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US 18058.32.10
İVEİLİRL
TAS
HARVARD COLLEGE LIBRARY
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FORCE'S LA PICTURE 11 OF THE CITY OF - 7 WASHINGTON
*42 OLE VAULT AF IN' VERNON
WW Q. FORCE, 10$ S! Near Pa Avenue.
PICTURE
WASHINGTON of
AND ITS VICINITY, For 1850,
WITH THIRTY-EIGHT ENGRAVINGS :
ALSO,
THE WASHINGTON GUIDE,
CONTAINING A
CONGRESSIONAL DIRECTORY, -
AND MUCH OTHER
USEFUL INFORMATION.
.
C WASHINGTON : quereau WILLIAM Q. FORCE. 1850.
56.
15 18058,32,10
1858. Sept. 25. sift of
Henry A. White 1
f Cambridge
Entered according to act of Congress, in the year 1850, by WILLIAM Q. FORCE, in the Clerk's Office of the District Court for the District of Columbia.
PREFACE.
-
THIS little volume is not intended to give a full description of the city of Washington-its history, statistics, and local affairs; but to pre- sent a general view of such objects, both in and around the Metropolis, as most attract the notice of strangers, and to embody such infor- mation as may be most useful to visiters at the Seat of Government. The Public Buildings, Statuary, Literary and Scientific Institutions, &c., of the cities of the District, are briefly de- scribed, spots of the most striking scenery pointed out, and faithful representations given of views in Washington, Georgetown, Alex- · andria, Bladensburg, Mount Vernon, and o: the Potomac river.
1
CONTENTS.
-
Pag+
Introduction, .
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.
, 1
Washington City, -
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17
Potomac River, -
.
- 28
Public Halls, &c., -
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31
Hotels and Boarding Houses, -
35
Schools, -
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-
. 35
Libraries, -
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. 36
Arts, &c., -
.
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37
Burial Grounds,
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42
Capitol, -
· 49
Statuary, -
51
Paintings, -
.
-
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53
Sculpture,
-
- 60
House of Representatives,
.
62
Senato, -
64
Supreme Court Room, - Congress Library, .
·
65
Naval Monument, .
.
66
Capitol Grounds, .
. 67
President's House, -
.
.
. 69
Statue of Jefferson, -
·
· 76
.
-
64
VI
CONTENTS.
State Department,
. 78
Treasury Department,
.
- 78
War Department, .
-
. 80
Navy Department, Post Office, -
-
83
Patent Office, - -
84
Washington Monument, .
0
0
87
Statue of Washington,
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94 98
National Observatory,
·
Smithsonian Institute,
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105
Columbian College,
.
.
- 118
Navy Yard, ·
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. 121
Arlington, -
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·
· 123
Georgetown,
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.
- 127
Alexandria,
-
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·
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. 133
Mount Vernon,
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·
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. 139
Bladensburg, -
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. .
·
- 146
WASHINGTON GUIDE.
Senators, 0 .
. 151
Members of the House of Representatives,
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154
List of Ministers, &c. in Foreign Countries,
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159
Ministers, &c., from Foreign Countries, - 169
Carriage Fare, - -
172
- Mail Arrangements, - . 175 - Residences of Public Officers, - · 177 Standing Committees of the Senate, -
.
181
Standing Committees of the House of Reps.,
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183
Churches,
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- 185
-
- 144
Conclusion,
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- 82
.
1
ENGRAVINGS.
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Portrait of Washington, to face Vignette title. Vignette-Old Vault at Mount Vernon. View of the city of Washington from Giesbo-
rough,
.
-
-
- opp. page 17
Congressional Burial Ground,
·
42
Weet view of the Capitol,
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·
=
43
East view of the Capitol,
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-
49
Tympanum, eastern portico of the Capitol, "
50
Statue of Columbus,
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51
Statue of War,
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52
Statue of Peace,
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53
Penn's Treaty with the Indians,
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60
Boone's conflict with the Indians,
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60
Landing of the Pilgrims,
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.
