Letter from NORMAN WILLIAMS to GEORGE PERKINS MARSH, dated December 4, 1857.
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Dear Sir
Dr. Powers is desirous of being furnished with "a design of a suitable figure" for the dome of the state house and speaks of his intention of going to Boston about the 14" instant, when he would be glad to give the order for the graving of the image. If the committee cannot come together, I am willing to submit the matter to your direction. The figure on the lithograph is a very good one (tho' the shield should not be charge with So Georgian crop) and would appear well with the American escutcheon by her side. -- But I have given no thought to the subject, hoping that I should see you before any demand should be made for the design--and now I do not think it of any importance that it should be furnished forthwith.
Our county Court commences its session on the 8" and I shall be confined at home for the next four or five weeks; still I might spare a day or two if it should be necessary to the consideration of this grand matter. Are you not coming this way,--to Woodstock or Wh. Riv. Junction? I will agree to a meeting at either place or Montpelier if you think it best, but for myself I think the republic will be entirely safe and as sell served as it can be, if you will consent to undertake, single-handed, the work of setting up the image, and if you concur with us you can, at your convenience, give Dr. Powers the needful order.
Yours respectfullyNorman Williams.
Hon Geo P. Marsh
References in this letter:
Dr. Thomas E. Powers, (1808-1876), of Woodstock, Vermont, was appointed by Governor Fletcher to be the Superintendent of Construction of the 1858-1860 project, to build a new State House in Montpelier to rebuild the structure burned in 1857. He and the architect, Thomas W. Silloway, were soon at loggerheads over their roles in the project. Powers became State Senator in 1861.
Norman Williams, (1791-1868) was a State Senator in 1854 and 1855 before he was named by Governor Fletcher, to the committee which oversaw the construction of the new State House in Montpelier, to replace the building destroyed by fire in 1857.