with Dewey at this time.

While in Spotsylvania County Wythe practiced law with Zacharary Lewis, prominent attorney there.¹ In 1747 Wythe married Ann Lewis, daughter of Zacharary Lewis.² She died in August, 1748.³ A few months later (October, 1748), Wythe was appointed Clerk of the Committees of Privileges and Elections of the House of Burgesses.⁴ And, on January 16, 1748/49 Wythe was sworn an attorney to practice in York County.⁵

Where Wythe made his home during his early days in Williamsburg is not known. He may have lived with Dewey. He soon became closely involved in the legislative and social life of the city, which indicated his serious intent to make Williamsburg his permanent residence.

In 1753 Wythe held a mortgage upon colonial lot #27 on Duke of Gloucester Street near the Capitol. The property was owned and lived in by John Palmer at the time.⁶

In this period Wythe bought items as ink powder, stationery, quills &c from the Printing Office. See: Illustration #5.

At a court for York County on January 21, 1754 "George Wythe Esqr his Majesty's Attorney General and a Judge of the court of Admiralty in this Colony this day took the Oath Appointed by Act of Parliament to be taken instead of the Oaths of Allegiance & Supremacy and the Abjuration Oath and subscribed the said abjuration Oath and repeated and subscribed to the Test."¹ "Sometime before May 1755, Wythe was admitted to the colony's supreme bar as an attorney before the semi-annual General Court. No greater badge of distinction could be attained by a lawyer in Virginia's colonial period than the reputation of success in this superior tribunal of original and appellate jurisdiction, over which it was a primary duty of the lieutenant-governor to preside and in which the members 2 of his Council sat as ex officio judges."²

We find Wythe ordering bridles, body belts, saddle cloths, surcingles, martingales, whips, two chairs &c during 1754-1758 from Alexander Craig, the Williamsburg harness-maker. One item in January, 1754 was: "To Covering a Globe."³

An entry dated November 11, 1754 in John Blair's Diary recorded in Blair's terse style: "Mr. Wyth [sic] spent the eveng here" ⁴

Somewhere ca. 1755, it is believed that Wythe married Elizabeth, daughter of Richard Taliaferro of "Powhatan." About this time, it seems -6- highly probable that he secured the use of the brick house situated on the west side of the Palace Green built by his father-in-law.¹ It is quite possible that Taliaferro had constructed the dwelling specifically for Wythe as his daughter's dowry. Fathers of means in this period always made generous dowries of land or money to their daughters upon marriage.²

We see that Wythe was becoming each year more closely aligned with Williamsburg. He represented Williamsburg as a Burgess in 1754-1756; and William and Mary from 1758-1761.³ From 1761-1769 Wythe was a Burgess from Elizabeth City County.⁴ He was known by George Washington in 1760: "April 1... Recd a Letter from Mr. Digges, Inclosing a Packet from Messrs. Nichos and Withe wch he desired I woud send under Cover to save Friend 5 of mine in Williamsburg as it was to go by Clifton..."⁵

Thomas Jefferson attended William and Mary College in 1761-1762. While in Williamsburg he met Wythe and Governor Francis Fauquier. These meetings developed fruitfully into a life-long friendship with both. -7- Jefferson refers to the fact that it was through Dr. William Small, one of the professors at William and Mary College, who "filled up the Measure of his Goodness to me, by procuring for me, from his most intimate Friend G. Wythe, a Reception as a Student of Law, under his Direction, ... and "introduced me to the Acquaintance and familiar table of Governor Fauquier, the ablest man who ever filled that Office." ¹ In April, 1762 Jefferson left College to study law under Wythe whom later in life he spoke of as "the beloved mentor of his youth." And, commenting on Wythe he said: "he directed my studies in the law, led me into business, and continued, until death, my most affectionate friend." Also, "No man ever left behind him a character more venerated than George Wythe ... His virtue was of the purest tint; his integrity inflexible, and his justice exact; of warm patriotism, and, devoted as he was to liberty, and the natural and equal rights of man, he might truly be called the Cato of his country without the avarice of the Roman; for a more disinterested person never lived..." ²

The first order for goods which Wythe made to John Norton & Son, merchants in London, of which we have record, was in July, 1767. Norton acknowledged the order to his son, John Hatley Norton, merchant at Yorktown, thus: "... P. S. Augst ... I have shipt some Goods pr Anderson to ye followg persons vizt Mr Savage, Geo Wilson, Geo Wythe, ... Govr Fauquier."³

During 1764-1765 Wythe bought items such as books, playing cards, almanacs, and stationery from the Printing Office in Williamsburg.¹ Harry playing cards were popular at this time. Wythe must have liked to play cards games as he ordered several dozen packs.

In July, 1767 Wythe was named clerk of the House of Burgesses:

WILLIAMSBURG, July 16.

"…
The office of Clerk of the House of Burgesses becoming vacant by the resignation of JOHN RANDOLPH, Esq; Attorney General, his Honour the Governour has been pleased to appoint GEORGE WYTHE, Esq; to succeed him."

On December 1, 1768 Wythe was elected mayor of Williamsburg:

WILLIAMSBURG, December 1,

"Yesterday, GEORGE WYTHE, Esqr was elected Mayor of this city for the year."

In 1768-70 Wythe was interested in ordering items for the home from John Norton & Sons, London, as well as law books, a carriage, instruments of mechanical nature and clothing for Mrs. Wythe and himself:

[May 9, 1768]

[To Mr. John Norton, merchant, London,]

Dear Sir;
... Be pleased to send me a piece of cambrick and another of lawn, one pair of satin and five pair of callimancho or lasting shoes with full heels and a satin cloak for mrs. Wythe, and a piece of irish -9- linen 2/6 per yard, two large damask table cloths, and four small huckaback, six pair of cotton stockings, and two of black silk for myself, a dark tie wig and a sett of balloting glasses such as are used in the house of commons. Mr. Waldron may send me two pair of black Manchester velvet breeches and a suit of very fine light cloath fit for our hot summers with a silk waistcoat and pair of silk breeches besides...

Dear Sir
Your most obed Serv.
G. Wythe
May 9, 1768¹

Be pleased to add a black Russells coat for mrs. Wythe, and a piece of fine pocket handkerchiefs.

[Endorsed Virga. May 9th 1768/ Geo. Wythe/ Recd. 20th June 1768...]

[To Mr. John Norton, merchant, London] [May 15, 1769]

Dear Sir,
I beg the favour of you to send me the printed journals of the house of commons from September 1766, (until which I have them compleat,) and of every future session so soon as they are published, an handsome large inkstand fit for a public office, a treatise concerning money-matters, (I think the title is "Of civil oeconomy ) written by sir James Stewart, and Fawkes's Theocritus.

I am Sir,
Your most obed serv.
G. Wythe
May 15, 1768²

[Endorsed: Virginia 15th May 1768/ George Wythe Rec'd ye 8th July/...]

[To Mr. John Norton, merchant, London] [June 1, 1768]

By favour of Mr. Stevenson Dear Sir,
I shall be obliged to you if you will send me eight or ten gallons of the best arrack in carboys properly secured, and some garden seeds. Your son left us this morning. He is in very good health and spirits...
Dear Sir,
Your most obedient servt.
G. Wythe
Williamsburg
June 1, 1768¹

[Endorsed: Virginia 1st June 1768/ George Wythe/ Recd. 25th July p Mr. Stevenson...]

[To Mr. John Norton, merchant, London] [June 13, 1768]

Dear Sir,
The governours of Virginia by a royal instruction, have from time to time transmitted to the king, secretary of state, Lords of trade, &c two or more duplicates of the journals of the house of burgesses, after every session of the general assembly. The reason of ordering several to be sent is supposed to be for the better assurance of one coming to hand, so that the other it is imagined, can be of little or no use. If I could procure one sett of those duplicates, from the first settlement of this colony til the year 1752, I expect it will be of considerable advantage to me...
Dear Sir,
Your most obedient servant
G. Wythe
Williamsburg
June 13th 1768.²

[Endorsed: Virginia 13th June 1768/ George Wythe/ Rec'd the 25 July/ Pr Mr Stevenson...]

[George Wythe to John Norton, London] [August 8, 1768]

If you will be so good as [to] procure for me a well built handsome post-charriott, I will remit the price of it in due season. Some thing like the inclosed device may be put upon it. Of the several articles I have lately wrote for, the glasses, balls, and other apparatus, such as are used by the house of commons in balloting, and the duplicates of our journals, I am most anxious about, and earnestly desire your particular attention to. The journals especially would be of considerable advantage to me. I am
Dear Sir,
Your sincere friend and wellwisher
G. Wythe
Williamsburg
August 8, 1768

[To John Norton, merchant, London] [August 18, 1768]

Dear Sir. I wrote many months ago to messrs. James Buchanan and company for an elegant set of table and tea china, with bowls of the same of different sizes, decanters and drinking glasses, an handsome service of glass for a dessert, four middlesized and six lesser dishes, and three dozen plates of hard metal, 100 skins of writing parchment proper for enrolling our acts of assembly on, several bundles of best quilt, two piece's of blanketing and as many of rolls for servants, 10 or 12 pairs of shoes and two slippers for myself, and one or two other articles which I do not recollect. At that time there was due to me about thirty pounds, I believe, for I have mislaid their last account current and besides I had shipped four hogsheads of tobacco to that house. The goods have not come to hand, neither have I yet an account of sales of the tobacco. If they have not sent, nor design to send the goods I desire you will be so kind as let me have them, with a bonnet for mrs. Wythe, and present the inclosed order and receive the balance. A few days since I desired you would procure for -12- me an handsome well built charriot, with the device now sent painted on it, for which you may depend on a seasonable remittance. I again beg the favour of your attention to the affair of the journals. If they are not to be procured let me be informed what 120 printed copies of them to the year 1752 will cost. If they do not exceed the sum I suppose, the assembly, I doubt not, will defray the expense . ... You will oblige me by sending a copper plate, with the arms of Virginia neatly engraved and some impressions of them to be pasted on the books belonging to the house of burgesses. If any additions are made on the plate in consequence of what is proposed within, I will cheerfully pay the extraordinary cost. J. H. N. left us a day or two ago in good health &c
Dear Sir,
Your sincere friend and well wisher.
G. Wythe.
Aug. 18th 1768¹

[Endorsed: Williamsburg, Virginia 18th Augst. 1768/ George Wythe Esqr./ Rec'd 24th October ... per Capt. Robertson...]

In the above quoted letters, we note that many personal things desired for his home, things needed for maintenance and entertaining. Also, there are items such as ballotting glasses, copper plate of the Virginia arms, copies of the Journals of the Burgesses up to 1752 and an inkstand fit for a public office.

Upon the death of Governor Francis Fauquier an inventory of his personal estate and sale of same was made. Under "Fauquier goods sold different parties" is: Sold to George Wythe Esq"

1 large turkey carpet - -	[£] 5/0/0
12 ½ yds. printed cotton -	0/18/9
12 yds. dowlas -	0/1/0
1 hair broom and bottle brush -	0/2/0
-13-
George Wythe
An inkhorne	0/3/2 1

No doubt John Norton & Sons filled Wythe's order for "an elegant set of table and tea china... decanters and drinking glasses and a handsome service of glass," and it was probably in use by the time he entertained George Washington at dinner. In his diary Washington noted on May 12, 1769: "Dined with Mr. Wythe, ..."² November 14, 1769 Washington dined and supped at Mrs. Campbell's; November 15 he dined at Wythe's and supped at Anthony Hay's.³ On December 11: "Dined at Mr Wythe's, and the Eveng spent in my own Roome."⁴

In August, 1769, Wythe ordered another long list of needed goods from John Norton & Sons:

[To John Norton, merchant, London] [August 3, 1769]

Dear Sir
I beg the favour of you to send me the articles undermentioned. Capt. Robertson will deliver you nine hogsheads of tobacco, which are all that I made. Pray give mrs. Wythe's and my best respects to mrs. Norton,, and all your good family, and believe me to be
Your sincere friend
G. Wythe
3d of Aug. 1769

• 2 pieces of sheeting linen not exceeding 2s per yard.
• 2 pieces of irish linen for shirts 2s per yard.
• -14-
• 1 piece of ditto ditto 1/3 per yard.
• 1 piece of dark coloured Russia drab.
• Debates of the parliament of Ireland.
• Journals of the house of commons since 1766.
• Some best razors and pen knives.
• A genteel Mans Saddle, brindle & blue housing to be made by Pennymen ord. in J. H. Ns. Letter of 4th Augst. ¹

[Endorsed - Virginia Aug. 3d 1769/ George Wythe/ recd. Octo. 18th pr. Brilliant...]

