Swain, David L. (David Lowry), 1801-1868
Battle, William H. (William Horn), 1802-1879
Page 1
Chapel
Hill, 6 Feb. 1849
To His Excellency,
Governor Manly
,
Sir,
We have had the pleasure to receive your communication of the first instant,
transmitting the Resolutions of the Executive Committee of the
Trustees of the University, in relation to the erection of an
edifice, on the college grounds for the use of the Trustees, the Alumni
Association &c.
We have in pursuance of the request of the Committee, had a
consultation upon the subject, examined the grounds, to satisfy ourselves with
respect to an eligible site, for the building, and have obtained all the
information, in our reach, within the three days since your letter was received.
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We ascertain the opinion, that the proper seate for the edifice will be on the
East side of the gravel walk from
Miss Hilliards
, to the
Philanthropic Hall, directly opposite to the
Old Chapel
, so that the new edifice will occupy
the same relative position to the Philanthropic that the former (the
Old Chapel
) does to the
Dialectic Hall.
As the plan is not merely to decided, but the bricks made, the lumber to be
obtained and seasoned, we are satisfied from our experience, in relation to such
operations here, that it will be impossible, have the edifice well constructed,
on economical terms in time to be used at the next Commencement.
We suppose that a building 60 X 33 exclusive of a portico 35 X 10 fronting the
street — giving a room the interior of which will be about 60 X 32,
will afford the "simple dimensions" contemplated by the
Resolutions. As to the precise style of architecture to be adopted, we do not
consider ourselves competent judges. We suppose that it ought to correspond in
some
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design to that of the other edifices, and to
the general plan, and we venture to suggest the propriety of applying to
Mr. Davis, who is
familiar with the grounds, and the edifices already in use, to prepare a plan
for this.
We beg leave furthermore to suggest an enlargement of the design submitted to us.
The old Belfry has long been an eye-sore, is injudiciously located, especially
since the erection of the new Halls, the sills have gone to decay, & we
are constantly apprehensive lest it may topple over. We have now suitable room
for a Library. We entertain the opinion that the edifices proposed to be
constructed should be about 20 feet high, the exterior may have the appearance
of a larger story with a single range of windows, which may be so planned, as to
afford ample light and ventilation, to the rooms below, while the upper sash
will afford light to the alcoves of the library. The Bell tower may we suppose,
be ornamental, rather than otherwise to the Portico, and a sky light be both
useful
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and ornamental, to the Library. Such an
edifice, we suppose would be convenient for all the purposes proposed, would add
to the appearance of the campus, and correspond with the general plan of
improvements, that has been adopted here. We suppose that
Mr. Davis, if supplied with those
outlines, will be able to submit a design combining scientific taste, with
strict economy, that may be executed for about $3,000.