54 Mis. No. 48. 



story to the mnseiim ; the substitution of flights of iron for wooden steps 

 in the towers; other hot air furnaces; registers for ventilation; gateways 

 into the grounds; additional trees and shrubs; making roads and patlis 

 &.C., 6cc., &c. These objects, some indispensable, others more or less 

 urgent, all conducive to utility, permanence, beauty, or convenience, will 

 be decided on by the connnittee under the authority with which they con- 

 sider themselves intrusted, and as occasion shall arise, only after mature 

 deliberation on careful estimates in detail, and in a spirit of strict economy. 

 The committee, above all things, intend to keep an earnest regard upon the 

 pecuniary limits set to their operations, and to allow no transgression there- 

 of, either by actual expenditure, or by engagements, or pledges. 



A few words remain to be added in explanation of the extra work and al- 

 terations of plan alluded to in the preceding statements : as to which it is 

 due to the architect to premise that these have not been caused by any 

 omissions in the specifications of the contract. One item is for facing the 

 areas with cutstone — the contract having provided a facing of good blue 

 Potomac gneiss. The change was adopted because it was thought that a 

 stone facing of the same material as the face of the superstructure would 

 be more harmonious with, and conducive to, the general eifect ol the 

 exterior of the structure. 



2. Battkinents of cUAsters. — After the cloisters of the east wing were 

 completed, it became evident to the architect that from the comparatively 

 low situation of the building, the roofs were too conspicuous, and should 

 be concealed by an appropriate battlement. He therefore advised, and the 

 committee sanctioned, the expenditure of $200 for the battlements of the 

 eastern cloister. The committee has yet to act upon a like suggestion as 

 to the western range. 



3. TiDo extra chitjinies in the east wing- were added by the building com- 

 mittee after the plans were made, but before the contracts were signed. Mr. 

 Cameron states that he was not aware of this addition, as it was niade af- 

 ter he had completed his estimate ; and the architect is therefore of opinion 

 that his claim of extra compensation is just and equitable. 



JOS. G. TOTTEN, 

 W. W. SEATON, 

 HENRY W. HILUARD. 

 Washington, Dece)nber3l^ 1S4S. 