Wythe's political life was very full at this period. From 1769-1775 he was clerk of the House of Burgesses.² In 1768 he was named to the Board of Visitors of William and Mary College.³ In 1764 when the British announced the Stamp Tax, Wythe maintained "that England and Virginia were coordinate nations united by the Crown alone, a concept later ably expounded by Richard Bland." He was a member of the Committee of Correspondence which protested against the Stamp Act. The Virginia Resolutions of Remonstrance were drafted by Wythe but considered too bold by some of his colleagues, were modified before adoption. In May, 1765 when Patrick Henry introduced his famous resolutions, Wythe opposed them as hasty and premature. He was one of the compilers of the Code of 1769.⁴ -15- It was in 1769 that Wythe became a member of the Vestry of Bruton Parish Church.¹

Wythe's interest in gardens and horticulture is shown in a letter to his friend and former student, Thomas Jefferson:

G. W. to T. JEFFERSON 9. Mar. 1770.

I send you some nectarine and apricot grafts and grapevines, the best I had; and have directed your messenger to call upon major [Richard] Taliaferro for some of his. You will also receive two of Foulis's catalogues. Mrs Wythe will send you some garden peas…

[Addressed:] "To Thomas Jefferson esq, Charlottesville"²

In May, 1770 Wythe ordered books from Norton:

[George Wythe to John Norton, London] [May 7, 1770]

I beg the favour of you to get the undermentioned books, and [to] send them by an early opportunity...

Books to be sent to G. W.

• Andrew's reports
• Atkyn's reports
• Benbury's reports
• Burrow's reports
• Fortescue's reports
• Foster's reports
• Melmoth's reports
• Shower's cases in parliament.

[Enclosure dated May 8]

Be pleased to add to the catalogue in the letter the journals of the house of commons since 1766.³

An interesting slant upon one side of Wythe's life in Williamsburg is found in the manuscript account book of Edward Charlton, wigmaker and barber there. Mr. Wythe's account with Charlton ran from March, 1770 to September, 1773 thus:

		George Wythe Esqre	Dr
1770
March	14th	To Brn Dress bob Wig	[£] 2. 3. -
		To Alterg Grissell Tye Wig	-.10. -
April	9th	To pair Curls for Mrs Wythe	-.10. -
Sepr	1st	To one Years Shavg and dressg	2. 3. -
			_______
			5. 6.
1771
Octr	14th	To Brn Dress bob Wig	2. 3.
Sepr	1st	To one Years Shavg, and Dressg	2. 3.
1772
Sept	1st	To one Years Shavg & Dressg	2. 3.
1773
Febry	15th	To pair Curls for Mrs Wythe	-.10.
Septr	1st	To one Years Dressg	2. 3.
			[£] 19.14. 1

In February, 1771 Wythe advertised in the Virginia Gazette the loss of one of his law books:

"I MISS a third volume of BURROW'S REPORTS. Whether it was lent out I forget. Perhaps some Gentleman's servant carried it from the Capitol by mistake last October court. Whoever will let me know where it is, I shall be obliged to him for the information.
GEORGE WYTHE

Wythe continued to send orders to John Norton & Sons for goods of various kinds. On the 18th of July 1771, he wrote to Norton from Williamsburg with requests:

Dear Sir
I am about building a small house,¹ and must be obliged to you for the english materials, which I shall send a bill of exchange to pay the cost of, so soon as I can get the favour of you to inform me, by inquiring of proper persons, as near as may be, what it will amount to.

A bill of the things I shall want is inclosed, none of which I would have you send til I write again.

It is with pleasure I can acquaint you that your son, who is now at our house, seems to be in good health.

With my best respects to mrs. Norton, and the rest of your family, I am Your affectionate friend,
and humble servant
G. Wythe
Williamsburg
18th July, 1771

[Endorsed:] Virginia 18th July 1771/ George Wythe/ Reed. 12 September/ [Enclosed invoice:]

A chest of Nice joiner's and other tools, to cost six or seven guineas, or even eight to be complete.
A set of tea china.
3 dozen wine glasses & one dozen beer glasses and four wine decanters.
oil, colour & brushes to cost	3. 0. 0
400 panes of crown glass	20. 0. 0
2 Mortis locks large	1.13. 0
4 ditto smaller	2.12. 0
3 ditto	1. 2. 6
6 pr. 4 inch dovetail hinges	1. 4. 0
3 pr. smaller do.
-18-
48 pr. HL rising joint for shutters	4. 0. 0
48 pr. side hinges do	2. 0. 0
40 2/2 wainscot pullies for sashes	0. 8. 0
65 yds white line for do	2.10. 0
48 brass jointed rings for shutters	1.16. 0
10 pieces flywire 3 feet 1 inch square	10.15. 0
A cask of nails

The tea china & glass ware to be sent to Williamsburg, the others to be left with Mr. Jacob Wray at Hampton for G. Wythe¹

[Endorsed:]

Mr. Geo. Wythe's Invoice/ The articles to be provided as soon/ as possible & sent pr/ the memmo. inclosed/ J. H. Norton/ entd. p. 214

Wythe cancelled this order in June 1772 noting that "The articles exceed what I can afford; and therefore I shall content myself without 2 most of them, if not all."²

An interesting order from Wythe to Norton appears in May, 1772:

[May 29, 1772]

[To John Norton esq. merchant in London]

Sir
…You will oblige me by sending the books and robe mentioned in the inclosed. I shall draw upon you soon for the cost of two pipes of Madeira wine. With my best wishes for mrs Norton and all your family,
I am
Sir
Your humble Servant
G. Wythe
Williamsburg,
29th May
1772

[Enclosure:]
To be bought for G. Wythe
The works of Theophilus in greek and latin, two volumes in quarto, published at the Hague in 1751, by Gul. Otto Reitz, -19- Glanville,
Bracton,
Britton, Fleta,

Lamb eirenarcha,
Erasmus's adages,
Common prayer in greek

A robe, such as is worn by the clerk of the house of commons, but better than the one I had before from mr. Child, which indeed was scandalous.¹

[Endorsed:] Virga. 29 May 1772/ George Wythe/ Recd. 21 September/ Goods entd. pa. 163/ Ans. the March 1773/ pr. H. Esten

At about this period in his life, Wythe began to take into his home students interested in reading law. In some instances the young man had completed his studies at William and Mary College and wished to stay on in Williamsburg in order to study further under Wythe. (It was not until 1779 that Wythe was formally a teacher at the College.) James Monroe was at William and Mary from 1774-1776; James Madison (afterwards Bishop of the Episcopal Church of Virginia) was there 1772-1773; St. George Tucker (1772-1773) was examined by Wythe on April 4, 1774, and granted permission to practice in county and inferior courts; John Marshall in College in 1780; Raleigh Colston in 1769; Peter Carr (1785-1790); Littleton Waller Tazewell (1786-1790); William Munford (1791-1792); Thomas L. Shippen in 1784; Spencer Roane (1779-1781); Jacob Walker in 1785; John Wilkham in 1785; William Short (1777-1781) Richard Randolph in 1787 (he was Tucker's step-son); John Brown and others.²

Wythe saw fit to order a telescope in September 1772 and in December he asked Norton to send him some mathematical instruments:

[Sept. 8, 1772]

[To John Norton Esq. merchant in London]

Dear Sir,
I beg the favour of you to send me a telescope. For a good one I would go as far as eight or ten guineas. I would have a light stand to keep it steady upon. With the greatest respect
Your most obedient
G. Wythe
Sept. 8th 1772¹

[Endorsed:] Virga. 8 Sept 1772/ George Wythe/Rec'd the 6 Nov/ Goods entd. ps. 163/ Ansd. the Mar. 1773/ pr H. Esten

[Dec. 12, 1772]

[To Messrs. John Norton & Son Merchants in London]

Dear Sir,
I lately desired my friend J. H. Norton to send for a few articles upon my account, and to remit a bill of exchange to be placed to my credit. Be pleased to let me have a state of my account, for I do not know exactly how it stands. Jacob Walker, a youth of great hopes, who lives with me, is likely to make a good progress in the mathematics, which he is pursuing with some other branches of useful knowledge. To assist him, I beg you will send me a set of instruments, which his tutor informs me may be had for two or three guineas. You will oblige me by forwarding the inclosed letter to mr. Fauquier. With best wishes for
your family,
I am,
Dear Sir
Your humble servt.
G. Wythe
12th of Dec.
1772 ²

[Endorsed:] Virga. 12 Decr. 1772/ George Wythe/ Rec'd 29 Jany 1773/ Goods Entd. pa 212/ Ans. the March 1773 pr. H. Esten.

In 1772 Wythe resigned as alderman of Williamsburg.¹

Wythe was a member of the Continental Congress of 1775 and 1776. While in Philadelphia in 1776, Jefferson with his family occupied Wythe's home in Williamsburg. On November 18, 1776 Wythe wrote to Jefferson at Williamsburg:

"Whenever you and the speaker think I should return to Virginia to engage in the part which shall be assigned to me in revising the laws, I shall attend you... In the mean time, I purpose to abide here, if the enemy do not drive me away... The conveniency of my house servants and furniture to you and Mrs Jefferson adds not a little to their value in my estimation. Our best respects to the lady..."

In 1776 Wythe was a member of the committee to prepare a seal for Virginia, the Commonwealth:

"...The adoption of a seal for the Commonwealth was the last act of the Convention of 1776. [Virginia Convention meeting at Williamsburg.] The committee appointed to prepare a seal consisted of Richard Henry Lee, who was, however, not in the Convention, George Mason, Robert Carter Nicholas, and George Wythe. In Girardin's continuation of Burk's History of Virginia, it is said that Wythe proposed the device adopted by the Convention; and, as Girardin wrote under the supervision of Mr. Jefferson, who was keenly alive to all-such matters, there can be no reason to doubt the fact. George Wythe and John Page were appointed to superintend the engraving of the seal. In the absence of Lee, Mason, as next on the committee, had reported the seal to the Convention, but Wythe was entrusted with its execution, and must have penned the words that describe the seal, which have been admired for clearness and precision."

In 1777 Wythe was a signer of the Declaration of Independence. This Declaration was adopted by the Continental Congress in 1776 but the copy engrossed on parchment was not signed until 1777.

In 1779 when Jefferson became a member of the Board of Visitors of William and Mary College, certain changes in the organization were made. At this time, Mr. Wythe was appointed to the Professorship of Law and Police and thus began the first college law course offered in America. In this capacity Wythe rendered outstanding service to his College and to his state in the training of young men in law.

In July, 1779 Richard Taliaferro, the father-in-law of Wythe died.¹ A copy of the will follows:

In the Name of God Amen. I, Richard Taliaferro, of the Parish and County of James City, being aged, but of sound mind and memory, do make my last Will and Testament as followeth:

I recommend my soul to the mercy of Almighty God, trusting to the merits of his Son Jesus Christ for pardon and remission of my sins, and my Body to be decently and modestly buried at the discretion of my Executors hereafter named.

I Give and desire my House and Lotts in the City of Williamsburg situate on the West side of Palace Street, and on the North side of the Church yard, to my Son in Law, Mr George Wythe, and his wife, my Daughter Elizabeth, during their lives, and the Life of the longest liver of them, and afterward to my Grand son Richard Taliaferro and his heirs forever. Provided, my said Daughter shall die without issue living at her death, but if she shall leave lawful issue of her body living at her death, then I give the said Houses and Lotts to her and her heirs -23- forever. I also give to my said Daughter my negro Wench Peg, and my negro boy called Joe to her and her Heirs forever. And I further Give her during her natural life the yearly sum or Annuity of twenty five pounds current money, to be paid her after my death by my son out of the Estate hereafter given him. I give to my Grand son Richard Taliaferro my negro Boy Sam, and my negro Girl Aggy, to him and his heirs forever, and to each of my other Grand children a negro Boy and Girl apiece, as near their own age as conveniently may be out of my Stock of Slaves, to them and their heirs forever.

