lation of air. The position for the the Union. These diverge from the different public edifices, and for the Capital and President's house, and a several squares, and areas of differ- direct line of communication between ent shapes, as they are laid down, these two edifices is formed by Pennwere first fixed on the most advanta- sylvania avenue, the principal and geous ground commanding the most finest street of the city. The avenues extensive prospect, and from their sit-are crossed by streets running N. uation susceptible of such improve- and S. alphabetically arranged, and ment as either use or ornament might others running E. and W. numericalat any time require. The soil is ly arranged. Many of these are generally sterile, mixed with pebbles shaded, and all of them very broad,and sand, the length of the city from the former being from 120 to 160 feet S. E. to N. W. is 44 ms.; mean in width, and the latter from 70 to width 2, containing a fraction less 110. than 8 sq. ms. The city was laid The City is divided into six wards, out under the supervision of GENE- the following table gives a correct RAL WASHINGTON (then President statement of the census, assessments, of the United States) in 1791. The and valuations of each, up to Decemprincipal streets are called avenues, ber 31, 1830. Agreeably to the last and named after the different states of census Total, 18,827 18,827 3,125,038 3,488,032 600,280 7,213,350, 40,394 76 - hands. The Number of buildings erected (the winter season about in the City in 1830 was, 178,-86 of There are four daily papers which were of brick and 92 of wood. sively circulated; also 4 weekly, cirThe total number of buildings in 1831 culated extensively. Book-binding, was, 3,560, of these there were pub- engraving, cabinet making, tobacco lic. 65-dwellings, 3,233, and 262 manufacturing, hatting, saddlery, shoe shops and warehouses. and boot making, tailoring, coach In the stores, and particularly on making, blacksmith's work, gunthe Pennsylvania avenue, there is a smiths, &c. are extensively carried great variety, well supplied, contain- on and employ a number of working every description of dry goods, men. Not less than 8 or 9 millions. groceries, hardware, china, glass, of bricks are made annually, employdrugs, millinery, confectionery, fruit, ing nearly 200 hands in the warm clothing, hats, shoes, boots, books, sta- weather. Bricklayers, carpenters, tionery, leather, chairs, plate, jewel- painters, glaziers, and in short, every lery, in short, every article of neces mechanic connected with the erection sity or ornament. of buildings, are extensively engaged in the summer season. The Mechanic Arts.-The print ing business, by the agency of steam and hand labor, alone employs during The population of Washington has increased rapidly, and from its being the seat of the government of the in 1803, 4,352; in 1807, 5,652; in county, and its salubrious and healthy 1810, 8,208; in 1817, 11,299; in location, it must continue to augment 1820, 13,246; and in 1830, 18,827, in number. consisting of In 1800 its population was 3,210; THE PUBLIC BUILDINGS in Wash- mac, as far as Alexandria.-It is of ington are numerous and many of the Corinthian order, and the most them elegant. Among these the first magnificent edifice in the U. States. m rank is the CAPITOL, it stands on It is situated near the western extremia most beautiful eminence, command-ty of the Capitol square; it is built of ing a complete view of every part of free stone, and composed of a central the City, and a considerable part of edifice and two wings, and is of the the country around, with the Poto- following dimensions, viz: The REPRESENTATIVES' HALL is wheel of the car is intended as the in the second story of the south wings face of a clock, which is to be placed and is semicircular in form. The behind, and the front contains in bas dome and galleries of the Hall, are so relievo a figure of FAME, and a supported by pillars of variegated profile bust of WASHINGTON. Above marble from the banks of the Poto- the Speaker's chair, is a colossal fimac. This apartment is truly mag-gure of LIBERTY, in plaster, pointing nificent. In front of the Speaker's to the Hall below, and supported on chair, and over the entrance into the the right by an American Eagle→→→ Chamber, stands an allegorical figure, and on the left by the Roman fasces, -formed of Italian marble, repre- which are partially enveloped in the senting HISTORY in the act of re- folds of a serpent. Immediately uncording the proceedings of the nation. der this figure, on the frize is carved She stands on a winged car, which in alto relievo another Eagle in the seems to roll over a section of the attitude of flying. terrestrial globe, exhibiting in basso THE SENATE CHAMBER in the relievo the signs of the zodiac. The north wing is of the same semi-cir cular form, a screen of Ionic columns, square feet, exclusive of its enclosure with capitols after those of the tem- for fuel; and an elegant area and gla-, ple of Minerva Polias, supports a gal- cis on the west front. 