House History File, George Wythe House Historical ReportOriginally entitled: "George Wythe House"

W.A.R. Goodwin

1938

Colonial Williamsburg Foundation Library Research Report Series - 1484
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation Library

Williamsburg, Virginia

1990

GEORGE WYTHE HOUSE
Architectural Notes

Department of Research and Record
Colonial Williamsburg, Incorporated

September 1, 1938

THE GEORGE WYTHE HOUSE

George Wythe
b. 1726 - d. 1806.
Attorney General - 1754.
Burgess Williamsburg - 1754-56.
Burgess William & Mary - 1758-61.
Burgess Elizabeth City - 1761-69.
Clerk House of Burgesses - 1769-1775.
Speaker of House of Delegates - 1775.
Chancery Court - 1777.
Professor Law, William & Mary - 1779.
Chancellor - 1789.
2.
William and Mary Quarterly
Vol. 18, 2nd Series
p. 289-290

…
The following extract is from Call's Sketches of the Judges of the Virginia Supreme Court in the 4th Volume of his Reports:

Mr. Keith, a quaker gentleman of good fortune, migrated from Great Britain to the town of Hampton in Virginia about the year 1690. He was well educated, and I have seen, in Mr. Wythe's Library a folio volume written by him, upon mathematical and other subjects. He had five daughters, one of whom married Mr. Walker, a wealthy gentleman on Back River, near Hampton, whose son afterwards removed to the county of Brunswick; another married Mr. Wray, of Hampton, the ancestor of the present family of that place; another married Mr. Dewey, a lawyer of distinction, who settled in the County of Prince George about four miles below Petersburg and died without issue; another married Mr. Taylor, the captain of a merchant ship, who likewise settled in the County of Prince George near Petersburg, and was possessed of a moderate but independent estate; and another married Mr. Wythe, of the town of Hampton, who had a good farm on Back River and died intestate survived by a wife, a daughter and two sons--Thomas, the eldest, who was his heir-at-law, and George the subject of this essay, a small boy.

Hemphill, William Edwin
George Wythe the Colonial Briton: A Biographical Study of the Pre-Revolutionary Era in Virginia
p. 4-9 George Wythe probably journeyed to Williamsburg to take the test of his legal knowledge at the time of the spring term of the General Court in 1746. His license was signed by Peyton Randolph, St. Lawrence Burford, Stephen Dewey, and William Nimmo.2…
3.
York County, Virginia
Book V - Deeds

May 10, 1748

Feoffees
to
Taliaferro, Richard
Consideration: 5 shillings

One certain lot of ground situate, lying and being in Williamsburg designed in the plan of the said city by the figure 43.
Hemphill, William Edwin
George Wythe the Colonial Briton; A Biographical Study of the Pre-Revolutionary Era in Virginia
p. 55 Thus Williamsburg became the center from which Wythe rode the circuit of the county courts in pursuit of his daily bread. In one of these, Elizabeth City, he had already been admitted to practise. Early in 1749 he qualified and took the oaths before the justices of York and Warwick counties; probably the same preliminaries were performed in James City, possibly also in other county courts…
From Photostat "Virginia Journals of Council, 1740-1752" reproduced from the Public Record Office of England. Colonial Office. Class 5. 1423 (1740 March 1744) (1747-1752 April) 1429. (1752- April - Dec.) p. 402.

At a Council held September the fourth 1749.

The Council having taken under their consideration the ruinous Condition of the Governor's House thought proper that it should be surveyed by some skilful Persons and an estimate made by them of the Charge of putting it in good Repair, and were pleased to appoint Mr. James Wray and Mr. Richard Taliaferro for that Purpose, and ordered the Clerk to give Notice to them thereof, and desire that they would forthwith carefully view & inspect the said House and make a Report as soon as possible they could of the Expense which they should judge the Reparation might amount to.
4.
Gooch Papers
Transcripts, Va. Hist. Soc.
Vol. 3, page 1015

Nov 7, 1749.
Letter of Thomas Lee, President of the Council (Acting Gov. of Va.) Wmsburg Nov. 7, 1749 to Lords Commissioners of Trade & Plantations, has the following:

"I have not yet reced the particulars of the damage done by the late storm to Fort George, soe as soon as I have it, I will transmit it to your Lordships. The Governor's House, gardens, etc., has been Viewed and Examined by our most Skillful Architect and he reports that the necessary repairs will cost £1259-6, Curt Money, which being matter of revenue, the expense of those repairs, I have acquainted the Lords of His Majesty's treasury with it, in which if I am wrong I beg your Lordships directions as to my future applications in such cases."

William and Mary Quarterly
Vol. 7, 1st series
p. 145

Diary Of John Blair
August 30, 1751.

Do Finished ye Contract with Taliaferro for ye Govrs. house.
…

William and Mary Quarterly
Vol. VIII, 1st series
p. 12

September 27, 1751.

…
Mr. Taliafo here; viewd Wheatley,s sash work.

5.
Hemphill, William Edwin
George Wythe the Colonial Briton: A Biographical Study of the Pre-Revolutionary Era in Virginia
p. 57 Where Wythe made his home during these early years of his long residence in Williamsburg is not revealed. Presumably, at about twenty-five years of age, the young widower was still boarding in the homes of friends...
Ibid
p 59-60 …
The Burgesses who were elected in 1752 had met for three sessions before the capitulation of Col. George Washington's forces at Fort Necessity, in one of the earlier military episodes of the French and Indian War, occasioned a fourth meeting. When the people's representatives convened in 1754 to cope with this emergency, the seat of the member from the incorporated town of Williamsburg was vacant; Armistead Burwell, its occupant during the earlier sessions, had died in the interim. In accordance with the formalities usual in such cases the House took steps immediately to secure the prompt election of a new representative by the qualified voters of the capital city. Their duty of selection was probably an easy one -- nearly all the men of prominence among them were ineligible by reason of places which they held already in some branch of the government. Of available citizens George Wythe was chosen, and in the same year he took his seat as a full-fledged burgess. Henceforth the House must look elsewhere to supply scribes for its standing committees.
6.
Hemphill, William Edwin
George Wythe the Colonial Briton: A Biographical Study of the Pre-Revolutionary Era in Virginia
p. 77-79

Wythe had become too intimately involved in the legislative and legal life of Williamsburg to consider very seriously a personal, permanent occupancy of "Chesterville". His political ties in the capital have already been enumerated; to these an advancement in the practise of his profession was added. Some time before May of 1755 he 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 of his Council sat as ex officio judges.

Another link in the chain which bound George Wythe to residence in Williamsburg was the blossoming of social interests there into a second marriage. After several years of widowerhood, probably about 1755, Wythe married Elizabeth Taliaferro, daughter of Richard and Eliza Eggleston Taliaferro. Her father owned an estate called "Powhatan" located in James City County some four or five miles south of Williamsburg; he was a wealthy man, probably a "gentleman farmer" by vocation, an architect by avocation, and had been a judge of his county's court. With his second bride it is possible, perhaps even likely, that he secured the use of the comfortable brick house which was for many years his home. Situated on the west side of the Palace Green, adjoining far-famed Bruton Parish Church, less than a block from Duke of Gloucester Street, with the palatial Governor's Palace two blocks distant on the north, this handsome residence was built about 1755 by Wythe's second father-in-law. Under the terms of Richard Taliaferro's will its legal title was vested in his daughter and her husband. But Wythe almost certainly occupied the building long before Taliaferro's death in 1779, and it is quite possible that the latter had constructed it specifically for Wythe as his daughter's dowry.

Virginia Gazette
William Rind, Ed.

Thursday, Dec. 12 1768
WILLIAMSBURG, December 1,

Yesterday GEORGE WYTHE, Esq; was elected Mayor of this city for the ensuing year.
7.
York County, Virginia
Book 22 - Wills, Inventories

[1768]

Fauquier goods sold different parties
…

Sold to George Wythe Esq
1 large turkey carpet 5/ 0/ 0
12 ½ yds. printed cotton 0/18/ 9
12 yds. dowlas 0/18/ 0
1 hair broom and bottle brush 0/ 2/ 6
…
George Wythe
An inkhorne 0/ 3/9
Fitzpatrick, John C., Editor
The Diaries of George Washington 1748-1799
Vol. 1, p. 324

May, 1769.

…
12. Dined with Mr. Wythe, …
Fitzpatrick, John C., Editor George Washington Colonial Traveller, 1732-1775 p. 255

1769, November 15.

…
November 14 Washington dined and supped at Mrs. Campbell's, November 15, he dined at Wythe's and supped at Anthony Hay's ...
8.
Letter of George Wythe to Thomas Jefferson, March 9, 1770,
Jefferson Papers, Massachusetts Historical Society Library

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 Toulis's catalogues. Mrs Wythe will send you some garden peas.

You bear your misfortune so becomingly, that, as I am convinced you will surmount the difficulties it has plunged you into, so I foresee you will hereafter reap advantages from it [in] several ways. Durate, et vosmet rebus servate secundis [Be strong and save yourselves for prosperity].

(Hemphill, William Edwin, George Wythe the Colonial Briton: A Biographical Study of the Pre-Revolutionary Era in Virginia p. 129)
Virginia Gazette
William Rind, Editor

Thursday, February 7, 1771

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
Mason, Frances Norton
John Norton & Sons, Merchants of London and Virginia
p. 169

Dear Sir
I am about building a small house, 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.