All the rest residue and Remainder of my Estate real and Personal, I Give and Devise to my Son Richard Taliaferro and his heirs forever. And I do hereby constitute and appoint my Son in Law the said George Wythe, and my said son Richard Taliaferro, Executors of this may [my] last Will and Testament, hereby revoking all former Wills by me made, and directing that my Estate be not appraised nor my Executors be obliged to give Security to the Court for the same. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal, the third day of February, 1775, and in the fifteenth year of the Reign of our Sovereign Lord, George the third
RICHARD TALIAFERRO, S. L. S.

Signed, sealed, published and declared by the Testator to be his last Will and Testament, in presence of us who witnessed the same in his presence at his request.
Gabriel Maupin, Ben Waller, Ben C. Waller.

At a Court held for James City County, August 9th 1779. This Will was proved according to Law by the Oaths of Benjamin Waller and Benjamin Carter Waller, Witnesses thereto, sworn to by Richard Taliaferro, an Executor therein named, and ordered to be recorded.

Liberty is reserved to George Wythe, the other Executor therein named, to join in the Probat when he shall think fit.

Teste
Ben C. Waller, C. C. Com.¹
Geo. Dunlevy, D. C. C.
A Copy,

According to the will, should Mrs. Wythe be dead (she did not die until 1787) at Taliaferro's decease or have no heirs, George Wythe was devised a life estate in the Williamsburg property. Here he was living and here he continued to live until he left the city for Richmond in 1791, upon accepting the office of sole Judge of the High Court of Chancery.

In 1780 John Brown, a student at William and Mary College who studied under Wythe, described the procedure in methods of teaching there:

[Letter from John Brown to his uncle, William Preston]

Williamsburg February 15, 1780.
"…I apply closely to the Study of the Law and find it to be a more difficult Science than I expected, though I hope with Mr Wythe's assistance to make some proficiency in it; those who finish this Study in a few months either have strong natural parts or else they know little about it.…¹"

In a later letter Brown goes into details as to Mr. Wythe's method of teaching:

Williamsburg, July 6, 1780

"…Mr. Wythe ever attentive to the improvement of his Pupils, founded two Institutions for that purpose, the first is a Moot Court, held monthly or oftener in the place formerly occupied by the Genl Court in the Capitol. Mr Wythe & the other professors sit as Judges, Oar Audience consists of the most respectable of the Citizens, before whom we plead Causes given out by Mr. Wythe. Lawyer like I assure you. He has form'd us into a Legislative Body, consisting -25- of about 40 members. Mr Wythe is speaker to the House, & takes all possible pains to instruct us in the Rules of Parliament. We meet every Saturday & take under our consideration those Bills drawn up by the Comtee appointed to revise the laws, then we debate & alter (I will not say amend) with the greatest freedom I take an active part in both these Institutions & hope thereby to rub off that natural Bashfulness which at present is extremely prejudicial to me. These Exercises, serve not only as the best amusement after severer studies, but are very usefull & attend with many important advantages..."

It was in 1780 that Jefferson in writing to James Madison paid high tribute to the College and the new law school there:

[July 26, 1780]

"…Our new Institution at the College has had a success which has gained it universal applause. Wythe's school is numerous, they hold weekly Courts & Assemblies in the Capitol. The professors join in it, and the young men dispute with elegance, mathod & learning. This single school by throwing from time to time new hands well principled, & well informed into the legislature, will be of indefinite value..."²

On September 15, 1781 Washington upon entering Williamsburg, visited the Continental line. "As he entered the camp the canon from the Park of Artillery and from every brigade announced the happy event. His train by this time was much increased; and men, women and children seemed to vie with each other in demonstrations of joy and -26- eagerness to see their beloved countryman. His quarters are at Mr Wythe's house..."¹ The battle of Yorktown, doubtless, was planned in the Wythe House while Washington had his headquarters there.

The Wythe House served as Rochambeau's headquarters after the battle of Yorktown. In December, 1781 he wrote Washington that there had been a fire in Williamsburg in which a wing of the College burned and "last night it reached the Governor's Palace (au Gouvernment) where the American Hospital was. We saved all the sick and most of the things in it and kept the fire from spreading to the neighboring houses, especially to mine which is the first Your Excellency occupied and which was covered all night long with a rain of fire."² It is marked "Quartier general" on the "Frenchman's Map" of Williamsburg of c. 1782.

An amusing incident in the life of Wythe is related by William Tatem, a courier during the Revolutionary War, in a letter to Jefferson. It seems that when the British in 1781 under Arnold had arrived within the Capes proceeded up the James River and were anchored just off King's Mill, Colonel Innis and General Nelson with fifty men waited to give the enemy battle as they landed. Tatem wrote: "I believe the Enemy were deterred from effecting their purpose on this occasion, partly by Colol. Innis's good management, and partly by an accidental occurrence, which happened, much to the soldierly credit of old Chancellor Wythe, -27- and one or two other old Gentlemen who took a pop at them while Partridge shooting near the mouth of Archers Hope Creek..."¹

The Frenchman's Map (1782) of Williamsburg shows a large building facing upon the Palace street with a small dependency towards the south. See: architect's drawing from the map in Illustration #1.

Williamsburg Land Tax records, which began in 1782 indicate that Wythe held "2 lots with tax valuation of £3." It was increased in 1786 to £28.²

During 1784 and 1786 Wythe had minor repairs made to the property by Humphrey Harwood, Williamsburg carpenter and brick mason, such as underpinning stable, steps, repairs to grates and well.³

In 1785 Noah Webster visited Williamsburg. While there he met Wythe:

"[Dec] ...
3. Wait on Mr Andrews, professor of Moral Philosophy, a sensible polite man. He introd me to Mr Wythe, professor of Law, a good man, one of the Chancery Judges."

In 1784 one of Wythe's law students described in letters to his father the workings of Wythe's classes: -28-

[Letter from Thomas Lee Shippen to Dr. William Shippen, Jr. of Philadelphia. N. P. (Williamsburg) 11 oclock February 5, 1784.]

"My dear Papa,
I am just returned from visiting my good friends and masters Mr Madison and Mr Wythe…

…Last Saturday was the day of my political birth, if I may call so, the day on which I first assumed the character of a Legislator: for then I delivered an oration for the first time in our grand and august Assembly. For such it always appears to me, but on that day perticularly so. I have in a former letter told you its constituent parts, but very lately Mr. Wythe has had a lofty presidential Seat erected, which adds very much to its dignity and may with great propriety be called his hobby horse, this entre nous. This throne has a greater effect in throwing a damp upon the spirits of the speaker, than you can imagine. I was prodigiously alarmed to be sure, but ... I surmounted the difficulties which were opposed to me by my diffidence, my youth, and the solemnity of the occasion, much better than I myself or any of my friends expected: And the applause I met with tho I did not think I deserved it, repaid me for the pain and anxiety I felt on the occasion. The subject was the Impost recommened by Congress, the bill for which, I attacked in all its parts with warmth and violence, and was supported by Ludwell, I had the satisfaction to find that I had made many proselytes to my opinion among those who had been warmly attached to the bill. It is now committed; and we mean in the Committee to make such alterations in the Bill, that its end will be destroyed, and then in the last stage, viz. at ye third reading make a final effort to throw it out, the consequence of which will probably be, that those who supported it, in its original shape, will join us in throwing it out under its then modification." ¹

[Letter from Thomas Lee Shippen to Dr. William Shippen, Jr. N. P. (Williamsburg) February 19, 1784] -29- "You desired in your last letter to inform you how I spent my time. I will now comply with your request. Before breakfast, I generally read an hour and a half, sometimes two hours in Blackstone, or else am employed in composition which by the advice of my instructors, I pay a good deal of attention to. From breakfast to dinner, I read Blackstone, Hume, or Montesquieu. After dinner if I dine at home, I either walk out to see my friends, or play a piece of musick on the violin or read some entertaining book in french or amuse myself by recurring to some favorite Roman author Horace, Virgil and Terence I have principally attended to. At night again I very often read very attentively until 10, 11, or 12 o clock according to the subject I am read-on, or my feelings at the time. But as Mr. Wythe lectures every Tuesday, and Mr Madison every Thursday and Saturday, you must conceive that I can read very little on those days between Breakfast and Dinner, as we are at College from 10 to 12; And we live very near a mile from College. The exercise which this necessarily gives me I find of greatest service. I never enjoyed so uninterrupted a state of good health in my life, as I have done since I came to Williamsburg. On those days too, when the hospitality of my acquaintances carries me to dine abroad, I generally give myself up to mirth and jollity from dinner time to night."¹

Thomas Shippen, evidently, was in College in October, 1783 for a letter to his sister from Williamsburg, refers to "Miss Nancy Tolliver... who lived with her uncle Mr. Wythe at whose house I have once dined with her."²

Another student of Wythe's Littleton Waller Tazewell, relates in his "Account and History of the Tazewell Family" the story of his intimate association with Wythe beginning about 1786:

"In the autumn of 1786 I was placed as I have stated under the guidance of Mr Wythe. I lived with my father but attended Mr Wythe daily; I was the youngest boy he had ever undertaken to instruct, and had no -30- companion in my studies with him at that time. His mode of Instruction was singular, and as everything connected with the life and opinions of this great and good man must be interesting I will here describe it:

I attended him every morning very early, and always found him waiting for me in his study by sunrise. When I entered the room he immediately took from his well stored library some Greek book--This was opened at random and I was bid to recite the first passage that caught his eye... This exercise continued until breakfast time when I left him and returned home. I returned again about noon and always found him in his study as before. We then took some Latin author and continued our Latin studies in the manner I have above described as to the Greek until about two o'clock when I again went home. In the afternoon I again came back about four o'clock, and we amused ourselves until dark in working Alegbraic equations, or demonstrating Mathematical problems. Our Text books in both cases were in the French language, to which resort was had that I might perfect myself in this language also while I was advancing in the studies whose subjects were so common.

These evening occupations were occasionally varied by employing me in reading to him detached parts of the best English authors, either in verse or prose; and sometimes the periodical publications of the day...

…In the mode I have just described passed away the first year I studied with Mr. Wythe. In the autumn of the next year 1787, my father having purchased Kingsmill and being about to remove there, and Mr Wythe having lost his wife about this time, he proposed to my father that I should board with him. This proposition was readily assented to by my father, and upon his removal from Williamsburg I became an inmate of Mr Wythe's house, My course of study was the same as before, but now having the free use of his library at all times, and knowing generally what would be the subjects of our exercises the following day, I was enabled to prepare myself better than I had done before, and when I was disappointed in this calculation, I rarely found any difficulty in playing off upon him some little stratagem or other by means of which the authors and -31- passages I had already examined the preceding day became the selected books for our next days reading... About this time Mr Wythe imported a very complete electrical machine together with a fine air pump and several other philosophical apparatus. And when this arrived most of our leisure moments were employed in making philosophical experiments, and ascertaining the causes of the effects produced. Several other young gentlemen were also taken by him as boarders, from whose society I likewise derived some information. So this year passed away with me more profitably than even the preceding..."¹

Wythe had been a professor of law and police at William and Mary College from 1779. He decided to enlarge his teaching by opening a private school in addition to his regular classes at college:

August 2, 1787.

"I PURPOSE in October, when the next course of lectures on law and police will commence, to open a school for reading some of the higher Latin and Greek classicks, and of the approved English poets and prose writers, and also some exercises in arithmetic.
GEORGE WYTHE."

Mrs. Wythe's health had been very bad for some time. Because of her illness, Wythe returned to Williamsburg on June 5th 1787.³ He had been there ⁴ attending the Convention. On June 16, Wythe wrote Edmund Randolph who was in Philadelphia: -32-

[Williamsburg] June 16, 1787.

"…Mrs. W's state of health is so low & she is so emaciated, that my apprehensions are not a little afflicted, and, if the worst should not befall, she must linger, i fear, a long time, in no other circumstances would i withdraw from the employment, to which i had the honour to be appointed. but, as probably i shall not return to Philadelphia, if, sir, to appoint one in my room be judged adviseable, i hereby authorise you to consider this letter as a resignation, no less valid than a solemn act for that express purpose. My best wishes attend you and the other most respectable personages, with whom i was thought worthy to be assoceated."

In August, 1787 Mrs. Wythe died in Williamsburg:

August 23, 1787.

"On Saturday the 18th instant departed this life in the 48th year of her age Mrs. ELIZABETH WYTHE, spouse of the Hon. George Wythe,, Esq; of the city of Williamsburg, after a very long and lingering sickness which she bore with the patience of a true Christian..."