61
Rescue of Capt. Smith by Pocahontas,
Representatives' Hall,
.
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62
Clock in the Representatives' Hall,
.
63
Senate Chamber,
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·
-
64
Peale's Portrait of Washington,
-
64
Naval Monument, -
-
.
66
President's House-south front,
69
62
-
VIII ENGRAVINGS. .
President's House-north front, . opp. page 69
Statue of Jefferson, -
.
76
Treasury Department, -
.
79
Post Office, - .
.
83
Patent Office, -
.
85
Washington Monument,
88
Statue of Washington,
94
National Observatory,
-
98
Smithsonian Institution,
-
-
"
105
Columbian College, -
-
118
Navy Yard, - -
.
.
121
Arlington, -
.
= 123
Georgetown, -
-
127
View from the Heights of Georgetown,
= 128
Little Falls of the Potomac, =
132
Alexandria, - -
133
Mount Vernon, -
-
139
Bladensburg,
.
.
144
.
.
INTRODUCTION.
IN the advantages of position, climate, pro- ductions, and scenery, the District of Columbia is perhaps unsurpassed. True, there may be in other countries, and even in this, regions where nature shows an aspect bolder and more grand ; yet is there none of the same extent, in which, from so many points, she looks forth with features of such modest, tran- quil, charming beauty. True, there is here no Alpine or ocean scenery, no cliffs, glens, or lakes, like those of Scotland; yet, from any position on the fine amphitheatre of hills thrown around Washington, including those on the Virginia side of the Potomac, what objects of rich and varied, of simple and pic- turesque loveliness, meet the eye! He who looks out from the capitol, from the heights of Georgetown, or from Arlington, (the seat of Mr. Custis,) sees spread before him a view which must gain in the comparison with those
2
INTRODUCTION.
famous ones from Windsor Castle or Rich- mond Hill in England, and to which, on the same scale, nothing superior, if equal, can be found in the compass of the Union. And where is the spot on earth more abounding than this District in all those good gifts of Providence, which supply, not merely the necessities, but minister to the luxurious desires and refined taste of civilized man ? Ships laden with the productions of every land may be borne on the bosom of a noble river to its wharves ; from its forests, fields, and gardens, may be gathered provision for a feast such as a Roman emperor could not buy; flowers of every hue shed their fragrance on its genial air, and birds of sweetest song build their nests among its branches. The people of this District may adopt with truth the words of inspiration, and say, " the lines have fallen to us in pleasant places, and we have a goodly heritage."
But if the natural advantages of this District are great, the peculiarities of the social and political condition of its inhabitants are not un- deserving of notice and regard. Selected for
:
3
INTRODUCTION.
the seat of the Federal Government, and placed under its legislative control, while they enjoy not the political rights and independence of the States, they share more in the favor and protection and are more identified with the interests and prosperity of the nation. They are less disturbed and distracted by questions connected with state rights and local politics. The stormy agitations connected with elec- tions spend much of their rage before they reach these limits, or break out only in the halls, and subside with the departure of Con- gress. This is to be understood not of those connected with the offices of Government, but of the citizens generally, who, enjoying the blessings of good government, are well satis- fied with the immunities and honors of private life, leaving to others the anxieties, responsi- bilities, and direction of public affairs. Such persons find in this District a sheltered and quiet nook, where, indeed, they may hear the sound of the tempest, but fear not its power; and, while observing every now and then some gallant vessel dashed a wreck upon the shore,
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4
INTRODUCTION.
pursue their occupations with thankfulness, that they can look out upon the angry waves of the political ocean, and remain inaccessible to their wrath, and dread no treacherous ele- ments of its evil fortune. They have all the intellectual advantages of the ablest political discussions, but are less exposed than citizens of the States to the evil effects of political ex- citement upon the passions of the heart.