9.

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/ Recd. 12 September/ Good Entd: pa:/ Not to be sent till further order/ Ans. in pt. 31 Dec. 1771/pr. Dunsley/ Wrote again the March/ pr Robertson.

[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 door dovetail hinges 1. 4.0
3 pr. smaller do.
48 pr. HL rising joint for shutters 4. 0.0
48 pr. side hinges 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. Wythe

Endorsed:
Mr. Geo. Wythe's Invoice/ The articles to be provided as soon/as possible & sent pr/ the memms. inclosed/ J. H. Norton/ Entd. pa. 214.

10.
Carter, Robert of Nomony Hall
Mss. Letter Book Volume 1 - page 55 - 1772-1774.
Duke University

Nomony Hall Octr 4th 1772 .

...The Indisposition of several of my children, & three upper Servts I apprehend will confine me here sometime, pray present my Compliments to Ld Dunmore and all the Gentlemen Attendants, who shall attend the approaching Term, I am, Dear Wythe,

Your most obednt Servant
Robt Carter.

To Geo: Wythe, Esqr.

York County, Virginia
Book 18 - Deeds
page 186

October 25, 1772

Blair, John and James - Executors John Blair
to
Gardener, James

Consideration: 133 Pounds

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 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.

All houses, buildings.

Provision that Robert Hyland, heirs and associates shall be entitled to egress and ingress on 96 foot in length and 12 foot in breadth part of the lots hereby conveyed from the N. W. corner of the Church Wall to the lot lately purchased by the said Robert Hyland.

11.
Virginia Gazette
Purdie & Dixon, Eds.

December 3, 1772.

Last Monday being the Feast of St. Andrew, which is the Time appointed by the Charter of this City for electing a Mayor, JAMES COCKE, Esquire, was chosen into that Office for the ensuing Year. At the same Time Doctor James Blair was made an Alderman (in the Room of George Wythe, Esquire, resigned) and Mr. John Dixon one of the Common Council.
Carter, Robert of Nomony Hall
Mss. Letter Book, Volume 1. page 66 - 1772-1774.
Duke University Library

Nomony Hall Janry 23d 1773.

…
Mrs Carter & I, are very happy in finding our Accquaintances wish to See us return to Pallace Street Once Again - We think the House there, is not Sufficiently roomy for our family, and must remain, here, 'till an Addition be Built to that house -
…

Virginia Gazette
Purdie & Dixon, eds.

June 16, 1774.

Yesterday the Society for the Advancement of Useful Knowledge met at the Capitol, when the Honourable John Page of Rosewell was chosen President, George Wythe, Esq; Vice President,…
12.
York County, Virginia
Book 8 - Deeds
page 466

December 12, 1774.

Gardner, James
to
Wilson, James
Consideration: 133 Pounds

All those lots of land lying and being in the City of Williamsburg, whereof the said James Gardner is now possessed, bounded on the North by Scotland Street on the West by the lots of Robert Hyland and John Holt, on the South by the Church Wall and on the East by the lots of George Wythe, Esq.

All houses, buildings.

Virginia Gazette
John Pinkney, Editor

Thursday, August 31, 1775.

WILLIAMSBURG,
LAST Sunday morning the honourable PEYTON RANDOLPH, esquire, left this city to attend the continental congress; and on the succeeding morning GEORGE WYTHE esquire, set off for the same laudable purpose. THE LADIES of the above gentlemen accompanied them. The volunteers, as usual, paid every mark of distinction on the occasion.

Virginia Gazette
Dixon & Hunter, Eds.

April 6, 1776

WILLIAMSBURG, April 6,
On Monday last Edmund Randolph, Esq; was elected to represent this city in Convention, in the room of George Wythe, Esq; one of our Delegates at the Congress.
13.
Virginia Gazette Clarkson & Davis, Editors

July 3, 1779

Williamsburg, July 3

[DEATHS]
Major RICHARD TALIAFERRO, of James City County.
William and Mary Quarterly
Vol. 12, 1st series
p. 124-125

1779, Aug. 9

WILL OF RICHARD TALIAFEARO

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 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 of 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 14. 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 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 Probate when he shall think fit.

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

Letter from Jefferson to Madison
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, method & learning. This single school by throwing from time to time new hands well principled, & well informed into the legislature, will be of indefinite value.
… (McIlwaine, Dr. H. R., Editor, Official Letters of the Governors of the State of Virginia. Vol. 2, p. 141)
15.
William and Mary Quarterly
Vol. 16, lst series
p. 58-59

…
September 15, [1781] Colonel St. George Tucker wrote as follows:

"I wrote you yesterday that General Washington had not yet arrived. About four o'clock in the afternoon his approach was announced. He had passed our camp, which is now in the rear of the whole army, before we had time to parade the militia. The French line had just time to form. The Continentals had more leisure. He approached without any pomp or parade, attended only by a few horsemen and his own servants. The Count de Rochambeau and General Hand, with one or two more officers were with him. I met him as I was endeavoring to get to camp from town, in order to parade the brigade; but he had already passed it. To my great surprise he recognized my features and spoke to me immediately by name. General Nelson, the Marquis, etc., rode up immediately after. Never was more joy painted in any countenance than theirs. The Marquis rode up with precipitation, clasped the General in his arms, and embraced him with an ardor not easily described. The whole army and all the town were presently in motion. The General, at the request of the Marquis de St. Simon, rode through the French lines. The troops were paraded for the purpose, and cut a most splendid figure. He then 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 eagerness to see their beloved countryman." His quarters are at Mr. Wythe's [George Wythe's] house. "Aunt Betty has the honor of the Count de Rochambeau to lodge at her house. We are all alive and so sanguine in our hopes that nothing can be conceived more different than the countenances of the same men at this time and on the first of June." The troops which were to attend the General are coming down the bay--a part, if not all, being already embarked at the Head of Elk. Cornwallis may now tremble for his fate, for nothing but some extraordinary interposition of his guardian angels seems capable of saving him and the whole army from captivity."
16.
Journal of the Chesapeake Campaign
Naval Archives No. B4 184 folio 145 to 157;
filed in the National Archives Paris

[1781, Sept.]

Arrival of Generals Washington and Rochambeau at the camp in Williamsburg.

The French and American armies encamped at Williamsburg could only draw together and [make a head of the enemy], having only 8 field pieces and cannon of the Regiment, they formed in all about 8,000 men of whom nearly half were not regular troops, they were not in a state of undertaking an attack on Yorktown where one knew that Lord Cornwallis had not stopped the work of entrenching himself, after the arrival of the army in the Chesapeake Bay, with 6,000 men, good troops and the equipage of the ships of 50 cannon, of the frigates and transports and an artillery of more than 100 bouches a feu (?). Such an army well constituted, if it had been well entrenched, if its artillery were well commanded, stocked to demand with a superiority of firearms and with considerable troops, and a siege in order, they awaited then the news of the army of Generals Washington and Rochambeau, these two generals, arriving in camp at Williamsburg the 19th (?) of September, were followed by M. de Choisy and Chastellux the 14th (?), they announced the near arrival of their armies, that of the first of 2500 men of regular troops, that of the second of 4500 men and after having looked at the position of the camp and the posts, they went the 17th on board the "Ville de Paris" to concert there operations with the Admiral.
Letter from Count de Rochambeau
To George Washington

WILLIAMSBURGH
Decr 24th 1781

HIS EXCELLENCY GENERAL WASHINGTON

SIR
…
I have learnt by the common report, that your Excellency's seat has suffered by the fire. We are likewise plagued with it in this town, where we have no water nor Buckets to put it out, tho' we give all the succours we can, with the greatest promptitude. The Wing of the 17. College where we Lodged our wounded officers has begun to be burnt down, we carried away all the sick, and all the furniture, but could only think about hindering the communication of the fire with the main building. "Last night, the same accident happened to the Palace, in which was the American hospital, all the sick were saved as well as the greatest part of the effects, and we hindered the fire from communicating to the neighbouring houses, to mine especially; it is the one occupied by your Excellency, it was covered all the night long with a rain of red hot ashes." We have put all your sick in the Capitol, and today have had all which was possible for us to furnish them with. At Colonel Menzies's requisition I have ordered a guard to be set around it to prevent the same accident, and I have caused the precaution to be tripled for the police of the establishment of our hospital at the College...

I am with respect and personal attachment

Sir
Your Excellency's
Most obedient and
Most humble servant
Le Ct de Rochambeau.

(Photostat from Original -Letter In Library of Congress, Washington, D. C.)
Virginia State Library - Archives Dept.
1st Census of the U. S. Heads of Families -- 1790 States
Enumeration of Virginia from 1782 to 1785
Heads of Families in Williamsburg, Va. in 1782
1782
NAME OF HEAD OF FAMILY WHITE BLACK
…
Wythe, George Esc. 5 9
William and Mary Quarterly
Vol. 23, lot series
p. 140

1783
A LIST OF TAXABLE, ARTICLES IN THE CITY OF WILLIAMSBURG TAKEN BY ROBERT NICOLSON FOR THE YEAR 1783 UNDER THE REVENUE ACT.

