Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1897-05-13


far as human eyes can see, and saw this
new wonder of the world and all the
glory that should be. Therefore, he
prepared plans for a city which would
grow and wax beautiful in it's magni-
tude during the future centuries. Wash
ington appreciated and approved the
plan, and so the city began.
After Washington had selected the
site of the national capital, which he
called Federal City," he selected the
site of the capitol building, upon a
brow of beautiful eminence overlook
ing the picturesque valley of the Tiber
river, and also giving a perfect view of
the greater stream, the beautiful Poto-
mac.
In 1892, with bricks brought from
England, Washington built a residence
for himself upon capitol hill, within
one block of the grounds set apart as
reservation for the Capitol park. The
building still stands as it was erected,
but two stories have been added to
1t. In 1872, when the city was being
revamped by Alexander Shepherd,
when hills were cut down and low
grounds filled in; when streets were
paved and whole blocks of squatters'
houses destroyed, it was decreed that
capitol hill should be graded so as to
conform with the general plan adopted
for rejuvenation of the national cap
ftal
The old home of Washington was re-
garded as q sacred relic of the original
city. which must not be destroyed.
Therefore, while the grading of capitol
hill was being done, two stories were
added to the building; but they were
basement storiNs. That is to say, the
building was Undermined and two
stories were built beneath the original
ed;fice. Therefore, in the accompany
ing illustration, the reader will under
stand that the original home of Wash.
ington in this city consisted only of
that part of the house which now ap-
pears as the third. fourth and fifth
stories.
windows appears sign bearing the in
scription: Built by Washington in
1902" This is true statement, butit
would be more strictly correct il the
inscription should inform the people
that the house was built under the di-
rection of Washington. instead of by
himself The following letter, written
by Washington, shows that consider.
able time was taken in the building of
dis residence; and also shows something
of the manner and method of Washing
ton, concerning details:
William Thornton. Esq.
Federal City.
Favored by Thomas Law, Esq,
Mount Vernon, Dec. 20. 1898.
Dear Sir: Enclosed is a check on the
Bank Of Alexandria for $500 to enable Mr.
Blagden, by your drafts. to proceed in
laying in material for carrying on my
buildings in Federal City.
saw building In Philadelphia, of about
the same front end elevation as those to
be given to my house. which pleased me.
1t consisted also of two houses united,
doors In the center, pediment in the roof
and dormer window on each side of 1t, in
front, and skylights In the rear.
If this Is not homogeneous with the rules
OF architecture, should be glad to have
my two houses executed in this style. Let
me request a favor Of you. to know from
Mr.. Blagden what the additional cost will
be. l am, dear Sir,
Your most obed.,
Hbl. Servt.,
G. WASHINGTON.
1t is generally supposed that Wash
ington at that time was building other
houses than his home on capitol hill,
because he Uses the plural in request
I ing that material may be purchased for
carrying on his buildings, and he also
speaks of two houses to be built in a GER
tain style. There is nothing on record
to show how much Washington's resi-
dence cost; but it must have been con-
siderable. because in those days of slow
travel, when the bricks were brought
across the ocean in sailing ships, and
when experienced bricklayers were able
to command high wages. the building
must have been very expensive indeed.
Although only three stories high, it was
a very large house for that day. 1t
was intended to be the best house in
Federal City, for George Washington
fully realized the fact that he was first
in war, first in peace and first in the
hearts of his countrymen."
1t is a pity that it is necessary to add
20 the house, or change it in any way:
but the grading of capitol hill was a
necessity. in order to develop the to-
Biography which would give the city a