1 Frederick Law Olmsted Subject File Public and State Buildings U.S. Capitol Bound Correspondence 1874-77Engineer's Office, U. S. Capitol Grounds, Washington, D. C., April 18th 1877 Mr Fred Law Olmsted. Landscape Architect Dear Sir: Mr. Bullard was home suddenly, by the death of his grandson, last A letter from you to him was received today. Of course e not opened it. If it contained anything that ought to be seen nce please write me as he may not return until Monday. es, with the exception of part of the Planes, were all led and finished last night. Mr. Cogan is still work getting the remainder of the plantings in shape will work full force until these are completed. The are all ordered from Saul, for the fountains. me trees will all be in by tomorrow morning. having April showers every day Very respectfully F. H. CobbEngineer's Office, U. S. Capitol Grounds, Washington, D. C. , April 12th 1877 Mr. Fred. Law Olmsted Landscape Architect Dear Sir: I return a tracing of the circle at Pa. Ave. with the elevations of the pavement which it seems desirable to me to adopt. The only change is at the south end of the circle which you will see on the tracing marked in red ink. I will work out the grades of the walks, leading along the drives up the hill, more carefully than I have been able to do thus far, and send the result in a few days. The grades for the Plane trees do not fit the present grade of the ground. At the west end they will be considerable higher, which was intended and provided for in the plans. but at the East end (where the lower platform will come) they are two feet below2 Engineer's Office, U. S. Capitol Grounds, Washington, D. C. , 187 the surface. The difficulty is with the last four or five trees, all above and commencing where that little terrace was, and where the two steps are now. The tracings will show what I mean. I have not dared to make any change for fear it might interfere with your future plans. It does not seems advisable to plant the trees [until] under an uncertainty, and we are in status quo so far as these trees are concerned. Mr Bullard is now removing the plants from the fountains and putting out the shrubbery. We will probably commence to change the plantings and trees to conform to the new plan by Saturday. Very truly yours, F. H. Cobb P.S. Mr. Taylor will commence to grade out and pave New Jersey ave entrance South next week. FHC.Engineer's Office, U. S. Capitol Grounds, Washington, D. C. , April 5th 1877 Mr. Fred Law Olmsted Landscape Architect Dear Sir: I supposed I had the location of the trees on the two west walks. But in looking for the plan I find only the enclosed tracings, both relating to Penn. Ave, without designating which is adopted. I think your final location is in the drawing you brought with you on your last visit here, but which was returned to New York by Express. The ground is being prepared and will be ready as soon as the trees come. Please send correct location of the trees as soon as possible. Very truly yours F.H. CobbMr Cobb. 5th April 1877. Dear Sir, Yours of yesterday is received. Mr Bullard will probably be with me on Monday There is no haste required in planting the imported trees -- I send herewith plans for the foundations of the circle wall &c and for the avenues. Please return a tracing from this plan of the wall with the elevation you will give the concrete surface at each of the piers with a view to plan of walls.Our data were not as complete as might be desired and I wish that as soon as you can you would review the grades for avenue and for the planting plane. If you see any serious difficulty in carrying out the plan, take a tracing and return it immediately with comments. But as there is no time to spare go on with the grading as closely to the elevations given as you think will answer. I believe every thing is exactly right. I think that it is necessary that the upper end of the planeshould be a little below the present surface. I shall be glad to hear how the English trees turn out. [our data for calculating grades at sides of avenue were not satisfactory. and possibly you may find that]Engineer's Office, U. S. Capitol Grounds, Washington, D. C. , April 4th 1877 Mr. Fred. Law Olmsted Landscape Architect Dear Sir: Yours was received this morning. Mr. Clark concludes that your suggestion in regard to the paving for carriage stands be carried out, also that the walk along North drive be made fifteen instead of ten feet wide. The plants have all come in good order and are waiting Mr. Bullards presence before they are finally put in place. They are in the nursery now. I am having the East grounds raked and the bare places seeded as fast as possible. There has been so much rain that we could not make very good progress. Very truly yours F.H. CobbMr Cogan 3d April 77 Dear Sir, I have yours of yesterday and am glad to know that the trees from France turn out so promisingly. The planes from London are here and I hope will be shipped hence tomorrow night There are 100 of them and you need less than 60 for the avenues Judging from the freight bill they are of good size. Be well prepared with trenches. Take them one by one from the bundles and carefully examine the roots of each, cut cleanoff at once any bruised or frayed roots. Judge of the promise of vigorous growth of each tree when you thus examine the roots and have them heeled in in three classes. The best class to go into the rows and as many of the second as necessary to make up the number. I presume they will all be good still you want to select the best of the good and to do so largely by the roots.I want the ground to be very thoroughly prepared for them full two feet deep of very rich well tempered fine soil with loosened subsoil. In planting be very careful not to set too deep and to allow for settling.Engineer's Office, U. S. Capitol Grounds, Washington, D. C. , March 26th 1877 Mr Fred Law Olmsted Landscape Architect Dear Sir: I send herewith a tracing of Gov. Cooke's place in Georgetown showing the proposed manner of subdivision. I have aimed to make each lot desirable in location and not too complicated in its outlines. In doing this I have tried to furnish each with a good building site and pleasant front view. A more park like effect would be had perhaps by making the division lines follow natural walks leading to the different houses and abolishing straight lines altogether. E.g. see dotted lines between lots 5-6 & 12. This has the disadvantage of indefiniteness in boundary lines and might lead to trouble in the future. If fences are not built it would be better to make the lines straight and the angles definite. Of course theEngineer's Office, U. S. Capitol Grounds, Washington, D. C. , 187 drive can not be arranged thus. There is some prospect of one man's taking lots 13 and 14. If this should be done "A" might be dispensed with perhaps as a drive. But very few trees would be cut down and the grade of the drive very easy and natural. Whatever criticism or suggestions you may see fit to make will be received with a great deal of thankfulness and if it is ever in my power to serve you I will do it with pleasure -- Very truly yours F. H. CobbEngineer's Office, U. S. Capitol Grounds, Washington, D. C. , March 26th 1877 Mr. Fred Law Olmsted Landscape Architect Dear Sir Senator Morrill and Mr. Clark are anxious to move the statue of Washington from its present position before any paving is done on the East court. Senator Morrill would like to keep it on the grounds if possible and suggested the center of East Capitol St near the West building line of 1st St East. The statue (the base) is ten feet ten inches by seven feet seven inches and they propose to cover it with some kind of canopy to protect it from the weather. This would probably require 20' diameter and would materially interfere with the roadway unless the corners of the roadway were cut off. Mr. Clark suggests such a change, if this place should be decided on. Neither of them are satisfied withEngineer's Office, U. S. Capitol Grounds, Washington, D. C. , 187 this place if a better one can be found. They spoke of the West park opposite the Botanical Garden gate near where we are to put the drinking fountain. This seems a more suitable place but might interfere with the central view of the Capitol. Mr Clark wished me to ask you to indicate a place where it would be ornamental if possible, if not where it would be out of the way. Could it be put in any of the plantings? I do not know that it would harmonize with anything, but it might perhaps scare the boys and thus keep them off the grass. I send a tracing of East Capitol and 1st St East. Mr. Bullard will tell you how the planting is progressing. The plantings between the walks and drives on the North side have been made as you suggested and are much improved in appearance. The weather is very unfavorable now for constant work. Part of the days are pleasant but the ground is too wet toEngineer's Office, U. S. Capitol Grounds, Washington, D. C. , 187 work to advantage. The changes at the foot of the hill can all be made this spring. I mean the North side. It will not take many days to make them. The walk coming down the hill next to the drive is now ten feet, on your tracing you have marked fifteen feet. Mr. Clark thinks that ten feet will be ample for all the travel and would prefer that width. Next the curb in the 30' walk on the circle you have indicated two spaces thus. I do not understand whether these are to be the shelters or plantings, but I do not need them at present. Very truly yours F. H. Cobb Mr Cobb. 2d April 1879 Dear Sir, I am in recpt of yours 31st ult. I think that rectangular forms would be better for the stone pavements, and that carriages entering by the curved approaches should be able to drive straight ahead without crossing them. As you have it arranged, the standing carriages would seem to block these [groups?] too much. The only object I should have in making them so large would be to saveBetween 1869 when the 2 money. I send a suggestion on tracing paper and if Mr Clark what I propose would not be large eno [The] each block might be inclined five feet or more on each side. It would be very undesirable to break them up with trees or statues. The simpler the whole court can be the better. I look upon these affairs as temporary They will go when the portico is extended.3 I meant that you should return the Cook tracing and to give it more careful study but perhaps it does not need it I am in doubt about the gate arrangements and whether the wheel ways are wide enough. But I can discuss it when I come to Washington again if you are in no haste. I think that the 10 feet walk which you wrote about on the West Capitol grounds should be 15 feet as I drew it. At any rate decidedly more than ten. [The] In contrast with4 the broad walks below and above it will look cramped [and inviting. and uninviting.] and not seem to be what it is the direct or main walk from the Avenue to the East side. The spaces about which you inquired near the curb of the circle are for trees - soil 2 feet deep, to be covered by iron gratings. The trees for the avenues have arrived here from England You will have them in a few days.Engineer's Office, U. S. Capitol Grounds, Washington, D. C. , March 31st 1877 Mr. Fred Law Olmsted. Landscape Architect. Dear Sir: The enclosed tracing shows about the idea proposed by Mr. Clark for paving the East Capitol Court. The red lines enclose the area to be paved with granite blocks. This seems to me to be unnecessarily large and that the same effect could be produced by a smaller area. Mr. Clarks plan is to have the carriages stand facing outward -- as many as possible facing the Capitol -- and leaving an area in the center. This could be utilized and made ornamental by a small planting around a[n] lamp or statue, or by simply a grass plat or flower stand. if desirable a fountain could be