For several more years Wythe continued to occupy the property on Palace Street and teach at the College.

Following the death of Mrs. Wythe in 1787, George Wythe liberated several of his slaves. The records of York County for 1787-88 indicate that Wythe liberated a negro, Lydia,³ and two others, Polly and Charles.⁴ The records of James City County indicate that Wythe legally -33- presented Richard Taliaferro with slaves for the use of Taliaferro's children. Such a gift was recorded at a court of James City County on October 8. 1787.¹

A very human incident in Wythe's life is related by Littleton Waller Tazewell, who lived with Wythe at this period and studied law and other courses under the great and wise teacher:

[1788]

"…While the subject is before me, my recollection is called to an incident that occurred at the York election... After Judge (Henry] Tazewell refused to become a candidate for this county, the Anti-federalists put up two persons by the name of Shields as opponents to General Nelson & Mr. Prentis for the Convention...² the proclamation had already been made by the sheriff inviting the free holders to come forward and vote; at this juncture an old man by the name of Charles Lewis stepped forward and addressing himself to General Nelson and Mr. Prentis, remarked that he had always voted for them as they would recollect, and that he had never found any cause to regret his votes; but on his way to the Court House he had reflected, that his vote this day would not be reflective of his confidence in these gentlemen, so much as a wish that the proposed constitution should be adopted . ... These reflections had called to his recollection, his two fellow citizens George Wythe and John Blair... whose age and retirement by keeping them aloof from the warm conflict that had been carrying on, had left them still to be impartial and whose long experience and well approved past services... also preferred strong claims to the gratitude of their country. Mr. Wythe and Mr. Blair were unanimously elected... He [General Nelson] proposed that they should proceed in a body from York to Williamsburg, -34- and be the bearers their own request that the persons elected would accept the appointments... General Nelson, placing himself at the head of his fellow-citizens, they moved in a procession to Williamsburg, where upon their arrival they arranged themselves quietly in front of Mr Wythe's house, and deputing General Nelson as their spokesman, he presented himself in their behalf to the old man, and announced what had occurred.

When General Nelson entered the room I was reciting a Greek lesson to Mr Wythe, and never shall I forget the countenances of these two great man (men] on this occasion... Mr. Wythe, who had arisen when General Nelson first entered the study had listened to these words with a sort of impatient anxiety... So soon as the communication was over, he exclaimed, 'At my door, Sir,' and immediately quitting the study went to the front door. We all followed him and when we joined him at the door, the loud shouts with which he had been received by the assembled multitude were still ringing... 'Will you serve? ... '

Mr. Wythe was much agitated... and when the good old man standing on his steps, his bald head quite bare, attempted to speak, tears flowed down his cheeks... It was to me the most interesting scene I had ever witnessed... General Nelson seeing Mr. Wythe's agitation, promptly observed- 'My dear Sir, we prize you too highly, to suffer you to expose yourself thus uncovered, come into the house, and let me report your answer...' Mr. Wythe, however, was still unable to say more than 'Surely, How can I refuse. Yes, I will do all my friends wish.' Hearing which, General Nelson immediately announced- 'He will serve'- and bowing to Mr. Wythe left the house. Again the shouts of the multitude made the Welkin roar, and they passed respectfully by the door towards Mr. Blair's. Mr. Wythe remained bowing most gracefully to the throng, as it moved by him, and when they left retired to his own appartment and was seen no more that day."¹

In 1788 Jefferson, then in France, replied to Ralph Izard about sending his son to William and Mary College. His opinion of the College and Mr. Wythe's law school is quoted:

"I cannot but approve your idea of sending your eldest son, destined for the law, to Williamsburg. The professor of mathematics and natural philosophy there, Mr. Madison, cousin of him whom you know, is a man of great abilities, and their apparatus is a very fine one. Mr. Bellini, professor of modern languages, is also an excellent one. But the pride of the institution is Mr. Wythe, one of the Chancellors of the State, and professor of law in the College. He is one of the greatest men of the age, having held, without competition, the first place at the bar of our general court for thirty-five years, and always distinguished by the most spotless virtue. He gives lectures regularly, and holds moot courts and parliaments, wherein he presides, and the young men debate regularly in law and legislation, learn the rules of parliamentary proceeding, and acquire the habit of public speaking. Williamsburg is a remarkably healthy situation, reasonably cheap, and affords very genteel society. I know no place in the world , while present professors remain, where I would so soon place a son."

Another of Wythe's students, William Munford, wrote about his association with Wythe:

"Chancellor Wythe is the best friend I ever had, and one of the most remarkable men I ever knew, and he certainly has been as kind to me as a father. For what I know of Greek, Spanish, and Italian I am indebted to him. When my father died, leaving his estate somewhat embarrassed with debt, I was attending the grammar school attached to the old college of William and Mary, and Mr. Wythe was then Professor of Law. My mother wrote that she feared her circumstances would not permit me to return to college. Mr. -36- Wythe sent her immediately one of his kindest letters, saying she must not think of stopping my education; that he would take me into his own family, and give me such instruction as he could bestow either personally or by paying the professor's fees. He had taken a fancy to me, and he said he greatly desired that she would comply with this request. From that time for three years, at all spare moments, he devoted himself without reward to my instruction, giving me the best and most excellent advice, and imparting knowledge which I never could have acquired otherwise. Subsequently he gave me the use of his law library, and instructed me in the course pursued by himself in studying law, saying 'Don't skim it; read deeply, and ponder what you read; they begin to make lawyers now without the biginti annorum lucubrationes [twenty years of reflection] of Lord Coke; they are mere skimmers of law, and know little else.' Old as he is, his habit is, every morning, winter and summer, to rise before the sun, go to the well in the yard, draw several buckets of water, and fill the reservoir for his shower-bath, and then drawing the cord, let the water fall over him in a glorious shower. Many a time have I heard him catching his breath and almost shouting with the shock. When he entered the breakfast room his face would be in a glow, and all his nerves were fully braced. Only a few days ago, when I called upon him he was teaching himself Hebrew, studying closely with grammar and dictionary, and once a week a Jewish rabbi by the name of Seixas attends him, to see how he progresses and to give him advice. He still shows me every kindness, and welcomes me as one of his warmest friends. Many a kind note have I received from him since he removed to Richmond, with Greek, Latin, or Spanish sentences interspersed, for he evidently takes much pleasure in writing in those languages..."

In 1789 Wythe resigned as professor at William and Mary College.

Jefferson wrote concerning Wythe's resignation thus:

"Mr. Wythe abandoned the college of Wm. & Mary , disgusted with some conduct of the professors, & -37- particularly of the ex-professor Bracken & perhaps too with himself for having suffered himself to be too much irritated with that. The visitors will try to condemn what gave him offence, and press him to return: otherwise it is over with the college."

Wythe did not return to William and Mary College after this trouble. He taught privately in his home in Williamsburg.

William Munford was a student at William and Mary College at this period. On January 27, 1789 Munford wrote to John Coalter from Williamsburg:

"…I hope to be able eventually to attend Mr Madison's lectures on natural philosophy and Mr Wythe's on Law when I have read sufficient on that branch to enable me to do it with advantage."

On April 24, 1789 Munford wrote Coalter:

"…And I have just begun to attend Mr Wythe on Law to which I shall do with pleasure & alacrity. The exalted character and tried abilities of that Gentleman promise the apt & diligent Student a certain noble source of instruction; and his inattentions & willingness to inform flatters me that even my improvement is not to be doubted."²

On June 13, 1790 Munford wrote Coalter:

"…My great resource is Mr Wythe ... Nothing would advance me faster in the world, than the reputation of having been educated by Mr Wythe, for such a man as he, casts a light upon all around him..."

Munford left Williamsburg sometime in 1790 end after an absence of eight months returned to Williamsburg to continue his study of law under Wythe. At this period he lived in Wythe's home and boarded at his table. There he remained until Wythe removed to Richmond in September, 1791. While in Williamsburg he wrote several letters to his friend, John Coalter:

Williamsburg. April 23d 1791.

"At last, my dear Coalter, I am again in Wmsburg the old and well beloved scene of my Studies, after an absence of eight months... I arrived Yesterday, and am now settled more advantageously than ever I have been hitherto, for thro' the surprizing friendship and generosity of Mr Wythe, I live in his house, and board at his table, at the same time enjoying the benefit of his instructions without paying a farthing. My esteem for this man, together with my love, increase every day, and tho' I can never make an adequate return for the favours which he bestows on me, yet I will do all I can, by scrupulously complying with his directions and endeavouring constantly to please him. In this happy situation, tomorrow I begin the Study of Law, in which under such a Tutor I hope to make some progress...
Yr Affe Friend
Wm Munford"

Again Munford wrote to Coalter commenting on his life in Wythe's home:

Williamsburg. July 22d 1791

"…You cannot perfectly comprehend the divine virtues of Mr Wythe without living in his house. His heart is a receptacle of all that heaven can bestow on a human being, and his philanthropy is universal. How far it extends towards me, one anecdote will suffice to shew. When I returned from the ball [at Travis home (for I slept with Robin Carter, and breakfasted at Mr Madison's I found a fine parcel of apples, peaches and plums on my table. It seems the old gentleman, not knowing of my absence, had sent them up to me, as he always does a part of whatever fruit he purchases. Really, my friend, I know not how I shall -39- ever make a return for the infinite obligations I lay under to him. Would you believe it, that he has begun to teach Jammy, his servant to write? Nevertheless it is true, and is only one more example of that benignity, granted by heaven to the minds of a few. Mrs Cocke, lately dead, professed a soul similar to that of Mr Wythe...
Yr Affectionate Friend
Wm Munford"

Wythe's affection for Richard Taliaferro, a nephew of Mrs. Wythe, is seen through Munford's comments to his friend:

Williamsburg, August 22, 1791
Richard Taliaferro according to the doctors, is in a great danger from disease similar to that of Tazewell. I hope however as McClurg has gone to him now, that his skill ... may have some good effects. Mr Wythe is greatly distressed for Richard whom he loves extremely and received by the tenderness of his heart my admiration and love of his character"

Wythe moved to Richmond about the middle of September 1791, to take up his duties as Judge of the High Court of Chancery. Munford's letter to Coalter gives details of this removal:

Richmond. September 30th 1791.

"…
Perhaps you may be surprised at my long silence, but a great many events have happened since I wrote [you] last... In the first place, you must know, my friend (for this is the object which would first give rise to a question.) that Mr Wythe is settled in Richmond, and that, through his extreme goodness, I live with him there. His removal from Williamsburg, and the preparations attending it took up all our time for some days before his departure, and unfortunately for me, I was taken with the ague and fever, in the midst of our packing up, so that he was obliged to leave me behind. He bade adieu to that old town, Wednesday before last, and I was not -40- able to follow his example till day before yesterday..."

Research has found little in the way of furnishings in Wythe's home in Williamsburg except items ordered through John Norton (listed previously in the report and in Illustration #6). The fact that Wythe's inventory has not been found, makes the list far from complete. However, at "Monticello," Jefferson's home, is a mahogany dining table which Wythe gave Jefferson. Also at "Monticello" are pieces of Wythe's silver: a sugar and cream.

Richard Taliaferro, grandson of the first Richard Taliaferro (who built the Wythe House) died in 1791. An item from the will which pertains to the Williamsburg property follows:

Item. I hereby devise and direct, that my executors hereinafter named, or the surviver of them, or the heirs of such survivers, shall sell my house and lot of land in the city of Williamsburg, and now in the occupation of the Hon. George Wythe, esquire,...

The executors of Richard Taliaferro on November 4, 1791, advertised the house and lot for sale:

Nov. 4, 1791 "Agreeable to the last Will and Testament of RICHARD TALIAFERRO, deceased, will be sold to the highest bidder, on Tuesday the 15th of November if fair, otherwise the next fair day, a valuable
HOUSE
and
LOT
in the City of Williamsburg, formerly occupied by the Hon. George Wythe,³ Esquire. --- Likewise two -41- very likely NEGRO BOYS, a HORSE, one, two or three years credit will be allowed, the purchasers they giving bond with approved security, to carry interest from the date if not punctually paid.
THE EXECUTORS"

JAMES MADISON OWNER

The property was sold to James Madison, President of William and Mary College, and Bishop of the Episcopal Church. The Land Tax Records for 1792 indicate that Wythe had conveyed "2 lots with tax value of £18.10." to James Madison.²

As noted in the will of Richard Taliaferro (1779) previously quoted in the report-, Wythe had a life right in the Williamsburg property; then it would revert to the grandson Richard Taliaferro. In September, 1791 Wythe moved to Richmond to assume his duties as Judge of the High Court of Chancery.³ Following the reorganization of the Virginia courts it was necessary that he make his home there. Therefore, he gave up his life right in the Williamsburg house. This explains the fact that Wythe seemed to own the property on the Land Books though Taliaferro's executors advertised it for sale.