Of the social condition of the inhabitants of this District, it may be remarked, that it has all the freshness of youth ; that the population is gathered from every section of the country, and even from distant and different nations ; that, while favored with many agricultural and commercial advantages, they are not particu- larly exposed to be seduced into wild specula- tions and dangerous excitements of the love of gain ; that, while not impelled to make haste to be rich, they may be certain that industry, frugality, and economy will find sure rewards; that, like the people of ancient Elis, in Greece, they dwell on a territory dedicated to the common good of all the tribes of the Republic,
5
INTRODUCTION.
and to which they annnally come up, not in arms, or to the trial of their physical strength, but to the contest of mind with mind, in skill- ful argument and eloquent debate, on subjects of high and solemn bearing on the welfare of the State; and finally, that an almost constant and extensive intercourse with their fellow citizens from all sections of the Union, and strangers from foreign lands, will prove for good or evil, as they are trained and disciplined to render such intercourse, and the knowledge derived from it, the aliment of virtue or the means and aids to vice.
The cultivation of a taste for science and letters is of the highest importance to the people of this District, and by this will they most ef- fectually adorn and elevate their character and advance their highest interests. It is not strange that many have ascribed the origin of written language to God, since it is difficult to imagine that unaided human reason could have devised so wonderful an instrument for the communication of thought and the increase of knowledge. Things most admirable, being
8
INTRODUCTION.
of immortality :- would he not fall down before the Great Spirit of the universe, and deem himself enriched and surrounded by the special gifts and revelations of His wisdom ? How wide the gulf which separates those who have, from those who have not, the knowledge and use of letters! And who that is not indif- ferent to his own happiness will fail to enrich and adorn his mind with choice thoughts and the precepts of the highest philosophy, that, in solitude or adversity, he may find himself in possession of treasures of which no earthly power can deprive him, and which he can freely impart to others without diminution and without loss! Yet the observation of Fuseli, as quoted by professor Henry, should be re- membered : " that no great genuine work of art was ever produced where the artist did not love his art for its own sake; and the remark applies to every branch of science and letters. All the master works of the mind must be the genial production of those who find their la- bors their own exceeding great reward. True love alone quickens creative energy. He who
9
INTRODUCTION.
can be drawn to labor in the cause of truth and letters only by the earthly rewards of money and honor, will never do any thing worthy of reward."
There is a sense of personal honor and dig- nity connected with knowledge and intellec- tual power, which belongs to no mere distinc- tion of rank and fortune. This is true both of individuals and communities. In what cata- logue of nobles or of kings are names to com- pare with those of Homer, Aristotle, Plato, Bacon, Locke, Shakespeare, Milton, Butler, Newton, Edwards, who have contributed to exalt the human understanding, thrown new light upon abstruse subjects of human enquiry, and enlarged the empire of wisdom? Who, asks an eloquent author, "would not prefer to have been a citizen of the small republic of Geneva, than to have wandered a prince on the territories of the Czar, or reign the master of a desolated continent ?"
If, which is doubtful, any other portions of this country may boast of natural advantages superior to those of the District of Columbia,
10
INTRODUCTION.
surely the people of none have greater in- ducements and opportunities for the cultivation of literature and science, of manners and the heart. The absence of the strongest stimu- lants to commercial cupidity and political am- bition leave them especially open to the gentler and more refining influences connected with the study of nature, of books, and themselves. As they have less chance of distinction in some other pursuit, they have a fairer prospect and stronger motives to seek it by intellectual cul- ture, the acquisition of knowledge, the improve- ment of the arts, and the exhibition of the best manners and the most humane and generous affections. Their territory is not too large for the highest cultivation in every part. Be it then the garden spot of the Republic, more attractive than the ancient groves of the acade- my, where not our countrymen only, but foreigners, may refresh themselves by purer than Castalian streams, and find philosophy, while discoursing eloquently on the works, not irreverent, unbaptized, and without awe of the providence and word, of God.
11
INTRODUCTION.
