no wooden house was to be erected in Jamestown, and all such houses then standing in the Colony should not be repaired with the same material, but should be replaced by structures of brick. The levy of thirty pounds of tobacco a head was for the period of one year to be devoted to the extension of Jamestown, but after the expiration of that time, the annual levy for building was to be expended in establishing towns in Accomac, and on the York, Rappahannock, and Potomac.
This brief synopsis of the law of 1662 shows how elaborate were the provisions of that measure for the enlargement more especially of Jamestown. As far as legislation, independently of favorable local conditions, could create a town where none existed, it might be supposed that this law would have been successful in accomplishing its object, so far, at least, as the capital was concerned. It provided in detail for the erection of a number of houses at a cost which was distributed among the people of the seventeen counties.[1] The mechanics to be employed in the work were to be provided for properly, and to be fully remuner-
- ↑ “Whereas by act of last session (1662) of the Honble Grand Assembly, a towne is appointed to be builded at James Citty, and in order thereto each County is to build one house of bricks. It is ordered that a house be there built for this County (York) and as the county house, of the length, height and wideness appointed by ye said Act, and Maj. Joseph Croshaw who hath undertaken the same is by ye court nominated and impowered to have the whole management and ordering thereof, and of all things relating thereunto, viz, hyre and agree with or if occasion be, to presse workmen, labourers and others in the county, according to Act, and at ye prizes thereby set, and to take care that all timber works and other things convenient be fitted and caned in place, and the said house built and finished with what speed may be, and to doe and procure to be done all other necessary thing or things concerning ye same where agreements and disbursements to be sattisfied in ye county to ye persons employed, and said Maj. Croshaw’s pains and trouble in ye management thereof to be considered and allowed by ye County.” Records of York County, vol. 1657-1662, p. 475, Va. State Library.
