July 16th
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ON THIS DAY IN 1790
RESIDENCE ACT ESTABLISHESPERMANENT SEAT OF GOVERNMENT
“The two great questions of funding the debt and fixing the seat of government have been agitated, as was natural, with a good deal of warmth as well as ability. These were always considered by me as questions of the most delicate and interesting nature which could possibly be drawn into discussion. They were more in danger of having convulsed the government itself than any other points.”
Laying out the City — Washington, L’Enfant, and Enslaved Man
Architect of the Capitol
To Marquis de la Luzerne
New York, 10 August 1790
Early in May last, I had the pleasure of addressing a letter to you, My dear Marquis, in which I dwelt pretty copiously on the state of affairs in this country at that time. Since then nothing very remarkable has occurred. The two great questions of funding the debt and fixing the seat of government* have been agitated, as was natural, with a good deal of warmth as well as ability. These were always considered by me as questions of the most delicate and interesting nature which could possibly be drawn into discussion. They were more in danger of having convulsed the government itself than any other points. I hope they are now settled in as satisfactory a manner as could have been expected; and that we have a prospect of enjoying peace abroad, with tranquility at home. Congress is just on the point of adjourning; after which I propose to go to pass some time at Mount Vernon.
The Washingtons & Plans for the City of Washington, D.C.
Library of Congress
Colo. Humphreys, who will have the honor of putting this letter into your hands, can give you very particular intelligence respecting this country and your friends in it, on whose number and fidelity you may count with the greatest confidence. For it is a serious truth, all classes of people in America remember your residence among them with a friendly mixture of satisfaction and regret the former for your good Offices and agreeable society, the latter for your absence and a despair of ever having the pleasure of seeing you again.
The acquaintance you have had with Colo. Humphreys, first in America and afterwards in France, supersedes the necessity of any introduction or recommendation from me. As you know fully the manner in which that Gentleman has been in my family and connected with me for many years, I will say nothing more on his subject, than that he expects to travel in several parts of Europe; and that, if it should be convenient to your excellency to give him letters to any characters of your nation in the Countries or Courts which he may happen to visit, I shall consider the interest you take on his behalf in a very acceptable and obliging point of light.
I would not forego so favorable an opportunity of renewing the professions of real esteem and consideration with which I have the honor to be My dear Marquis Your Most Obedient & Very humble Servant.
G:o Washington
* “The Residence Act, officially titled ‘An Act for Establishing the Temporary and Permanent Seat of the Government of the United States,’ was passed on July 16, 1790, and selected a site on the Potomac River as the permanent capital (Washington, D.C.), in ten years times.” — LOC
From the commissioner’s letter-book: “We have agreed that the federal district shall be called ‘the Territory of Columbia’ and the federal city ‘the city of Washington’” — LOC1
The final establishment of the Seat of National Government, which has now taken place in the District of Columbia, is an event of no small importance in the political transactions of our country. Nor can we, on this occasion, omit to express a hope that the spirit which animated the great founder of this city, may descend to future generations; and that the wisdom, magnanimity, and steadiness which marked the events of his public life may be imitated in all succeeding ages.
Pierre L’Enfant, Planner of Washington, D.C.
Architect of the Capitol
U.S. Capitol Building, District of Columbia
18 September 1793
The text below was issued by the
Capitol Centennial Committee, 1893
The following account of the ceremonies of laying the corner-stone of the Capitol is copied from the book entitled “The Lodge of Washington; a history of the Alexandria-Washington Lodge, No. 22, A. F. and A. M., of Alexandria, Va.,” compiled from the original records of the Lodge, by Past Master F. L. Brockett, and published in 1876. The included quotation credited to “the newspapers of that day” is substantially the report published in the Columbian Mirror and Alexandria Gazette of September 25, 1793. After giving an account of the erection of the southeast corner-stone of the District of Columbia, on the 15th of April 1791, the history above named says:
“The next important event of this kind was the laying of the corner-stone of the United States Capitol, at the city of Washington, on the eighteenth day of September, 1793. The Masonic ceremonies were conducted by His Excellency, General Washington, President of the United States, a Past, Master of this Lodge, which was present and holding the post of honor. Dr. Dick, elected Worshipful Master in 1789, still in office, invited Washington to act as Master on this occasion, in accordance with his own wishes and those of the public. The stone was deposited in the southeast corner of the building, instead of the northeast, as is now the custom. The inscription on the plate stated that Alexandria Lodge, No. 22, of Virginia, was present and participated in the ceremonies. The apron and sash worn by Washington on this occasion were the handiwork of Mrs. General La Fayette, and are now the property of this Lodge.