18.
Owner's Names Free Males Above 21 yearsTithable SlavesSlaves Under 16 Years Old
Wythe, George 2 7 7
Horses Cattle Wheels Ordy. Licenses
2 . . .6. . .
Harwood, Humphrey (Brick-mason)
Manuscript Ledger "B", p. 66
Research Department
George Wythe Esqr Dr
1784 -June 7th To 4 ½ bushels of lime at 1/ & repairing underpining to stable, & do. steps 6/ & labour 1/3 )11/9
Letter of George Wythe
To Hon. agents for Massachusets & New York

Williamsburgh 23d Apr. 1785

Gentlemen,
When you were pleased to impart to me the nomination to be a member of the federal court, for deciding the controversy between the states, of which you are the respective agents, i wrote a letter to congress, explaining the reasons why i could not attend the duty elsewhere than at Williamsburgh, and desiring them to excuse me, if that place were not convenient to those with whom i had the honour to be associated, and to others concerned.

I should not have presumed to hint the place, if it had not been necessary towards excusing me; and a delicacy to avoid the appearance of self-importance, had not seemed less justifyable than planeness, in order to prevent delay, by substitution of another in my room.

A letter to you, gentlemen, of the same purport, was not written, because you had desired me to address my answer to congress.

19.

Nor was my letter to that august council forwarded, because their resolution had not come to my hands; and when it was delivered to me by major Story, i found that it directed the court to be holden here. whereupon i acquiesced in an appointment, from which although not desirable, i could not decently withdraw.

But, gentlemen, the objections stated in your letter, dated the 7th of the current month, received yester eve, as well as some others, against this place are so forcible, that, for the reasons alluded to before, of which to trouble with a rehearsal now would be useless and tedious, i not only authorize you, if you think proper, to consider this letter as a resignation, and procede to choose another in my stead, but entreat you to do so; for that expense should be incurred, and delay occasioned, merely to gratify me, would give me pain, besides exposing me to censure, if nothing worse, as the supposed cause of so much inconvenience, for which i am not less conscious, than those who know me are appraised, that my services in this business cannot atone.

Indeed, gentlemen, that i am obliged to reject all the four places proposed by you, on several accounts eligible before Williamsburgh, so much distresseth me, and that you should come to the last, to accomodate me, or, as you are pleased to say, rather than not to member me among your judges,' i should take so much shame to myself, that, if you could know what i feel, you would believe me very much in earnest, when i reiterate the request, that my name be left out of the list.

With extreme solicitude that you should have so much trouble about me, i have the honour to be,
Gentlemen,
Your most obedient servant,
G. WYTHE.

Hon. agents for
Massachusets & New York

(James Duane Mss. N. Y. Historical- Society, 1785-1786)
20.
Harwood, Humphrey (Brick-Mason)
Manuscript Ledger "B", p. 66
Research Department
George Wythe Esqr Dr
1786 -
Febru: 11 - To 6 bushels of lime at 1/ & 270 bricks at 3/ per Cent 13/10 ½
To l ½ days labour at 2/6 & sitting up a grate 7/610/ 3
To repairing a Grate & Well 2/6 2/ 6
Virginia Gazette & Weekly Advertiser
Thomas Nicolson, Editor

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
William & Mary Quarterly
Vol. 12, lst series
pages 125-6

[1787, Aug. 20]

GEORGE WYTHE'S GIFT*

Be it known unto all men by these presents, that I, George Wythe, of Williamsburg, have given and delivered unto Richard Taliaferro, of the County of James City, my negro woman slave Cate, with her children and grandchildren, Rachel, Lydia, Lucy, Bob and Jamey, and also my negro woman slave Fanny, with her children, Paris and Isaac, to have and possess the said slaves to the use of his the said Richard Taliaferro's children. Anne, Rebecca, Sarah, Lucy, Benjamin and Robert to be divided among them, so that Anne and Rebecca may each have such of the said slaves as are equal in value to Rose and Edward, her child this day given by me to their sister Elizabeth Call, and that the Slaves of the other four children of the said Richard Taliaferro may be 21. equal the one to the other. In witness whereof I have set my hand and affixed my seal this twentieth day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty seven.

G. WYTHE (seal)

Sealed and delivered in presence of G. K. Taylor, Wm. Taliaferro, Jesse Cole.

At a Court held for James City County, October the 8th, 1787. This Deed Poll was proved by the oaths of George K. Taylor, and Jesse Cole, witnesses thereto and ordered to be recorded.

Teste Ben. C. Waller, C. C. Com.

Virginia Gazette & Weekly Advertiser
Thomas Nicolson, editor

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...

List of Tithables belonging to York County in Williamsburg [l787]

George Wythe -7

[George Wythe
Resignation as professor of law and police at William and Mary. Sept. 15, 1789.

22.
Virginia Gazette and Weekly Advertiser
Thomas Nicolson, Ed.

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
H0USE
AND
L0T
in the City of Williamsburg, formerly occupied by the Hon. George Wythe, Esquire. -- Likewise two very likely NEGRO BOYS, a HORSE, a SILVER WATCH, and a BOX OF TOOLS, 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

WILLAMSBURG, October 12, 1791.

Williamsburg Land Tax
Virginia State Library, Archives

1792

[Transfers or other property notes for the year]
George Wythe to James Madison 2 [lots]
Madison to Dunbar 1 [lot]
Harwood, Humphrey (Brick-mason)
Manuscript Ledger "D", p. 5
Research Department
John Dunbarr Esqr Dr
1793 - Sep. 23 - To 5 days Hire of Nat at 4/ pr day1/-/-
30 - To 3 do. of Jerry at do -/12/-
To 5 do. of Nat at 4/ pr day 1/-/-
Octor 1 - To 3½ do. of Jerry at 4/ -/14/-
8 - To 1 do. of Nat at 4/ pr day -/4/-
12 - To ¼ do of do at 4/-/1/-
16 -To ½ do. of do at 4/-/2/-
23.
Williamsburg Land Tax
Virginia State Library, Archives

1800

[Transfers or other property notes for the year]

Henry Skipwith - late Dunbar

Mutual Assurance Society
Policy No. 494. Henry Skipwith residing at Williamsburg.
1801, July 22nd

... My four buildings on Palace Street at the said place now occupied by myself, situated between the churchyard & that of a cross street leading out from Palace Street…

Valuation
Dwelling houseA$4,900.
KitchenB$ 600
Laundry & StorehsC$ 550
Lumber HouseD$ 250
Lumber HouseE$6,300
Newspaper Clipping
Emet Col1., #3763.
New York Public Library

June 1806.

George Wythe
Died

At Richmond, on the 8th instant, the venerable statesman and patriot, George Wythe, Chancellor of Virginia, supposed to be poisoned by a young man, his nephew, who resided with him- The circumstances of this horrid transaction are thus related to us by a gentleman lately from Richmond:- The young man had forged his uncle's name in drawing checks on the bank - to prevent detection and at the same time to secure a considerable sum bequeathed to him in the Judge's will, he administered the fatal dose by mixing it with the coffee prepared for breakfast; no[t] only the Judge, but several of his domestics drank of the coffee, and are dead or at the point of death - Judge Wythe fortunately survived long enough to discover the fraud of his nephew 24. and disappoint him in his hopes of a legacy.

[Nephew's name Swinney according to life of "Wm Wirt"]

WILL OF GEORGE WYTHE

"Contemplating that event which one in the second year of his sixteenth lustrum may suppose to be fast approaching at this time, the twentieth day of April, in the third year of the nineteenth centurie since the Christian epoch, when such is my health of bodie that vivere amem , and yet, such my disposition of mind that, convinced of this truth, what supreme wisdom destinateth is best, obeam libens , I, George Wythe, of the city of Richmond, declare what in hereinafter written to be my testament, probably the last; appointing by friendly neighbour, William Duval, executor, and desiring him to accept fifty pounds for his trouble in performing that office over a commission upon his disbursements and receipts inclusive. I devise to him the houses and ground which I bought of William Nelson, and my stock in the funds, in trust, with the rents of one and interest of the other, to support my freed woman, Lydia Brodnax, and freed man, Benjamin, and freed boy, Michael Brown, during the lives of the two former, and after their deaths, in trust to the use of the said Michael Brown; and all the other estate to which I am, and shall at the time of my death be, entitled I devise to George Wythe Sweeny, the grandson of my sister.

L.
"GEORGE S. WYTHE."

"I, who have hereunder written my name, this nineteenth day of January, in the sixth year of the before mentioned centurie, revoke so much of the preceding devise, to George Wythe Sweeney, as is inconsistent with what followeth. The residuary estate devised to him is hereby charged with debts and demands. I give my books and small philosophical apparatus to Thomas Jefferson, President of the United States of America, - a legacie, considered abstractlie, perhaps not deserving a place in his museum but estimated by my good will to him, the most valuable to him of anything which I have power to bestow. My stock in the funds before mentioned hath been changed into stock in the bank of Virginia. I devise the latter to the same uses, except as to Ben, who is dead, as those to which the former was devoted. To the said Thomas Jefferson's patronage I recommend the freed boy, Michael Brown, in my testament named, for whose maintenance, education or other benefit, as the said Thomas Jefferson shall direct, I will the said bank stock, or the value thereof, if it be changed again, to be disponed.

And now, good Lord, most merciful, let penitence -

"Sincere, to me restore lost innocence;
In wrath my grevious sins remember not;
25.My secret faults out of thy record blot;
That after death's sleep, when I shall awake,
of pure beatitude I may partake.

