U.S. CAPITOL: LAYING CORNERSTONE ~ PETER FORCE et al

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COMMEMORATING EFFORTS TO COMPLETE THE U.S. CAPITOL *U.S. CAPITOL: LAYING CORNERSTONE ~ PETER FORCE, et al. Choice Manuscript Letter Signed by three Mayors of Washington " Peter Force" [Mayor 1836-40 and noted American historian], "W. Lenox" [Walter Lenox, the current Mayor 1850-52], and "W.W. Seaton" [in pencil, Mayor 1840-50] and as representatives of the Smithsonian Institution by "C.C Jewett," "S.F. Baird," and "E. Foreman," with a secretarial signature of Smithsonian director Joseph Henry, 3/4 page, folio, no place [Washington, D.C.], undated [ca. July, 1851]. A petition to the Secretary of the Interior that Daniel Webster's speech and the ceremonies covering the laying of the cornerstone for the extension of the U.S. Capitol be published as an historical record. Addressed "To the Honorable A.H.H. Stuart / Secretary of the Interior," the distinguished committee states: "We witnessed the ceremonies at the laying of the Corner Stone of the Extension of the Capitol, on the 4th instant. We regard the Event as one of historical importance. The Survey of our national progress and the noble sentiments, which it drew forth from the Orator of the day [Daniel Webster] should be embodied in a more permanent form than the columns of a newspaper. We beg leave, tfore, respectfully to suggest the propriety of an official publication of the proceedings on that occasion, in a pamphlet, for preservation in our public Libraries, for distribution among the people, and for transmission to foreign lands, as a memorial of the position & patriotism of America in the middle of the nineteenth Century. Accept, Sir the assurances of respect with which we are..." In very good condition. Docketed on verso, in an unknown hand "Speech of Hon. D. Webster at the laying of the Corner Stone of the extension of the Capitol on the 4th July 1851 and the proceedings on that occasion, recommended to be published in pamphlet form by..." In 1851, an ambitious construction project was begun to put a splendid dome upon the roof of the U.S. Capitol building. Succeeding Robert Mills, Thomas Ustick Walter, the celebrated designer of Girard College, was named as architect of the Capitol. He designed and supervised the construction of the two wings added to the central building and from 1851 through 1865, the distinctive dome. American archivist and historian Peter Force [1790-1868] is best known, not as a politician, but as a collector and editor, first of statistical, then of historical material, publishing the monumental volumes known as the American Archives, a projected 20 volume work publishing all known important original materials of American history from the seventeenth century through 1789, many of which Force had acquired himself for his publication When publication of his work was ceased after nine volumes, he sold his collection to the Library of Congress for a staggering $100,000. Force had served in the War of 1812, was twice Mayor of Washington [1836-40], and served on the board of managers of the Washington National Monument. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ TERMS: NO PAYPAL Authenticity Guaranteed. Certificate of Authenticity [COA] is provided if requested . Worldwide shipping is via USPS Registered Mail [insured]: Domestic shipments @ $10.00, International shipments @ $15.00 Buyer agrees to confirm purchase by responding within three [3] days of our winning e-mail notification. All New York State residents are required to pay the 8-3/8 % sales tax. Payment should be made by money order, cashier's check, or personal check within 10 days of the closing date of the auction. All international purchases must be paid in United States Dollars . IMPORTANT - PLEASE NOTE : Worldwide payment accepted by International Postal Money Order, or by a check drawn on an American bank. [ Sorry ~ NO PayPal, no bank transfers and no credit cards]. If in doubt contact us before bidding. We do not participate in the e... read more

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