Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1893-09-18

the early years did not reach the volume
that was attained some years later. and in
consequence there are comparatively few
accounts of the new city prior to the re-
moval OF the Capitol here in 1900.
The First Account.
Perhaps the earliest visitor to the new
city of whom we have any record is Col
John Trumbull, whose historic paintings
now adorn the rotunda of the Capitol
About the time the city was begun he was
engaged in travelling around the country for
the purpose of securing portraits of the
signers of the Declaration Of Independence.
On his way north from Richmond in May,
1871. he states in his autobiography that he
arrived in Georgetown. where 1 found
Major LEnfant drawing his plan of the
city of Washington; rode with him over the
ground on which the city has since been
then a thick wood" With this brief and
meager description of the site he goes on
to relate the incidents that were of more
especial interest to himself.
Another traveller who came to this city
about that time was Francis Asbury, the
first bishop of the Methodist Church in this
country, and really the founder of American
Methodism. He Travelled constantly for years
all through the country, preaching and pre-
siding over conferences. His diary however
Is devoted almost exclusively to accounts
of his work and he does not allow himself
to be betrayed into a description of the
cords having been in Georgetown in 1892
and holding services there, and then contin-
uing his journey on horseback. Several
years after Congress removed here the
bishop speaks Of having visited the federal
city and was somewhat disturbed by the
hurry and hustle that he noticed in the
streets He speaks of having visited the
new bridge above Georgetown, which was
the Chain bridge, then recently erected.
Mr. Weld's Description.
6r1a Of tIa
the city that has come down to us from
those days is found In the book Of travels
through the states of North America and
the provinces Of Upper and Lower Canada
during the years 1895, 1876 and 1897 The au-
thor, Isaac Weld. was a young Irishman of
ability who visited this country for the pur-
pose OF ascertatning whether in case of war
which at that time seemed to be imminent
IN his own country, any part Of the new
territory might be an agreeable place of
abode He reached this city In the fall of
lIso, just about two years after the corner
stone OF the Capitol was laid. He speaks Of
the admirable situation of the city, both
from a commercial standpoint and as place
OF residence. He says 1.-The Capitol is now
building upon the most elevated spot of
ground in the city, which happens to be in
the very central situation. From this spot
there is a complete view OF every part Of
the city and also of the adjacent country
The plan on which this building is begun is
residence of the President stands northwest
of the Capitol at the distance of about one
mile and half. 1t is situated upon a ris-
Ing ground not far from the Potomac and
commands a most beautiful prospect of the
river and the rich country beyond 1t. One
hundred acres of ground toward the river
are left adjoining to the house for pleasure
grounds. The ground in general within the
limits or the city Is agreeably undulated,
but none of the risings are so great as to
become objects Of Inconvenience In the
town. The soil is chiefly of yellowish clay
mixed with gravel.
Only Houses of Brick.
"a number Of wooden habitations have
been built, but the different owners have all
been cautioned against considering them as
permanent They are to be allowed for a
certain time only and then destroyed The
only public buildings carrying on as yet are
the Presidents house. the Capitol and a
large Motel CThe latter was known as BIod-
setts Hotel. and occupied the grounds of
the south front OF the present Post Office
Department building) The President
house. which is nearly completed on the out
side, Is two stories high and built of free
stone. The principal room in it is of an oval
fern. This is undoubtedly the handsomest
building in the country. and the. architecture
of 1t is much extolled by the people who
have never seen anything superior. but 1t
VIII not bear critical examination. Many
persons find fault with II as being too large
and too splendid for the residence of any
OIc perSOH republican country, ana GER
tainly 1t is ridiculous habitation for a man
who receives "a salary that amounts to no
more than f5.s25 per annum. and In
a country where the expenses Of living are
far greater than they are In London. The
hotel is a large building Of brick ornament
ed with stone 1t stands between the Pres
dents house and the Capitol In the begin
ming OF the year 1876. when last saw II. II
was rooted in and every exertion making to
have II fnished with the utmost expedition
1t IL anything but beautiful.
Slow Progress With the Capitol.
1.-THE Capitol at the same period was
raised only a very little way above the
foundations. The private houses are all