"GEORGE WYTHE, (Seal)"

"I will that Michael Brown have no more than one-half my bank stock, and George Wythe Sweeney have the other immediatelie.

"I give to my friend, Thomas Jefferson, my silver cups and gold-headed cane, and to my friend, William Duval, my silver ladle and table and teaspoons.

"If Michael die before his full age, I give what is devised to him to George Wythe Sweeney. I give to Lydia Broadnax my fuel. This is to be part of my will, as if it were written of the parchment, inclosed with my name in two places.

"G. Wythe, (Seal)"

24th February, 1806.

"In the name of God, Amen.

"I, George Wythe, of the city of Richmond, having heretofore made my last will, on the twentieth of April, in the third year of the nineteenth century since the Christian epoch, and a codicil thereto on the nineteenth of January, in the sixth year of the Aforesaid century, and another codicil on the 24th February, 1806, do ordain and constitute the following to be a third codicil to my will; hereby revoking the said will and codicils in all the devises and legacies in them, or either of them contained, relating to, or in any manner concerning George Wythe Sweeney, the grandson of my sister; but I confirm the said will and codicils in all other parts, except as to the devise and bequest to Michael Brown, in the said will mentioned, who I am told died this morning, and therefore they are void. And I do hereby devise and bequeath all the estate which I have devised or bequeathed to the said George Wythe Sweeney, or for his use, in the said will and codicils, and all the interest and estate which I have therein devised or bequeathed in trust for or to the use of the said Michael Brown, to the brothers and sisters of the said George Wythe Sweeney, the grandchildren of my said sister, to be equally divided among them, share and share alike. In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my seal, this first day of June, in the year 1806.

"GEORGE WYTHE, (Seal)

"Signed, sealed, published and declared by the said George Wythe, the testator, as and for his last will and testament in our presence; and at his desire we have hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses, in his presence and in the presence of each other."

26.

(The interlineations of the words, "and another codicil on the 24th of February, 1806," and the words "will and codicile" and "grand" being first made, and the whole being distinctly read to the testator before the execution of this codicil.)

"Edm Randolph,
"Wm. Price,
"Samuel Greenhaw,
"Saml. McCraw

(From published account of Will in book "The Two Parsons", published by Col. George Wythe Munford of Richmond in 1884.)

From a compilation of data on the Declaration of Independence and its Signers made by a Joint Committee of the National Society, Sons of the American Revolution and the Descendants of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence.

This copy was made in quadruplicate, one copy going to each of the above named organizations, one copy to R. C. Ballard Thruston, Chairman of the Committee, which is now in The Filson Club, Louisville, Kentucky, and one copy to the late Mr. John Calvert, the Secretary of the Committee, which has been given by his widow to the Historical Society of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia.

Mutual Assurance Society
Policy No. 706, revaluation of No. 494.
Henry Skipwith residing at Williamsburg.
1806, June 23

…My four Buildings on the West Side of Palace Street now occupied by myself situated between the lot of Robert Saunders & the Churchyard.

Valuation.
Dwelling House A at$4900
KitchenB$ 500
Laundry & StoreC$ 450
Lumber HouseD$ 250
27.
Mutual Assurance Society
Policy No. 1525, revaluation of No. 706.
Henry Skipwith residing at Williamsburg...
1815, June 15

…My buildings on the Palace Street now occupied by myself situated between the Church on the south and a cross street on the North.

Valuation
Dwelling House A8,000
Kitchen B 300
Laundry & Store C 300
Lumber House D 159
$8,750
Williamsburg Tax Books, p. 36
Virginia State Library, Archives

List of Lots within the corporation of Williamsburg whereof James Lee is commissioner for the year 1817.

Skipwith, Henry Est No. of LotsAnnual Rent of lots
1 120
Transfer &cTotal Amt of tax on lots
---3.60
Virginia Magazine of History
Vol. 6, p. 357.

The Will of Mrs. Mary Willing Byrd, of Westover, 1813, with a List of the Westover Portraits.

Notes

…
48 Elizabeth Hill Byrd, born November 29, 1754, married first James Parke Farley; second Rev. John Dunbar; third, Colonel Henry Skipwith, and died in Williamsburg, August 6, 1819. Ownership of portrait not known.

28.
Tyler's Quarterly Magazine Vol. 2, p. 322

TOMBSTONE OF MRS. ELIZABETH HILL SKIPWITH

There was recently removed to Bruton Parish Churchyard in Williamsburg, from the lot whereon stands the house of Dr. T. G. Peachey, honored by the stay of Gen. La Fayette in 1824, a marble slab of beautiful design, bearing the following inscription: Sacred to the Memory
of Mrs. Elizabeth Hill Skipwith,
Eldest daughter of William Byrd, Esquire.
Born at Westover Nov 26, 1755,
Died at Williamsburg August 6, 1819.

This monument, as the last tribute of duty and filial affection, is erected by her surviving daughters E. C. I., M. C., and R. P. C.

The lady, whose name it was intended to perpetuate, married lst James Parke Farley, of Antigua, 2d Rev. John Dunbar, and 3rd Col. Henry Skipwith, and died at Williamsburg Aug. 6, 1819. "The three surviving daughters were probably all by the first marriage with Farley, and were Elizabeth Park Farley, whose third husband was Gen. George Izard, Maria married Champe Carter, and Rebecca Parke married Major Richard Corbin, of Laneville. Col. Henry Skipwith, the third husband of Elizabeth Hill Byrd, was a son of Sir William Skipwith, of Middlesex Co., and Elizabeth Smith, his wife. (See TYLER'S QUARTERLY, I, p. 70)

Williamsburg Tax Books, p. 49
Virginia State Library, Archives

List of the taxable town lots within the corporation of Williamsburg whereat James Lee is commissioner of the revenue for the year 1820.

Name of OwnerResidenceNo. of lotsEstateNo. of lots on the plan of the town
Izard, E.Philadelphia1life---
Value of lotsSum added to the lots on account of the buildingYearly rent of lotsAmount of taxes on lots at 3 pltRemarks
270025001203.60Devised by Elizabeth H. Skipwith to E. Izard and formerly charged to Henry Skipwith's Estate.

Policy No. 494 Henry Skipwith residing at Williamsburg
1801, July 22nd

…my four buildings on Palace Street at the said place now occupied by myself, situated between the Churchyard and that of a cross street leading out from palace street…

Valuation
Dwelling houseA$4,900
KitchenB$ 600
Laundry & StorehsC$ 550
Lumber HouseD$ 250
Lumber HouseE$6,300

Insurance Plat

Policy No. 706 revaluation of No. 494

Henry Skipwith residing at Williamsburg
1806, June 23.

…my four Buildings on the west side of Palace Street now occupied by myself situated between the lot of Robert Saunders and the Churchyard.

Henry Skipwith
Ro. Greenhow
Jesse Cole

Dwelling HouseA at$ 4900
KitchenB$ 500
Laundry & StoreC$ 450
Lumber HouseD$ 250

Insurance Plat

Policy No. 1525, reevaluation of No. 706

Henry Skipwith residing at Williamsburg…
1815, June 15.

…my dwelling on the palace street now occupied by myself & situated between the church on the south and a cross street on the north.

Valuation
Dwelling HouseA 8000
KitchenB 300
Laundry & StoreC 300
Lumber HouseD 150
$ 8750

Insurance Plat

Illustration #

Mutual Assurance Society Policy #5037 revaluation of buildings declared for assurance by Henry Skipwith as per declaration #1525
1823, March 28th

That the buildings at present owned by Mrs. Izard of Pennsylvania 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…

The Dwellingmarked A at $3750
The Kitchenmarked B at 250
The Laundrymarked C at 250
The Lumber Housemarked D at 150
$4400

Insurance plat

Page 28 (cont)

1830, May 20th.
Mutual Assurance Society Insurance Policy 7592 Revaluation of Building declared for Assurance by George & Elizabeth C. Izard as per Declaration #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 situated on Palace street in Williamsburg on the East a cross street on the North and the Church of Bruton parish on the South

The Dwelling marked A at $3500
The Kitchenmarked B at 250
The Laundrymarked C at 250
The Lumber Housemarked D at 150
$4150"

Insurance plat

29.
Williamsburg Land Tax
Virginia State Library, Archives

1837
[Transfers or other property notes for the year]

Henry Toland - 1 lot via James Izard of Philadelphia.

Williamsburg Land Tax
Virginia State Library, Archives

1844
[Transfers and other property notes for the year]

John Millington - 1 lot via Henry Toland in 1841.

John Millington (May 11, 1779-July 10, 1868)
(Sketch abstracted from Dictionary of American Biography)

[B. - Hammersmith, near London.

Education: Entered Oxford, but did not get a degree.
Studied law & had considerable practise as patent agent
after 1803. Acquired degree of M. C.