66 lery to the east, and forms a lobby he- The square contains 22 acres, em low, and a new gallery of iron pil-bracing a circumference of threelars and railings, of a light and ele fourths of a mile, and 185 feet, engant structure, projects from the curv-closed by a substantial iron railing ed walls, the dome ceiling is enrich- with very neat gate-ways. Gravel ed with square caissons of stucco. walks, and beautiful borders of shrubThe intervals between the marble pi- bery and flowers, forming a delight-. lasters in the wall are covered with ful promenade for the use of the citi straw-colored drapery. Columns of zens Opposite to the west front is Potomac marble, support the eastern the botanic garden ground, a situa gallery. tion well adapted for the purpose, THE ROTUNDA occupies the cen- which it is supposed will be placedtre. This is the principal entrance under the care of the Columbian Infrom the east Portico and west Stair, stitute. "At the west front of the and leads to the legislative halls and Capitol is placed the beautiful marble: library, which contains 16,000 vo-monument (which lately stood in the lumes. This room is divided in its navy yard) erected by the American circuit into pannels, by lofty Grecian officers, to the memory of their brethpilasters, which support a bold en-tren who fell before Tripoli in the tablature, ornamented with a wreath year 1804. It is a small dorie coof olive.-A hemispherical dome ris-lumn, with cn.blematical embellishes above, filled with large plain cais-lments, and crowned with an eagle in sons, like those of the Pantheon at the act of fiying. Its base is sculp Rome. The pannels of the circular tured in basso relievos, representing walls are appropriated to paintings Tripoli,-i's fortress,-the Mediter and basso relievos of historical sub-ranean and cur fleet in the forejects. This noble edifice was not ground and on each angle stands an quite completed when the British ar- appropriate marble figure. The one my under Gen. Ross. (who was af- represents Columbia directing the atterwards slain in battle near Balti-tention of her children to History more) in August, 1814, made a sud-who is recording the daring and inden incursion, after defeating the trepid action of the American heroes, American troops at Bladensburg,-the third represents Fame with a gained possession of the City, setting wreath of laurel in one hand and fire to the Capitol, President's house, pen in the other: and the fourth, Mer public offices, &c, reducing the whole curg, or the God of commerce, with to ashes, together with the valuable his cornucopia and caduceus, library of Congress. The founda- THE PRESIDENT'S HOUSE is twotion of the north wing was laid in the stories high with a lofty basement, and presence of Gen. Washington on the is 100 feet long and 85 wide: To 18th of Sept. 1923, and finished in each end there is attached the neces1800,-cost B480,262 57.--South sary offices, stables, coal and ice hous wing commenced in 1803, and finish-les, with a colonnade front rising to a ed in 1808,-cost $308,808 41,-and level with the main floor of the house; the centre, on the 24th of May. 1818, the roofs being flat these offices afford being the anniversary of its destruc a terrace suitable for a promenade. It tion by the British, and finished in is built of white free stone-The 1827-cost $957,647 35. The build- building is 170 feet in front and 86 ing covers an acre and a half, or 1820 deep, and is crowned with a balus- a trade; the roof is covered with cop-elevation of the north front 72 feet,— per, and the entrance from the north its Rotunda is 66 feet in diameter,is through a lofty portico, which is and Courtroom 70 by 40. projected from the front, so as to leave There is a Masonic Hall which is room for a carriage to pass under be- a handsome edifice, lately erected tween the platform and outer columns. near the City Hall. The house stands on an elevation There are also four well supplied of 44 feet above the usual high water market-houses, an infirmary, a fe of the river Potomac, in the centre of male orphan asylum,-a jail,—a the a large reservation of ground of 20 atre,-5 extensive hotels, a foundry, acres. The front entrance faces north, several breweries, a museum and upon an open square, and the garden City Library. front to the south, possessing a de- There is a Penitentiary provided lightful water prospect, together with for the use of the District, which is a commanding view of the Capitol, under the following rules and regulaand the most important parts of the tions: City. The Virginia and Maryland Of the reception and discharge of shores of the river, and Potomac convicts. bridge, and of the opposite view to 1st. On the arrival of a convict, the south, is extremely beautiful and immediate notice shall be given to the picturesque. It is an elegant build- Physician, who shall examine the ing and stands about one and a half state of his health. He shall then be miles from the Capitol. stripped of his clothes, and clothed in The entrance is subdivided into the uniform of the Prison, as hereaf halls, sets of apartments for the ac ter provided; being first bathed and commodation of a large family, and cleaned, and having his hair cut close, for the reception and entertainment of as prescribed by law. numerous guests. Liberal provisions 2d. He shall then be examined by have been made by Congress from the