Plan for the City of Washington, D.C., 1792
Library of Congress (click here to enlarge)
The following account of the ceremonies was published in the newspapers of that day:
“On Wednesday, one of the grandest Masonic processions took place, for the purpose of laying the corner-stone of the Capitol of the United States, which, perhaps, was ever exhibited on the like important occasion. About ten o’clock Lodge No. 9 was visited by that congregation so graceful to the craft, Lodge No. 22, of Virginia, with all their officers and regalia; and directly afterward appeared on the southern bank of the Grand River Potomack, one of the finest companies of volunteer artillery that has been lately seen, parading to receive the President of the United States, who shortly came in sight with his suite, to whom the artillery paid their military honors; and His Excellency and suite crossed the Potomack, and was received in Maryland by the officers and brethren of No. 22, Virginia, and No. 9, Maryland, whom the President headed, preceded by a band of music; the rear brought up by the Alexandria Volunteer Artillery, with grand solemnity of march, proceeded to the President’s Square, in the city of Washington, where they were met and saluted by No. 15, of the city of Washington, in all their elegant badges and clothing, headed by Bro. Joseph Clarke, R. W. Grand Master, p. t., and conducted to a large lodge, prepared for the purpose of their reception. After a short space of time, by the vigilance of Bro. Clotworthy Stephenson, Grand Marshal, p. t., the brotherhood and other bodies were disposed in a second order of procession, which took place amid a brilliant crowd of spectators of both sexes, according to the following arrangement, viz.,
“The Surveying Department of the city of Washington.
Mayor and Corporation of Georgetown.
Virginia Artillery.
Commissioners of the city of Washington, and their attendants.
Stone-cutters, mechanics.
The Sword-bearers.
Masons of the first degree.
Bible, etc., on grand cushions.
Deacons, with staffs of office.
Masons of the second degree.
Stewards, with wands.
Masons of the third degree.
Wardens, with truncheons.
Secretaries, with tools of office.
Past Masters, with their regalia.
Treasurers, with their jewels.
Band of music.
Lodge No. 22, of Virginia, disposed in their own order.
Corn, wine, and oil.
Grand Master, pro tem., Brother George Washington,
and Worshipful Master of No. 22, of Virginia.
Grand Sword-bearer.”
(I.) President’s Park / White House above, (A.) Equestrian Figure of GW,
(H.) Grand Avenue & Gardens, (F.) Grand Cascade,
(L.) Capitol Building, (E.) Grand Fountain, (D.) Church
Library of Congress (click here to enlarge)
“The procession marched two abreast, in the greatest solemn dignity, with music playing, drums beating, colors flying, and spectators rejoicing, from the President’s Square to the Capitol, in the city of Washington, where the Grand Master ordered a halt, and directed each file in the procession to incline two steps, one to the right and one to the left, and face each other, which formed a hollow, oblong square through which the Grand Sword-bearer led the van, followed by the Grand Master, pro tem., on the left, the President of the United States in the centre, and the Worshipful Master of No. 22, Virginia, on the right; all the other orders that composed the procession advanced in the reverse of their order of march from the President’s Square to the southeast corner of the Capitol, and the artillery filed off to a destined ground to display their maneuvers and discharge their cannon. The President of the United States, the Grand Master, pro tem., and the Worshipful Master of No. 22, taking their stand to the east of a large stone, and all the craft forming a circle westward, stood a short time in solemn order. The artillery discharged a volley. The Grand Marshal delivered the Commissioners a large silver plate with an inscription thereon, which the Commissioners ordered to be read, and was as follows:
“‘This southeast corner-stone of the Capitol of the United States of America, in the city of Washington, was laid on the eighteenth day of September, 1793, in the thirteenth year of American Independence, in the first year of the second term of the presidency of George Washington, whose virtues in the civil administration of his country have been as conspicuous and beneficial as his military valor and prudence have been useful in establishing her liberties, and in the year of Masonry 5793, by the President of the United States, in concert with the Grand Lodge of Maryland, several lodges under its jurisdiction, and Lodge No. 22, from Alexandria, Va., Thomas Johnson, David Steuart, and Daniel Carroll, Commissioners; Joseph Clark, R. W. Grand Master, pro tem.; Joseph Hoban and Stephen Hallate, architects; Collin Williamson, master mason.
