William Thornton Re-examined by Bob Arnebeck

  The Doctor Examined, or Why William Thornton Did Not Design the Octagon House or the Capitol by Bob Arnebeck Table of Contents Chapter Thirteen: On the heights of Mount Chimborazo Capitol in 1800 In late April 1800, Vice President Jefferson wrote to Thornton sharing ideas about the Senate chamber, especially the position of the seat for the presiding officer, i.e. the vice president.  In closing, he conceded all power in the matter to Thornton: "I pray you to consider these hints as written privately to yourself, and as meant to have no other weight than your own judgment may give them." One would think Thornton would jump at the opportunity to go back and forth with the man he hoped would be the next president. But with an eye to his legacy, rather than making the building more convenient for those obliged to use it, he jumped at the opportunity to confirm the supremacy of his plans: "I am much obliged by your kindness in suggesting several important cons...