k 



107 [ 23 ] 



an excellect effect. From the above examinations, we were therefore of 

 opinion that Lee's quarries, and tliose on the Bull run, combine, more than 

 any of the others we have visited, the requisites most necessary for struc- 

 ture, durabihty, and beauty. 



We would also recommend, if the quarry on the Bull run be chosen, 

 that none darker than specimen No. 19 in Dr. Owen's report be allowed 

 to be used in the building, and that great care be taken to prevent any of 

 the argillaceous stone being used; and if Lee's quarry should be selected, 

 that all rock showing indications of copper be prohibited from being used. 

 I subjoin herewith a rough top(-)graphical map of the region, in which the 

 distances and localities are put down from memory, as the limited time of 

 our visit prevented any accurate measurements. 



Respectfully submitted. 



JAMES RENWICK, Jr., Architect. 



On motion of Mr. Owen, it was 



Resolved, That the architect cause to be procured and dressed a block 

 of freestone, of the warm gray color, from Lee's quarry; and also, that he 

 cause to be dressed, in ashlar finish, a portion of the block of freestone from 

 Bull run quarry, now lying before the west wing of the City Hall. 

 On motion of Mr. Seaton,it was 



Resolved, That the chairman address a letter to the president of the 

 Chesapeake and Ohio canal, asking a reduction of the rates of toll on said 

 canal, in favor of the contractor. 



Mr Mills, superintendent, submitted to the committee several specimens 

 of freestone, of excellent quality and good color, from the neighborhood of 

 Aquia creek, Virginia. 



On motion of Mr. Owen, it was 



Resolved, That Dr. Owen visit and report upon the Aquia creek quar- 

 ries of freestone. 



And, on motion, the committee adjourned. 



SEVENTEENTH MEETING— March 25, 1847. 



Present, Messrs. Owen and Seaton. 



The chairman laid before the committee the copy of a letter, which, in 

 accordance with the instructions, he had addressed to the president of the 

 Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Company, as follows: 



Washington, March 25, 1847. 



Sir: I am instructed by the building committee of the Smithsonian In- 

 stitution to inquire of you, whether, in the event ol the selection of a build- 

 ing material by them from quarries in the neighborhood of Seneca creek, 

 your company would consent to reduce the reite of toll, so far as regards 

 the buildings of the Smithsonian Institution. 



The amount required by us may, in a measure, depend upon your an- 

 swer, as it is not yet determined upon what we will back tlie wails with. 

 If Seneca stone be taken for the entire walls, I suppose that IO,OUU perches 

 of 25 feet may be required. 



The Maryland railroad companies had agreed, in event of our selectmg 