put here. He makes these suggestions and leaves to you to elaborate the details.Engineer's Office, U. S. Capitol Grounds, Washington, D. C. , 187 He says that this plan has met with universal favor among the senators and seems to be agreeable to all. Mr. Moffitt writes that he can send no more stone before June. I am sorry for this, as we have the foundation all in and could put the coping on this spring. We have not yet commenced work on the West grounds. Mr. Cogan is shaping up around the sumner tree and finishing all the little jobs before we go there. The ground is still too wet to do much. I received your criticism and sketch of the Cook property and feel under many obligations for them. It was very kind of you to do this for me and I appreciate it most fully. Your suggestions supply exactly what I felt was lacking, yet did not know just how to accomplish. I do not see as anything more needs to be added to put the property into proper shape -- onEngineer's Office, U. S. Capitol Grounds, Washington, D. C. , 187 paper. I shall now make a copy and with one or two minor modifications submit it. That is if you do not wish to withold it for any reason -- I forgot to say that a carriage and horses occupy a space 24' x 7' -- Very truly yours F. H. CobbP.S. Mr Clark agrees to the distribution of the appropriation as you wrote me and you can safely base your figures on estimate. Mr Henessy is sick so that I can not have the contracts copied now but will send them as soon as possible Very truly yours F. H. C.Engineer's Office, U. S. Capitol Grounds, Washington, D. C. , March 21st 1877 Mr. Fred Law Olmsted Landscape Architect Dear Sir: Yours is just received. The address of the parties who furnished the street washers is J. Register and Sons. Baltimore Md. We paid last Fall $16.50 each. I think perhaps they may now be bought for $16.00. Enclosed you will find three dollars worth of postage stamps, and also a copy of Cooks contract. We have had a spell of severe cold weather, together with snow but it is milder again -- The shaping of the grounds is going on as fast as the weather will allow. Very Respectfully F. H. CobbTo Mr Cobb 21 Mch. 1877 My Dear Sir, I send enclosed a traceing of a proposed partial rearrangement of the walks leading from Penna Avenue which please have in view in any work in that vicinity. It will not probably be worth while to reset any of the edgings upon the new lines at present but you had better I think have them staked out and before the close of the planting season [have] let the trees be taken up which would cover in the walks and others which will be too near the edgings set back at Mr Bullard's discretion.If practicable I would take out the gravel and replace it with soil in the places where the lawn surface is to be extended and have all the changes of planting made this spring, but I fear you will not be able to accomplish this. I leave it with you to determine. I enclose a memorandum for Mr Bullard.to Mr Cobb. 19th March 77 Dear Sir, I have just read yours of 17th with traceing - I understand you to estimate the outlay required for the survey over and above pay roll outlay at $2250. Assuming the amount available at $92000, and that $38000 will be a liberal allowance for pay roll and contingencies, I propose that we should have the following distribution in mind.Hurdles 1100 Soil, manure & trees 5000 Wall under contract and foundations 11.500 Additional [?] 900 Fountain & lamp work (bronze) 1.000 Server 2.250 Trellis 1.100 Walks 10.500 Drinking fountain etc 650 Penna Ave circle, steps piers, wall, lamps, gratings, etc. 20.000 Payrolls and contingencies 38.000 92.000 Please review this, consult Mr. Clark and advise me. Yours Truly, F. L. O.Engineer's Office, U. S. Capitol Grounds, Washington, D. C. , March 17th 1877 Mr. Fred. Law Olmsted Landscape Architect Dear Sir: Your letter was received. Your offer in regard to the Cooke property I most deeply appreciate and will most gladly avail myself of your kindness. When the plan is a little more matured I will make a tracing and send on for your review. I have figured the soil required as closely as I dared and find 4250 c.y. will be required at a cost of $3187.00 The manure and other fertilizers will increase this about $500.00 The new sewer about $4250.00 In talking with Mr. Clark he approves of the amount and location of the Cook pavement but thinks the price could not be reduced with safety. over --Engineer's Office, U. S. Capitol Grounds, Washington, D. C. , 187 I have shown on the tracing the quantity required on each walk. The aggregate being 4096 sq. yds at a cost of $10488.00. I do not see how this can well be reduced and accomplish the end sought. Would it not be well to have the stonework at Pa. Ave. Circle commenced as early as possible so as to have it out of the way and the pavement finished before Congress assembles in the Fall. I hardly know what to say about the pay rolls. I will try and put part of the $4250 for the sewer into that. I think you can take $2000. of it for something else. It is snowing today. A regular "North Easter". We have received some very fine plants and shrubs from Georgetown -- Very Truly Yours F. H. CobbEngineer's Office, Capitol Grounds, Washington, D. C. March 2nd 1877 Mr Fred Law Olmsted Landscape Architect Dear Sir: Mr. Clark entirely approves of your suggestion in regard to the drinking fountain in the West park, and requests you to select such a one as in your opinion would be much appropriate. The trees are budding out very fast and the grass begins to show decided signs of life. Very truly yours F. H. Cobb 22 Febr 77 To Mr Cobb I have yours of 20th The form of drinking hydrant which I shd recommend would have to be cast to order from patterns existing. I will order one if so decided but the position proposed would be as you say cramped & much better arrangement could be made I think by carrying the water to a point in the East of the side walk & there providing for it by a recess of the wall by which obstruction to the walk would be avoided. Somewhat in this way If Mr Clark approves this suggestion could you not lay a pipe to the point in question — opposite the middle of the Capitol & the gate of the Botanic Garden and make at once some temporary arrangements so as to remove the temptation to trespass on the grounds. I intended to stretch wires on the trellis. F.L.O.Engineer's Office, U. S. Capitol Grounds, Washington, D. C., Feb 20th 1877 Mr. Fred Law Olmsted Landscape Architect Dear Sir. Your letter was received. I explained to Mr. Clark the items of Mr. Wisedell's statement He was satisfied with the report but thought the arbor rather high. We will settle with Bours brothers as soon as we are sure every thing is according to your plans. It looks as if some of the roofs bars had been omitted. There are two longitudinal strips and the latitudinal bars are nearly 2 ft apart. This leaves very large spaces to be covered with vines. Was it not the intention to make the spaces smaller by introducing more bars across or lengthwise. If you remember we have spring flowing from a small pipe on the West grounds near 1st St. It was on the East side of the lower inside walk. Mr Clark wishes to move it down next the curb on 1st St so that it can still be used but will be out of the way. There is enough head I think to raise the water four feet if necessary but the stream is very small, not more than one half inch.The wash water will flow into the sewer and the hydrant set with its back to the street and the spout turned toward the Capitol. Mr. Clark would like you to find something appropriate and not too expensive for this place and purchase it. It will have to set close up to the curb or it will be in the way as the walk is but ten feet wide there. If you can send it on at an early day we would be glad as the people coming to the spring trample down the plowed ground. Very Respectfully F. H. CobbTo Mr. Cobb. 16th Feby 1877 Dear Sir, I have read yours of 16th. I do not suppose that we are at the end of the winter and I hardly think it worth while to enter upon planting operations until we are and the ground is settled for good. I have not heard from France as to the trees. I requested them to be shipped so as to arrive as nearly as practicable on the 1st April. I do not want them planted till I have personally set out their places. Mr. Wisedell writes you about the accounts the memorandum sent about which seems not to have been fully read. Engineer's Office, Capitol Grounds, Washington, D. C., Feb 16th 1877 Mr. Fred Law Olmsted Landscape Architect Dear Sir: I find the trellace is up in good order. The weather is pleasant and mild and a good planting time. Would it not be well to have the vines around the trellace planted at once. If you wish it done now, please send word what you wish and how you want them planted. I am having the trenches dug and filled ready for the trees on the sides of Pa. and Md. Ave. walks. When will the trees probably by here? Do you want them planted as soon as they come? Very respectfully F H. CobbEngineer's Office, Capitol Grounds Washington, D. C. Jan 30th 1877 Mr Thos. Wisedell: Architect Dear Sir: Will you be kind enough to send the contract with Bowes & bro - Mr. J. J. Bowes is here at present having the trellace erected. He will finish by the last of the week and will probably want a voucher for the amount. The Treasury Dept. will not pay until the contract is filed with them. I am going North today to be gone a couple of weeks and may call on you before I return. You can send the contract to my address at this office and it will receive attention. The weather is mild and beautiful, and just now promises an early Spring. What effect the presidential count will have on it is one of those things "no fellow can find out" - Very truly yours F. H. CobbEngineer's Office, Capitol Grounds Washington, D. C. Dec. 29th 1876 Mr. Fred Law Olmsted Landscape Architect Dear Sir: We are entirely through with the tree trucks and they are spoiling for want of something to do. Do you know of any parties in need of such an article? Of course they are not in complete order and are somewhat old, but a few dollars will put them in good order. I think we paid nearly $1100.00 for the two. We are willing to sell them for what they are worth. Mr. Cogan reports that the trees are mostly pruned. I mean the transplanted ones. It has been a very severe winter since the cold weather commenced. The ground is frozen nearly one foot in depth and covered with snow and ice. We have not had a warm day for two weeks. The granite coping was started and one pier erected but the frost stopped further operations. I have not heard from the trellace since it was returned for repairs but expect it will come back sometime next week. Very respectfully F. H. CobbEngineer's Office, Capitol Grounds Washington, D. C. Dec 9th 1876 Mr. Fred Law Olmsted Landscape Architect Dear Sir: Your letter containing the sketch of Penna Ave. entrance was received. Before its receipt I had set out the stakes for the grade which I had fixed upon, raising the ground opposite the Botanical Garden over two feet. This was just about the time Congress convened and Mr Clark wished the circle to present a respectable appearance. He objected to raising the ground so high especially at this time and directed about one foot of soil to be put on. The cold weather came on at this time and almost stopped our putting any soil into the grounds. I have put on the one foot and can do no more this Fall. Next spring if the plans are all elaborated and presented I do not think any objection will be made to the elevation. Congress and the Inquisitorial Committee will be out of the way and willnot insist on their plans rather than yours being carried out. The best I could do was to drop the subject for the present. It is very cold today and the wind blowing a gale. The summer tree is as firm as a rock. Mr. Cogan reports that all the transplanted trees are in good condition and the pruning is progressing satisfactorily. The stone coping has arrived and whenever the weather permits we are putting it up. The trellace came yesterday. The contractor came with it and we hope to have it erected by the last of the week. The men are working on half time now and of course not much new work is undertaken. Very respectfully F. H. CobbTo Mr Cobb 5th Dec 1876 Dear Sir: Enclosed [find tracing] I send sketch for grading about the Penna. Ave. circle. If you find any thing difficult or impracticable in it, please let me know. If not, go ahead at your convenience in accordance with it. I am anxious to hear how you stand as to the retaining parapet. [Pray] [Pray loose no chance to get it done.] Take some risk if necessary and loose no chance to have it done.