Cabildo Digest

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New Orleans Public Library

Digest of the Acts and Deliberations of the Cabildo
Cabildo--The New Building

Introduction to the Digest

Subject Book Volume Page Date Description

Cabildo--The New Building 3 I 156 2/23/1787 Governor: Miro; Royal Ensign, De Reggio, Sr. - At this time the Commissioners discussed the erection of a new building for the Cabildo, and asked for plans to be presented to His Majesty.

Cabildo--The New Building 3 II 31 7/4/1788 Governor: Miro; Royal Ensign, De Reggio, Jr. - Due to the Cabildo Buildings being destroyed by fire on March 21 of this year, the Commissioners proposed the rebuilding of same on a lot found most proper on the Public Plaza - proposing the construction of the Public Market on the first floor.

Cabildo--The New Building 3 II 155 10/21/1791 Governor: Miro; Royal Ensign: Almonaster - The Commissioners, considering that it is against the law of the Revised Code of the Indies to hold their sessions in the house of the Governor, (which by necessity has been done since the fire), agreed to rent a house for this purpose. The Commissioners contracted for a house on Royal Street (page 158) which they cancelled in favor of some rooms offered at the home of Almonaster which they found more suitable. (Pages 159 to 161).

Cabildo--The New Building 3 III 191 1/16/1795 Governor: Carondelet; Royal Ensign: Almonaster - At this meeting the Commissioners, considering the generous offer of Don Andres Almonaster y Rojas to rebuild the Cabildo, propose that he shall be paid in installments out of the city funds when it is possible to do so. They thanked him and agreed to let him proceed with the construction.

Cabildo--The New Building 4 I 58 11/6/1795 Governor: Carondelet; Royal Ensign: Almonaster - At this meeting the Governor called attention to the fact that at a previous session it was not mentioned that the Cabildo Building should extend to the Corner of the Plaza to include the 41 by 60 feet of ground belonging to the Crown assigned to the troops of His Majesty - the extreme end of the 41 feet to be used by the Officers and Soldiers of the Guards; - the upper floors for use of this Cabildo forever. The Commissioners approved of the above suggestion and proposed that two thousand Pesos be dedicated to the new building from the Royal Treasury, to which the Intendant agreed for the reason that it would have been necessary to construct a building, in any event, at the Royal expense, for His Majesty's Guards. The Commissioners agreed that the building be erected as stated, and stipulated that the lower floors of the mentioned 41 by 60 feet should always be for use of the Guards.

Cabildo--The New Building 4 I 73 12/4/1795 Governor: Carondelet; Royal Ensign: Almonaster - At this meeting it was agreed that the hangman could not continue living at his present abode because it is the place where Don Andres Almonaster has started construction of the Capitol Houses.

Cabildo--The New Building 4 I 98 3/11/1796 Governor: Carondelet; Royal Ensign: Almonaster - At this meeting the Commissioners discussed the necessity of placing a clock on the Cabildo Building, now under construction, and commissioned Don Francisco Pascalis de La Barre to find where and at what cost one might be obtained.

Cabildo--The New Building 4 II 75 10/27/1797 Governor: Gayoso; Royal Ensign: Almonaster - At this meeting the Royal Ensign takes issue with the Commissioners concerning other proposed expenditures. (See "Fish Market" under "Markets") and called their attention to the Cabildo Building "on which nothing has been paid," and also to their indebtedness to the Royal Treasury. The Commissioners, in order to show their good intentions towards the Royal Ensign agreed to deliver to him two thousand Pesos out of the three thousand in the City Treasury (page 78) on account of the building which he is constructing.

Cabildo--The New Building 4 II 80 11/3/1797 Governor: Gayoso; Royal Ensign: Almonaster - At this meeting the Royal Ensign refused the two thousand Pesos offered at the previous meeting, stating that the Cabildo owes the Royal Treasury eight thousand Pesos (See "Levees") and in his opinion this should be paid before they start to pay him for the building. He requested that the three thousand Pesos de delivered to the Royal Treasury, and offered to advance from his own funds, the shortage of the amount owed to the Royal Treasury. The Commissioners agreed to this and thanked the Royal Ensign for his unselfishness.

Cabildo--The New Building 4 II 84 11/10/1797 Governor: Gayoso; Royal Ensign: Almonaster - At this meeting Don Gilberto Guillemard, Lieutenant Colonel of the Royal Army and Commander of the post, informed the Cabildo that by order of El Baron de Carondelet he had made the plan for the construction of the Cabildo Building, and is at present directing its construction. He stated that compensation had been promised him for this work. Them Commissioners agreed to pay him two hundred Pesos at this time.