Madison held the property for only one year. In 1793 he conveyed -42- the "2 lots valued at £18.10" to John Dunbar.¹

JOHN DUNBAR OWNER

The Reverend John Dunbar had married Elizabeth Hill Byrd, daughter of William Byrd III of "Westover." Her first husband was James Farley of Antigua,² by whom she had three daughters. Mrs. Farley's eldest daughter had married Thomas L. Shippen of Philadelphia. Her second daughter, Maria, married Champe Carter, son of Charles Carter of "Shirley" ca. July, 1796 if Mrs. Peachy Wills, the village gossip, can be relied upon. Mrs. Wills who had been married three times and was on the shady side of life when she penned the twenty-page letter to her favorite niece, Mrs. Peggy Coulter, in Staunton made this statement about Miss Farley's wedding:

"Dunbars and Shippens with &c fill'd 2 long Tables put together in the upper chamber, where joviality, conviviality, and polite double entender rendered the feast (which was given in return for the wedding dinner of Miss M, Farley³ they had partaken of) a most enchanting and Elegant way of passing about 3 hours, for the company dont assemble until after 3 and just stay to swallow tea, and then with all due ceremony take leave, & I must needs say that short as the time really was as to hours, I found it tiresome uninteresting and unmeritorious to see the Ladies and Gentlemen for want of such conversation as would become rational beings not to say Christians, continually on the catch for accidental words being drop'd by each other, that could be tortured into indecent meanings, by indecent minds, never failling -43- to produce the meaning simper and to be convey'd round the table (lest it should have pass'd unnoticed by some one) behind the fan, not to hide the blush, for no such symptom of modesty now remains, as it would be thought unpolite in the highest degree to possess so vulgar a proof of low breeding..."

Dunbar made his will on January 20, 1793 thus:

I give, devise & bequeath unto my beloved wife, Elizh Hill Dunbar and to her heirs forever all my Estate both real & personal of what nature or kind soever the same maybe, to her sole use & benefit forever. And for as much as the title deeds to the House & Lots in Wmsburg which I lately purchased of Bishop Madison, are not yet completed in such a manner, as I am advised may be proper to require that they should be &c I do hereby authorize, requite & request my friend St Geo. Tucker, & Benja Harrison or either of them, to demand & require of the said Bishop Madison full & ample deeds for the purpose of conveying the sd House Lots &c to them in fee simple , for the use of my said wife, her heirs & assigns, in as full & ample manner as she might or would have been Entitled to the same under my will, had such conveyances been heretofore executed to me...

It looks as though the Reverend Dunbar died in 1793 or 1794. His estate is taxed in 1795 as "John Dunbar's Estate --- 2 lots --- £ 18.10."³

In 1798 the entry has been changed to : "Eliza H. Dunbar --2 lots --- $6.67.⁴

SKIPWITH & HEIRS
OWNERS

In 1800 the land Tax entry gives: "Henry Skipwith --- 2 lots [page torn from here]"¹

Colonel Henry Skipwith, son of Sir William Skipwith, lived in Cumberland County until his marriage to Mrs. Dunbar, when he came to Williamsburg. A notice of their marriage appeared in a Richmond paper:

[December 17, 1799]

"MARRIED
ON Saturday evening last, HENRY SKIPWITH, Esq. of Cumberland, to Mrs. ELIZABETH HILL DUNBAR, of the city of Williamsburg."

Full biographical accounts of Henry Skipwith and of Mrs. Skipwith appear in Illustration #4. Mrs. Skipwith, especially was a most colorful figure. Born a daughter of William Byrd III of "Westover" married (1) to James Farley of Antigua who had taken her to the wilds of North Carolina known as "Saura Town" to settle; then back to Williamsburg. Later she married John Dunbar, minister, and went to live in the Wythe House there. Following Dunbar's death, in a few years she married Henry Skipwith. She continued to live in the Wythe House until her death in 1819.

If there is a ghost in the Wythe House whose high heeled slipper clicks at midnight on the shallow steps of the broad stairs-, it must -45- be the ghost of Mrs. Elizabeth Hill Byrd Skipwith noted above and not Lady Jean Skipwith, wife of Sir Peyton. The story as told in The Williamsburg Scrapbook entitled "Lady Skipwith's Slipper." evidently is somewhat confused. lady Skipwith, second wife of Sir Peyton, died in 1826; Lady Ann, his first wife, died in 1779 at Hog Island. The Skipwith family had no association with the Wythe House before 1800 when Henry Skipwith acquired it through his marriage. Henry was a brother of Sir Peyton. Sir Peyton never lived in Williamsburg. During the Revolutionary War he lived at Hog Island but his plantation and seat was at "Prestwould" in Mecklenburg County, Virginia. If Lady Ann Skipwith's ghost returns, she must have visited the house when the Wythes were in ownership. (See: The story on pages 33-34 of The Williamsburg Scrapbook.)

In 1801 Colonel Skipwith insured the house with the Mutual Assurance Society. The dwelling was described as 54' x 36' of brick with a wooden kitchen 33' x 18', a laundry and a lumber house as dependencies. The buildings were valued at $6300. They were located "between the Church Yard and that of a cross street leading out from Palace street."¹

The property was insured in 1806 and in 1815 by Skipwith. In 1806 the brick dwelling has a wooden portico 26 x 12 facing upon Palace Street; in 1815 a stable has been added making four dependencies insured.²

Colonel Skipwith died prior to October 14, 1815. In a letter of this date from Robert Saunders to Joseph Prentis he says: "... our Neighbor Mrs Skipwith is again a Widow; and the persons interested in the Colonells -46- Estate are now here inquiring into his affairs-"¹

St. George Tucker, a near neighbor, evidently wrote the long obituary which was to be sent to the "Enquirer" (Richmond newspaper). It is undated. Complete copy in Illustration #4.

As both Colonel and Mrs. Skipwith had married before and had children, it was wise for them to have a marriage settlement which they did.²

St. George Tucker had drawn up this settlement. Unfortunately, no copy has come to light in Tucker's papers- so, we do not know just how it was arranged.

In 1815 Williamsburg personal property lists were filed in detail. Furnishings in Colonel Skipwith's home were listed in this way: It shows that Skipwith owned 10 slaves, 3 horses, 2 cattle, 1 carriage in addition to furnishings in the house such as chest of drawers, secretary, bookcase, side board, wardrobe, tables, settees, beds, Venetian blinds, 2 oil portraits, silver, &c.³ The land Tax for 1815 on the property was listed as "2 lots --- $120."⁴

Mrs. Skipwith continued to live in the Wythe House until her death in 1819. On August 9th of that year, Robert Saunders, neighbor and friend, wrote St. George Tucker at "Warmister," announcing the death of Mrs. Skipwith on August 6th. He stated that Dr. Henry Skipwith, her son-in-law, had been attending her professionally for several weeks; and that Champe Carter, a son-in-law, was named as one of the executors. Mr. Izard and Mr. Carter have been notified.¹

She was interred in the graveyard behind the "Peyton Randolph House," then occupied by the Peachy family. A flat tomb was erected by her three daughters.²

A thorough search into the papers of St. George Tucker and York County records have failed to produce a copy of Mrs. Skipwith's will or any settlement of her estate. Mrs. Skipwith must have had a will. When the property was changed on the Land Books in 1820 it shows: "E. Izard Philadelphia -- 1 lot $2700; $2500 added for buildings. Devised by Elizabeth H. Skipwith to E. Izard and, formerly charged to Henry Skipwith's Estate."³

"E. Izard" (Elizabeth Farley Izard) was the daughter of Mrs. Skipwith by her marriage to James Farley. Her marriage to General George Izard was her third marriage.⁴

In 1823 the property was insured by the Izards thus: "…that the -48- said buildings at present owned by Mrs. Izard and Genrl Izard of Pennsylvania residing at Philadelphia and are occupied at present by Mrs Page That they are situated on Palace and a Cross street, and adjoining the Church in Williamsburg in the county of York..." The dwelling is valued at $3750.00 with kitchen, laundry and lumber house insured also.¹

"Mrs Page" noted in the policy quoted above, was Mrs. Margaret Page, widow of Governor John Page. She with her family had occupied the house now known as the "Brush-Everard House" on the east side of Palace Street from 1812 to January 19, 1820.²

On January 19, 1820 Mrs. Page wrote her son, John Page who was living in Union Town, Monroe County, Virginia:

Williamsburg 19th January 1820

…We began to move into Mrs Skipwith's House to Day; I get it for the same rent I have paid for this [Brush-Everard House], or I should not have taken it!…
Your mother
M. Page

In the Page-Saunders Collection of Manuscripts are several letters from which Mrs. Page seems to indicate that she continued to live in the Wythe House until 1835 or 1836.⁴

RICHMOND ENQUIRER, December 16, 1824 (page 4)

[In paper five times-last date Dec. 31, 1824.]

SALE IN WILLIAMSBURG.
ON the first day of January, 1825, one of the most desirable family residence in Williamsburg will be sold at public auction, viz: The house and lots of Palace street owned by Mrs. Skipwith, and now occupied by Mrs. Page. Terms one third cash-the residue on a convenient credit. Sale to be conducted by the subscriber as agent of the present owners, who reside in Pennsylvania.
ROBERT ANDERSON
MG1958

In 1830 the Izard heirs insured the property. They stated that "at present the buildings are owned by the heirs of the said Elizabeth C. Izard viz. Dr Shippen of Philadelphia & elsewhere and are occupied by Mrs Page That they are situated on Palace street in Williamsburg on the East a cross street on the North and the Church of Bruton Parish on the South..."¹

The Williamsburg Land Tax records indicate that in 1837 "Henry Toland [received] one lot via James Izard of Philadelphia."²

In 1839 the heirs of Izard again insured the property. They stated that "the said Buildings are at present owned by Henry Toland & others and are occupied by John Milligan [sic Millington?] That they are situated on Palace street on the East, a Cross street on North and Bruton Parish Church South..."³

Professor John Millington in 1835 accepted the chair of chemistry, natural philosophy and engineering at William and Mary College. Born in England in 1779, he attended Oxford, prepared himself for the legal profession and then for engineering. He was engineer of West Middlesex water works and superintendent engineer of the royal grounds in London. Later he studied medicine. He served as vice-president of the London Mechanics' Institution, professor of natural philosophy at Guy's Hospital and of mechanics at the Royal Institution. In 1829 Millington went to Mexico to superintend some silver mines. In February, 1836 -50- Dr. Milling arrived in Williamsburg to teach chemistry, natural philosophy and engineering at William and Mary College.¹

Dr. William Barton Rogers, a professor at William and Mary while Millington was there, comments on Millington's abode in Williamsburg in this way: "…In his pleasant and roomy dwelling on the Palace Green he largely reciprocated the attentions which he received, and the hospitalities which surrounded him."² Millington was renting at this time.

In July, 1839 Professor Millington addressed his students at William and Mary on "Civil Engineering." This lecture was printed in the September issue (1839) of the Southern Literary Messenger.³

In 1839 Millington in writing to Beverly Tucker at Fauqiuer Springs, refers to a porch on the Wythe House:

Williamsburg Va Monday 12th August 1839
"…We had some friends spending the week of the 3rd with us and she [Mrs. Millington] then appeared perfectly well and in good spirits; but perhaps made too free by sitting in the Porch late, and having all doors & windows open."

JOHN MILLINGTON, OWNER

In 1841 Millington bought the Wythe House property: "1 lot $3,000. building $2,800. Via Henry Toland." ⁵

Weekly Gazette & Eastern Virginia Advertiser
E. H. Lively, ed. March 14, 1860
p. 2, c.2 "On the night of the 11th inst. (Sunday) about 7½ o'clock, the cry of fire sprung into action, from all appearances the whole body of citizens. We never witnessed so general a manifestation of sympathy. The house burned however was a mere stable on the premises of Prof. Millington, now occupied by Mrs. Wilmer Jones."

