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, Thornton got a pleasant surprise. Vice President Jefferson wrote sharing ideas about the Senate chamber, especially the position of the seat for the presiding officer, i.e. the vice president. He wanted the presiding officer's chair to be placed so people could walk behind it and not be forced to walk between the chair and where senators sat. He also suggested having two balustrades crossed "to form a bar at the door in a kind of pew by itself." He noted that the House of Commons has a Speaker's chamber "which is a great convenience. Even a closet will do as a substitute." Then he discussed where that could be placed to advantage. In closing, he conceded all power in the matter to Thornton: "I pray you to consider these hints as written pr