Thus, by winning distinction for their lite- rary, scientific, and moral character, will the inhabitants of this District most effectually ad- vance all their secular and subordinate interests. The central position it occupies in the political system, and the establishment within its limits, of the Seat of the General Goverement, the annual assemblage of Congress and of such citizens of the States as may find cause to attend upon its proceedings, renders this Dis- trict, for a residence, a place of many attrac- tions. If it become a home for genius, taste, and art, be greatly distinguished for the love of letters, for scientific investigation and discove- ry; if it become famous for its schools and colleges, combining in their methods of in- struction and discipline whatever the wisdom of antiquity can supply to the study and ex- perience of modern times, thousands will make it their abode, assured, that while they bring their sons and daughters to secure the benefit of the best education, they place them also where example will add force to precept, where what is begun in the schools will be
12
INTRODUCTION.
cherished and perfected by the ever present influence of general society. To this District let the eyes of our countrymen be once turned as were the eyes of all Greece towards Athens, and it will do more for its pecuniary and every other valuable interest than a donation of mil- lions from the national treasury.
And since the influence of this District must be for good or evil to the whole nation, its citizens owe it to their country to seek nothing short of the highest attainments pos- sible in literature, science, and a sound chris- tian influence. Ignorance and vice at the heart will send a pernicious influence to the ex- tremities of the political body; while every pulsation there of intellectual energy and virtuous sentiments will infuse health and gladness through the entire system. Vast are the responsibilities of the people of this Dis- trict. Not for themselves alone do they act nor should they labor, but that from the Cap- ital of the Union a high toned intelligence and manly virtue may be sent forth to pervade and bless the population of the land, so that, if this
13
INTRODUCTION.
District be least in the measure of its territory and in its political rights, it may be greatest in the distinctions of the intellect and the mo- ral dignity of its example. In pecuniary re- sources and political power it cannot hope to rival any one of the States, but the loftiest among them it may equal, if not excel in vir- tue and beneficence; and, while wisdom is better than strength or than weapons of war, while the words of the wise are heard in quiet more than the cry of him who ruleth among fools, if true to themselves and their country its people may kindle a light around the Cap- ital which shall confound the pretensions of vanity and expose the disguises of guilt, and exert a moral influence upon the nation to its utmost limit and for all time. Nor can lan- guage express the dishonor which would be theirs should they ever permit darkness to settle upon the high place to which the tribes of our Israel come up, to mingle their congratu- lations, renew their patriotic vows, invigorate their intellect, strengthen their union, and, by their high example, call the world to liberty.
14
INTRODUCTION.
The people of this District have every thing to encourage their hopes, and incite them to the most decided and confident efforts in the cause of letters, of art, and of science. The system of common school education, so well commenced, the many private and public sem- inaries of great excellence rising into life, the establishment of colleges of high promise, the National Observatory, National Institute, and Smithsonian Institution, opening a wide and cheering prospect of scientific discoveries to future generations-these are signs and as- surances that this District is yet to become worthy of the distinction it enjoys, and for it- self to win a renown more exalted than it is possible for circumstances or any government to confer.
There is manifestly abroad among the citizens of Washington and the District, a spirit of improvement, and the recent policy of the city authorities is such as promises large and permanent benefits to the community. Public attention begins to be turned earnestly to ar- chitecture, an art embodying more perfectly
15
INTRODUCTION.
than any other, beauty and grandeur, the cul- tivation of which is adapted to refine the taste, exalt the imagination, and chasten and ennoble the moral sentiments.
Manners, it has been justly said, are more important than laws. Of these a sound moral- ity is the basis, and the only adequate sanction of this is derived from the revealed will of God. The cultivation of letters and science disciplines the higher faculties, diminishes the power of the senses and the force of the temp- tations which threaten virtue, gives pleasure, which there will be no cause to regret, and means of usefulness which it is our duty to employ. But the highest genius and largest acquirements do not of necessity soften and re- fine the manners, or purify the heart. With- out the spirit of a Divine Philosophy, the finest parts, most brilliant wit, and . ample knowledge, are but the adornings of a sepul- chre, and profit nothing.
