[23] 



146 



After consultation with the architect, it was 



Ordered, That payments be hereafter made to the contractor monthly, 

 upon the architect's estimate, and with reduction of fifteen per cent, as 

 heretofore. 



Mr. Seaton stated to the committee, that on examining the fence around 

 the Smitlisonian lot, though executed according to contract, he believed it 

 would be insecure and exposed to frequent injury without a stout top- 

 rail; and he submitted, on this subject, from the architect, the following: 



July 22, 1847. 



Dear Sir : Mr. Carr has made an estimate for putting a 3 x H ^^^^^ 

 top- rail on the fence, with two wrought iron nails to each paling, and says 

 that it can be done for sixty dollars. 



Will you be so kind as to let me know by McPeak whether he shall 

 proceed with it? 



Very truly and respectfully yours, 



JAMES RENVYICK, Jr. 

 W. W. Seaton, Esq., 



Member of Building Cornmittee. 



On motion, it was 



Resolved, That the architect be authorized to contract for the addition 

 of a 3 X ^^ inch top-rail, to be firmly nailed to the fence, at a cost not 

 exceeding sixty dollars. 



On motion of Mr. Seaton, it was further 



Resolved, That the architect be authorized to make a contract for white- 

 washing the fence around the lot, at an expense not exceeding sixty dol- 

 lars. 



Mr. Seaton submitted, on the sul»ject of a resolution heretofore passed 

 by the Committee, (page 12U,) the following letters, which he received 

 from Mr. Owen : 



SUYDENHAM, NEAR PHILADELPHIA, 



May 20, 1S4T. 



My Dear Sir : Referring to my former letter, I now enclose you the 

 answer from the Girard College, through their architect, Mr. Walter, 

 which would have been transmitted immediately, but that I was from 

 home when it arrived. 1 regret its nature, and endeavored by personal 

 exertions to render it otherwise, but without success. 



The engraving of the college, to which Mr. Walter alludes in no 

 commendatory terms, I will leave with my son, 98 South t'ourth street, 

 Pliiladelplua, (Benjamin Rush,) subject to your order at any moment, 

 should you desire to have it. 



On the eve of my departure on the French mission, I cannot lose this 

 occasion of saying with what constant interest I shall continue to follow 

 up the proceedings of the Smithsonian Regents; and of adding, that if it 

 ever be thought 1 could render the least service to the institution while 

 in Paris, it would aff"ord me the greatest pleasure to be called upon. 



I beg you to believe in the esteem with wliich I am, dear sir, very 

 faithfully yours, 



RICHARD RUSH. 



Hon. Robert Dale Owen. 