While at William and Mary College he wrote the Elements of Civil Engineering, published in 1839. It was probably, the first American textbook on the subject.

In 1848 Millington was elected the first professor of natural sciences in the newly formed University of Mississippi. This meant that he would leave Williamsburg. However, he did not sell his home there until many years later.

The Williamsburg Land Tax records indicate that Millington owned the Wythe House from 1841 until 1861. (The land records stop at this date). The property in 1861 including lot with all buildings, were valued at $2400.¹

MARY KING SHERWELL, OWNER

In 1866 Dr. Millington conveyed the property to Mary King Sherwell:

[May 15, 1866]

[John Millington and Sarah Ann his wife
to
Mary King Sherwell
Consideration: $2,500 with general warranty but without English covenants]

...a certain lot of land with the Houses thereon, in the said City of Williamsburg, bounded as follows: On the North by Prince George Street, on the East by Palace Street, on the South by Bruton Parish Church Wall and on the West by the lots now in possession Mildred Bowden. The said lot and houses having lately been occupied as a residence by the said John Millington.

Prior to Miss Sherwell's ownership and during the interval from the time of Millington's leaving Williamsburg, the house must have been rented. The writer has been able to find reference to only one family who occupied the property during this interim. Mrs. Victoria M. Lee writing in 1933 her recollections of Williamsburg as she remembered it in the Civil War period, states that "The George Wythe house, facing Palace Green, has not been changed, with the exception of the entrance. This house then had a small porch that it had before its restoration. A family named Jones lived there."¹

In the 1880's a family of Harrisons lived in the Wythe House. Mrs. Vandergrift recalling Williamsburg replied to questions about the house thus:

"The Wythe house. I don't know who that belonged to. It was lived in first by one person and then another. Mrs. Harrison lived there for one time. The Millingtons lived there also. I knew every one of them. Mrs. Kate Millington Blankenship of Richmond died not long ago. Old Dr. Millington was charming. Katy used to have parties for children, and he used to get down on his hands and knees and play bear and growl. The old bear was one of the greatest chemists in the country. Dr. Millington was offered important positions in England and never would accept them.

…
"Yes, when the Harrisons lived there, [there was a garden] because I remember Randolph Harrison working in the garden in his shirt sleeves." ²

Mrs. Vandergrift seems somewhat vague. However, according to Robert S. Bright's memory, Colonel Randolph Harrison and family lived in the Wythe House (I gather) about 1885.¹ Mrs. George Coleman says that the Randolphs^Harrisons were in residence at the Wythe House in 1890.^*

Miss Sherwell continued in ownership until 1926 when she conveyed the property to The Marshall Foundation, Incorporated:

May 14, 1926.

Mary King Sherwell, unmarried
to
The Marshall Foundation, Incorporated a Virginia Corporation.

Consideration: $15,000. with General Warranty and the usual English Covenants, caption property, which is described as follows:

"All that certain lot of land together with the brick dwelling house thereon situate at the southwest intersection of Palace Street and Prince George Street, in the City of Williamsburg, Virginia, fronting on the west side of Palace Street, or Palace Green, said property being bounded and described as follows: Bounded on the North by Prince George Street; on the East by Palace Street; and on the South by the North wall of Bruton Parish Church Yard; and on the west by the Armistead property, which was formerly the Bowden property. The property hereby conveyed is the same property conveyed to the said Mary King Sherwell by deed from John Millington and Sarah Ann Millington, his wife, dated April 2, 1866, which deed is duly recorded in the Clerk's Office of the Circuit Court of the City of Williamsburg and County of James City in Williamsburg Deed Book No. 1. at pages 28-29, and to which dead reference is here made; and said property is that generally known as the Wythe House."

On November 11, 1926 at a meeting of the Colonial Dames of America, meeting at Mrs. J. Harry Carrington's home, 2320 Wyoming Avenue, Washington, D. C., a motion to buy the Wythe House for Bruton Parish was made:

Mrs. Tuckerman made the motion that Chapter III, Colonial Dames of America, should undertake the purchase of the George Wythe House in Bruton Parish, Williamsburg, Virginia. The price being $15,000.

The motion was unanimously carried.

A motion to raise the necessary fund was proposed by Mrs. Fendall, seconded by Mrs. Carrington. Motion carried.

Eleanor D. Tucker
Secretary
Colonial Dames of America¹

It was bought for a Parish House for Bruton.

On December 7, 1927 Dr. William A. R. Goodwin, rector of Bruton Parish Church, wrote Dr. William Sumner Appleton, Boston:

"The mantelpiece in the Marshall Room is not an original. Most of the other mantelpieces are."

Dr. Goodwin wrote to Dr. Appleton again on December 27, 1927:

"The porch to which you refer was built in 1859. It did not belong on the house and besides that it had rotted down..."

Notes on the Wythe House as dictated by Dr. William A. R. Goodwin concerning its restoration and furnishings in 1926-1938 can be read in detail in Illustration #10.

From 1926 to 1938 the Wythe House was used as a Parish House for Bruton Church. In 1938 it was transferred by the Church to Colonial Williamsburg. Following the purchase the residence was completely restored, outbuildings constructed on original foundations and gardens replaced. The restored residence was opened to the public on March 29, 1940. Since that date, it has been an exhibition building of Colonial Williamsburg.

Illustration #1

Photostat Copy of the Williamsburg Plat in "Williamsburg the Old Colonial Capitol" by Lyon G. Tyler

From Frenchman's Map and Foundations

Illustration #2

Williamsburg Land Tax Records:

Williamsburg Personal Property Tax:

Illustration #3

July 22, 1801

I THE underwritten Henry Skipwith residing at Williamsburg in the county of York do hereby declare for Assurance in the Mutual Assurance Society against Fire on Buildings…, to wit:

My four buildings on Palace Street at the said place now occupied by my self situated between the Church Yard and that of a cross street leading out from Palace Street in the county of York…

June 23, 1806

Mutual Assurance Society Policy #706 revaluation of the Buildings insured per declaration #494 as per Endorsement below

I the underwritten Henry Skipwith residing at Williamsburg in the county of York do hereby declare for Assurance in the Mutual Assurance Society against Fire on Buildings… My four Buildings on the West side of Palace Street now occupied by myself an [sic] now situated between the Lott of Robert Saunders and the Church Yard in the county of York…

June 15, 1815

Mutual Assurance Society Policy # 1525 revaluation of buildings formerly declared for assurance by Henry Skipwith per declaration #706

I the underwritten Henry Skipwith residing at Williamsburg in the county of York do hereby declare for assurance in the Mutual Assurance Society against fire… my buildings on the Palace Street now occupied by myself situated between the Church on the South and a cross street on the North in the County of York…

Mutual Assurance Society Policy #5037 revaluation of Buildings declared for Assurance by Henry Skipwith as per declaration #1525

March 28, 1823

We the underwritten Robert Anderson Special Agent and Thomas Sands and Henry Guthrie Appraisers, do hereby certify, that we have viewed and revalued the buildings heretofore declared for Assurance in the Mutual Assurance Society against fire on buildings of the state of Virginia by Henry Skipwith as per his declaration for Assurance numbered 1525 That the said buildings at present owned by Mrs. Izard and Genl Izard of Pensylvania residing at Philadelphia and are occupied by Mrs. Page That they are situated on Palace and a Cross street, and adjoining the Church in Williamsburg in the county of York…

Mutual Assurance Society Policy #7592 revaluation of buildings declared for Assurance by George & Elizabeth C. Izard as per declaration #5037

May 30, 1830

We, the underwritten Robert Anderson Special Agent, and Thomas Sands and William M. Moody Appraisors, do hereby certify, that we have viewed and revalued the Buildings heretofore declared for Assurance in the Mutual Assurance Society against Fire on Buildings of the State of Virginia, by George Izard & Elizabeth C. Izard as per their Declaration for Assurance, numbered 5037 That the said Buildings are at present owned by the heirs of the Said Elizabeth C. Izard viz. Dr Shippen of Philadelphia and others residing at Philadelphia & elsewhere and are occupied by Mrs. Page That they are situated on Palace street in Williamsburg on the East a cross street on the North and the Church of Bruton parish on the South…

April 24, 1839

Mutual Assurance Society Policy #11,018 revaluation declared for assurance by the heirs of George Izard as per declaration #7592

We, the underwritten Robert Anderson Special Agent, and Lucius F. Gary and Albert G. Southall Appraisers, do hereby certify, that we have viewed and revalued the Buildings heretofore declared for Assurance, in the Mutual Assurance Society against Fire… by the heirs of Izard as per their Declaration for Assurance Numbered 7592 That the said Buildings are at present owned by Henry Toland & others and are occupied by John Milligan That they are situated on Palace Street on the East, a Cross Street on the North and Bruton Parish Church South…

Illustration #4

Illustration #5

Illustration #6

Illustration #7

Illustration #8

Genealogical notes on Taliaferro family of "Powhatan," James City County, Virginia (Compiled from data found in James City County records, folder #2, William and Mary College: Book: "Court of Appeals of Virginia, Richmond: Taliaferro's Ex'ors vs Wilkinson, and Ambler's Adm'or vs Same" (1924)

Colonel Richard Taliaferro's will was recorded December 14, 1789. Copy on p. 120 of above citation. He had a granddaughter, Elizabeth Wythe Nelson, mentioned. Richard Taliaferro Jr's will was recorded March 12, 1792. Copy on p. 242. Benjamin Taliaferro's will recorded October 5, 1801. Copy on page 58. Benjamin Taliaferro lived at "Spratley's," James City County, at the time of his death. He married Sophia, daughter of Judge henry Tazewell. Littleton Tazewell was executor of William Wilkinson's will recorded December 8, 1800.

Taliaferro Coat of Arms

Re: Taliaferro Coat of Arms

[Letter from George Wythe to Thomas Jefferson, Paris]

10. Jan. 1786. Williamsburgh

"…I wish to get the arms of Taliaferro, which from information, I believe to have been a tuscan family, engraven on a copperplate, with this motto [?? ?????? ???S??S ??? ?????] and the name Richard Taliaferro. But I would not have this done, if it can not be without giving you trouble, nor unless you will order to whom here I shall repay the cost. Perhaps the motto, taken from Aeshylus ([???a ??? T??a??] six. 598) would be sufficient without [a?????]. If you think so, leave out that word. Adieu."

[Source:] Julian Boyd's The Papers of Thomas Jefferson, IX, p. 165 (Princeton, 1954).

[Letter from Jefferson to Wythe]

Paris Aug. 13. 1786.

"… Immediately on the receipt of your letter, I wrote to a correspondent at Florance to enquire after the family of Tagliaferro as you desired. I received his answer two days ago, a copy of which I now inclose. The original shall be sent by some other occasion. I will have the copper plate immediately engraved. This may be ready within a few days, but the probability is that I shall be long getting an opportunity of sending it to you as these rarely occur. You do not mention the size of the plate but, presuming it is intended for labels for the inside of books, I shall have it made of a proper size for that. I shall omit the word according to the license you allow me, because I think the beauty of the motto is to condense much matter in a few words as possible. The word omitted will be supplied by every reader." [Source:] Ibid. X, pp. 243-244.

[enclosure: Tr. Of Giovanni Fabbroni to TJ, 20 July 1786.]

Mr. R.T.: Richard Taliaferro. I WILL HAVE THE COPPER PLATE IMMEDIATELY ENGRAVED: On 25 Oct. 1786 Short wrote to William Nelson: "This will be delivered to you by Major Martin of Williamsburg. He has been in Paris a few days and leaves it immediately to return to America by the way of London. Mr. Jefferson sends by him also the Arms of the Family of Tagliaferro as received from Italy"

[DLC: Short Papers;]

"The original copperplate of the Taliaferro arms is owned by Colonial Williamsburg, Inc., and is in the Wythe House, Williamsburg."

Illustration #9

Illustration #10
NOTES ON THE WYTHE HOUSE
As Dictated by Dr. W. A. R. Goodwin
March 16, 1938.

The Wythe House was bought May, 1926, by Bruton Parish Church from Miss Mary Sherwell who with her sister lived in the Wythe House before moving to Norfolk. The property was deeded to the Marshall Foundation, a corporation of Bruton Parish Church, created to enable the church to hold realm estate in excess of the amount of real estate which the trustees of the church were allowed to hold under the state law.

