76 
ment No. 114, 28th Congress, 2d Session. It contains full 
descriptions, with minute drawings, of the instruments, and 
suggestions as to the ends to which they might be most use- 
fully devoted, and it is a curious fact that these instruments 
are essentially the same that, after the lapse of 21 years, 
are still in active and successful employment. The only im- 
portant change is the disuse and removal (by himself) of the 
Ertel Circle, —obtained by him while still at the little box on 
Capitol Hill, and subsequently mounted at the new Observa- 
tory,—in order to make room for the magnificent meridian- 
circle also ordered by him, but which it was never his privi- 
lege to look upon. This noble instrument, purchased by the 
Navy Department under authority of the present Superin- 
tendent, then Chief of the appropriate Bureau, is now in 
working cendition, and offers rich promise of contributions 
alike useful and honorable to science. 
_ The great work was thus accomplished. The first work- 
ing American Observatory had been built, — stimulating to 
quick emulation in the Observatory at Cambridge, and so on 
in the numerous other similar institutions which now orna- 
ment our land. Who should direct its activity ? Lieutenant 
Gilliss had brought about its existence, had planned it, se- 
lected and ordered the instruments, superintended the con- 
struction of the building, mounted and adjusted the instru- 
ments, and at the close of September, 1844, reported the 
work done and the Observatory ready for occupation. No 
breath of scandal had ever sullied his fame. He was the. 
sole working astronomer in the nation. His work had met 
the commendation of astronomers everywhere, so far as they 
had had opportunity to become acquainted with it. 
. It was not Gilliss who was assigned to its superintendence- 
e at, on the Ast October, orders to assume the charge of 
3 noble institution were issued by Hon. John Y. Mason, — 