Faithful to their high trust, the present in- habitants of this District may anticipate the time (let it be not far distant) when the great
16
INTRODUCTION.
and good father of his country, turning his benignant eye to this territory of his choite, shall behold it rich in agricultural resources and improvements, adorned by industry, by art, and all architectural beauty; its hills covered by stately edifices, its valleys smiling with culti- vated gardens and the best products of the soil, its churches solemn, well proportioned, and grand in aspect; its schools and colleges all that the wisest friends of education could de- sire; and, towering above all, a National Uni- versity worthy of the name of WASHINGTON, who proposed it, and of the nation that shall endow it and participate through all ages in its inestimable blessings.
1
1
:
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WASHINGTON.
WASHINGTON CITY, the seat of Gov- ernment of the United States, is within the District of Columbia, a Territory which, as coded by Maryland and Virginia to the Gov- ermment, was ten miles square, the diagonal lines running north and south and east and west, and which, as selected by General Wash- ington, included the cities of Washington, Georgetown, and Alexandria. That part which was ceded by Virginia, being all that portion of the District which lay south of the ¿ Potomac, including the city of Alexandria, has recently, by act of Congress, been restored to Virginia. Washington is admirably sit- .uated for a magnificent city, on the left bank of the Potomac, and the right of the Anacos- tia or Eastern Branch, and was laid out by General Washington on a plan commensu- rate with his enlarged mind.
This city is nearly surrounded by a fine
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WASHINGTON.
amphitheatre of hills, of moderate elevation, covered with trees and shrubbery, command- ing from many points picturesque scenery and extensive views of the Potomac or river of Swans, which, descending from the Alleghany mountains, and winding its way for nearly four hundred miles, through a fertile and most attractive country, expands into the Chesa- peake bay, and finally, through its ample wa- ters, mingles itself with the ocean. The environs of the city abound in the most eligi- ble sites for villas and country seats for indi- viduals of wealth and taste, and such will doubtless be multiplied as the great advantages of Washington for health, education and agreeable and refined society, become evident and more extensively known.
The first recorded communication in regard to the laying out of the city is from the pen of General Washington, dated March 11, 1791; and in a letter dated April 30, 1791, he calls it the Federal City. About four months later, the name which it now bears, City of Wash- ington, was adopted by the commissioners
19
WASHINGTON.
appointed to lay it out, probably without the knowledge of General Washington. The original proprietors of the land, Daniel Carrol, Notley Young, David Burns, and Samuel Davidson, in consideration of the great bene- fits which they expected to derive from the location of the seat of Government, conveyed in trust to the Commissioners, for the use of the public and for the purpose of establishing the city, the whole of their respective lands which were included within the lines of the city upon condition that, after retaining for the public the ground of the streets, and any num- ber of squares that the President might think proper for publie improvements or other pub- lic uses, the lots should be equally divided between the public and the respective propri- etors. By this means the public obtained pos- session of more than ten thousand lots; from which, in addition to a donation of one hun- dred and ninety-two thousand dollars from Virginia and Maryland, funds were to be raised to defray the expenses of the publie buildings, and other necessary objects.
20
WASHINGTON.
A French engineer, Major L'Enfant, was employed in 1791 to furnish a plan and lay out the city; but owing to some difference be- tween him and the commissioners, he was soon dismissed, and Mr. Ellicot, in 1792, was appointed.
A plan for the capitol presented by Dr. William Thornton was approved by President Washington on the 2nd of April, 1792, but it was subsequently modified by Mr. G. Hal- let. On the 18th of September, 1793, the corner stone of the north wing of the capitol was laid with masonic honors, when General Washington delivered an appropriate and im- pressive speech. The city was first occupied as the seat of the Federal Government in 1800.
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