Career:
1806: Admitted a fellow of Society for the Encouragement of Arts (later the Royal Society of Arts)
Associated with McAdam in roadbuilding.
Engineer of West Middlesex water works.
1815-1829:Annual courses of lectures on natural philosophy, mechanics, & astronomy.
1817:Professor of mechanics of Royal Institution.
1820:One of original fellows of Astronomical Society of London
1823:Member of Linnean Society of London.
Appointed first professor of engineering of University of London, but resigned before University was opened.
Invented ship's propeller.
1823:Published Epitome of the Elementary Principles of Mechanical Philosophy.
Taught chemistry in Guy's Hospital.
Vice-president of London Mechanics Institution.
Became wanderer in 1830; Mexico, 1830; Philadelphia a little later]

"…In 1835 he accepted the chair of chemistry, natural philosophy, and engineering in the College of William and Mary at Williamsburg, Va. While there he wrote his Elements of Civil Engineering, published in 30. 1839, possibly the first American textbook on the subject. In 1848 he was elected the first professor of the natural sciences in the newly organized University of Mississippi at Oxford, Miss. He also served as head of the geological survey of the state, though B. L. C. Wailes did the work. In 1853 he became professor of chemistry and toxicology in the Memphis Medical College. At the age of eighty he returned to his new home at La Grante, Tenn. The Civil War reduced him to poverty. He fled to Philadelphia seeking a livelihood, and finally found a haven at the home of his daughter in Richmond, Va. He died in July, 1868 and was buried in the churchyard of Bruton Parish in Williamsburg. In youth the friend of Herschel, Faraday, and Davy, he spent his old age teaching the natural science's to the restless sons of the Old South."

Mrs. Martha Vandergrift
Williamsburg in 1844
Manuscript, Research Department
p. 89

WHAT OTHER HOUSES DO YOU REMEMBER ON PALACE STREET?

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.

WAS THERE A GARDEN AROUND THE WYTHE HOUSE?

Yes, when the Harrisons lived there, because I remember Randolph Harrison working in the garden in his shirt sleeves.

Williamsburg Tax Books, p., 130
Virginia State Library, Archives

1854
List of the Taxable Town Lots within the District of William H. Pierce Commissioner of the Revenue in the City of Williamsburg for the year 1854.

Name of OwnerResidenceEstate whether in fee simple for life, &c.Number of each lot in the town or a description of the part of lot ownedName of Town
Millington, JohnMississippiLife1Williamsburg
31.
Value of BuildingsValue of lots, including buildingsAmount of tax on lots at the legal rateAmount of tax for county purposesExplanation of alterations during the preceding year, especially from whom transferred, and when and how the owner derived the propertyAmount of levy for county purposes per centum on the state taxes
180020004006.67---18.13
8.12
Charles, John S.
Recollections of Williamsburg
Manuscript, Research Department
p. 84

1861

…
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.
…
Deed Book #1, p. 28-9
Williamsburg Hustings Court, Clerk's Office

May 15, 1866.

John Milington and Sarah Ann Millington, his wife,
To
Mary King Sherwell

Consideration: $2,500 with General Warranty but without English Covenants, the following described property:

"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 32. 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."

Deed Book #11, p. 303-4
Clerk's Office of the Circuit Court
of the City of Williamsburg and James City County

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 Churchyard; 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 28-9, and to which deed reference is here made; and said property is that generally known as the Wythe House."
Copy of Motion of Chapter III Colonial Dames to Buy Wythe House
For Bruton Church

Mrs. Tuckerman made the motion that Chapter III Colonial Dames of America, should undertake thee 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 America
Chapter IIIP November 11, 1926

Meeting at Mrs. J. Harry Carrington. 2320 Wyoming Avenue, Washington, D.C.

33.
Letter to Mr. Charles Cornelius, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Fifth Avenue at 82nd Street, New York City, From Dr. W. A. R. Goodwin

November 15, 1926

My dear Mr. Cornelius:
Enclosed I am sending you a sketch of the front door entrance of the Wythe House. This is an exact reproduction of the front door entrance at Westover.

You will recall that you approved two lanterns to be hung in the front of the house, which you said were like the old carriage lanterns.

The man who installed the wiring has cut through the brickwork so that the lanterns will be fixed in the center of these columns, about five feet or more from the base.

I am writing to ask if it would be all right for these lanterns to be affixed to the center of these columns, or should they go on the brick work off to the right and left? I hope that it is right to have them in the center of the columns as the entrance has been put up and the outlet for the fixtures marked on the column to be cut through at the proper point.

I really do not see any place where the lanterns can be placed, unless it was proper to put them in the center of each one of the columns, but do not want to do this if it would be altogether wrong.

Will you kindly let me know, and please return the blueprint?

With kindest regards, I remain
Faithfully yours,

Letter to Dr. W. A. R. Goodwin, College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, Virginia, from Mr. Charles O. Cornelius, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Department of Decorative Arts

16 November, 1926

Dear Dr. Goodwin:
I should feel very strongly that the lanterns should not be placed on the pilasters. Since seeing the doorway I should think that they might flank it, set in the brickwork.

Hastily yours,
Charles 0. Cornelius

34.
Letter to Dr. Wm. Sumner Appleton, 141 Cambridge St., Boston, Mass., From Dr. W. A. R. Goodwin,

December 7, 1927

THE GEORGE WYTHE HOUSE
Williamsburg, Virginia

…
The mantlepiece in the Marshall Room is not an original. Most of the other mantlepieces are.
…

J. P. Dashiell, Manager
Mrs. Margaret Dashiell

THE PRINT SHOP
Richmond Virginia, U. S. A.
Phone Randolph 2438

Registered
Cable Address
"Dashiell"
Richmond, Virginia

117 N. Adams Street Antiques
Prints, Rare Books
Fashion Plates
Floral Plates

IMPORTER AND DEALER

Dec. 16, 1927

My dear Dr. Goodwin:
The print of the Wythe house should reach you in a day or two. I must have the pleasure of framing it and I directed Mr. Young to ship it to you.

I bought it from Goodspeed--it is evidently contemporary with a picture of Jamestown published in Graham's Magazine during the 40's, by John Gadsby Chapman of Alexandria, Va., in his day, an artist of some note. I will bear Williamsburg in mind if more prints appear which my interest you. I hope you will visit my studio some time and see my special work--a racial study of the negroes of Virginia and Louisiana in rapid sketching. It has been exhibited by request in Cleveland, New Orleans, Charleston, S. C., Richmond and will be in Baltimore shortly-also, I think New York. Next year I hope to devote to sketching in Virginia, as I have requests for the old houses, churches etc--all of my work is historical-Cordially yours,
Margaret Dashiell

Letter to Dr. Wm. Sumner Appleton, 141 Cambridge St., Boston, Mass., From Dr. W. A. R. Goodwin,

December 21, 1927.
THE GEORGE WYTHE HOUSE
Williamsburg, Virginia

My dear Mr. Appleton:
The porch to which you refer was built in 1859. It did not belong on the house and besides that it had rotted down…

35.
Letter to Mrs. Margaret Dashiell, The Print Shop, 117 N. Adams St., Richmond, Va., From Dr. W. A. R. Goodwin, January 7, 1928.

My dear Mrs. Dashiell:
Please let me thank you for the beautiful print of the old George Wythe House, which came to me at Christmas time.

My secretary has been away and I could not in her absence find the letter containing your address, or I would have written sooner to express my thanks and appreciation.

The print, which is so artistically framed, will be a valued treasure to us here at the Wythe House.

With every good wish, I remain,
Faithfully yours,

Footnotes

^2 Entry of May 21, 1747, Order Book No. 1, 196, Augusta County Records. This county's record is the only one among those of several county courts to which he was admitted as a practising attorney, which names his examiners. How he happened to apply to Augusta's bench will appear later.
^* George Wythe Married (1) Anne Lewis, of Spotsylvania, (2) Elizabeth Taliaferro, daughter of Richard Taliaferro and Elizabeth Eggleston.
36.

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 real 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 sun 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. C., and New Rochelle, New York; it being understood that this contribution was made to Bruton Parish Church 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,OOO on the purchase price, enabling the house to be bought for $13,000. 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 Elisabeth Taliaferro 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.
  • 5.Mr. John D. Letcher, to the Woman's Auxiliary of the Diocese of Southern Virginia, to the Church Building Fund Commission, and to friends and associates 37. of Miss Garrett for funds used for building the sun parlor auditorium in honor of Miss Mary Winder Garrett for many years teacher of 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 made to 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 Woolley, 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 0. 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 Wings, 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.
  • 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 38. also to the C. and 0. Railway for consenting to contribute the crushed rock to be used in making a roadway from the Duke of Gloucester street down Palace street to the Wythe House.
  • 17.Miss Catherine 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, Penna. for the presentation of the portrait of Thomas Jefferson, given in memory of their father, Capt. Bright.
  • 19.Mr. William H. Crossman of New York, for special concession made for copying the portrait of George Wythe from Trumbull'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 a 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.The 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 Cook, for plowing and disking the Wythe House garden and grounds.
  • 29.Binswanger and Company, Richmond, for the gratuitous resilvering of an old Yorktown colonial mirror, which was presented to the house by Dr. Goodwin.
  • 39.
  • 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 placed 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.Grateful 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 placed 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 one instance, amounted to $10,000 and in another to $5,OOO.
  • 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.

40.

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 room was added. The basement of the house had doubtless 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 to 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.
  • 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.
  • 41.
  • 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 bath room was petitioned off during 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 pantry 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 work 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.
  • 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 to be replaced.
  • 42.
  • 28.There was an iron crane found when the inside kitchen fireplaces 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 this 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 panelling 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 over the kitchen is doubtless colonial. It might have been that the fireplace in this upstairs room was walled up when this stairway 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.
  • 43.
  • 41The 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 the 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 us at present and which were not included in the clipping of May 11, 1927.

