James Madison Papers

To James Madison from Arthur S. Brockenbrough, 12 July 1827

From Arthur S. Brockenbrough

University of Va July 12. 1827

Gentlemen,

I beg leave to call to your recollection the following subjects—viz: Shall contracts be made for the finishing of the Steps of the Portico of the Rotunda? Shall the plastering of the Western lecture room and the entrance Hall be finished during the Vacation? with or without Cornices? Shall the eastern lecture room be fitted up with similar benches & desks to those in the Western lecture room?

For a Sufficient Supply of Water in case of fire, a large reservoir is considered necessary, shall it be erected? & where the site for it?

To finish the Rotunda steps and build a reservoir for the water several thousand bricks will be required, the most economical way to procure them will be to have them made on the premises—shall arrangements be made for it? Would it not be adviseable to procure a fire engine with the necessary apparatus by the fall? Shall Venetian blinds be put to the Dormitory doors & windows this season?

The foregoing subjects are respectfully submitted for your consideration. I am Gentlemen most respectfully your Obt Sevt

A S Brockenbrough P.

RC (ViU: Special Collections). Unaddressed; internal evidence indicates that the letter was intended for the Visitors of the University of Virginia; docketed by Nicholas P. Trist.

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