Call Number:

C1209

Repository:

Princeton University Library: Manuscripts Division

Extent:

• 1 box
• 0.2 linear feet

Language:

English

Preferred Citation:

Identification of specific item; Date (if known); Robert Smith Collection, Box and Folder Number; Special Collections, Princeton University Library.

Date:

1755-1758 (bulk) and 1755-1790 (inclusive)

Creator:

Princeton University. Library. Special Collections and Smith, Robert, 1722-1777

Form:

Correspondence -- 18th century, Documents -- 18th century., Manuscripts -- 18th century, and Receipts -- 18th century.

Abstract:

Consists of correspondence and documents of carpenter-architect Robert Smith, the leading building professional in Philadelphia in the eighteenth century, chiefly concerning the building of Nassau Hall at The College of New Jersey (now Princeton University) and the house of the college president.

Robert Smith was considered by many to be the foremost master-builder, or carpenter-architect, of the Colonial period, and has been called "America's most important eighteenth-century architect.". Nassau Hall at the College of New Jersey was the third building he designed in the American colonies. Smith was also responsible for the college president's house, built concurrently with Nassau Hall (1753-1756). Other important works by Smith include St. Peter's Church, Benjamin Franklin's house, Carpenter's Hall, and the Walnut Street Prison, all in Philadelphia, and University Hall at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island. Smith was also involved in the struggle for American independence. He produced designs for military architecture to protect Philadelphia from British attack, such as the elaborate system of underwater fortifications in the Delaware River that stymied British communications off the coast, and the Continental Army barracks (1777) at Billingsport, New Jersey.

The material consists of correspondence and documents of Robert Smith which are chiefly related to the building of The College of New Jersey (now Princeton University) and of the house of the College president. Included is correspondence with the Rev. Aaron Burr, second president of the College of New Jersey, and receipts in payment for the building of Nassau Hall, dated August 19, 1757. There are accounts of monies paid to Smith on behalf of the Trustees of the College signed by Richard Stockton. In addtion, there are several receipts in payment for windows and other material related to the building of Nassau Hall and the President's house by the Rev. John Brainerd, Aaron Burr, David Ogden, Charles Read, and Jonathan Sergeant, dated between 1755 and 1758. Also, there is an autograph document signed by Smith and dated August 5, 1790, regarding the title of a 53 acre tract of land In Penns Neck, New Jersey.

Folders are arranged by accession number.