Respectfully submitted
W. A. R. Goodwin

INDEX

INDEX

A
ALEXANDRIA, Virginia,
34.
AMERICAN RADIATOR COMPANY, gift of,
37.
ANTIGUA, West Indies,
28.
APPARATUS, philosophical,
24.
APPLETON, Dr. William Sumner,
34.
APRICOTS,
8.
ARMISTEAD PROPERTY, boundary,
32.
ATTIC,
43.
AUDITORIUM, sun parlor,
37.
AUGUSTA COUNTY, Virginia,
2.
B
BACK RIVER, Elizabeth City County,
2.
BALUSTRADES,
40.
BANK STOCK,
25.
BASEMENT,
40, 42.
BASSETT HALL, cornice reproduced,
41.
BATH ROOM,
41, 43.
BEER GLASSES,
9.
BENTLEY, Rev. John B., gift of,
39.
BIBLE CLASS,
37.
BINSWANGER & COMPANY, gift of,
39.
BIRGE WALLPAPER COMPANY, gift of,
37.
BLAIR,
James, alderman,
11.
lots of,
10.
John, contract for Governor's Palace,
4.
lots of,
10.
BLANKENSHIP, Mrs. Kate Millington,
30.
BLITZER, Bernhard, gift of,
37, 42.
BOOKS, legal,
8.
BOWDEN, Mrs. Mildred,
32.
BOWDEN PROPERTY, boundary,
32.
BOXWOOD BUSHES,
39.
BRICK TILES,
40.
BRICKS,
20.
Carter-Saunders house,
39.
BRICKWORK,
33.
BRIGHT,
Capt. Robert, memorial to,
38.
Mr. and Mrs. Robert, gift of,
38.
BRODNAX, Lydia, negro of Wythe's,
24, 25.
BROOMS, hair,
7.
BROWN,
Dr. George W., gift of,
38.
Michael, negro of Wythe's,
24, 25.
BRUNSWICK COUNTY, Virginia,
2, 37.
BRUSHES,
7, 9.
BRUTON PARISH,
32, 39.
2.
BRUTON PARISH CHURCH,
6.
buys Wythe House,
36.
churchyard,
28, 30.
boundary of Wythe lot,
6, 10, 12, 23, 27, 32.
vestry,
42.
BRUTON PARISH GUILD,
39.
BUELL, Mrs. George, gift of,
38.
BUILDING MATERIALS,
8, 9.
BURFORD, St. Lawrence,
2.
BURGESSES, house of,
5.
BURROW'S REPORTS (book),
8.
BURWELL, Armistead,
5.
BYRD,
Mrs. Mary Willing (Shippen), will,
27.
William,
28.
C
CALL, Mrs. Elizabeth (Taliaferro), gift to,
20.
CAMPBELL, Mrs. Christianna,
7.
CANE, goldheaded,
25.
CAPITOL,
8.
hospital in,
17
moot courts in,
14.
Society for Advancement of Useful Knowledge, meets at,
11.
CARPETS, turkey,
7.
CARRINGTON, Mrs. J. Harry,
32.
CARTER,
Champe,
28.
Mrs. Maria (Farley),
28.
Robert, letters to Wythe,
10, 11.
CARTER-SAUNDERS HOUSE,
11.
bricks from,
39.
cornice reproduced,
41.
CATTLE,
18.
CEILINGS,
41.
CELLAR,
40, 42.
CHAINS, key,
43.
CHAIR,
38.
pre-Revolutionary,
38.
Washington,
38.
CHOISY, Duc de, in Williamsburg,
16.
CHANCELLOR, Wythe serves as,
23.
CHANDELIER, crystal,
37, 42.
CHAPMAN, John Gadsly,
34.
CHARLES, John S., Recollections,
31.
CHASTELLUX, Francois Jean, Marquis de, in Williamsburg,
16.
CHESAPEAKE & OHIO RAILROAD COMPANY, gift of,
37, 38.
CHESAPEAKE BAY,
16.
"CHESTERVILLE," home of George Wythe,
6.
CHEST, tool,
38.
CHIMNEYS,
42, 43.
CHINA, tea,
9.
3.
CHINAWARE,
38.
CHORLEY, Kenneth,
43.
CHURCH BUILDING FUND COMMISSION, gift of,
36.
CIRCUIT COURT, Williamsburg,
32.
CLOCK, grandfather,
38.
CLOCK WORKS,
39.
COCKE,
James, mayor of Williamsburg,
11.
Preston, gift of,
38.
COLE,
Mrs. H. D., gift of,
37.
Jesse,
21.
COLLEGE OF WILLIAM AND MARY
see WILLIAM AND MARY, COLLEGE OF.
COLONIAL DAMES OF AMERICA,
gift of,
36.
move to buy Wythe House,
32.
COLONIAL DAMES OF VIRGINIA, gift of,
36.
COLUMNS,
33.
COMMISSIONERS OF TRADE AND PLANTATIONS,
4.
CONCRETE FLOOR,
40.
CONTRIBUTION BOX,
39.
CONTRIBUTIONS,
36-39.
CONTINENTAL ARMY,
15, 16.
CONTINENTAL CONGRESS,
12.
CORBIN,
Mrs. Rebecca Parke (Farley),
28.
Major Richard,
28.
CORNELIUS, Charles O.,
33, 37, 41, 42.
CORNICES,
40, 41.
CORNWALLIS, Charles, 2nd Earl of,
15, 16.
COTTON, printed,
7.
COUNCIL, appoints committee to inspect Governor's Palace, 1749,
3.
COUNTY COURTS,
Wythe's practise in,
3.
general,
2.
moot, Wythe holds,
14.
COURTS COUNTY, Wythe's practise in,
3.
COX, Mrs. Kate Cabell, memorial to,
36.
CRANE,
41, 42.
CRITCHER, Miss Catherine Carter, gift of,
38.
CROSSMON, William H., aid,
38.
CUPS,
blue,
38.
silver,
25.
CYPRESS,
40.
D
DASHIELL,
J. P.,
34.
Mrs. Margaret,
34, 35.
DAVIS, Dr. Donald W., gift of,
39.
DECANTERS, wine,
9.
DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE (picture),
38.
lithographed copy,
38.
DEWEY, Stephen,
2.
DINING ROOM,
37, 42.
DIOCESE OF SOUTHERN VIRGINIA, Woman's Auxiliary,
gift of,
36.
Little Helpers Branch,
37.
4.
DISHES,
38.
DIXON, John,
11.
DOOR FRAMES,
40.
DOORS,
40, 43.
cellar,
40, 42.
from hall to pantry,
41.
front,
33.
pantry,
42.
west hall,
40.
DOORWAY, front,
37, 40.
DOWLAS (fabric),
7.
DROHAN, Mr., jeweler, gift of,
39.
DRAINAGE,
40.
DUKE OF GLOUCESTER STREET,
6, 38.
DUNBAR,
Mrs. Elizabeth Hill (Byrd),
27.
Rev. John,
27, 28.
buys lot from James Madison,
22.
owns Wythe House,
23.
DUNIGAN, Ewell, gift,
38.
DUNLEVY, George, testator,
14.
DUNMORE, John Murray, Earl of,
10.
DUVAL, William,
24, 25.
E
EASTERN STATE HOSPITAL,
38.
EGGLESTON, Miss Elizabeth,
21.
ELIZABETH CITY COUNTY, Wythe's practise in,
3.
ELK RIVER,
15.
ENGLAND,
4.
ENTRANCES,
31, 33, 40, 41, 42
F
FARLEY,
Mrs. Elizabeth Hill (Byrd),
27.
James Parke,
27, 28.
FARR, Mrs. Barclay H., gift of,
38.
FAUQUIER, Francis, estate,
7.
FAUQUIER COUNTY, Virginia,
37.
FENDALL, Mrs.,
32.
FIREPLACES,
41, 42.
FLAGSTONES,
37.
FLOORS,
40.
basement,
40.
concrete,
40.
front porch,
40.
original,
40.
FLY WIRE (screens),
9.
FORT GEORGE,
4.
FORT NECESSITY,
5.
FOUNDATIONS,
40, 42.
5.
FRANK, Major, gift of,
39.
FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR,
5.
FRENCH TROOPS,
15, 16, 39.
FURNITURE,
Invoice from John Norton,
9.
loan of,
39.
Wythe's,
7.
G
GARDENER, James, lots of,
10, 12.
GARDENS,
30, 38.
GARRETT,
Miss Lottie, gift of,
38.
Mary Winder, gift of,
38.
memorial to,
37, 42.
Mrs. Van F., gift of,
38.
GENERAL COURT,
2, 6.
GIFTS,
36-39.
GLASS, crown,
9.
GLASSES,
beer,
9.
wine,
9.
GOODSPEED'S BOOK SHOP,
34.
GOODWIN,
Mrs. Evelyn Tannor, memorial to,
38.
T. Rutherfoord, gift of,
38.
Dr. W. A. R., gift of,
39.
letters of,
33, 34.
notes on Wythe house,
36-43.
GOVERNOR'S PALACE,
6.
hospital in, fire at
17.
repairs, estimated, 1749,
3, 4.
GRACE, H. J., gift of,
39.
GRAHAM'S MAGAZINE,
34.
GRAPEVINES,
8.
GRASSE, Compte de,
16.
GRATES,
20.
GREAT BRITAIN,
2.
GREENHOW, Samuel, witness,
26.
GUTIERREZ, James F.,
42.
gift of,
39.
GUTTERS, copper,
40.
H
HALL, Dr. Clyde C., gift of,
39.
HAMPTON, Virginia,
2, 9.
HAND, General Edward,
15.
HARAHAN, W. J., gift of,
37.
HARDY, Mr. and Mrs. Charles J., gift of,
36.
HARRISON,
Mrs., lived in Wythe house,
30.
Fairfax, gift of,
37.
Randolph, lived in Wythe house,
30.
6.
HARDWARE,
41.
HARWOOD, Humphrey, repairs by,
1784,
18.
1786,
20.
1793,
22.
HAY, Anthony,
7.
HAYES, Elizabeth, gift of,
38.
HEADQUARTERS,
Rochambeau's,
15, 16, 17.
Washington,
15, 17, 39.
HINGES,
9, 40, 41, 42.
HISTORY OF WILLIMSBURG (book),
39.
HOLLAND,
Elton,
41.
William J.,
41.
William J. and Son, gift of,
38.
HOLT, John, lots of, boundary,
10, 12.
THE HOMES OF OUR ANCESTORS (book),
39.
HORSES,
22.
Wythe's,
18.
HOSPITALS, Revolutionary,
17.
HOUSE OF BURGESSES
see BURGESSES, HOUSE OF.
HOUSE OF GEORGE WYTHE
see WYTHE HOUSE.
HULL, Mrs. Maude (Pollard), gift of,
38.
HYLAND, Robert, lots of, boundary,
10, 12.
I
INK HORNS,
7.
INSURANCE, records of,
1801,
23.
1806,
26.
1815,
27.
IZARD,
owns Wythe lots,
28.
Mrs. Elizabeth Parke (Farlay),
28.
Colonel George,
28.
James,
29.
J
JAMES CITY COUNTY,
6.
court of,
21.
Wythe's practise in,
3.
JAMESTOWN, picture of,
34.
JEFFERSON, Thomas,
14.
in Wythe's will,
24, 25.
Portrait,
38.
JONES FAMILY, lived in Wythe house,
31.
K
KEITH,
Ann, marriage,
2.
George, biography of,
2.
KEY CHAINS,
43.
7.
KIDD, Joseph, lots of, boundary,
16.
KITCHENS,
42.
equipment for,
39.
valuation of,
1801,
23.
1806,
26.
1815,
27.
L
LADLE, silver,
25.
LAFAYETTE, Marie Joseph Paul Rock Yves Gilbert de Motier, Marquis de,
15.
at Peachy house, 1824,
28.
LAMP, whale-oil,
38.
LANEVILLE, Virginia,
28.
LANTERNS,
33.
carriage,
33.
LAUNDRY AND STOREHOUSE, valuation, 1801,
23.
1806,
26.
1815,
27.
LEE,
James, commissioner,
27, 28.
Thomas, report on Governor's Palace by,
3.
LETCHER, John D., gift of,
36.
LEWIS, Anne,
21.
LIBRARY, Wythe's,
2, 39.
LICENSES, ordinary,
18.
LIGHT FIXTURES,
37, 42.
LIGHTOLIER COMPANY, gift of,
37.
LIME,
18, 20.
LOCKS,
9, 37, 41.
LORDS COMMISSIONERS OF TRADE AND PLANTATIONS,
4.
LOT
see WYTHE LOT.
LUMBER HOUSE, valuation,
1801,
23.
1806,
26.
1815,
27.
M
McCREA, Mr. and Mrs. Archibald M., gift of,
37.
MAGRAW, Samuel, witness,
26.
MADISON, James,
14, 38.
owns Wythe lot,
22.
MANTLEPIECES,
34.
MANTLES,
41.
MAP, Williamsburg, 1781,
39.
MARBLE,
41.
MARSHALL, John, chief Justice, memorial to,
36.
MARSHALL FOUNDATION, Incorporated,
32, 36.
MATERIALS, from England,
8.
MAUPIN, Gabriel, witness,
14.
MAYORS, of Williamsburg,
7.
8.
METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART, New York,
33, 38, 41, 42.
Aid of,
37.
MEMORIALS,
36-38.
