be put. His skill in matters of this kind is justly extolled by
all disposed to give merit its proper tribute of praise. He is
earnest in the business and hopes to be able to lay a plan of that
parcel of land before the President on his arrival in this town.'

"L'Enfant reported to Secretary of State Jefferson, promptly:

'Friday March 11, 1791

Sir: I have the honor of informing you of my arrival at this place
where I could not possibly reach before Wednesday last and very late
in the evening, after having traveled part of the way on foot and
part on horseback leaving the broken stage behind.

'On arriving I made it my first care to wait on the Mayor of the
town in conformity with the direction which you gave me. He appeared
to be much surprised and he assured me he had received no previous
notice of my coming nor any injunction relating to the business I
was sent upon. However next day--yesterday morning--he made me a
kind offer of his assistance in procuring for me three or four men
to attend me in the surveying and this being the only thing I was in
need of, every matter has been soon arranged. I am only at present
to regret that a heavy rain and thick mist which has been incessant
ever since my arrival here, does put an insuperable obstacle to my
wish of proceeding immediately to the survey. Should the weather
continue bad, as there is every appearance it will, I shall be much
at a lost how to make a plan of the ground you have pointed out to
me and have it ready for the President at the time he is expected at
this place.'"

"In the meantime President Washington had begun his triumphal tour
through the South. In Maryland he was escorted by his Excellency
Governor Howard and the Honorable Mr. Kilty: Washington's Diary for
March 28-30, 1791, reports:

'Monday 28th: Left Bladensburgh at half after six, and breakfasted
at George Town about 8:--where, having appointed the Commissioners
under the Residence Law to meet me, I found Mr. Johnson one of them
(and who is Chief Justice of the State) in waiting--and soon after
came in David Stuart, and Danl. Carroll Esqrs. the other two. A few
miles out of Town I was met by the principal Citizens of the place
and escorted in by them; and dined at Suter's tavern (where I also
lodged) at a public dinner given by the Mayor and
Corporation--previous t