Cabildo--The New Building 4 II 103 1/19/1798 Governor: Gayoso; Royal Ensign: Almonaster - At this time Don Lorenzo Seguir produced the eight thousand Pesos (See "Levees") stating that the amount had been advanced him by Don Andres Almonaster. The Commissioners transferred the balance owed to the Royal Treasury, amounting to five thousand Pesos to Almonaster for account of the Cabildo Building.

Cabildo--The New Building 4 II 135 4/27/1798 Governor: Gayoso; Royal Ensign: Vacant - At this time the Governor states that as the work started by "the deceased Don Andres Almonaster y Rojas" is about to be completed, he believes it would be convenient to appoint some one to take charge of the work, with Colonel Gilberto Guillemard to continue the supervision. The Commissioners were requested to ask the widow to appoint this person.

Cabildo--The New Building 4 II 161 7/27/1798 Governor: Gayoso; Royal Ensign: De La Ronde - At this time a petition is presented by the widow of Don Andres Almonaster stating that she has previously asked for three thousand Pesos as a partial payment on the contract for the construction of the Cabildo, and asks that the Commissioners advance her this amount which she needs to finish the work. The Commissioners instructed the City Treasurer to deliver 2500 Pesos to her and take the proper receipt.

Cabildo--The New Building 4 II 177 11/9/1798 Governor: Gayoso; Royal Ensign: De La Ronde - Don Gilberto Guillemard informs the Cabildo that he has been appointed to direct and supervise the building, and asks that a salary be assigned to him.

Cabildo--The New Building 4 II 179 11/23/1798 Governor: Gayoso; Royal Ensign: De La Ronde - At this time the Commissioners discussed the means to be taken to finish the building at once; much work was being delayed because materials were not supplied promptly. They agreed to advance to Dona Luisa de la Ronde, widow of Almonaster, the sum of three thousand Pesos and to pay to Don Gilberto Guillemard the sum of three hundred Pesos, to be given to him for account of Dona Luisa de la Ronde.

Cabildo--The New Building 4 II 181 12/3/1798 Governor: Gayoso; Royal Ensign: De La Ronde - At this time the Cabildo is called together in extraordinary session to consider the offer made by Dona Luisa de la Ronde to deliver to the Cabildo the building in its unfinished condition; the present work to be appraised and properly credited to her, and the Commissioners to assume responsibility for the completion; with the exception of the ceiling and the staircase which are the only two portions to be built for the account of her late husband.

Cabildo--The New Building 4 III 7 1/25/1799 Governor: Gayoso; Royal Ensign: De La Ronde - A plan of a gallery which must be constructed in the center of the chambers of the Cabildo, was shown at this meeting. This was approved and ordered constructed according to plan.

Cabildo--The New Building 4 III 29 5/10/1799 Governor: Gayoso; Royal Ensign: De La Ronde - At the end of a meeting held on this date, the Secretary was ordered by the Governor, as well as the members, to record the fact that the previous session of the Cabildo was the first session held in the New Cabildo Building.

Cabildo--The New Building 4 III 37 6/7/1799 Governor: Gayoso; Royal Ensign: De La Ronde - At this time Cristobal Prevost presented a model of the Arms of this City, which must be placed in the main door of the Cabildo, also a model of the wicket doors to be placed in all of the doors of these chambers. (On page 38 the Commissioners reported that they had arranged with Cristobal Prevost for this work).

Cabildo--The New Building 4 III 111 11/29/1799 Acting Governor: Vidal; Royal Ensign: De La Ronde - A letter is received from the Military Governor requesting a copy of the acts concerning the terms under which Almonaster promised to construct the building, showing the appraised value and the amounts paid by the City Treasurer.

Cabildo--The New Building 4 III 143 2/21/1800 Acting Governor: Vidal; Royal Ensign: De La Ronde - At this time the Governor requested the Commissioners to act without further delay in making the appraisal of the building, as His Majesty had asked that a report be furnished him.

Cabildo--The New Building 4 III 172 5/9/1800 Acting Governor: Vidal; Royal Ensign: De La Ronde - At this meeting Dona Luisa de La Ronde, testamentary executrix of her late husband, Don Andres Almonaster, presented a petition in which she states that he had constructed the Cabildo Building on the condition that he be paid on account, each year, from the City Treasury out of the surplus after the yearly expenses had been deducted. The Commissioners resolved that the City Treasury has no funds, due to increased expenses of repairing the jail, building the bridges, etc., and furthermore the Cabildo Building is being completed with city funds.

