1Editorial Note: Locating the Federal District (Jefferson Papers)
In the fall of 1790 competition for the Federal District—the second of three stages in the delicate task of providing a permanent location for the seat of government—stirred enterprizing citizens to activity along the entire stretch of the Potomac comprehended in the terms of the Residence Act. From Carrollsburg on the Eastern Branch to Williamsport at the mouth of the Conococheague,...
2I. James Madison’s Advice on Executing the Residence Act, [before 29 August 1790] (Jefferson Papers)
“The act for establishing the temporary and permanent seats of the Government of the U. States” requires the following steps for carrying the latter into effect. Mr. Ellicott Mr. Gorum Mr. Fitzhugh (of Chatham) [Gorham] Mr. Bull Mr. Loyd (of Annapolis) Mr. O. Wolcott Mr. Tucker Revd. Mr. Lee Massey Mr. of R.Isd. Mr. Baldwin MS (DLC: Madison Papers); entirely in Madison’s hand; undated (for a...
3II. The President to the Secretary of State, 2 January 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
The enclosed Notes are sufficiently descriptive to comprehend the two objects fully; but it is necessary to remark, that if the first line begins at a point on Hunting Creek, the fourth line cannot, in any part, touch (Though it will include ) the Town of Alexandria; because Huntg. Creek is below the boundaries of the Town.—And, if it could be so ordered as for the first line to avoid touching...
4III. The President to the Secretary of State, [4 January 1791] (Jefferson Papers)
The P. begs to see Mr. Jefferson before he proceeds further in the Proclamation.—From a more attentive examination of some Papers, in his possession, he finds that it is in his power to ascertain the course and distance from the Court House in Alexandria to the upper and lower end of the Canal at the little Falls with as much accuracy as can be known from Common Surveying if not to...
5IV. Daniel Carroll to the Secretary of State, 22 January 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
I do myself the honor of incloseing a Resolution No. 1 of the Genl. Assembly of Maryland acceding to the proposition made by the General Assembly of Virginia on the 10th of Novr. 1789, likewise several resolutions No. 2. establishing a fund for the moneys pledg’d by the first resolution, and an Act No 3 to Condemn land if necessary for the public buildings of the United States. By a letter...
6V. The Secretary of State to Daniel Carroll, 24 January 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
The President of the United States desirous of availing himself of your assistance in preparing the federal Seat on the Potomac, [is in hopes you will act as one of the Commissioners directed by the Law for that purpose. I have the honor now to enclose a joint commission for yourself and two others, together with] a Copy of the Proclamation meant to constitute your first direction. The...
7VI. The President to the Senate and the House of Representatives, [24 January 1791] (Jefferson Papers)
In execution of the powers with which Congress were pleased to invest me by their act intituled ‘an Act for establishing the temporary and permanent seat of the Government of the United States’ and on mature consideration of the advantages and disadvantages of the several positions within the limits prescribed by the said act, I have, by a proclamation bearing date this day, directed...
8VII. The Proclamation by the President, 24 January 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
By the President of the U. S. of America. a Proclamation. Whereas the General assembly of the state of Maryland by an act passed on the 23d. day of December in the year 1788. intituled ‘An act to cede to Congress a district of 10 miles square in this state for the seat of the government of the U. S.’ did enact that the representatives of the said state in the house of representatives of...
9VIII. Daniel Carroll to the Secretary of State, 27 January 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
I had the ho[nour to re]ceive your favor, covering the Commission which includes my name in the appointment, for carrying into effect the Location of the permanent Seat of Government. It wou’d be as unnecessary, Sir, to confess the pleasure I shou’d feel in giving my Little aid for a purpose so consonant to my wishes for the public good, as I hope it is, to assure the President of the Value I...
10IX. The Secretary of State to the Commissioners of the Federal District, 29 January 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Carroll, supposing that Doubts may arise, whether he can act as one of the Commissioners for the federal Seat, while a Member of Congress, has declined, and has returned me the Commission, which had been deposited with him as one of the Members; I have now the Honor to enclose it to Mr. Johnson, first named therein, and to observe that two Members suffice for Business. It will be some Time...