bill."

"Thus by the Act of July 16, 1790, it was definitely decided that the
seat of government should be on the banks of the Potomac."

"Thereupon arose the question of design for the Federal City. Pursuant
to the application received, President Washington chose Pierre Charles
L'Enfant, 'the artist of the American Revolution,' for this work. No
better choice could have been made. L'Enfant applied his ability to the
task with enthusiasm; the approbation of 'his General' gave him supreme
satisfaction."

"In accordance with directions from President Washington, Major L'Enfant
proceeded to Georgetown for the purpose of making a sketch of the area
proposed for the Federal City that would enable him to fix locations on
the spot for public buildings. He arrived on March 9, 1791. L'Enfant
carried with him a letter of instructions from Secretary of State
Jefferson as follows:

'Sir: You are desired to proceed to Georgetown where you will find
Mr. Ellicott employed in making a survey and Map of the Federal
Territory. The special object of asking your aid is to have a
drawing of the particular grounds most likely to be approved for the
site of the Federal town and buildings. You will therefore be
pleased to begin on the Eastern branch and proceed from thence
upwards, laying down the hills, valleys, morasses and waters between
that and the Potomac, The Tyber, and the road leading from
Georgetown to the Eastern branch and connecting the whole with
certain fixed points on the map Mr. Ellicott is preparing. Some idea
of the height of the lands above the base on which they stand would
be desirable. For necessary assistance and expense be pleased to
apply to the Mayor of Georgetown who is written to on the subject. I
will beg the favor of you to mark to me your progress about twice a
week, say every Wednesday and Saturday evening, that I may be able
in proper time to draw your attention to some other objects which I
have not at this moment sufficient information to define.'"

"_The Maryland Journal and Baltimore Advertiser_ of March 18, 1791,
reported Major L'Enfant's arrival in Georgetown as follows:

'GEORGETOWN (Patowmac) March 12.

Wednesday (March 9) evening arrived in this town Major Longfont, a
French gentleman employed by the President of the United States to
survey the lands contiguous to Georgetown, where the Federal City is
to