[gretted and urge upon you all possible deliberation Questions in which the [interests?] of the present generation [are?] insignificant compared with those of their successors] Engineer's Office, Capitol Grounds, Washington, D. C. Nov 28th 1876 Mr Fred Law Olmsted Landscape Architect Dear Sir; I enclose a tracing showing the grades established at the head of Pa. Ave. for the new pavement. This work is so far advanced that it will be difficult to change it. Also my solution of the problem submitted yesterday. I think it meets the conditions you established yesterday. You will observe that the grades are all easy and no violent change will be made in the present contour. The [back] line of the circular coping will be level, ten inches above the ground. The filling at the south end of the circle will be 2'-2" and at the North end about 3" higher than at present. As I understand it the filling is not to go back level until it reaches the present ground (along the back of the side walk between Penna. and Md. Aves.) but to be sloped down for a distance offorty feet or more in this manner: pavement new slope old surface This makes a slight depression or valley between the coping and the old surface. Of course attention must be had to the position and elevation of the trees, and a considerable play of surface allowed. As Mr Clark is desirous to finish the immediate front at Pa. Ave. I will go on with this plan unless notified by you to change. The plinth for the trellace has been commenced and will be ready by December 5th. Very truly yours F. H. CobbEngineer's Office, Capitol Grounds, Washington, D. C. Nov 18th 1876 Mr. Fred. Law Olmsted Landscape Architect Dear Sir: I send herewith a tracing showing the position and elevation of the trees on each side the walks on the West ground. I am sorry I could not forward it before but there has been such a press of work I could not do it. I think it explains itself. Please send the elevations for the edging on the entrances at Pa. and Md. Ave. The lowering of the Sumner tree is progressing very well. I do not anticipate any trouble or any injury to the tree The roots are all near the surface and will not be disturbed. The tree moving has been more than usually successful this year. The average cost being less than $30.00 per tree, and present indications showing a healthy condition of all trees moved. Mr. Bullard is putting plants in the fountain vases. The workmen from Janes & Kirkland have finished their work and done all that can be safely done to finish the vases. They are very greatlyimpressed. It was impossible to straighten all the lines. All our pavements have been finished. During the present year Cook has laid 44500 sq ft of concrete footwalks at a cost of $12700. Our road pavements cost about $24000.00 Mr Clark dislikes to have the curbs oiled this year and I have not done it as yet. We are having a gentle rain today with moderately cold weather Vert truly yours F. H. CobbEngineer's Office, Capitol Grounds, Washington, D. C. Nov 4th 1876 Mr. Fred Law Olmsted Landscape Architect Dear Sir: Enclosed you will find a pencil sketch of the curves and grades at the Del. Ave. entrance on the North side. The distances and elevations are correct. Mr. Wisedell may want them to compare with those he has before completing the working drawings for the coping. We are digging around the sumner tree and will have no difficulty in lowering it I think. The tree moving is progressing as usual on the West park. As soon as possible I will send the survey of the Penna. and Md. Avenues walks. Very truly yours F. H. Cobb Engineer's Office, Capitol Grounds, Washington, D.C. Oct 23rd 1876 Mr. Fred Law Olmsted Landscape Architect Dear Sir Mr Clark desires me to say in answer to your letter of the 20th inst. that you had better order the iron trellis seat for one side from the lowest bidder J.J. Bowers (for $800.00) so as to have it put up as soon as possible. He would like to have you send him a model or pattern of the guards in order to obtain bids from some parties here. He promised them an opportunity to figure on them whenever we were ready to order. Doubtless you have seen Mr Bullard and obtained information about the trees. There are some points concerning them which he was in doubt about and I could not give him the informationhe desired. The two triangles are fixed as near what you wished as we knew how. Very Respectfully F. H. CobbEngineer's Office, Capitol Grounds, Washington, D. C. Oct 16th 1876 Mr. Fred Law Olmsted. Landscape Architect Dear Sir. Your letter was received Saturday morning. The triangles referred to are being fixed as well as we can. James & Kirkland's man is here working on the fountains. Very respectfully F. H. CobbEngineer's Office, Capitol Grounds, Washington, D. C. Oct. 13th 1876 Mr. Fred Law Olmsted Landscape Architect Dear Sir: I have two more proposals - received since the two first were sent for that coping. Mr. Bullard says you will probably be here by the first of the week so I could not get the samples to you in time. I will hold them for your inspection when you come unless you wish them forwarded. If so please telegraph. Very truly yours F. H. CobbTo Mr Cobb. 13th Oct Dear Sir Yours of 11th just recd. - There should, on no account, be a further postponement of the little job to which you refer. It has been promised me and deferred five times already. [The trees trees] The planting which comes in competition with it [should] may go over a year, and nothing suffer. I am very sorry it has been so long delayed [It should not have been] for there is no work for lack of which the grounds now equally suffer, or will suffer during the winter. It is always a mistake to spend labor on new work or work half done when everything is lacking to make perfect that which has nearly realized its intention. The rule to give the perfecting of old work the preference in disposing of available funds has never been & never will be departed from with my approval. [because]Engineer's Office, Capitol Grounds, Washington, D. C. Oct 11th 1876 Mr. Fred Law Olmsted Lanscape Architect Dear Sir: I was expecting to raise the triangles at Del. and New Jersey Avenues this week, but the absence of Mr. Cogan and the presence of other duties prevented. In talking with Mr. Bullard he wishes to commence moving the trees as soon as possible so that the force we would put there is otherwise engaged. Can it not be be deferred until next Spring? The grass would not now get started this Winter and the place would be bare at back. I await your decision in the matter. Very Respectfully F. H. Cobb[Architect's] Engineer's Office, U. S. Capitol, Washington, D. C., Sept. 11th 1876 Mr. Fred Law Olmsted Landscape Architect Dear Sir: We are about ready to make those trenches for trees on the Penna. Ave. and Md Avenues walks. I do not know how far out you wish them made, or how wide you want them. The edging is twenty feet from the centre of the present walk making a walk forty feet wide. The water pipe is thirty feet from the centre of the walk, and the street washers set 22 feet from the same in this manner 3" water pipe 8' st. washers 22' 30' present gutter line cen line of walk. Please instruct me in this matter as soon as possible. And also about the trees in the circles at the head of the Avenues. Very truly yours F. H. Cobb Engineer of Capitol Grounds.Washington, D.C. Octr 2nd 1876. F. L. Olmsted Esq. Sir, We have made but slow progress at any thing during the last two weeks: in consequence of the almost constant wet weather. The drives are occupying all the men, and are now about two thirds broken up. No concrete has been laid yet but the Material and Machinery are on the ground on the North Side. The planting which was washed away by the storm was fixed and again washed worse than ever.The excavation of the circle at Maryland Avenue is complete, and is now being filled up with broken stone. The other circle is also nearly finished We had another wind storm which blew down the Hornbeam I had it immediately removed. The large planting South of Building is the only one that remains to be seeded, that is now ready and will be seeded tomorrow, but there is yet considerable patching to do Brick, gutters have been laid on the walks, but no gravel has been yet put on. I have sent the truck to the shop to be fixed but nothing has been done to it yet. The trees are looking about the same as when you were here. The lawns now keep the mowing machine constantly busy. In that planting in front of the office I find the grass is not so good as in the others. I propose to rake in some seed in the bare places, and do so all over the east grounds whenever I find a bare or bad place. We are now cross plowing the west grounds, and the Soil is very wet and muddy. I am fairly tormented with cattle and horses coming in on the nearby seeded ground and tramping it allover. I have frequently called attention to it but nothing has been done. This trespassing I may say is a matter of daily occurence. Very respectfully W Cogan Engineers Office Cap. Grounds Sept 26th 1876 Mr. Fred. Law Olmsted Dear Sir: In conversation with Mr Clark today he gave his consent to have the platform in front of the old steps on the West grounds all graveled, so there will be no need of the changes you suggested. We have not the men to spare to do it at present but as soon as possible it will be done. The shelters are being painted and Mr. Bussy is putting all the time he can spare into the back of the shelter seat. It has been so rainy since you were here that comparatively little work has been done. Please give my regards to Mr. Wisedell and tell him I have not forgotten him_ Very truly Yours F. H. CobbTo Mr Cobb: Dear Sir, Mr Clark agreed last night to complete the seat & other wood work of the North Shelter; some slight arrangements to be added for [making] holding the sliding back firmly when shored up. [up, for which we will finish drawings.] Also to have the gilding of the iron work done. Also that the circles at heads of Penna. & Maryland Avenues [to be full diameter] should be of the originally proposed dimensions with 30 ft side walks. I am sorry to say I omitted to discuss the question of the platform below the terrace. You hadbetter, if you can do so currently, delay work thereabouts till I come again. If you [can not,] think best not however, please explain to Mr Clark that whether the architectural terrace is to be carried out or not, I think the [platform I] effect would be much better to have an open space of gravel of the size and form proposed at the place of junction of the four important walks with the terrace [stairs?], serving as it would as an [sort of] outer vestibule and relieving somewhat the present cramped appearance. But as, if [will not do to bring the curved walks into]The Avenue approaches [into the] are to be connected with lateral walks [by a] thus: The point A would be very weak and turf upon it would soon be trodden into, if he is not willing to let the plan be fully laid down, please propose an arrangement like [of] this: [put] The old gutter from A to C being taken up and part of it relaid on the line A.B. That on the line D E [taking] receiving all the water flowing upon the space between it and the terrace.Washington D. C., Sepr. 10th 1876. F L Olmsted Esqr. Sir The borers have now entirely disappeared. I have not found one for the last four days. The trees are looking very well mostly all of them are making a second growth. And the young injured trees are rapidly healing We had just rain enough last week to put the ground in excellent Condition for Seeding, which is now being done. The cart way at the foot of the North terrace has been filled up with Soil and that whole plantingis almost ready for seeding. The large Willow oak at the end of the walk leading to Maryland avenue comes in the way, also a sugar maple [and] a Honey Locust and an ash. We once decided that the oak was too large to move. the maple and Locust are no use, but the ask is a fine tree and will only need to be moved a few feet, I am saving it and letting the others to be cut down. The flaging of the central walk on West grounds is nearly removed, the work was done by contract. The new walk in front of the steps is nearly excavated and one half is already filled with gravel from the walks where the patent pavement is being laid. The water, and drain pipes have been all laid and the work finished. We have now in the grounds a scarlet maple showing its autumn tinge, beside a chestnut in full blossom Respectfully W. LoganArchitect's Office, U. S. Capitol, Washington, D. C., Sept 9th 1876 Mr. Thomas Wisedell Architect Dear Sir: Your letter and the tracing of curb lines came safely. I have been very much occupied since its receipt so that I have not had time to attend to the survey you ask for. As soon as possible I will send the drawing. Everything here is progressing very favorably. Very truly yours F. H. Cobb Engineer Capitol GroundsWashington D. C. Sept. 3rd 1876. FL. Olmsted Esq. Sir. The weather for the past week has been very warm with hot burning winds So I was obliged to water the trees again. They are looking very well at present with the exception of the Maple which I mentioned in a previous letter. I believe I have at last got the better of the borers. I now find but an occasional small one about penetrating the bark but no more large injurious ones working under it. Every tree on the grounds has been examined several times, and I shall continue to do sothis season the Silver Maples which were most affected are the healthiest-looking trees we have. The plowing of the west grounds has been completed and the cart-ways at the foot of North and South terraces have been broken up also We are removing the soil from the new walks, at the foot of the steps, and putting it on the cart-way on the north side. It will be ready for seed in about two days. The drain pipe is nearly all laid, and so is the water pipe, this work will be all finished in a few days. I have commenced preparations for seed on the north side but I have not yet sowed any as I fear the weather is too dry and hot. I am using the cultivator on the large plantings, and forking up the small ones, and thoroughly cleaning them of weeds so that I will be ready to put the seed in the first favourable opportunity: All the lamps not required for future use have been removed and the gas pipe taken up, we are also taking up the center walk. I was obliged to change a good many trees in the nursery in order to allow the water pipe to be laid. Respectfully W. CoganWashington D.C. August 27th 1876 F L Olmsted Esq. Sir, After a weeks careful examination of the trees I am sorry to say I am not quite clear of the borers. I am still finding them in both young and old trees, even in the young trees which we planted the first season and which are not by any means unhealthy, having this year made a fine growth. I find it very hard to detect them in some trees until they have done considerable harm whilst in others I can see the smallest injury. We shall loose some English beechesand a few Americans in those trees it is almost impossible to detect the worm until the injury is done. In the large beeches which were moved. I have not as yet found but very little damage done, and that apparently was done last year The large Sugar Maple also are clear of them. Some of our finest young ash woods are very much injured. I find those young trees which are injured first are now rapidly healing. I hope my next report on this subject will be more satisfactory to you, and to myself also for I am terribly annoyed by them The West grounds will be plowed in about two days more the gravel walks are not yet quite removed nothing has been done yet to the center flaged walk. The Contractor has a good force of men puting down the drain pipe. Our own men are principally engaged on cleaning, repairing and making sewers puting down pipe &, The contractor for laying the waterpipe, Mr. Rogan, has brought his pipe on the grounds on yesterday. We have made no preparations for seeding yet I am urging the necessity of beginning as soon as possible but I cannot get Capn.Brown to do anything in the matter. We have a good deal to so, and with a small force will take us a long time. Respectfully W. CoganLocation of trees at entrances on West grounds. Old walk Pa. Ave 2.6 Aspen 0 0" Horse chesnut 0 0 6" 0 0 3: Sycamore Maple 1.0 0 s Horse chestnut 0 0 1.4 Maple 0 2.2 Sycamore 0 .2 locust 0 2.0 Willow oak 0 0 1.3 Gum 0 1.2 Maple MA. Ave. Engineers Office Capitol Grounds Aug. 23rd 1876 Mr. Fred. Law Olmsted Landscape Architect Dear Sir: By reference to the enclosed tracing you will notice that several trees at the head of Maryland and Pennsylvania Avenues are within the walk between the edging and curbing. One or two are directly in the curb line. We do not wish to destroy these trees without your consent, yet some of them will be very much in our way when we come to put on the stone. I have watched Cooks pavement very closely and consider it thus far a very good piece of work. We commenced Monday to plough up the West park. Very Respectfully F. H. CobbWashington D.C. August 21 1876 F L. Olmsted Esqr. Sir Saturday afternoon we had a very severe rain storm, lasting only a short time, and doing considerable damage to roads and walks. These are now in about as bad a condition as they were when you were here. We commenced plowing the west lawn today The soil is very fine and mellow and breaks up easily, and the plows are working very well. The gravel walks on both sides are being removed, and are used for repairs on the walks and drives. The grasson the East grounds is in very nice condition. all having been recently cut. Mr. McMillen will explain to you the condition of the trees. I am sorry to say that I am still finding the borers even in trees which are looking healthy and vigorous. I now find the larger ones working into the wood, while the smaller continue working under the bark. The large silver maple which we moved are the most affected. The large elms and perfectly clean. I have not found one on them yet. In my examination of small trees today, I have found but two trees slightly affected I have adapted Mr McMillen's suggestion of using paint instead of the poultice of cow manure clay, and wood ashes, which I was using. I have detailed one man who understands what to do to help me and I hope during this week to completely clean them out. In every other way the trees are looking well. Mr Cobb has given out a contract today to lay the drain pipe in the west grounds at three and a half cents a foot. Mr. Lauxly is the contractor Respectfully Wm Cogan17 Aug 1876 Mr. F. H. Cobb, C. E. In chg U. S. C. lands. Dear Sir, You were telegraphed yesterday in reply to yours of 14 that the specimen which you sent would answer for the red color of the plan of pavement for shelters and that natural cement color was wanted for the [result] light parts. There should be no difference between the general tone of color of the pavement under shelters and that adjoining without. Is the sample you sent of as deep a color as that laid by Cook last year and [is it] is it as homogenous? Looking at it here it [does] seems hardly as good in either respect. Yours truly,Engineers Office, U. S. Capitol, Washington, D. C., Aug 15th 1876 Mr. Fred Law Olmsted Landscape Architect Dear Sir. A letter was sent us today from James and Kirtland asking for a settlement. The final accepance rests with you according to contract. Mr Clark would like to close their account and if you can give the necessary certificate will do so at once. You remember the condition the vases were in when you were here. They have not been touched since. If not too much trouble will you advise us what action to take, or what word to send James & Kirtland. Very Respectfully F. H. Cobb Engineer Cap. GroundsEngineers Office Capitol Grounds Aug. 14th 1876. Mr. Fred Law Olmsted Landscape Architect Dear Sir: Your plans for the shelters came today. From the coloring of the tracings I suppose you wish a light red in contrast with the darker color they are making the pavement at present. As I understand the red it is to be similar in color to that laid by Mr. Schillinger which is about that of a well burned arch brick. There are only two colors - that used at present and the red. I send by mail a specimen taken from the walk as now laid by Mr. Cook. It was made Saturday and the color will be a shade lighter when dry. Please send by return mail the two shades you wishused and we will finish the south shelter by Thursday. Very Respectfully F. H. Cobb [Under Shelter Specimen sent use for red the light parts leaves to be in color of natural cement.] Telegram Specimen use for Red under Shelter light color of natural cement. F. L. OlmstedWashington D.C. August 14th 1876 FL. Olmsted Esq. Sir. The two last weeks has given us abundance of rain grass and weeds are growing faster than we can cut them. On the South east lawn, the grass got too high for the machine. I had it cut with scythes today. The grass seed on the triangle, in front of the church, is now coming up abundantly. These plantings will not require to be resowed although we shall have to resow more than I expected, as some of the smaller plantings are not very satisfactoryThe large trees have improved very much with one exception. The chestnuts are all coming out, and some of them are now in blossom. The exception is a Norway maple on the knoll in front of the House: I am afraid it will have to be removed, but it could be replaced by a similar and a better tree from the West grounds if you should so desire it. The young Tulips which I planted last spring have improved very much I expect two third of them will be all right. I have had a terrible time with the borers every tree, large and small on the grounds was attacked by them after the heavy rain I called Mr. Saul's attention to them, and showed him specimens, he says he never saw anything like them before in trees. We have not done anything on the West lawn yet, nor will not until after the adjournment of Congress. Very Respectfully W. Cogan12, Aug 1876. To Mr Cobb Dear Sir Yours of [blank] is rec'd I feel entirely confident that the plan for the concrete work under each shelter was sent to you in my last letter also [that] diagram showing how much must be left unpaved on the court side of each shelter. [The paving cannot] The mosaic pavement to which you refer[red] [cam] can not be laid this year.Engineers Office Capitol Grounds Aug 12th 1876 Mr Olmsted Dear Sir: According to a request of Mr. Wisedell I send you two proposals for the stone coping. I was unable to find any stone of a dark gray color except granite. The proposals are for the different materials the parties had on hand or could furnish. I only tried two firms as they are probably representative of the rest. They said they figured very close. I have not allowed Cook to pour nearer than