Arthur S. Brockenbrough’s Answers to Questions Posed by the University of Virginia Board of Visitors
Question 1st In the report of the Visitors of ’25, it is stated that the Library room was in a state of active preparation for the reception of the books, and that to effect this, 6000 Dollars of the library fund had been appropriated. Has this appropriation covered the object?
Answer, 1 The work of the Library room is not entirely finished, the work is to be measured before we can ascertain precisely the cost of it the appropriation of $6000. for that object it is thought will be sufficient—this with the other work of the Rotunda will be measured1 as soon as practicable—
Que: 2nd In the same report, it is stated that the board were endeavoring to put into a bare state for use, the following apartments and building to wit: two apartments for a chemical Laboratory, one for a Museum of natural history, and one for examinations &c &c also a building for anatomical dissections. What were the contracts that had then been entered into for these purposes, and the amt of the same? Have any contracts been since entered into for carrying on those improvements beyond the point then contemplated; & if any what are they?
Answer, 2 A contract for the completion of the Anatomical Hall, the two apartments for a chemical Laboratory & one for a museum of natural history, the amount, to depend on the quantity & quality of the Work—No contracts have been since entered into for carrying on these improvements beyond the point contemplated, and if any what are they
Que: 3 In the same report, the sum due for the completion of the Rotunda and anatomical Hall is stated at 36.000 Dollars—From what stage of these buildings does this calculation set out? Is it from the begining or the complition of the work spoken of in question 2? What stage of these buildings does this calculation reach to: is it the full & entire completion?
Answer 3. From the begining of the work spoken of2 in question 2.—They reach to a full & entire completion—
Que: 4th When the improvements now progressing, and the contracts now existing, shall have been completed: how far will the buildings, (to wit the Rotunda and anatomical hall and others if there be) then be from full and entire completion?
Answer 4th There will be two rooms and the Hall or passage of the Rotunda to finish, the steps to the portico and the marble flaging to lay down—the pavement & coping stone of the Gymnasium the coping stone around the Basement of the Rotunda—six smoke houses for the Professors. Venetian Blinds to all the Pavilions, Hotels & Dormitories and some other little matters in all I suppose to the amt of 8 or 10.000 Dollars—
Que: 5 In the report of the committee of accounts to the last meeting of the board of Visitors, it is supposed that the amount due on contracts already entered into but not completed may be ascertained before the meeting of the Legislature. can this be done now? What are these contracts?
Answer 5th No, the principal contract with Dinsmore & Neilson depends on the Measurement of their work, by a Philadelphian & by the Philadelphia Price of Work, a measurer has been sent for in order to ascertain the amt due them before the Meeting of the legislature—the settlement of the minor contracts will be in a state of readiness in time to make a general report of the amt debts—