THE UNITED STATES NAVAL OBSERVATORY. 707 



All obstacles to further progress being happily overcome, plans for 

 erecting a Naval Observatory under the best available conditions were 

 speedily made matter for diligent study. Visits were made to the 

 Northern cities to obtain assistance, distinguished astronomers were 

 consulted, and an accomplished architect secured to draught plans, the 

 whole care being intrusted to Lieutenant Gilliss. The locality chosen 

 for the observatory possesses an historic interest. The site assigned 

 to it was known as " Reservation No. 4," on the original plan of the 

 city. It lies on the north bank of the Potomac, in the southwestern 

 part of the city. When General Braddock marched against Fort Du- 

 quesne in the colonial wars, his troops landed and encamped on this 

 hill. Washington's letters show that he crossed at this point from 

 Alexandria to join Braddock at Frederick. A large rock within the 

 grounds of the observatory is pointed out as the spot on which these 

 landings were made. It was here that the first President proposed to 

 locate a national university, and at a later date it was suggested by 

 President John Quincy Adams for the site of an observatory. The 

 base of the observatory is the second highest eminence within the 

 city limits, and is on a level with the floor of the Congressional Li- 

 brary. 



In 1843 Lieutenant Gilliss reported to the Navy Department the 

 adoption of a plan for an observatory, and also the progress of the 

 erection of a building in accordance with the plan. In 1844 the new 

 building was ready for occupancy, and the instruments adjusted for 

 the commencement of active work. The central building is about 

 fifty feet square, raised on a firm foundation, and built of brick in the 

 most thorough manner. It is two stories and a basement high, with 

 a parapet and balustrade of wood around the top, and is surmounted 

 by a revolving dome resting on a circular wall. The roof is nearly 

 flat, and so arranged as to form a level promenade for gazing observa- 

 tions. On the east and west sides of the building are wings, and 

 also on the south. In 1870, an ob serving-room for the transit-circle 

 was added, forming an extension of the west wing. A tower and 

 dome, to accommodate the superb new equatorial telescope recently 

 completed, was finished in October. The equipment of the observa- 

 tory in astronomical, magnetic, and meteorological instruments is now 

 in a fair way to become worthy of the institution and the country 

 it represents, and the library is increasing rapidly in the number of 

 volumes and their scientific value. 



Among the influences that helped to bring about this auspicious 

 result were, in the first place, the unswerving interest and indefati- 

 gable zeal of Mr. John Quincy Adams. Although his suggestions 

 concerning the establishment of a national observatory were treated 

 with neglect during the term of his presidency, he did not lessen his 

 efforts in the cause dear to his heart. In 1838 he presented its claims 

 before President Van Buren, and in 1842 in his place in the House of 