Cabildo--The New Building 4 IV 65 1/30/1801 Acting Governor: Vidal; Royal Ensign: De La Ronde - Dona Luisa de La Ronde again calls attention to the contract with her late husband concerning payment of the cost of the building. (On page 66, after the election of a City Treasurer, it is found that they have a balance of 6,030 Pesos out of which it was decided to pay Dona Luisa de La Ronde five thousand Pesos, and obtain the proper receipt).

Cabildo--The New Building 4 IV 200 4/9/1802 Governor: Salcedo; Royal Ensign: De La Ronde - At this time the secretary presented the appraisal of the building made by the experts appointed for the purpose. These figures totaled 32,348 Pesos, six reales, one sueldo and 5.12ths. The Commissioners forwarded this estimate to their Attorney, Don Joseph Martinez de la Pedrera, for his attention. (On page 203 the attorney's letter states that the Governor is the only one authorized to pass on this matter).

Cabildo--The New Building 4 IV 216 5/14/1802 Governor: Salcedo; Royal Ensign: De La Ronde - At this time Don Gilberto Guillemard, Sergeant Major of the Post, requested a certificate showing that he made the plan for the Cabildo Building and supervised the work until its completion. The Commissioners agreed to this.

Cabildo--The New Building 5
3 7/19/1802 Governor: Salcedo; Royal Ensign: De La Ronde - At this time a petition is presented by Dona Luisa de la Ronde asking the Governor to order the payment of six thousand Pesos to her from the city funds. The Commissioners advised that after the valuation of the building has been completed, she shall receive the six thousand Pesos and more if there are sufficient funds.

Cabildo--The New Building 5
77 6/3/1803 Governor: Salcedo; Royal Ensign: De La Ronde - At this time Don Juan de Castanedo, City Treasurer, presented a receipt given to him by Dona Luisa de la Ronde for seven thousand Pesos, for account of the Capitol House. The Commissioners approved this payment.

Cabildo--The New Building 5
93 8/19/1803 Governor: Salcedo; Royal Ensign: De La Ronde - At this time Dona Luisa de la Ronde solicits the final payment due her on the Capitol House. Don Juan de Castanedo informed the Commissioners that 27,500 Pesos had been paid this lady besides the five hundred Pesos paid to Dan Gilberto Guillemard for directing the work, making a total of 28,000 Pesos she has received, and leaving a balance due of 4,348 Pesos. The Commissioners agreed that this amount be paid to her under the same condition as the last payment.

