Letter to T. W Silloway

June 9 57

1. Same objection as before to decoration of tympanum

2. windows in portico (in drawing unequal in size, irregular in position, ought not to have shelf & console.

3. dome would be better if more elliptical drum too heavy --

4 Suggestion whether chimneys could not be hidden by placing in rear wall

5. termination of roof at ends of wings bad. elevation over raking cornice bad effect. suggest continuing crown [......] along eaves & either allowing this to rise above roof or making roof and pediment flatter -- General defect wings too light, dome too heavy. drawing shows too heavy shadow of portico on wing --- Complaint of dampness of rooms in rear --- suggestions how to cure it --- -- P.S. suggesting reducing height of dome by about 1/4 bringing base of cupola down between panel & window

References in this letter:

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.