George Washington Lays Cornerstone
Architect of the Capitol
“The artillery discharged a volley. The plate was then delivered to the President, who, attended by the Grand Master, pro tem., and three Most Worshipful Masters, descended to the cavazion trench and deposited the plate and laid it on the corner-stone of the Capitol of the United States of America, on which were deposited corn, wine, and oil, when the whole congregation joined in reverential prayer, which was succeeded by Masonic chanting honors and a volley from the artillery.
“The President of the United States and his attendant brethren ascended from the cavazion to the east of the corner-stone and there the Grand Master, pro tem., elevated on a triple rostrum, delivered an oration fitting the occasion, which was received with brotherly love and commendation. At intervals during the delivery of the oration several volleys were discharged by the artillery. The ceremony ended in prayer, Masonic chanting honors, and a fifteen-volley from the artillery.
“The whole company retired to an extensive booth, where an ox of 500 pounds’ weight was barbecued, of which the company generally partook, with every abundance of other recreation. The festival concluded with fifteen successive volleys from the artillery, whose military discipline and maneuvers merit every commendation. Before dark the whole company departed with joyful hopes of the production of their labor.”
Washington, D.C., 1869
Library of Congress
[Seven Years Later]
The second session of the 6th Congress convened November 17, 1800, in the north wing. On this occasion, in his opening speech, President John Adams said:
“I congratulate the people of the United States on the assembling of Congress at the permanent seat of their government; and I congratulate you, gentlemen, on the prospect of a residence not to be exchanged. It would be unbecoming the representatives of this nation, to assemble for the first time in this solemn temple, without looking up to the Supreme Ruler of the universe, and imploring His blessing. It is with you, gentlemen, to consider whether the local powers over the District of Columbia, vested by the Constitution in Congress of the United States, shall be immediately exercised. If, in your opinion, this important trust ought now to be executed, you cannot fail, while performing it, to take into view the future probable situation of the territory, for the happiness of which you are about to provide. You will consider it as the capital of a great nation, advancing with unexampled rapidity in arts, in commerce, in wealth, and in population, and possessing within itself those resources, which, if not thrown away or lamentably misdirected, will secure to it a long course of prosperity and self-government.”
The House of Representatives, in reply said:
“The final establishment of the Seat of National Government, which has now taken place in the District of Columbia, is an event of no small importance in the political transactions of our country. Nor can we, on this occasion, omit to express a hope that the spirit which animated the great founder of this city, may descend to future generations; and that the wisdom, magnanimity, and steadiness which marked the events of his public life may be imitated in all succeeding ages. A consideration of those powers which have been vested in Congress over the District of Columbia, will not escape our attention; nor shall we forget that in exercising those powers a regard must be had to those events which will necessarily attend the capital of America.”
The Senate, in reply said:
“We meet you, sir, and the other branch of the national legislature, in the city which is honored by the name of our late hero and sage, the illustrious Washington, with sensations and emotions which exceed our power of description.”
GEORGE WASHINGTON:
THE INTERVIEW POWERED BY A.I.
In the hallowed halls of history, a voice echoes once more as “George Washington: The Interview” unfurls a never-before-seen side of America’s first President. This electrifying book transcends the boundaries of time, employing state-of-the-art technology and primary source material to bring you face-to-face with the man who laid the cornerstone of the nation we know today. Journey through the intimate details of Washington’s life as he reveals the victories and defeats, the triumphs and tragedies of his storied past.
Are you ready to step into the past and meet the man behind the myth?