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156.1
Collection: PATON, DAVID, PAPERS
Raleigh, North Carolina
1832
(1833-18ЦО)
1902
Physical Description: Letters, pamphlet, invitation, lithographs,
pictures, specifications. 1 box.
Acquisition: Lithograph of the capitol from Mrs. Raymond Pollock, New
Bern, North Carolina
19U2, May 18
Photostats purchased from Carolina Blue Printers, Raleigh, North Carolina.
19i;2, May 19
| Description: David Paton, Scotsman, was the son of a famous architect
I and builder, John Paton. He studied under his father and Sir John
о
Soane, professor of architecture at the Royal Academy, London. Ithiel
a Town recommended Paton as superintendent for the building of the state
^ capitol at Raleigh and he came in 183b, serving as builder, architect,
I’ and designer. He returned to Sootland in
18Ц0
but came back to
America in 18U9 and for thirty years served as professor at the
American Institute of Architecture at Brooklyn and of the Mechanical
Institute, New York. He died March 25, 1882.
Letters reveal negotiations for masons, bricklayers,
coppersmiths, and stone cutters. Ithiel Town wrote Paton describing
his own work in Indianapolis, impressing on him his opportunity to
establish himself, and advising him how to work with his men, to
examine bills, and to satisfy the commissioners and the public.- •
Later, writing from New York, he upbraids Paton severely for making
changes in his plans for the capitol and comments on the new commissioners
There are several letters from William Bell, East Chester, New York, -
replying to Paton' s inquiries relative to wages and working hours there
and giving news of friends in Scotland and in the North. Letters from
Paton' s father and brother in Edinburgh (18^0) relate opportunities .
there and urge him to return home. Paton, inl8U0, wrote Commissioners
Birdsall and Beckwith in regard to drawings he has made for the Supreme
Court and Library Building and adds his regret that he will not be able
to superintend this.