two feet of the eaves of the shelter on the South side, and have reserved about 12' from the apex of the triangle where I supposed the lamp would come. If you can send the size and position of the mosaic pavement at that pointI will have the pavement made to it and the details can be arranged hereafter. On account of the Congress remaining in Session Mr Clark is unwilling to have the West front disturbed, but the moment it adjourns we will tear it to pieces. The rains are very gentle and the grass is growing so fast we can hardly keep it cut close. As soon as convenient please send outline of mosaic pavement under South shelter. Very Respectfully F. H. CobbTo Mr Cobb. 19th Aug. 76 Dear Sir, I have your notes of 7th & 8th addressed to Mr Radford. I telegraphed you yesterday to stop Cook, and this morning to let him go on South of the shelter, (meaning [on the] the South shelter). [He can also go on with the pavement with on the north with side. It is I see] I send herewith plan for pavement under the shelters, which you can proceed to carry out. Please observe the marginal query & leave no occasion to break up the pavement to adjust pipes or seat [?]Continue pavement South of Shelter. Otherwise remit instructions by mail. 8th July 1876 Mr F. H. Cobb; Engr. Capitol Grounds; Dear Sir, Yours of 20th June was duly received. The trees of Saul's hill were those [entered ?]when I was last in Washington when in order to get them planted at all it was necessary to obtain them at once. They were [entered?] accordingly without stipulation as to price; with the understanding of course that they were to be at the ordinary market price. Mr Cogan on whom I called for information seems to be [in doubt] under an impression that equallyBlank No. 2. THE WESTERN UNION TELEGRAPH COMPANY. ALL MESSAGES TAKEN BY THIS COMPANY SUBJECT TO THE FOLLOWING TERMS: To guard against mistakes, the sender of a message should order it REPEATED ; that is, telegraphed back to the originating office. For repeating, one half the regular rate is charged in addition. And it is agreed between the sender of the following message and this Company, that said Company shall not be liable for mistakes or delays in the transmission of delivery, or for non-delivery, of any UNREPEATED message, beyond the amount received for sending the same; nor for mistakes or delays in the transmission or delivery, or for non-delivery, of any repeated message, beyond fifty times the sum received for sending the same, unless specially insured; nor in any case for delays arising from unavoidable interruption in the working of their lines, or for errors in cipher or obscure messages. And this Company is hereby made the agents of the sender, without liability, to forward any messages over the lines of any other Company when necessary to reach its destination. Correctness in the transmission of messages to any point on the lines of this Company, can be INSURED by contract in writing, stating agreed amount of risk, and payment of premium thereon at the following rates, in addition to the usual charge for repeated messages, viz: one per cent. for any distance not exceeding 1,000 miles, and two per cent. for any greater distance. No employee of the Company is authorized to vary the foregoing. The Company will not be liable for damages in any case where the claim is not presented in writing within sixty days after sending the message. A. R. BREWER, Secretary. WILLIAM ORTON, President. 10th Aug 1876. Send the following Message subject to the above terms, which are agreed to : To F. H. Cobb, Engineers Office Capitol Grounds, Washington, D.C. Stop concrete laying until you hear. Olmsted. grand trees of the kind have been before obtained (in Baltimore (?) at 75 cts. each. I am not able therefore to certify the [bill] account as satisfactory.Capitol Grounds Aug 8th 1876 Mr Radford Dear Sir. I enclose tracing of south R. R. track. Mr. Cook is very anxious to complete some of his pavement before Congress adjourns. He is working now where shown on the plan and will continue unless stopped. Please write if you design anything different under the shelters as I will leave that until I hear, and also the position & size of the circle of fancy pavement for lamp, if there is to be any, so that I can leave a place for it. Also if Mr Olmsted designs anything different either in size of blocks or color from that already laid by Cook, please telegraph so that the top coating can be left off until we hear from you. In great haste F. H. CobbEngineers Office U.S. Capt Grds. Washington D.C. Aug. 7th 1876 George Kent Radford Civil Engineer No 110 Broadway N. Y. Sir: Enclosed please find Tracing of pavement around the R.R. Track on the North side. Mr Cook has all the material ready to commence work, and is very anxious to put down some of his pavement on the South side before Congress adjourns. Tomorrow I will send you a Tracing of the Triangle on South side, and so soon as you can - please furnish the drawing for that pavement. Respectfully &c F. H. Cobb Engineer US Capt. Grounds By E. HennesseyEngineer's Office, U.S. Capitol Grounds, Washington, D. C., June 20th 1876 Mr Fred Law Olmsted Landscape Architect Sir: The inclosed bill of John Saul came a few days ago. The trees have been received in good order and Mr. Cogan certifies to its correctness. We do not any of us here know about the price agreed upon as it was probably a verbal understanding. Will you be kind enough to certify to the bill and return to this office Very Respectfully F. H. Cobb Engineer Capt. GroundsJune 20th CobbEngineer's Office, U. S. Capitol Grounds, Washington, D. C., June 30th 1876 Mr. Fred Law Olmsted; Dear Sir. I sent you on the 20th inst a bill of John Saul for your approval. The prices we did not know about. Will you be kind enough to certify to the bill below if correct. It is a copy of the one sent you on the 20th. We wish to close the account as quickly as possible. Very respectfully F. H. Cobb The U. S. Capitol Grounds To John Saul Dr. For 20 Tulip Poplars @ $1.00 20.- " 1 Ash .75 " 5 Tulip Poplars @ $1.00 5.00 " 1 " " 2.00 2.- " 1 sweet gum 1.- _____ Total $28.75Washington D. C. July 30th 1876 F L. Olmsted Esqr. Sir The weather for the last week has been very cool and pleasant with a light two hours rain on Friday evening, leaving us in a far better condition at the end of the week than that of the week previous. Our chestnuts were improving and things were very satisfactory. not anticipating the rain storm, which was so near, us The men went to water as usual on Saturday evening: but at two o.c. the rain commenced and has continued to fall in unceasing torrents, until twoO.C. P. M. today. I have just returned from a walk through the grounds The drives and walks on West Ground are in a terribly bad condition having been all cut up and washed away, a considerable amount of damage has been done. The edging in some places washed away, and gullies, stones, gravel, banks and mud holes are everywhere I have never seen such heavy rain in Washington; It will take considerable time to put things in shape again. On the East grounds things are far better, only in a few places, where the basins got chocked up, the drives got a little washed, and the walks suffered a little alsoThe grass on the East grounds is now in fine condition: we will resume cutting it as soon as the ground is sufficiently dry I expect to see you in Washington next week; as I understand Mr. Clark will not decide how to spend the appropriation, without consulting you. Very Respectfully W. CoganThe grass on the East Grounds is now in fine Condition: we will resume cutting it as soon as the ground is sufficiently dry I expect to see you in Washington next week, as I understand Mr. Clark will not decide how to spend the appropriation, without consulting you. Very Respectfully W. Cogan Washington D.C July 23rd 1876 F L. Olmsted Esqr Sir. We have had another week of fearfully hot weather, and no rain although torrents of rain fell on the other side of the river. Last week was the Severest one we had on the grass and trees in spite of all our efforts a few places got well burned up. Still the lawns on the East Grounds are looking very well. the one in front of the House was trimed yesterday. There is not a particle of grass on the terraces, or west lawnand very little of our spring seeding can be saved on the West grounds Watering is continued, night and day still we can hardly keep account. The grass plots to the right and left of the steps, East ground are entirely burned up. I would not be allowed to water them in time. Mr. Clark has given orders, now, to have them attened to. The Sugar Maples Sycamore and Norway Maples and Beech do not look as fresh and vigorous as I would like, they seem to feel the weather a little, yet they are all right The Elms Lindens, oaks ash and swamp maple are as green and healthy as possible, and are looking beautiful. The young trees on the west grounds are doing very well, the young Tulips on East grounds are pretty near all gone. I cannot save many of them. The appropriation for the grounds is settled at $125,000. nothing is said in the Bill about concreting Very Respectfully W. CoganP.S. I nearly forgot to say, that the chestnuts are beginning to leaf again. Some of them vigorously - the next rain - if we ever have any here will set them all right again. W. Cogan Washington D. C. July 16th, 1876. F L. Olmsted Espr. Sir On Thursday night last and on yesterday (Saturday, We had a light rain lasting about two hours each time. In a conversation with Mr. Clark on yesterday he expressed himself perfectly satisfied with the appearance of the grass and trees. I have also been complimented by several gentlemen, who were of opinion that this drought would certainly kill the large trees. With the exception of the chestnuts whose leaves are burned up the large trees are lookingas well as ever. The chestnuts which were most vigorous in spring, and through the summer, are now the worst looking of the whole lot, while the old one on the south east grounds of which I was always afraid is now the greenest, the east grounds have been thoroughly Saturated with water, last week, the grass is now looking beautiful. I understand the appropriation for the grounds will be (175,000.) one hundred and seventy five thousand, the Bill is not finally settled yet. Respectfully yours, W. Cogan.Washington D.C. July 10th 1876. F L. Olmsted, Esq. Sir. I saw Mr. Gilbert on yesterday and he says he had your letter, and that he wrote you, stating "he would accept." We are standing the drought well, the chestnuts being the only trees that feel it, their foliage is completely burned up. the rest of the large trees are looking well yet. I have again asked Mr. Clark for hose, he promised me 400 feet today. If I get them in time I will be able to save all the trees, and keep the grass in good condition. The East grounds are now feeling thedrought, still looking very well. In fact we have now the best, and I may say, only grass in any Public grounds in Washington, the rest of the Public grounds being completely burned up. We water extensively at night and [have] have enough hose for that purpose, but it is all used around the building in the day time. Borers have attacked the elms, Norway & sycamore maples. I discovered them in time to save valuable young trees The heat here is very oppressive more so. I understand, than it has been for some years Yours Respectfully W. CoganWashington D.C. July 6th 1876 F. L. Olmsted Esqr. Sir. Years of the 5th Recd. Trees and grass on the East grounds are in excellent condition except the chestnuts which are beginning to loose their colour. Those on the West grounds are in the same condition I have examined the wood and buds in both places and find no difference both perfectly matured, I expect we shall have a second growth as we had last year. The young trees on West grounds have been