Payrolls for Capitol Bricklayers, March & May 1797

"A full-time free bricklayer had a network of other bricklayers he could tap."

 Quote from Slave Labor in the Capital, page 127

This a payroll for bricklayers.  In photocopying the payroll I cut off the top line. Pardon me for not getting this payroll reproduced properly but I am one unfunded man, not the National Archives which should be doing this. Years ago I circled the date on the photocopy I made to remind myself that this payroll was for half the month of March. The number "62" refers to the chapter in Through a Fiery Trial where I make reference to this payroll.

One historian has suggested that slaves hired by contractors did most if  not all of the bricklaying at the Capitol. This payroll suggests otherwise. I've been unable to find any evidence that any of the men on the payroll were free blacks. Patrick Farrell who signed the payroll was himself a bricklayer and in this instance acting as a contractor. One of the bricklayers he hired, Allen Wiley or Wyley, also contracted with the commissioners for bricklaying, but on a piece-work basis. Farrell paid his men wages by the day.

Another payroll from May 1797 shows that the bricklayers and masons got a raise from 10/6 a day to 11/3. However, only two of the men listed worked most of the month.

My guess is that the sporadic number of days works meant that the bricklayers at this time depended on the stone laying of the masons. Bricks were used to back up the stone work. Allen Wyley is the man missing in the May payroll. At some point he became a contractor working on a piece-work basis.

A letter Patrick Farrell wrote to the commissioners at the end of May shows that there was a power struggle over control of the bricklaying. The hired slaves are not mentioned in the letter:

26 may 1797,

Gentlemen, from my first Commencement in Business until my Conducting and Superintending the Brick and Rough stone work of the Capitol, being recommended by Capt. Hoban who had a Knowledge of my ability, always made it a Rule to act perfectly conformable to my Employer in a most Just and honest manner. But by which reasons I have incurred the displeasure and indignation of Mr. Hadfield, I solemnly declare I know not. Notwithstanding have experienced from him repeatedly the most insulting and ----- language and abuse in the presence of the tradesmen that could be given to any man of the least decency - declared in particular that he would break all the bones in my skin, without giving him the least provocation. Mr. Hadfield told me in presence of the Bricklayers and I adjusting their work that if I had less Activity I should be better liked and that my activity was well noticed he likewise said some time that I was kept on employment for mere charity. However his conduct and --- on the whole I pray may be discussed by the Honl Board and by the Principal tradesmen of the building that can inform ye of my conduct and behavior since my commencement. His insults and affronts on me hav caused the men to take liberty that is hurtful to the building. Making it my constant study to act for the publick good and pleasing to your Honrs to whom I prefer the whole to be regulated and adjusted as ye shall judge most consistent. As Mr. Hadfield has publickly declared I shall be discharged from this employment, these matters only could induce me to trouble you Hope for your candid decision as soon as you shall think convenient which will be most gratefully acknowledged by your....

Patrick Farrell

 p.s. Mr. Hadfield never detected me in on error, tho he well knows there has been a great many, but his delicacy forbids him to tell who was guilty of them - I am despised by the architects and reprobated by the two employers for doing my duty. But now expect to have a free trade