Subject	Book	Volume	Page	Date	Description
Cabildo--The New Building	3	I	156	2/23/1787	Governor: Miro; Royal Ensign, De Reggio, Sr. - At this time the Commissioners discussed the erection of a new building for the Cabildo, and asked for plans to be presented to His Majesty.
Cabildo--The New Building	3	II	31	7/4/1788	Governor: Miro; Royal Ensign, De Reggio, Jr. - Due to the Cabildo Buildings being destroyed by fire on March 21 of this year, the Commissioners proposed the rebuilding of same on a lot found most proper on the Public Plaza - proposing the construction of the Public Market on the first floor.
Cabildo--The New Building	3	II	155	10/21/1791	Governor: Miro; Royal Ensign: Almonaster - The Commissioners, considering that it is against the law of the Revised Code of the Indies to hold their sessions in the house of the Governor, (which by necessity has been done since the fire), agreed to rent a house for this purpose. The Commissioners contracted for a house on Royal Street (page 158) which they cancelled in favor of some rooms offered at the home of Almonaster which they found more suitable. (Pages 159 to 161).
Cabildo--The New Building	3	III	191	1/16/1795	Governor: Carondelet; Royal Ensign: Almonaster - At this meeting the Commissioners, considering the generous offer of Don Andres Almonaster y Rojas to rebuild the Cabildo, propose that he shall be paid in installments out of the city funds when it is possible to do so. They thanked him and agreed to let him proceed with the construction.
Cabildo--The New Building	4	I	58	11/6/1795	Governor: Carondelet; Royal Ensign: Almonaster - At this meeting the Governor called attention to the fact that at a previous session it was not mentioned that the Cabildo Building should extend to the Corner of the Plaza to include the 41 by 60 feet of ground belonging to the Crown assigned to the troops of His Majesty - the extreme end of the 41 feet to be used by the Officers and Soldiers of the Guards; - the upper floors for use of this Cabildo forever. The Commissioners approved of the above suggestion and proposed that two thousand Pesos be dedicated to the new building from the Royal Treasury, to which the Intendant agreed for the reason that it would have been necessary to construct a building, in any event, at the Royal expense, for His Majesty's Guards. The Commissioners agreed that the building be erected as stated, and stipulated that the lower floors of the mentioned 41 by 60 feet should always be for use of the Guards.
Cabildo--The New Building	4	I	73	12/4/1795	Governor: Carondelet; Royal Ensign: Almonaster - At this meeting it was agreed that the hangman could not continue living at his present abode because it is the place where Don Andres Almonaster has started construction of the Capitol Houses.
Cabildo--The New Building	4	I	98	3/11/1796	Governor: Carondelet; Royal Ensign: Almonaster - At this meeting the Commissioners discussed the necessity of placing a clock on the Cabildo Building, now under construction, and commissioned Don Francisco Pascalis de La Barre to find where and at what cost one might be obtained.
Cabildo--The New Building	4	II	75	10/27/1797	Governor: Gayoso; Royal Ensign: Almonaster - At this meeting the Royal Ensign takes issue with the Commissioners concerning other proposed expenditures. (See "Fish Market" under "Markets") and called their attention to the Cabildo Building "on which nothing has been paid," and also to their indebtedness to the Royal Treasury. The Commissioners, in order to show their good intentions towards the Royal Ensign agreed to deliver to him two thousand Pesos out of the three thousand in the City Treasury (page 78) on account of the building which he is constructing.
Cabildo--The New Building	4	II	80	11/3/1797	Governor: Gayoso; Royal Ensign: Almonaster - At this meeting the Royal Ensign refused the two thousand Pesos offered at the previous meeting, stating that the Cabildo owes the Royal Treasury eight thousand Pesos (See "Levees") and in his opinion this should be paid before they start to pay him for the building. He requested that the three thousand Pesos de delivered to the Royal Treasury, and offered to advance from his own funds, the shortage of the amount owed to the Royal Treasury. The Commissioners agreed to this and thanked the Royal Ensign for his unselfishness.
Cabildo--The New Building	4	II	84	11/10/1797	Governor: Gayoso; Royal Ensign: Almonaster - At this meeting Don Gilberto Guillemard, Lieutenant Colonel of the Royal Army and Commander of the post, informed the Cabildo that by order of El Baron de Carondelet he had made the plan for the construction of the Cabildo Building, and is at present directing its construction. He stated that compensation had been promised him for this work. Them Commissioners agreed to pay him two hundred Pesos at this time.
Cabildo--The New Building	4	II	103	1/19/1798	Governor: Gayoso; Royal Ensign: Almonaster - At this time Don Lorenzo Seguir produced the eight thousand Pesos (See "Levees") stating that the amount had been advanced him by Don Andres Almonaster. The Commissioners transferred the balance owed to the Royal Treasury, amounting to five thousand Pesos to Almonaster for account of the Cabildo Building.
Cabildo--The New Building	4	II	135	4/27/1798	Governor: Gayoso; Royal Ensign: Vacant - At this time the Governor states that as the work started by "the deceased Don Andres Almonaster y Rojas" is about to be completed, he believes it would be convenient to appoint some one to take charge of the work, with Colonel Gilberto Guillemard to continue the supervision. The Commissioners were requested to ask the widow to appoint this person.
Cabildo--The New Building	4	II	161	7/27/1798	Governor: Gayoso; Royal Ensign: De La Ronde - At this time a petition is presented by the widow of Don Andres Almonaster stating that she has previously asked for three thousand Pesos as a partial payment on the contract for the construction of the Cabildo, and asks that the Commissioners advance her this amount which she needs to finish the work. The Commissioners instructed the City Treasurer to deliver 2500 Pesos to her and take the proper receipt.