well attended to, and so we have not lost any so far. The grass on these grounds is in a bad waybeing almost burned up. Our hose is completely worn out and Mr. Clark will not get any, and the greater portion of what we have is used by day around the building considering the great heat we had here, we are in a very good condition. The trees specified in the Bill were not quite as large as those received last year, and for which if I mistake not - the price was 75 cts. I think Mr. Saul said something to me, about furnishing them at that price - The no. is correct, I am going to work now (7.30 P.M.) to be out all night watering Yours Respectfully W. CoganJUNE 21, 1876. The District of Congress. Mr. Stevenson, of Illinois, was yesterday appointed by the Speaker pro tem. of the House a member of the board of trustees of the Reform school of the District of Columbia. THE BALTIMORE AND POTOMAC DEPOT To aid in the support of the Children's Hospital, Washington, $5,000. For the Freedmen's Hospital and Asylum in Washington, $45,000. PUBLIC BUILDINGS. Treasury building—For annual repairs, $10,000. Capitol extension—For work on the Capitol, and for general care and repairs thereof, $60,000. For improving the Capitol grounds, and for paving roadway and footwalks in the Capitol grounds, $100,000. Interior department building—For annual repairs thereof, $5,000. Court-house building, Washington—For repairs thereof, $2,000. ENGRAVING AND PRINTING. For materials other than paper required in the works of THE OLD ARMORY BUILDING. After the departure of the House committee, the Senate committee agreed to recommend the insertion of a clause in the sundry civil appropriation bill appropriating $6,000 to fit up the old Armory building, on 6th street, for the temporary storage of the collection of natural and other collections contributed by the Smithsonian Institution to the Centennial Exhibition, after they shall be returned from Philadelphia. THE CAPITOL BUILDING AND GROUNDS. They also agreed to increase the appropriation of $100,000, in the same appropriation bill as passed by the House, for paving the grounds around the Capitol, to $150,000; the paving to be placed in charge of the commission appointed to pave Pennsylvania avenue. The chairman was authorized to insert an amendment in the sundry civil bill appropriating a sum not exceeding $10,000 to defray the expenses of examining the gas [?ns} in the Capitol building and replacing such as are worn out.Washington D.C. June 21st, 1876 F. L. Olmsted Esqr. Sir. I have finished [?]ing at last, am now engaged [?]ing up, and pulling weeds East grounds which I found pretty well stocked with Plantain The weeds have been cut [every?]where, and the whole grounds [clean?]ed up. I also had the [?] cleaned. They need [considerable?] repairs at present [?] I intend to attend [immediately?]. The A[?] also repairs very much. Nothing [having?] been done to them this [?]. All the trees are looking except the young Tulips, which I have called attentionbefore. There is no improvement in them yet neither are they getting worse. Having had considerable rain lately I have not watered any until today Mr. Clark has promised me a new hose in July. The appropriation bill is before the house. I enclose for your information two clippings from a Washington paper. I heard today the Bill would be [?] in the House and the fifty thousand added; A stone cutter [?] is to work on the Fountain, straightening up the lines A good many Yuccas and [?] have been stolen from the Nursery lately to which I have called Capt. Brown's attention - Respectfully, W. Cogan Washington D C. June 16th, 1876 F L. Olmsted Esqr. Sir. We are now watering grass & trees daily with two sets of hose and three men and working until 6.30. p.m. I find the old hose nearly worn out. it. needs repairs very much indeed I have frequently called Capt. Brown's attention [attention] to it. He promised to have it done, but it is not done yet. And men loose time in trying to fix it with strings & canvass. I would like very much to have two hundred feet of new hose, with two more reducersMr. Clark had a letter from Senator Cameron, about the [Nis?] Elm, he said he heard we intended to kill it: I have orders to have it watered every day. It is now healthier than I ever saw it. Yours, Respectfully W Cogan In case of very warm and dry weather I would not be able to do sufficient watering with the hose at present in use. This day I have finished up fixing the holes &c. in the lawn. We are still getting in Soil to finish the Church lot. One large and one very small planting of which remains to be seeded. We are still repairing and gravelling walks and one Brick layer building Sill Basins under Mr. Cob's directions Large trees are all right. The Catalpa's on the East grounds are now in full blossom and are very beautiful, attracting a good deal of attention.Washington D. C. June 8th, 1876 F. L Olmsted Esqr. Sir. I stated in my last, that the hot weather affected the young grass in some few places. I had those places watered next evening. On Saturday evening, and nearly all day on Sunday, we had abundance of fine rain. The Tulips which I got from Mr. Saul, and which looked well up to now, are going back on me. Immediately after the last rain the [th] leaves of five of them withered right up. I had them cut back and the Soil forked up lightly around them and the Mulch replaced. The large trees are looking very well andthe grass remarkably fine. Our Seeding, so far will be a success, plenty of grass is coming up on the plantings North and South of the Building the Rye making a nice green on both those places, now. We are still getting in Soil to fill up to grade, on those plantings near the church. In Sub grading those plantings too much was carted away and although the Soil is now fifteen inches deep it will take six more to fill up to finished grade in some places. We are putting in some clay into those places where the Fountains were on the West lawn preparatory to filling them with Soil and some men are excavating walks near Maryland Av. & 1er st. West Yours Respectfully, W. CoganWashington D.C. June 1st 1876 F. L. Olmsted Esqr. Sir. I commenced to water the large trees today as the weather is now very warm and dry. We have had no rain since my last note. I intend to have all large trees watered once a week during this warm weather, they are well mulched, and are looking vigorous and healthy. We are puting in soil on the planting near the South west gravel walk, where the shrubs were, these I have thrown away and the place looks much improved. The correspondingplace on the other side is getting ready also. When these are done we will be finished up to the lawn. The young grass is begining to suffer. We intend to let the rye grow, in order to protect it. Both Fountains are [are] now finished, and the Boxes and sand all cleaned away. Respectfully W. CoganWashington May 24th 76. F. L. Olmsted Esqr. Sir. I received your letter today. The watering arrangements were fixed immediately after I notified you. We have had no occasion to use water lately as we have rain here almost every alternate day. At one P.M. on Monday last we had a very severe rain storm lasting about half an hour and doing considerable damage to the walks. - And so injuring a planting north of Building that I had to reseed it. The drives were not much injured The rain was succeeded by a wind storm, which blew over a good many young treesI had them all straightened up and wired - am now wiring all young trees on West grounds for future protection. The ground is now thoroughly saturated and I am doing all I can to hurry on and complete the mulching. The Large trees are all mulched, are looking very fine and making a rapid growth. Those plantings near the church, are covered with soil, lime & manure & ploughed under. A little more soil would be required to make a tidy finish in some places, Mr. Clarke will not allow any more, as we have he says already exceeded his estimates I shall write in future once a week. Respectfully W. Cogan[6] 8th May 1876. Mr W. Cogan, Gardener, Capitol Grounds, Washington Dear Sir, Your report of 7th is received and is satisfactory. I have written to Mr Clarke on all the points upon which you advise action or ask instructions.To W. Cogan 8 May 1876 Corner B & 1st St. S.E. Washington D.C. May 7th .76 F L. Olmsted Esqr Sir. For your information I beg to state that I have planted out in the Nursery all the stuff from the Fountain. The sand & boxes have not been removed yet, but we commence on that on Monday. In planting the Tulip's from the old Nursery, I found that only a few were safe to plant in those formal rows. Consquently I was obliged to order a few more from Mr. Saul. I also got a fine Gum to replace the white oak, to which I called your attention. The weather became very favourable after planting, and they are starting to grow at presentSomething has happened the Water Gates, on the West Grounds, and there is no water on these grounds at present. I am obliged to haul water to the Nursery with a horse & cart and barrells. This state of things has been in existence since the [dte] date of your last visit and I fear will be for some time to come. Although Mr. Regan the plumber has been notified to come and fix it, [I] nothing has yet been done. All the large trees have not been mulched yet: I have not mulching for the Nursery nor for some trees of last fall planting I have frequently called Captain Brown's attention to this but he has not paid any attention to the matter We might have had enough at our last cutting of the Rye but it was given away, and allowed to be stolen We have one new Mowing machine which is a very good one. Soil is being delivered on the piece of ground north of the building and about two days more will finish it The corresponding piece on the South Side has been sub soiled & manured and is now redy to receive soil. Mr. Clark wants these pieces seeded, but I fear it will be too late, and that the seed would not amount to anything. What I would wish to do would be to harrow in a little Rye, which would show a green and keep down dust, and culd be cutfor mulching in July and August, and seed in Sepr. - and we would by this means make sure of a good turf for next year. I do not like the idea of sowing seed too late, fearing I may have to plough it up again in the fall, and I would like very much to have your instructions on this point I am Sir Very respectfully W. Cogan Cor. 1st & B St. S.E. Washington D.C. May 21st 1876 F. L. Olmsted Esqr. Sir. The enclosed letter was handed to me by Mr. Clark who requested me to call your attention to it. The young trees of last fall planting are now doing well and are in my opinion beyound criticism They were all pruned by Mr. Bullard when planted, and I afterwards whenever I had occasion to raise them cut them in. We have finished seeding on the North west side, and are now on South west side. The plots in front of the church will be soiled [#] in two days. Seedsowed this spring is doing finely nothing could be better. The rye has altogether disappeared from the east grounds and the grass is looking well. All of last fall sowing is now showing an abundance of grass, and clover, and kept neatly cut, and looks well.The terraces west of the building are being cut with scythes, and the grass thus obtained is used for mulching, - of which we require a great deal yet, Mr. Clark wants all the west grounds cut with the scythe, and it will afford us enough mulching. Men are now working on the fountain, and it will be done in about another week. Some delay was caused by a mistake in not sending two of the small corner pieces - two other pieces, having been sent instead. The missing pieces arrived yesterday - So far as I can judge the work on this fountain is done in a workmanlike manner, and looks far superior to the other. The new lamps are lit regularly every night now, and look very fine, one lamp in front of the Senate, [I] is imperfect. - burning on one side only. A gass explosion occured on Friday in the Senate side of the Capitol. Killing I. B. King a carpenter, and injuring Capn. Cutler, Superintendant of the Folding room. I am Sir, very Respectfully Yours. W. CoganThe letter to which I [refer?] will accompany this by mail W. C. USCEngineer's Office, U. S. Capitol Grounds Washington, D. C., April 21st 1876 Mr F. L. Olmsted, Dear Sir; According to your direction I have estimated the amount of paving to be done on the roadways of the Capitol Grounds with the following result Roadways on East grounds square yards 32936 Do on West grounds " " 9600 ______ Total on interior of grounds. 