458. ARCHITECTURE, Washington Capitol.—
I have had under consideration Mr. Hallet's plans for the Capitol, which undoubtedly
have a great deal of merit. Dr.
Thornton has also given me a view of his. *
* * The grandeur, simplicity and beauty of
the exterior, the propriety with which the apartments
are distributed, and economy in the mass
of the whole structure, will, I doubt not, give
it a preference in your eyes, as it has done in
mine and those of several others whom I have
consulted. * * * Some difficulty arises with respect
to Mr. Hallet, who you know was in
some degree led into his plan by ideas we all
expressed to him. This ought not to induce
us to prefer it to a better; but while he is
liberally rewarded for the time and labor he
has expended on it, his feelings should be saved
and soothed as much as possible.—
To the Washington Commissioners. Washington ed. iii, 507.
(1793)
