Series I. Subseries A. Penitentiary Construction Papers, 1797-1799.

Containers:

Box 1 and Oversize Box 1.

Scope and content:

This subseries is housed in 11 folders and contains correspondence and records related to the construction of the Virginia Penitentiary. Benjamin Henry Latrobe was named architect and Thomas Callis as superintendent of the project. Included is a survey of 12 acres in Henrico County and Richmond City for a penitentiary site (30 March 1797) and a petition of eight Richmond inhabitants against the proposed location of the penitentiary (1797). Thomas Callis also writes to Governor James Wood accepting appointment as superintendent of the project (16 April 1797). Callis enters into a contract with Martin Mims to supply 600,000 bricks for the penitentiary (21 July 1797). Benjamin Latrobe's correspondence with Governor Wood and the Council of State include offering his services for the penitentiary (25 January 1797) and acknowledgment of receipt of payment for his services (12 May 1797, 20 July 1797). Latrobe periodically reports on topics including general progress report (6 July 1797), water supply and well shaft (13 July 1797, 19 October 1797 and 26 October 1797), brick work (15 July 1797, 19 July 1797 and 22 August 1797), state of the walls, arches, brick work and delivery of materials (17 August 1797) and an estimate for the tunnel to carry water to the penitentiary and the number of bricks needed to complete the building (29 September 1797). Latrobe also asks the Governor for permission to temporarily retain the book of drawings for the penitentiary in order to copy them (5 October 1797). Additional Latrobe and Callis correspondence highlight their dispute over John Shortis' bill for work on the penitentiary and their supervisory responsibilities. Latrobe provides his account of the Shortis' conflict in letters to the Council of State (31 August 1797) and John Courtney (9 September 1797). Latrobe also writes Callis and informs him of his plans to inform the Council of Callis' incapacity as Superintendent (26 August 1797) and Callis' reply (27 August 1797).

Access and use

Contents