23] 



122 



I would only add that the kind of stone that I understand you have 

 selected may be obtained here in any quantity you may require, and the 

 difference in the expense of using it is a full justification for its selection. 

 I have been induced to make this communication to guard you against 

 any unfavorable impression Mr. Dixon may be induced to make, in which 

 I feel justified by expressions he used when here. 



Yours, very respectfully, 



JOHN P. C. PETER. 

 Hon. Robert Dale Owen, 



Chairman of the Building Committee Smithsonian Institution. 



Laid on the table. 



Mr. Owen, in connexion with the subject of the above letter, stated to 

 the committee that he had written to the architect, Mr. Renwick, inform- 

 ing him that the committee adhere to their resolution regarding the color 

 and quality of building-material for the external walls, and look to him 

 to see it strictly carried out. 



The chairman laid before the committee, from the ex-messenger, Me- 

 Peak, the following letter : 



Washington, April 11, 1847. 



Sir : Believing that I can render good service to the committee in my 

 capacity as messeno-er, both in attending in the office and overlooking the 

 grounds of the institution, and removing nuisances, therefore I would re- 

 spectfully offer my services to the committee at one dollar per day. 



Respectfully, 



WM. McPEAK. 

 Hon. Robert Dale Owen, 



Chairman of the Building Committee Smithsonian Institution. 



Laid on the table. 



And, on motion, the committee adjourned. 



TWENTY-FIFTH MEETING— April 12, 1847. 



Present, Messrs. Totten, Seaton, and Owen. 



Mr. Totten, having returned from Mexico, took his seat on the com- 

 mittee. 



The chairman laid before the committee several specimens of building- 

 stone, similar in color and quality to specimen No. 19 of Dr. Owen's re- 

 port on the sandstones of the Potomac, from the quarries of Charles Vin- 

 son, Seneca Mills; (see his letter to the building committee, page 42 of 

 this journal.) The chairman stated that Dr. Owen had examined the 

 specimens, and considered them equal to specimen No. 19. 



The journal of the building committee, contract with James Dixon & 

 Co., and specifications and plan of foundations of the building, prepared 

 by the architect, were submitted to Mr. Totten, and examined by him. 



Mr. Totten stated to the committee that the duration of his stay in 

 Washino^ton was uncertain, and that he might be called upon to visit 

 some of the fortifications of the United States in the course of two or 

 three weeks. 