MENZIE, Colonel,
17.
MILL WORKS,
41.
MILLER AND RHOADS COMPANY, gift of,
37.
MILLER MANUFACTURING COMPANY,
41.
gift of,
37.
MILLINGTON,
Dr. John, Biography of,
29-30.
owns Wythe lot,
29, 30, 31, 32.
Mrs. Sarah Ann,
31-32.
MIRROR, Yorktown colonial,
38.
MOOT COURTS,
14.
MUNTINS, windows,
41.
N
NAILS,
9.
NASH, Mrs. Susan,
42, 43.
NECTARINES,
8.
NELSON,
General Thomas,
15.
William, property of,
24.
NICOLSON, Robert,
17.
NIMMO, William,
2.
NORTON,
Mrs. Courtenay Walker,
9.
John, Wythe orders from,
8-9.
John Hatley,
9.
0
OIL, [linseed],
9.
OPENING, of Wythe house, May 11, 1927,
40.
THE OTHER WISE MAN (book),
39.
OUTHOUSES, valuations
1801,
23.
1805,
26.
1815,
27.
P
PAGE, John,
11, 39.
PAGE, Dr. Rosewell, address,
39.
PAINT,
9.
interior,
41.
PAINT COLORS,
9, 41, 42.
PALACE
see GOVERNOR'S PALACE.
PALACE GREEN,
39, 41.
boundary of Wythe lot,
6, 31.
9.
PALACE STREET,
11, 30, 38.
boundary of Wythe lot,
13, 23, 26, 27, 32.
PANEL WORK,
41.
PANTRY,
41.
PARISH GUILD, gift of,
39.
PARISH HOUSE,
42.
PARLOR, wainscot of,
40.
PEACHY,
Mrs. Bathurst D. gift of,
37.
Dr. Thomas Griffin,
28.
PERRY, William G.,
42, 43.
gift of,
4l.
PERRY, SHAW & HEPBURN,
37.
PETYON RANDOLPH HOUSE, mantle reproduced,
41.
PETERSBURG, Virginia,
2.
PHILOSOPHICAL APPARATUS,
24.
PHOTOGRAPH, aerial mosaic, of Williamsburg,
39.
PIERCE, William H., Commissioner of the Revenue,
30.
PILASTERS,
33.
PINE,
40.
PLATE,
38.
PORCHES,
31, 34, 42.
front, flooring of,
40.
PORTRAITS,
Washington,
38.
Wythe,
38.
"POWHATAN", home of Richard Taliaferro,
6.
PRICE,
Dr. Susan, gift of,
39.
William, witness,
26.
PRINCE GEORGE COUNTY,
2.
PRINCE GEORGE STREET, boundary,
32.
PRINT, of Wythe House, 1840,
34, 35.
THE PRINT SHOP, Richmond,
34.
PULLIAM, Mrs., gift of,
38.
PULLIES, window,
9.
Q
R
RADIATORS,
37.
RAILING, stairway,
40.
RALEIGH TAVERN, chair from,
38.
RANDOLPH,
Edmund,
12, 26.
Mrs. Elizabeth (Harrison), headquarters of Count de Rochambeau,
15.
Peyton,
12.
signs Wythe's law license,
2.
RECTOR'S STUDY,
41, 42.
REPAIRS, to Wythe House,
1784,
18.
1786,
20.
1793,
22.
RESTORATION, account of, 1928,
40.
RICHMOND,
30.
RINGS, shutter,
9.
ROBINSON, Charles M., architect,
37.
ROCHAMBEAU, Count de, headquarters of in Williamsburg,
15, 16, 17.
ROCK, crushed,
38.
10.
ROOF, slate,
40.
ROOMS, Sunday school,
40.
under dining room,
42.
see also
NAME OF INDIVIDUAL ROOMS.
"ROSEWELL", Gloucester County, Virginia,
71.
RUGS,
Oriental,
37.
rag,
37.
RUTHERFOORD, Mrs. John, gift of,
36.
S
SAINT ANDREW, feast of,
11.
ST SIMON, Marquis de,
15.
SALES,
Wythe House,
1779,
13.
1791,
22.
1792,
22.
1800,
23.
1837,
29.
1844,
29.
1866,
31-32.
1926,
32, 36.
Wythe lot,
1748,
3.
1779,
13.
1791,
22.
1792,
22.
1800,
23.
1837,
29.
1844,
29.
1866,
31-32.
1926,
32, 36.
SASHES,
9.
SAUNDERS, Robert, lot named as boundary,
26.
SCHOOLS, proposed by Wythe, 1787,
20.
SCOTLAND STREET,
12.
SCREENS (fly wire),
9.
SECRETARY, walnut,
39.
SHERWELL, Miss Mary King,
31, 32.
gift of,
36, 39.
SHUTTERS,
40, 42.
hinges for,
9.
rings for,
9.
SIGN,
for Wythe House,
39.
on contribution box,
39.
SKIPWITH,
Mrs. Elizabeth Hall (Byrd),
27.
tombstone of,
28.
Mrs. Elizabeth (Smith),
28.
Colonel Henry,
28.
insures Wythe House,
1801,
23.
1806,
26.
1815,
27.
lots of, 1817,
27.
owns Wythe House, 1800,
23.
11.
Sir William,
28.
SLAVES,
Taliaferro's,
22.
Wythe's,
17, 18.
gift to Taliaferro,
20-21.
bequest of,
13.
SOCIETY FOR ADVANCEMENT OF USEFUL KNOWLEDGE,
11.
SOFA,
38, 42.
SOUTHERN RAILWAY COMPANY, gift of,
37.
SPOTSYLVANIA COUNTY,
21.
STABLE, repairs to,
18.
STAIR-RAIL,
40
STAIRWAY,
42, 43.
wainscot of,
40.
STEPS,
back,
40.
front,
40.
kitchen,
42.
stable,
18.
STOREHOUSE AND LAUNDRY, valuation,
1801,
23.
1806,
26.
1815,
27.
STORY, Major,
19.
STUART, Gilbert,
38.
SUN PARLOR AUDITORIUM,
37.
SUNDAY SCHOOL R00M,
40.
SWEENEY,
George Wythe,
23, 24, 25.
Mrs. Margaret Wythe,
25.
SWORD, revolutionary,
38.
T
TABLES,
25.
TALIAFERRO,
Anne,
20.
Benjamin,
20.
Elizabeth, marriage,
6, 21.
Mrs. Elizabeth (Eggleston),
6, 21.
Lucy,
20.
Robert,
20.
Rebecca,
20.
Major Richard,
6, 21.
bequest of,
13-14.
estate to be sold,
22.
inspects Governor's Palace, 1749,
3, 4.
receives lot in Williamsburg, 1748,
3.
will of,
13-14.
Wythe asks for fruit trees,
8.
Richard (son),
executor,
13, 14.
slaves given to,
20-21.
Richard (grandson of Major R. T.),
13.
Sarah,
20.
William, witness,
21.
12.
TATEM, Misses, gift of,
38.
TAX RECORD, Wythe House,
1817,
27.
1820,
28.
1854,
30-31.
TAYLOR,
George Keith, witness,
21.
Captain Richard,
2.
TEASPOONS,
25.
TITAHBLES,
18, 21.
TOLAND, Henry, owns Wythe lot,
29.
TOOLS,
9, 38.
of Richard Taliaferro,
22.
TOULIS'S, catalogues,
8.
TRADE AND PLANTATIONS, Board of,
4.
TREES, fruit,
8.
TROOPS, Revolutionary,
15, 16.
TRUMBULL, John, artist,
38.
TUCKERMAN,
Eleanor D.,
32.
Colonel St. George, Letter of,
15.
TUCKER, Mrs.,
32.
TYLER, Dr. Lyon G., gift of,
39.
V
VALUATIONS,
1801,
23.
1806,
26.
1815,
27.
VANDERGRIFT, Mrs. Martha, Recollections,
30.
VAN DYKE, Dr. Henry, gift,
39.
"VILLE DE PARIS" (ship),
16.
VIRGINIA, GENERAL COURT OF
see GENERAL COURT.
W
WAINSCOTING,
40, 41.
WALKER,
Miss (m. Captain Richard Taylor),
2.
Elizabeth,
2.
George,
2.
Helen,
2.
Margaret,
2.
WALL, west of Wythe House,
40.
WALLER,
Benjamin, witness,
14.
Benjamin Carter,
14, 21.
WALLPAPER,
37, 41, 42.
WARRINGTON, John, lots of, boundary,
10.
WARS, French & Indian,
5.
WARWICK COUNTY, Wythe's practise in,
3.
WASHINGTON, George,
5.
headquarters at Wythe House,
15, 17, 39.
in Williamsburg,
7, 15, 16.
portrait,
38.
13.
WATCHES, silver,
22.
WATERSPOUTS,
40.
WELL, repairs to,
20.
WESTOVER,
doorway,
33, 40.
portraits,
27.
WHEATLEY, Mr.,
4.
WHEELS,
18.
WILL, George Wythe,
24-26.
WILLIAM AND MARY COLLEGE,
29, 37, 38.
hospital, fire in,
17.
Wythe law school,
14.
Wythe resigns from,
21.
WILLIAMSBURG,
2, 5, 6, 18, 19, 28, 29, 31, 32, 38, 39.
armies in,
16.
mayor of, Cocke,
11.
Wythe,
6.
WILLIAMSBURG RESTORATION,
36.
WILSON, James, lots of,
12.
WINDOW FRAMES,
40.
WINDOW SILLS,
40.
WINDOWS,
41, 43.
pullies for,
9.
WINE GLASSES,
9.
WIRING,
33.
WOODWORK, interior,
37, 40.
WOOLLEY, Clarence, gift of,
37.
WRAY,
Jacob, Wythe's furnishings sent to,
9.
Captain George,
2.
James, to inspect Governor's Palace, 1749,
3.
WYTHE,
Mrs. Ann (Lewis),
21.
Mrs. Elizabeth (Taliaferro),
12, 13, 21.
Memorial to,
36.
George, attorney,
6.
Biography of,
1, 6.
books of,
8.
burgess,
5.
buys goods of Fauquier's estate,
7.
census, 1782,
17.
Chancellor of Virginia,
23.
death of,
23-25.
delegate to Continental Congress,
12.
executor,
13-14.
gift of slaves,
20-21.
home of, "Chesterville",
6.
Williamsburg,
5, 6.
see also WYTHE HOUSE.
law career,
2, 3.
letter from Robert Carter,
10.
letter to agents from Massachusetts and New York,
18-19.
library of,
2.
marriage of,
6, 21.
mayor of Williamsburg,
6.
14.
portrait of,
38.
professor at William and Mary,
14.
resigns as alderman,
11.
resigns from William and Mary,
21.
resigns nomination for federal court,
13, 19.
school proposed by, 1787,
20.
tax list, 1783,
17-18.
tithables,
1783,
17-18.
1787,
21.
vice president of Society for Advancement of Useful Knowledge,
11.
Washington dines with,
7.
will of,
24-26.
Thomas, III,
2.
Thomas, IV,
2.
WYTHE FAMILY, genealogy of,
2.
WYTHE HOUSE,
1928,
36-43.
built ca. 1755,
6.
endangered by fire at Palace,
17.
furniture and furnishings,
43.
chair,
38.
chandelier,
37.
chinaware,
38.
clock,
38.
clock works,
39.
gift of Bruton Parish vestry,
42.
kitchen equipment,
39.
lamp,
38.
light fixtures,
37, 42.
locks,
37.
mantlepieces,
34, 41.
mirror,
38.
radiators,
37.
rugs,
37.
Secretary,
39.
sign,
39.
sofa,
38.
wall paper,
37.
garden and grounds,
30, 38.
headquarters of Rochambeau,
17.
headquarters of Washington,
15, 17, 39.
notes by Dr. Goodwin,
36-43.
print of, 1840,
34, 35.
repairs to,
1784,
18.
1786,
20.
1793,
22.
restoration, 1928,
36-43.
roadway to,
38.
sales of,
1779,
13.
1791,
22.
1792,
22.
1800,
23.
1837,
29.
1844,
29.
1866,
31-32.
1926,
32, 36.
15.
sun parlor auditorium,
37.
tax record,
1817,
27.
1820,
28.
1854,
30-31.
valuation of,
1801,
23.
1806,
26.
1815,
27.
woodwork,
37, 40.
WYTHE LOT,
1748,
3.
1772,
10.
1779,
13.
1792,
22.
1817,
27.
1820,
28.
1837,
29.
1844,
29.
1854,
30-31.
named as boundary,
1772,
10.
1774,
12.
Y
YARD,
39, 42.
YORK COUNTY, Wythe's practise in,
3.
YORKTOWN, Cornwallis at,
16.
YOUNG, Mr.,
34.
1788 August 13; recorded 1788 September 15. York County Deed Book 6 (1777-1791), pp. 390-391. Orig: York County Clerk's Office, Yorktown, Va. Microfilm available in CWF Library, M-1.17. Transcribed by Lou Powers, 11/6/85.