On November 11, 1926, after the purchase of the Wythe House, as above set forth, by and for Bruton Parish Church, Chapter III of the Colonial Dames of America by a resolution adopted agreed to assume the responsibility of paying to Bruton Parish Church the sum of $15,000, being the purchase price of the George Wythe House. Chapter III actually paid the sum of $9,345.78 but declined to renew the note for the unpaid balance of $5,654.22 after having learned of the proposed transfer of the Wythe House property to the Restoration. This balance of $5,654.22 was subsequently contributed to Bruton Parish Church by Mrs. John Rutherfoord of Washington, D.D., and New Rochelle, New York; it being understood that this contribution was made to Bruton Parish directly and personally and not through Chapter III of the Colonial Dames of America.

Having acquired this property, the rector of Bruton proceeded to raise the funds necessary for the restoration and furnishing of the house. Many items and articles of furniture were contributed by individuals interested:

• 1.Miss Mary Sherwell, from whom the Wythe House was purchased, for a concession of $5,000 on the purchase price, enabling the house to be bought for $15,000. And also for a gift of $200 made by Miss Sherwell for cutting away the undergrowth in the yard of the house.
• 2.Chapter III, Colonial Dames of America, Washington, D.C. for assuming entire responsibility for the purchase price of the house, amounting to $15,000 and presenting it to Bruton Parish Church.
• 3.The Colonial Dames of Virginia, for contributing $3,000 for the restoration of the dining room in memory of Elizabeth Taliaferro Wythe, wife of George Wythe, and as a memorial to Mrs. Kate Cabell Cox, for many years president of the Colonial Dames of Virginia, and also president of the national organization of this Society.
• 4.Mr. And Mrs. Charles J. Hardy of New York for the restoration of a room memorial to Chief Justice John Marshall.
• ii
• 5.Mr. John D. Letcher, to the Women's Auxiliary of the Diocese of Southern Virginia, to the Church Building Fund Commission, and to friends and associates of Miss Garrett for funds used for building the sun parlor auditorium in honor of Miss Mary Winder Garrett for many years teacher o the students' Bible Class in Bruton Parish Church, and head of the Little Helpers Branch of the Woman's Auxiliary for many years.
• 6.Many kind and generous friends for contributions made to the restoration fund of the George Wythe House. These contributions for the restoration fund have already amounted to over $30,000 leaving a balance to be raised of about $5,000.
• 7.Mr. And Mrs. Archibald M. McCrea, of New York City and Brunswick County, Virginia, for the gift of four large and three small Oriental rugs.
• 8.Mrs. H.D. Cole and Mrs. Bathurst D. Peachy for making and presenting to the house beautiful rag rugs for the upstairs hall and upstairs rooms.
• 9.Mr. Clarence Wolley, president of the American Radiator Company, for the gift of all the radiators used in the house.
• 10.The Birge Wallpaper Company of New York City, for the gift of the Colonial wallpaper used in two of the rooms of the house.
• 11.Mr. Bernhard Blitzer, president of the Lightolier Company, New York, for the gift of the crystal chandelier hung in the dining room, and for special concession granted on the price of all light fixtures used.
• 12.Mr. Charles O. Cornelius, Associate Curator of the American Wing of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and to Mr. R.T.H. Halsey, author of "The Home of Our Ancestors" and Director of the American Wing, for invaluable help given in selecting the light fixtures for the house, the Colonial wallpaper, the Oriental rugs, and for determining the entire color scheme used in the decoration of the walls and woodwork of the house and for expert advice in many minor details of the restoration.
• 13.Mr. Charles M. Robinson, architect at the College of William and Mary, for designing the front doorway and the sun parlor auditorium.
• 14.Mr. William G. Perry, of Perry, Shaw and Hepburn, Architects, Boston, for the gift of Colonial locks to the house and for many kind and helpful suggestions in connection with the restoration.
• 15.The Miller Manufacturing Company of Richmond, and to Miller and Rhoads Company, for special concession in the price given for the interior woodwork of the house and for purchases made.
• iii
• 16.The Chesapeake and Ohio Railway Company, and to the Southern Railway Company, through the courtesy of Mr. W.J. Harahan and Mr. Fairfax Harrison, for hauling flagstones from Fauquier County to Williamsburg free of cost. And also to the C. and O. Railway for consenting to contribute crushed rock to be used in making a roadway from the Duke of Gloucester Street down Palace street to the Wythe House.
• 17.Miss Catharine Carter Critcher of Washington, D.C. for painting and presenting to the George Wythe House the portrait of George Wythe, copied from the portrait showing Mr. Wythe as an old man.
• 18.Mr. And Mrs. Robert Bright of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, for the presentation of the portrait of Thomas Jefferson, given in memory of their father, Captain Bright.
• 19.Mr. William H. Crossman of New York, for special concession made for copying the portrait of George Wythe, from Trumball's picture of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, and for copying Gilbert Stuart's portrait of George Washington which is in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and also for copying the portrait of Thomas Jefferson which was presented by Mr. And Mrs. Bright.
• 20.Miss Elizabeth Hayes, for presenting the copy of the Declaration of Independence, which is one of the first copies lithographed from the original Declaration.
• 21.Mrs. Barclay, H. Farr, Mrs. George C. Buell, and Mr. T Rutherfoord Goodwin of Rochester, N.Y., for the presentation of the grandfather clock, given in memory of their mother, Evelyn Tannor Goodwin.
• 22.Miss Lottie Garrett for the gift of the Washington chair.
• 23.Miss Mary Winder Garrett, for the gift of a sofa originally belonging to Dr. Madison, president of the College of William and Mary, and first Bishop of Virginia.
• 24.Mrs. Van F. Garrett, for the gift of an antique blue cup, saucer, plate and dish.
• 25.Mr. Ewell Dunigan, for the gift of a chair originally in the Raleigh Tavern.
• 26.Misses Tatem, for the gift of a pre-revolutionary chair.
• 27.Mrs. Maude Pollard Hull, for the gift of a Revolutionary sword, and Mrs. Pulliam for the gift of a whale-oil lamp.
• 28.William j. Holland and Son, General Contractors, of the restoration, for the gift of a brass bound tool chest and tools for the Wythe House, and also for their constant care and interest in participating in and supervising the work of restoration, and to Dr. Brown, superintendent of the Eastern State Hospital, and Mr. Preston Cocke, for plowing and disking the Wythe House garden and grounds.
• iv
• 29.Binswanger and Company, Richmond, for the gratuitous resilvering of an old Yorktown colonial mirror, which was presented to the house by Dr. Goodwin.
• 30.H.J. Grace of Richmond, for the gift of a sign to be placed on the Palace Green, marking the Wythe House.
• 31.Mr. John B. Bentley, for retracing a map of Williamsburg drawn in 1781 by a French officer, when the French troops were quartered in Williamsburg, which map locates the George Wythe House as Washington's headquarters.
• 32.Major Frank of Langley Aviation Field, for the presentation of an aerial mosaic photograph of Williamsburg.
• 33.Miss Mary Sherwell, for an antique walnut secretary.
• 34.Mr. Drohan, jeweler, of Baltimore, for the gift of the wooden works of an old clock.
• 35.Dr. Donald W. Davis and Dr. Clyde C. Hall, for the gift of boxwood bushes for the front yard of the Wythe House, which add greatly to the beauty of this old home.
• 36.The Parish Guild, for the equipment of the kitchen of the house, and to the ladies of the Parish who have rendered invaluable service in getting the house prepared for the formal opening.
• 37.Dr. Lyon G. Tyler, former president of William and Mary College, for the gift of the "History of Williamsburg"; to Dr. Henry van Dyke, for his gift of his book "The Other Wise Man" autographed; and to Mr. R.T.H.Halsey, for presenting to the Wythe House library an autographed copy of "The Homes of Our Ancestors."
• 38.Dr. Susan Price, for the donation of old bricks from the Robert Carter Nicholas house.
• 39.Mr. James F. Butierrez, for the gift of the gold leaf lettered sign place above the contribution box which serves as the silent partner of those responsible for the restoration, care, and preservation of the George Wythe House.
• 40.Gratefull acknowledgement is made to the committee in charge of furnishing the house for the formal opening for having secured the loan of rare antique furniture which has been place in the Wythe house on exhibition in connection with the formal opening.
• 41.Appreciative acknowledgement is made of the invaluable assistance given throughout the entire work of restoration and in the artistic detail of the work which has been done to Miss Elizabeth Hayes. And special and grateful appreciation is also expressed to those who have made generous anonymous contributions to the work of restoration, which, in once instance, amount to $10,000 and in another to $5,000.
• v
• 42.In conclusion, sincere appreciation is expressed to the hon. Dr. Rosewell Page, second auditor of the State of Virginia, and distinguished scholar and writer, and a descendant of Colonel John Page who donated the land on which Bruton Parish stands, for having graciously consented to deliver the historic address on this occasion, and whom I now have the pleasure of introducing.

The restoration of the house was finished and the building formally opened on May 11, 1927.

With reference to the restoration of the house, the following points are noted:

• 1.Extensive work was done on renewing and strengthening the foundations of the house.
• 2.The basement was thoroughly drained into the city sewer system; the foundations of the house were strengthened and a solid waterproof concrete floor put in all the basement rooms.
• 3.The back steps of the house leading from the west hall door were not disturbed when the added Sunday School room was built over them. The west wall of the house was not disturbed when the Sunday School was added. The basement of the house doubtless had been paved with brick tiles. Some of these tiles were used and may now be seen in the front porch flooring and steps of the restored Wythe House.
• 4.The outside entrance to the cellar of the Wythe House was where it may now be seen. The original covering of this entrance had vanished and the new entrance now in place was built as part of the restoration of the house.
• 5.The slate roof was thoroughly repaired and the best copper gutters and waterspouts put around the building.
• 6.The old double-decker front porch which had been built in about 1860 was removed and a brick porch erected upon old foundations exactly after the model of the back steps which still remained. The new doorway was designed after the doorway at Westover.
• 7.The exterior cornice and window-sills of the house were found to be decayed and were renewed in heart cypress and heart pine, the window sills having been cut by special tools made for the purpose, and put back with wooden pegs as originally.
• 8.The floors of the house are as they were when the house was purchased and are original.
• 9.The doors and door frames are original.
• 10.The wainscoting in the parlor and the wainscoting under the stairway is original.
• vi
• 11.The window frames and wooden shutters with butterfly and H hinges are also original.
• 12.The stairway and railing are original as is also the panel work below the stair railing with the exception of some of the balustrades that had been lost and were replaced.
• 13.The upstairs mantles are original, except the shelf and marble of the rector's study; the marble around the fireplaces and hearths was put in during the restoration.
• 14.What is now the bathroom was petitioned off during the restoration.
• 15.During the restoration the walled up fireplace in this room was discovered.
• 16.During the restoration, the door leading from the front hall into the panty was discovered, the opening having been plastered up. The framework to this door and the door are consequently not original.
• 17.The paint on the walls of the room next to the rector's study was reproduced from a paint color found in scraping the wall.
• 18.The wainscoting, and the cornices of the house all had rotted out and had to be restored. The panel work was restored after the pattern of the panel work in the original doors and the panel working under the stairway railing.
• 19.The cornices had to be all renewed on the interior of the house. The cornice in the front hall and dining room has been exactly modeled after the cornice in the Robert Carter Nicholas or Saunders House, built on the Palace Green at about the same time as the Wythe House.
• 20.The parlor cornice has been modeled after the cornice in Bassett Hall. The other cornices have been restored after other colonial models.
• 21.The dining room mantle had to be renewed and is the exact reproduction of the mantelpiece in the parlor of the Peyton-Randolph residence.
• 22.Most, if not all, of the walls before being replastered were covered with wire laths, which were also used in all of the ceilings of the house.
• 23.The hinges and hardware were all original except the locks. The locks on the second floor were presented to the Wythe House by Mr. W.G. Perry. Where additional locks and hardware had to be used either old locks were secured or new locks were made after the pattern of the original locks.
• 24.The wallpaper used in the Wythe House was reproduced by Mr. Charles O. Cornelius of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
• vii
• 25.Mr. W.J. Holland was the contractor for the restoration of the house and was assisted by his son, Elton Holland.
• 26.The mill work was all done by Miller Manufacturing Company of South Richmond, Virginia.
• 27.Some of the muntins in the windows were so very decayed as to have be replaced.
• 28.There was an iron crane found when the inside kitchen fireplace which had been bricked up, was restored.
• 29.The old cellar door leading into the room under the dining room is largely original.
• 30.The brick porch and steps leading from the inside kitchen to the north yard of the house was constructed during the restoration.
• 31.The slap pantry door is also original.
• 32.The crane in the fireplace of the outside kitchen is now in the basement of the Wythe House. The chimneys of this outside kitchen show distinctly that there was an upstairs fireplace in the house. Judging from the original foundations of this kitchen the superstructure was doubtless a frame construction.
• 33.The Vestry of Bruton formally voted to give to Mr. Rockefeller all furniture in the Wythe House which had been given to the Wythe House which might be approved by the architects as suitable furniture to be desired for continual use in the Wythe House. This does not include the parlor sofa which the Garrett family desires to have placed in the new parish house in the room dedicated to Miss Mary Garrett.
• 34.A list has been made by Mr. Perry and Mrs. Nash of the furniture in the Wythe House which in their opinion is suitable for retention in the Wythe House when restored by the Restoration.
• 35.We hand to you for your reference, sketches of wallpaper and paneling color made by Mr. J.F. Gutierrez and sent to the Metropolitan Museum for approval by Mr. Cornelius. [These were returned to the Wythe House.]
• 36.All light fixtures are, of course, new. The light fixtures placed in the downstairs rooms and most of the rooms upstairs were selected by Mr. Cornelius.
• 37.The crystal chandelier in the dining room was a gift of Mr. Blitzer.
• 38.These fixtures, so far as not desired for retention by the Restoration, might be considered for use at the new parish house.
• 39.The stairway leading from the kitchen to the upstairs room viii over the kitchen is doubtless colonial. It might have been that the fireplace in this upstairs room was walled up when this staircase was built, but I am not certain about this.
• 40.The wooden shutters in the rector's study, with old hinges, are original but for purpose of modern convenience were cut so that the top sections could be opened independent of the bottom sections.
• 41.The chimneys are all original.
• 42.The entrance to the attic was originally in the upstairs front hall. We changed this entrance and placed it in the hall just outside of the bath room door.
• 43.The window sashes in all the basement windows were rotted out and were replaced.
• 44.Upon the request of Mr. Chorley, we will be glad to turn over to you the list of the Wythe House furnishings selected for retention in the Wythe House by Mrs. Nash and Mr. Perry.
• 45.Some changes were made in the doors of the window at the head of the main stairway. The architects will be able to note that parts of the door and window which are of modern construction.
• 46.The chains attached to the keys are not original. They were introduced as a protection when we found that tourists were fast stealing the keys. Since these chains were installed several instances have occurred where both chain and key have been stolen.
• 47.The architects will doubtless notice other minor architectural items which do not occur to me at present and which were not included in the clipping of May 11, 1927.