Warden and Clerk, in the pretime to time for furnishing the build-sence of as many of the keepers as ing in a style appropriate to its ele- can conveniently attend, that they may. gance and uses to which it is dedi- become acquainted with his person cated. and countenance,and his name, height, There are on the same open area apparent age, alledged place of naon which the President's house is lo- tivity, complexion, color of hair and cated, four other buildings, quadran- eyes, and length of feet, to be accugular in shape, two stories high, built rately measured, and all visible scars of brick and stuccoed. Of these the or marks, the Court convicted in, and two on the east are the Departments crime found guilty of, and length of of State and the Treasury*—those sentence, shall be entered in a book. on the west, the Departments of War provided for that purpose, with such and the Navy. The General Post other general description, as may tend Office is on Pennsylvania Avenue, to his or her future identification; and the Patent Office is kept in the and if the convict can write, his or same building. her signature shall be written under The City Hall is not yet comple- the said description of the person:" ted, but the plan is that of a noble 3d. All the effects on the person structure. Its front is 200 feet,-the of the convict, as well as his clothes, shall be taken from him, and preserv.. The Treasury building was consumed ed and taken care of, if worth it, by by fire in the summer of 1833, and has not the Warden, to be restored to him on since been rebuilt, but will soon be commenced. his discharge. 4th. The convict shall be instruct- portion, as possible, taking into coned carefully by the officers, in the rules sideration age, health, &c. and regulations of the Prison, by 2d. Salt pork and salt beef shall be which he is to be governed; and if in furnished alternately, each three days: health, shall there be put to work, at and fresh beef once in each week, or such trade as he knows, if practica- oftener, if the Warden shall see fit ble; if not, or he has no trade, the and proper: all the articles to be of Warden shall select such trade or em- good quality, and sound. ployment as seems best suited to his 3d. The clothing for each convict strength and capacity. shall be a roundabout, or over jacket, 5th. When a convict shall be dis- a vest and pantaloons, made of wool, charged, by the expiration of the term for the winter, and cotton or linen, for which he was sentenced, or by for the summer: with stripes running pardon, he shall take off the Prison round the body and limbs, a cap of uniform, and have the clothes brought the same cloth, leather shoes, and by him to the Prison, restored to him; woollen socks, and shirts of coarse or, if they are unfit, a new, cheap, cotton or linen. Each convict shall and suitable laborer's dress, with the have a mattrass, two blankets made other property or effects, if any, taken of coarse woollen yarn, not less than from him on his commitment. 14 yards wide, and 24 yards long, one 6th. When a prisoner is discharg- coarse sheet, of the same size. They ed, it shall be the duty of the War- shall not be permitted to lie down, or den, if practicable, to learn from him to rise up from their beds, until no his former history, the means of mo- tice given by the bell, for that purral and religious instruction enjoyed pose; nor shall they be permitted to by him, the early temptations to crime, sleep in their clothes, to which he was exposed, or by which 4th. The hour for breakfast, from he was assailed, his habits, predomi-the 20th March, to the 20th of Sepnant passions, and prevailing vices, tember, shall be 7 o'clock, A. M.; and in what part of the country he and, from the 20th September, to the intends to fix his future residence; all 20th March, 8 o'clock. The hour of which shall be entered by the for dinner shall be 1 o'clock, P. M. Clerk, in a book to be kept for that The convicts shall be allowed fortypurpose, together with his name, age, five minutes at breakfast, and one and time of discharge. hour at dinner; at the expiration of 7th. If the Inspectors and Warden which time, they shall be turned out have been satisfied with the industry, of their cells, and again put to labor. good order, and morality of his conduct, they shall give him a certificate] to that effect. Rations and clothing. 1st. The ration for each man per day, shall be 12 oz. of pork or 16 oz. of beef; 10 oz. of wheat flour, not bolted; 12 oz. of Indian meal; Duties of corvicts. 1st. Every convict shall be industrious, in the performance of any duity assigned to him, he shall labor diligently, and in silence, and obey implicitly, the orders of the officers of the institution. 2. No convict shall secrete, or hide, or carry about his person, any instrument or thing, with intent to make his escape, or in any other manner endeavor to make his escape. gill of Molasses; and 2 quarts of rye, 4 quarts of salt, 4 quarts of vinegar, 11⁄2 oz. of pepper; and 24 bushels of potatoes to each 100 3d. No convict shall dispute, quar rations. The rations of the women rel with, or in any manner misbehave and boys, shall be as nearly in pro-to another conviet, nor converse with |