Know all men by these presents that I George Wythe do hereby set free my negro man slave Charles who is above the age of eighteen and under the age of Forty five years. In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal this thirteenth day August, in the Year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty eight.

G. Wythe L.S.

Sealed and Delivered
in presence of
Ro. H. Waller
Thos. B. Dawson
Jno. Wickham
Thos. Dawson

At a Court held for York County the fifteenth day of September 1788 This Deed of Emancipation was proved by the Oaths of Robert Hall Waller and Thomas Dawson two of the Witnesses thereto and ordered to be recorded.

Teste Ro. H. Waller Cl.Cour.
Examd.

1788 February 20; recorded 1788 June. 16. York County Deed Book 6 (1777-1791), p. 371. Orig: York County Clerk's Office, Yorktown, Va. Microfilm available in CWF Library, M-1.17. Transcribed by Lou Powers, 11/6/85.

Be it known unto all men by these presents that I George Wythe do manumit a negro Girl Slave named Polly when she shall attain the age of eighteen years in testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed by seal this twentieth day of February in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty eight.

G. Wythe L. S.

Sealed in Presence of
Robt. Nicolson
Jos. Prentis
Jno. Wickham

She was four years old thirteenth of September 1787

At a Court continued and held for York County the twenty second day of April. 1788 This Deed of manumission was proved by the Oath of Joseph Prentis Esquire a Witness thereto and at another Court held for the said County the sixteenth day of June 1788 This Deed was proved by the oath of John Wickham Gent. another Witness thereto and ordered to be recorded.

teste Ro. H. Waller Cl.Cur.
Examd.