Cabildo--The New Building	4	II	177	11/9/1798	Governor: Gayoso; Royal Ensign: De La Ronde - Don Gilberto Guillemard informs the Cabildo that he has been appointed to direct and supervise the building, and asks that a salary be assigned to him.
Cabildo--The New Building	4	II	179	11/23/1798	Governor: Gayoso; Royal Ensign: De La Ronde - At this time the Commissioners discussed the means to be taken to finish the building at once; much work was being delayed because materials were not supplied promptly. They agreed to advance to Dona Luisa de la Ronde, widow of Almonaster, the sum of three thousand Pesos and to pay to Don Gilberto Guillemard the sum of three hundred Pesos, to be given to him for account of Dona Luisa de la Ronde.
Cabildo--The New Building	4	II	181	12/3/1798	Governor: Gayoso; Royal Ensign: De La Ronde - At this time the Cabildo is called together in extraordinary session to consider the offer made by Dona Luisa de la Ronde to deliver to the Cabildo the building in its unfinished condition; the present work to be appraised and properly credited to her, and the Commissioners to assume responsibility for the completion; with the exception of the ceiling and the staircase which are the only two portions to be built for the account of her late husband.
Cabildo--The New Building	4	III	7	1/25/1799	Governor: Gayoso; Royal Ensign: De La Ronde - A plan of a gallery which must be constructed in the center of the chambers of the Cabildo, was shown at this meeting. This was approved and ordered constructed according to plan.
Cabildo--The New Building	4	III	29	5/10/1799	Governor: Gayoso; Royal Ensign: De La Ronde - At the end of a meeting held on this date, the Secretary was ordered by the Governor, as well as the members, to record the fact that the previous session of the Cabildo was the first session held in the New Cabildo Building.
Cabildo--The New Building	4	III	37	6/7/1799	Governor: Gayoso; Royal Ensign: De La Ronde - At this time Cristobal Prevost presented a model of the Arms of this City, which must be placed in the main door of the Cabildo, also a model of the wicket doors to be placed in all of the doors of these chambers. (On page 38 the Commissioners reported that they had arranged with Cristobal Prevost for this work).
Cabildo--The New Building	4	III	111	11/29/1799	Acting Governor: Vidal; Royal Ensign: De La Ronde - A letter is received from the Military Governor requesting a copy of the acts concerning the terms under which Almonaster promised to construct the building, showing the appraised value and the amounts paid by the City Treasurer.
Cabildo--The New Building	4	III	143	2/21/1800	Acting Governor: Vidal; Royal Ensign: De La Ronde - At this time the Governor requested the Commissioners to act without further delay in making the appraisal of the building, as His Majesty had asked that a report be furnished him.
Cabildo--The New Building	4	III	172	5/9/1800	Acting Governor: Vidal; Royal Ensign: De La Ronde - At this meeting Dona Luisa de La Ronde, testamentary executrix of her late husband, Don Andres Almonaster, presented a petition in which she states that he had constructed the Cabildo Building on the condition that he be paid on account, each year, from the City Treasury out of the surplus after the yearly expenses had been deducted. The Commissioners resolved that the City Treasury has no funds, due to increased expenses of repairing the jail, building the bridges, etc., and furthermore the Cabildo Building is being completed with city funds.
Cabildo--The New Building	4	IV	65	1/30/1801	Acting Governor: Vidal; Royal Ensign: De La Ronde - Dona Luisa de La Ronde again calls attention to the contract with her late husband concerning payment of the cost of the building. (On page 66, after the election of a City Treasurer, it is found that they have a balance of 6,030 Pesos out of which it was decided to pay Dona Luisa de La Ronde five thousand Pesos, and obtain the proper receipt).
Cabildo--The New Building	4	IV	200	4/9/1802	Governor: Salcedo; Royal Ensign: De La Ronde - At this time the secretary presented the appraisal of the building made by the experts appointed for the purpose. These figures totaled 32,348 Pesos, six reales, one sueldo and 5.12ths. The Commissioners forwarded this estimate to their Attorney, Don Joseph Martinez de la Pedrera, for his attention. (On page 203 the attorney's letter states that the Governor is the only one authorized to pass on this matter).
Cabildo--The New Building	4	IV	216	5/14/1802	Governor: Salcedo; Royal Ensign: De La Ronde - At this time Don Gilberto Guillemard, Sergeant Major of the Post, requested a certificate showing that he made the plan for the Cabildo Building and supervised the work until its completion. The Commissioners agreed to this.
Cabildo--The New Building	5		3	7/19/1802	Governor: Salcedo; Royal Ensign: De La Ronde - At this time a petition is presented by Dona Luisa de la Ronde asking the Governor to order the payment of six thousand Pesos to her from the city funds. The Commissioners advised that after the valuation of the building has been completed, she shall receive the six thousand Pesos and more if there are sufficient funds.
Cabildo--The New Building	5		77	6/3/1803	Governor: Salcedo; Royal Ensign: De La Ronde - At this time Don Juan de Castanedo, City Treasurer, presented a receipt given to him by Dona Luisa de la Ronde for seven thousand Pesos, for account of the Capitol House. The Commissioners approved this payment.
Cabildo--The New Building	5		93	8/19/1803	Governor: Salcedo; Royal Ensign: De La Ronde - At this time Dona Luisa de la Ronde solicits the final payment due her on the Capitol House. Don Juan de Castanedo informed the Commissioners that 27,500 Pesos had been paid this lady besides the five hundred Pesos paid to Dan Gilberto Guillemard for directing the work, making a total of 28,000 Pesos she has received, and leaving a balance due of 4,348 Pesos. The Commissioners agreed that this amount be paid to her under the same condition as the last payment.

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