42536 The price paid the Neuchatel Co last year was $3.75 per square yard; we preparing the ground but doing nothing else. The cost of preparation would probably be about 16¢, making the total cost of pavement $3.91 per square yard. The estimate then for the East grounds would be as follows. 32936 sq yards Paving @ $3.91 $128779.76 W. grounds 9600 " " " @ " " $ 37536.00 ______ ____________ Total 42536 " " " " " $166315.76 Very Respectfully F. H. CobbCorner. B. & 1st Street S. E Washington D.C March 1st '76 O.C. Bullard Esqr. Dear Sir. I have completed the pruning of the trees along both walks on west grounds. There are some large maples at the foot of the walks on each side which Mr Smith says I ought to head down also, but I do not recollect having got any definite instructions about them from you. He also says I ought to cut the plane tree.: They look very tall now, in comparison to the rest, and I know would be much improved by pruning I find a few branches I have cut from one of them are hollow in the centre, I will not cutthem without instructions from you. So everything in the way of expenditures is being investigated here, just now. We have had ours. Mr. Clark had to furnish the Items of how the appropriation was spent [an] to a Sub. Committee, who I understand are to report in a day or two, when doubtless the bill appropriating $25,000 will be passed by the House: It has long since passed the Senate If it should pass this week It would not be too late to move the few trees on the West grounds, as we could do all the work during the Month of March The Fountain is looking as well as when you saw it, notwithstanding some very severe storms which we have had here lately. The Rye is getting large and tufty, and will need cutting very early. Most of all our border sodding is done, and the walks and drives are now in fine condition. I hope to see you soon in Washington, and will let you know the moment the Bill passes. Yours Respectfully Wm. CoganMarch 2d /76 Mr. Olmsted My dear Sir - At my request Mr. Cogan writes occasionally about the work. I send you his note of the 1st inst. that you may see what he says relative to the prunning. I did not give him very definite instructions as to the large masses at the foot of the walks and along the West drive. I thought something would depend upon how he succeeded in sloping those along the walks, and also upon what, if anything, was done this spring about moving the large trees into their places. I was afraid Cogan might fail to produce the best possible effort on a skyline, i.e. he might get everything too regular, and Mr. Thisewell & I both thought it best to limit him to the walks till some one could see the result - as the groups were determined upon. - You may think it best to direct him to head in part or all of the large silver maples on the lower line. If the Plane trees are topped I think care should be taken not to cut too large limbs. I have labeled the tree [directions?] in your office Very truly yours O C Bullard Engineer's Office, U. S. Capitol Grounds, Washington, D. C., Dec 17 1876 Mr F L Olmsted L A Dr Sir Herewith please find B/L of box of sections of trees shipped you by New York Steamer Very truly Jno A PartridgeWestern Union Telegraph Company William Orton, Pres't A.R. Brewer, Sec'y New York 46 Dated Washn DC 1240 Oct 30 1875 Received at 812 Sixth Avenue, N. Y. To FL Olmsted 209W40 Come tonight - or tomorrow Bullard wishes to move trees and several other matters are pressing Jno. A. Partridge 15 Pg [?] This Telegram has just been received at the office in 812 Sixth Avenue, cor. 46th Street. Always open. Where any reply should be sent. Direct Wires. Engineer's Office, U. S. Capitol Grounds Washington, D. C., Oct 27 1875 Mr F. L Olmsted Landscape Architect Dear Sir: I have not yet been called upon to go out of town and have advised that I be not called upon until next week. The tree stumps and old seats will all be removed from the Central ground west by noon of tomorrow, a few remain to be taken out on the sides. Nothing has been done with those on 1st Street as Mr Bullard and myself preferred you should see them Very truly yours Wm A PastneyEngineer's Office, U. S. Capitol Grounds Washington, D. C., Oct 24 1875 Mr F L Olmsted Landscape Architect Dear Sir: I have delayed writing hoping to be able to see Mr Cameron who comes here almost weekly - but who has not [yet] been here since the 16th. On that day he saw the Elm tree & expressed gratification at the efforts we had made to preserve it how he will be pleased with its present appearance can only be determined when I see him. I fear the rough boxing about its roots will open a discussion that will be anything but pleasant and speaking from knowledge of his tenacity of purpose, I have little hope of reconciling him to accept its present condition as the proper one. Should the tree fail in the spring, he of course must perforce be satisfied until then I shall have fears. The arrangement of [off] the RR Tracks on the north side closely approaches the plan laid before the Committee. Some changes were made on account of difficulties of construction. The south side as at present, is a wider departure but is according to a plan left us by Mr Radford, which my assistant accepted as final & had the work done in my absence last summer. We will change it at once and pave the tracks with Belgian blocksMr. Bullard does not recollect your suggestions relating to walks & thinks Mr Gilbert must have been spoken to about them. I have to say, that no effort has been made to finish a gravel walk upon the grounds - our experiment has been tried as a test for hardness - that near this office. The result of that is so satisfactory that I hoped we might finish all our walks on the East side in that manner, taking pains with the finish of course While the seeding & dressing is in progress it is useless to attempt a finish, as soil & litter of all sorts will become mixed with the gravel. The East Capitol Str approach should have the planking either adjourning the curb, or in the center, and in my judgment should not be less than four feet wide. It is a great thoroughfare, as are the walks north & south of it. My reasons for placing the plank footway next the curb is, the tendency[ies] of people to step off upon the planting. In every place where planting adjoins curbing, a footway will be worn [?] along the planting unless 'tis protected by [?] or low fence - This we daily see, and no ordinary amount of watching can prevent it. I think the flagging behind the parapets more necessary this winter than hereafter; the cement will not become so completely crystalized this winter but that it will absorb some water and the work should be carefully cared for before frosts come. Our experience last winter was too disastrous to repeat, the work all required relaying this spring. How to protect the joints without flagging or [?] I do not at present see.By the 28th I expect to have the Central grounds west cleared of trees and rubbish. Additional force will be on tomorrow removing stumps and logs and I see no reason why that part of the ground shall not be cleaned up by time of Mr [?] coming I am advised that I may be called away this week - 27th to 30th and if called I must go My private affairs are in great confusion and have been too long neglected. I have asked Radford to come on & hope he will do so. Should I hear tomorrow that I am wanted earlier than 27, or that the matters can be deferred until after that - I will inform you - meantime I hope to see you as I find it very difficult to get a clear understanding of your wishes at second hand. Very truly yours &c J A Partridge17th Oct 5. Mr. J. A. Partridge: Engineer in Charge, U. S. Capitol Grounds: Dear Sir: If you can within a few days get Senator Cameron to examine the elm which now stands in the way of your work on the South side of the Capitol and secure his consideration for the circumstances, I am confident that he will see the propriety of its removal. There are two classes of circumstances to which I should wish to have his attention drawn; first those affecting the condition of the tree, as follows: As I am informed by Mr Clark and as appears by the old map in the office, it stood on the cornercorner of N. jersey Avenue and A. Street South, a position in which it was cut off from obtaining nourishment on the North and East sides. The soil immediately about the small hole in which it was originally planted was dry and poor and shallow; it consequently grew slowly and sent long roots off to draw nourishment from the South and West. In grading for the drive and in digging a trench, its principal roots in these directions were cut clear off before Mr Cameron's request with regard to it had been received. The tree, which was previously feeble because of a large quantity of clay which had been piled about its trunk and of injuries received, was too old and weak to recover from such severe treatment. If Mr Cameron sees it within a few days he will observe that it has already lost its foliage which the elmsin the vicinity have hardly begun to. The other class of circumstances to which I refer are those by which the plan for the approaches to the Capitol on the South side is controlled. It will be obvious that a sufficiently ample walk can not be made between the tree and the road and that the road will not bear either narrowing or shifting to the Eastward. That is to say to shift it would involve the taking up of the rail road; of four lines of curb and of some heavy masonry, as well as several trees, all set before Mr Cameron's request was received. On the other hand to shift the walk to the other side of the tree, would, besides making it awkwardly indirect, involve a much steeper grade than would be at all convenient.I was not aware of some of the above facts until today and I presume Mr Cameron has not been. In view of these I think that he must be satisfied, as I am, that though the tree may possibly struggle on for a year or two, he can never expect to have any satisfaction in its appearance again and can not wish such changes to be made in our plan as would be necessary to accomodate it. Faithfully Yours, Fred Law Olmsted Landsc. Archt.10th Oct -75 Trans. J. A. Partridge Esq. Engr. in Charge U. S. Cap. G. My Dear Sir; I am sorry not to have found you in Washington but it was not very important that I should as I went on more especially to fully satisfy myself about the elm tree, concerning which I wrote you while there. I want very much that you should see Mr. Cameron and present the case as you may think best. My letter was written [so that if you thought best you can] to be shown or read it to him, if [bet] you should think it better [to do so] but not with the intention or wish that [you] it should [ask] be as I think [with such a man] you are more likely to succeed by a verbal presentation of the facts. But please not fail, if you can at all conveniently [make] find the opportunity to make sure that he is distinctly informed of the conditions I have stated in my letter to you, and [that] to let me know that he is so. Otherwise I might be held to blame for his lack of information. If