INDEX

[This is not a complete index to report; it is merely a name index of those associated with Wythe and other owners of the house, activities of Wythe, furnishings of the house, and other details about the house.]

Andrews, Mr.

Professor at William and Mary College

27

Appleton, William Sumner

54

Armistead

53

Bache, Mr.

Illus. 7:x

Blair, Mr.

34

Blair, James

1

Blair, John

1, 5, 33

Blankenship, Mrs. Kate Millington

52

Bowden

53

Bright, Robert S.

53

Broadnax, Lydia

Illus. 4:ix, x; Illus. 7:x

Brown, John

19, 24

Biography

Illus. 4:xxxiv

Brown, Michael

Illus. 4:ix, x

Byrd, Elizabeth Hill

42

Byrd, William III

42, 44

Calvert, John

Illus. 4:xi

Campbell, Mrs.

13

Carr, Peter

19, Illus. 4:xxix, xxx

Biography

Illus. 4:xviii

Carrington, Mrs. J. Harry

54

Carter, Champe

42, 47

Carter, Charles

42

Carter, Maria Farley

42

Carter, Robin

38

Charlton, Edward

16

Coalter, John

37, 38

Coleman, Mrs. George

53

Colston, Raleigh

19

Biography

Illus. 4:xxxiv, xxxv

Craig, Alexander

5

Deaney, E.

Illus. 7:x

Dewey, Stephen

3, 4

Dunbar, Mr.

Illus. 5:vii

Dunbar, Mrs.

Illus. 5:vii

Dunbar, Elizabeth Hill

43, 44, Illus. 2:i;iii

Dunbar, John

42, 43, 44, Illus. 2:i, iii

Will of

Illus. 9: iii

Duval, William

Illus. 4:ix, x; Illus. 7:x

Farley, Mrs. Elizabeth Hill Byrd

42

Farley, James

42, 44

Fauquier, Governor Francis

6, 7, 12

Fendall, Mrs.

54

Galt, William T.

Illus. 5:vii

Galt & Barraud

Illus. 5:vii

Gardner, James

1

Goodwin, Dr. W.A.R.

54

Greenhow, Samuel

Illus. 4:xi

Harrison, Benjamin

43

Harrison, Edmund

Illus. 4: xxv

Harrison, Randolph

52, 53

Hay, Anthony

13

Holt, John

2

Hyland, Robert

2

Innis, Colonel

26

Izard, Mr.

47

Izard, E.

47, Illus. 2:ii

Izard, Elizabeth C.

Illus. 3:v

Izard, George

47, Illus. 3:v, vi

Biography

Illus. 4:xxxiii

Izard, Ralph

35

Jammy

Illus. 4:xxxvii, Illus. 5:vi

Jefferson, Mrs.

21

Jefferson, George

Illus. 7:x

Jefferson, Thomas

6, 7, 15, 21, 22, 25, 26, 35, 40, Illus. 4:viii, ix, x, xx, xix; Illus. 7:x

Jones

52

Keith, William

4

Kidd, Joseph

2

Lee, Richard Henry

21

Lee, Victoria M.

52

Lewis, Ann

4

Lewis, Charles

33

Lewis, Zacharary

4

Lightfoot, William

⁶ [f.n.]

Lydia

Illus. 5:vi; Illus 7:x

McCraw, Samuel

Illus. 4: xi

Madison, James (Bishop)

19, 29, 35, 38, 41, Illus. 2:i

Biography

Illus. 4:xv, xvi

Madison, James

25

Marshall Foundation

53

Marshall, John

Illus. 4:xliv

Mason, George

21

Maury, Mr.

Illus. 4:xxxviii

Millington, John

49-53, Illus. 2:ii, iii, Illus.9 :iv

Biography

Illus. 4:xxvi

Epitaph

Illus. 4:xvii

Works of

Illus. 4:xvii

Millington, Sarah Ann

53

Monroe, James

19, Illus. 4: xliv

Munford, George Wythe

Illus. 4:vi, xi

Munford, William

19, 35, 37, 38

Biography

Illus. 4: xxxv

Nelson, Elizabeth Wythe

Illus. 9:i

Nelson, General (Thomas)

26, 33, 34

Nichos,

6

Nicholas, Robert Carter

21

Norton, John and Son

7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20

Norton, John Hatley

7

Page, Governor (John)

21, 48

Page, Mrs. John

48, 49, Illus. 3:iv, v

Palmer, John

4

Pendleton, Edmund

Illus. 4: vi

"Powhatan"

2, 5

Prentis, Mr.

33

Prentis, Joseph

45

Prentis, William

24

Price, William

Illus. 4:xi

Randolph, D.

Illus. 5:vii

Randolph, Edmund

31, 32, Illus. 4:xi

Randolph, John

8

Randolph, Richard

19

Biography

Illus. 4:xlii, xliii

Roane, Spencer

19

Biography

Illus. 4:xxxiv

Rogers, William Barton (Dr.)

50

Savage, Mr.

7

Saunders, Robert

45

Sherwell, Mary King

51, 53

Shields

33

Shippen, Thomas L.

19, 28, 29, 42, Illus. 4:xxxiii, xxxiv

Shippen, William, Jr. (Dr.)

28

Short, William

19

Biography

Illus. 4:xlii

Skipwith

1

Skipwith, Mrs.

45, 47, Illus. 4:xxv; Illus. 5:vii

Skipwith, Henry (Colonel)

44-46, Illus. 2:iii; Illus. 3:i-iii

Biography

Illus. 4:xvii-xix

Skipwith, Elizabeth

Byrd (Mrs. Henry)

46, Illus. 2:iii

Biography

Illus. 4:xx-xxiii

Skipwith, Jean (Lady)

45

Skipwith, Peyton (Sir)

45

Small, William (Dr.)

7

Sweeny, George Wythe

Illus. 4:ix, x

Taliaferro

1

Taliaferro, Arms of

Illus. 8:ii

Taliaferro, Geneaology of

Illus. 4:i; Illus. 8:i

Taliaferro, Charles

Illus. 5:i

Taliaferro, Elizabeth

3, 5

Taliaferro, Nancy

Illus. 5:vi

Taliaferro, Richard

2-⁶ (f.n.), 23, Illus. 5:i, iii; Illus. 4:ii

Biography of

Illus. 4:i

Will of

22

Taliaferro, Richard II

33

Taliaferro, Richard III

22, 23, 39, 40, Illus. 4:i, ii

Will of

Illus. 9:i

Taliaferro, William

Illus. 5:vi

Tatem, William

26

Tazewell, Henry (Judge)

33

Tazewell, Littleton Waller

3, 19, 29, 33, Illus. 4:vii

Biography

Illus. 4:xxxvii, xxxviii

Thomson, John

19

Biography

Illus. 4:xxxiii

Thruston, R.C. Ballard

Illus. 4:xi

Toland, Henry

49, 50, Illus. 2:ii

Tolliver, Nancy

29

Tucker, St. George

19, 43, 46, Illus. 4:xxv

Turnbull, Charles

Biography

Illus. 4:xxxii

Vandergrift, Mrs.

52, 53

Walker, Jacob

19, 20

Biography

Illus. 4:xli

Waller, Benjamin

23, Illus. 4:xxxvii, xxxiii

Waller, Benjamin Carter

23

Warrington, John

2

Washington, George

6, 13, 25, 26

Webster, Noah

27

Wickham, John

19

Biography

Illus. 4:xxxi

Wills, Mrs. Peachy

42

Wilson, George

7

Withe

6

Wythe, Mr.

5, 34, 35

Wythe, Mrs.

8, 16, 24, 31, Illus. 5:vi

Wythe, Ann Lewis (Mrs.)

4

Wythe, Elizabeth Taliaferro (Mrs.)

2, 22, 32

Wythe, George

2-8, 14, 15, 21, 22, 24, 26, 27, 31, 33, 36, Illus. 2:i, iii; Illus. 4:viii; Illus. 5:ii, iii

Arms of

frontispiece, Illus. 7:x

Biography

Illus. 4:iii

Classes and Lectures

28, 29, 35, Illus. 4:xxix, xxxviii, xxxix, xl, xli

Death

Illus. 4:xii, xiv

Epitaph

Illus. 4:xiii

House

1, 2, 13, 21, 22, 26, 34, 37, 38, 40, 55

Dwelling

Illus. 3:i-vi; Illus. 4:xxxv, xl, xli

Furnishings

8, 9, 11, 12, 14, 18, 19, 20, 40, 46, Illus. 2:iii; Illus. 6:i-iii, Illus. 7:x

Garden

15, 52

Library

36

Mantlepiece

54

Outbuildings

Illus. 3:i-vi

Owners

22, 41, 42, 43, 49, 50, 51, 54, Illus. 2:i-iii; Illus. 4:ii

Parish House (used as)

55, Illus. 10:i-viii (Dr. Goodwin's notes in 1938)

Pictures of

Illus. 7:ii-viii

Porch

50, 52, 54

"Quartier general"

26

Rented

48, 49, 52, 53

Repairs

27, Illus. 5:v

Lots

2, 22, 40

Methods of Teaching

24, 25, 30, 31, Illus. 4:xxxvii-xli

Moved to Richmond

39, 40

Opinions of others of Wythe

8, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, Illus. 4:iv-vii, xxxv-xl

Photograph of

Illus. 7:i, viii-x

Private School of

31, 37

Professor at William and Mary College

19, 22, 36-38

Purchases of

4, 5, 8-20

Slaves of

32, 39, Illus. 5:vi; Illus. 4:xxxvii

Students of

Illus. 4:xviii-xliii

Will of

Illus. 4:ix; x

Work on Virginia Seal

21