Publication InformationBoston Aug. 28..1858

Page 1

My Friend Marsh. Information from Montpelier this morning discloses the following Richards has had struck out the dome, on the floor of the senate as follows. [Image] After it was struck out by the R. examined it, and pronounced it "all right" They have as you will perceived taken the liberty to flatten the whole thing. I urged a 22' radius for the 38'10" span. They use it for the 40' finished span, and although they get 20'10" much of this hight will [come?] down in behind or below their base moulding. However as the thing is I will not trouble you more in the question. I only write you this that you may be informed of their attempt and success in . They have strained the whole down just to the lowest point that their "got out" finish would let them have it. You have however been instrumental in keeping the thing comparatively near right. I thought the large drawing I sent you would keep them in the

traces. I assured you of their intentions to amend. I gave you proof of it in the fact that they had laid the work out in an form. I then gave you a drawing figured, the truth of which good & competent men here, will avouch for. They have consulted you and with what results the thing they have struck out will show. As before stated the thing is near enough to say nothing about it, and I am content to endorse it, and shall write to the master carpenter to execute it. I hope however while you are thankfull that you stepped in as you did, and averted the threatened evil you will remember the deceptions that has been practiced by them from first to last, for we they have from to attempted amendment. I shall go up on Teusday and unless I discover faults I now know not of shall aid the master carpenter in carrying the thing along.

I am yours trulyThomas W. Silloway

References in this letter:

Joseph R. Richards was the architect who replaced Thomas W. Silloway in early 1858, when Silloway resigned from the position.

Thomas W. Silloway, (1828-1910), was only thirty years old in 1857 when he was chosen architect for the new State House in Montpelier. Silloway was from Massachusetts, and had worked in the office of Ammi B. Young, the architect who designed the previous building. Silloway and Dr. Powers, the superintendent of construction for the 1857 job, had worked together to design and build a new courthouse in Woodstock, Vermont, that burned in 1854.