you can but get him to think for a moment of the questionas one in which I am not against him & he not against me, but both for what is best, and then to realize the facts, he must give way. You know better than I how desirable it is that he should do so now, but I also know the difficulty and have no expectations [I explained on the ground both to Cobbert & Bullard, certain matters, that they might the better carry my ideas to you. I thought it necessary, not to loose the opportunity to go a little further than I like to go in this way.] ¶ The [railway] R. R. arrangement on neither side seemed to be [quite] [not] perfectly right and fearful that there [was] had been a misunderstanding of my plan by Radford, I brought back the last drawing on the subject. [I have seen that part & It will] It is to be returned [to you] tonight. [He] R is taking me the more complete plans this afternoon & I will then settle the parts which seem in doubt. [As for] I do not at present see any reason why the planas presented to the Committee - (your glazed plan) - should not have been exactly followed & I find departures from it which seem to me [bad] for the worse. [& for which I know no reason, but all I want is that nothing should be done till I can fully review the matter [which I hope will be today.] It may some time if you [will] can by next mail tell me in a line whether there is any [actual] controlling necessity for the double track on the South side clear to the end? [If a car stands in the Eastern track, I dont see what the horse of a car coming in on the Western is to do; and unless there is a controlling necessity [the] I cannot discover it & a car standing in the East track. [i saw no sign of] I have seen no sign of any gravel finish that leads me to suppose]with a hoe or trowel; and the edging [should then be swept] washed, so as to show a perfectly clean inner edge. [of spatters and crumbs.] Except just near the edges where the finish is [not] not fine enough, [it] your lawn making is admirable and I think we shall have [a] charming [green] turf. [The rule has not been everywhere] Bullard seems not always to have perfectly observed the rule that the surface for a foot or more should always be flush with the tops of the edging and then rise with a concave curve. There should [never] nowhere be a convex curve at the outside of a piece of turf - [nowhere on the capitol grounds.] I am engaged next Sunday & may not [be able to] come again unless before the [?] passes through.I pointed out some considerations affecting walks [to] for Bullard to explain to you. I have seen no sign of a gravel [walk] surface or of any surface gravel [in Washington] yet in Washington, that would [begin] come any where near satisfying me for the temporary finish for this winter and you have evidently much remaining to be done in evening, surface-dressing and rolling [those] the walks which are most nearly complete. I fear you have not sufficiently nice workmen for it. ¶ On the E. Capitol St. approach there should be [two] a line of planking on each walk & I think [the best place] it will better lie on the turf side, so as to have a broad belt of fine gravel lying flush with the curb. Can the plank then be flush with the edging? I shouldhope that from 2 to 3 ft of planking would be enough. [*A--B....C*] The temporary walk to be planked at the ends of the Capitol must be made so as to carry out the line A.B. of the concrete viz. in the line B.C. I think a hand rail desirable in the line B C, and the more abrupt and rude the bank [the descent] & the uglier & more broken and wholly untrusted & unconsidered the unfinished ground to the Westward can be made to appear the [better.] better. I should like to see some bricks, mortar-rubbish or manure tumbled in there if you have occasion. [for a storage dump.]¶ Mr Morrill writes me that he will leave home next Monday but stay a day or two in New York & you will expect him latter part of next week. You must, at [?] cost, have the middle trees removed from the West side, & the ground cleared of rubbish, (so that he can enjoy the clear field), before that. I hope that you can employ additional men for it (It is so near the end of the season & of the appropriation available for labor that the demoralizing effect is less to be feared than heretofore) but if necessary [stop] delay any or all other laboring work. The matter next in importance is the repairing of the R.R. tracks. The general affect of the East side is more injured [by the [present appearance] present apology]by the present appearance of the tracks than by anything else that a [broom will] scrubbing brush will not remove, and nothing we are going to do before Christmass will help [as much] to a favorable first impression or a hundredth part as much as this improvement together with what remains to be done in evening and polishing the surface of drives & walks. [[The] You see, of course, that the recently set curb all needs a deal of chiseling and adjusting, [as you doubtless see.] You see that I feel that the time has fully come now for [those finishing operations] the class of work which I have heretofore sought to put off & [not] prevent. [think of.] From this out every dollar spent in extending work is wasted that can be applied to making]From this out every remaining dollar of an appropriation that can be applied to making the finished work nicer more accurate, more perfect of its kind, more exquisitely finished, should be applied as rapidly as possible. Your men can not be trained to be fine enough; to work in a sufficiently microscopic fashion. There can be no general cleaning [up] up and be done with it. The ground will have to be done over repeatedly, not only because the men will not work nicely enough the first or the second time, but because as soon as groundpasses for finished, every particle of litter and soiling is demoralizing & it will be impossible to polish off suddenly. Although, therefore, there will be necesarilly more or less litter made in fitting up the lamps, for example, I think it would be well to start a scrub woman or two on so much of the parapet and adjoining [?] as has received the coping and hereafter have it swept daily.is set up in [?] ¶ I suggested the fitting of flagging behind the parapet (through Bullard) & Clark & Radford both think it would be a good job - but for this season [it is not] I dont think it is worth the time [& care it] and care it would take. You might fill up them & lay a single line of [Sods] sods of which you have plenty on the West side. - [Stop the gap] Fill the trench & finish [if it is] it nicely, even [as] if you do so with the intention of laying flagging next year. A man with a barrow of fine mould should be set to flushing off the soil where it comes against all your edgings. The last inch or two should be [pressed down hard,] rammed or stepped down with a heavy foot, fresh mould laid in & evened offEngineer's Office, U. S. Capitol Grounds, Washington, D. C., Oct 11 1875 Mr F. L. Olmsted. Landscape Architect Dear Sir: I have your favors of 9th. The blue stone pieces for 4 of the Lamp pieces have not yet arrived although shipped as per Bills of lading on 29th Sept. The brick work for one fountain is entirely ready except 3 courses which I dare not set until the stones arrive and are tried. The edge of coping is exactly flush with the brick as shown on plan. In all our curved work we find the stone cutters make the work too convex - invariably rubbing the ends down. We construct the foundations true to lines & then always have difficulty in fitting the finished work, hence I do not run the brick up to full height. The ground was all seeded on east side (except the triangles by R Roads) before rain came & is now green with rye and clover is coming up very well. Mr Bullard writes you his views about the Elm tree. I think he is entirely correct. [as] we have examined it very critically this morning, and find the roots extending 50 or more feet from the tree searching for more nourishing soil. The other tree had no tap roots - and we may safely conclude the same of the large oneSince writing about soil, I have looked the whole subject over and conclude if we can get the triangular plats north and south of the Capitol in seed, with the semicircular pieces bounded by Concrete walks & perhaps the strip on either side between N & S Capitol Streets and N J & Del Avenues, it will be all we can do with any assurance of success in and can be more deliberately in [?] soil color this winter. These plats I am striving to [come] get in & think with good weather will get done this week: beyond this I will be governed by weather with your permission Cook will complete the concrete on North side by tomorrow noon and is making an excellent job of it. I have the senica stone all down from the hard road in front & have [?] it 30 feet wide from the senate steps (at neuchatel pavement to the RR tracks south - this exhausts the stock of senica stone. The curb is set on Northwest drive - and nearly half done on SW, the drives are well forward. Can easily be completed this month. Mr Radford was here yesterday & promised to see you today, if so he will explain the condition of things more fully. I may add that the shaping of the South side is practically done (except upon the SW triangle) the manure is on & being plowed in for sod watering I will send you the statement of expenditures tomorrow or on WednesdayEngineer's Office, U. S. Capitol Grounds, Washington, D. C., Sept 22 1875 Mr F L Olmsted Landscape Architect Dear Sir I recd yours of 19 & am glad to know that you do not object to lowering the edges of North & South plantings I think the ground can be managed satisfactorily as to surface. I have the north [?] done except these just shaked & sowed which will require little or no alteration in surface Tomorrow will finish one of the flat lawns & part of the north planting. I am particularly anxious to get the open grounds done before rain comes again - the sod absorbs less water and requires less work. Some of the smaller trees can be raised late in the season, to produce the effect you desire about the roots. The mulching & watering caused the roots to grow near the surface and I doubt the prudence of attempting to raise them now weather permitting I see no reason why the (East) ground shall not be in full preparation for seed before Very truly yrs &c Jno H PartridgeEngineer's Office, U. S. Capitol Grounds, Washington, D. C., Oct. 7th 1875 Mr F L Olmsted Landscape Architect Dear Sir Will it not be better to move the large elm on the South side at once? Mr Cogan, in dressing up about it, thinks it can be done for not exceeding $200, If so it will for once and all be out of the way & permit us to finish the (Senica) Concrete walk. I cannot get soil fast enough, owing to the scarcity of horses, or rather the city demand for them. If I could pay 30¢ per load or say 85¢ to 90¢ per yard I could get some hauled from distant points that cannot otherwise be procured. Will you advise me! Very truly Yours &c J A Partridge PS. The new seeding is showing all over the East grounds.Blank No. 1. THE WESTERN UNION TELEGRAPH COMPANY. The rules of this Company require that all messages received for transmission, shall be written on the message blanks of the Company, under and subject to the conditions printed thereon, which conditions have been agreed to by the sender of the following message. 30 WILLIAM ORTON, Pres't. GEO. H. MUMFORD, Sec'y New York. Dated Washn DC 25 1875 10 30 Received at 812 Sixth Avenue, N.Y. Sept 25 To F. L. Olmsted 209 W. 46 St Have yours please come tonight North Half of Grounds ready. Jno. A. Partridge Engineer Charge Capitol Grounds 14 Coll Lis ans new THE TELEGRAM HAS JUST BEEN RECEIVED AT THE OFFICE IN 812 Sixth Avenue, cor. 46th Street. ALWAYS OPEN. Where any reply should be sent. Direct Wires.Blank No. 1 The Western Union Telegraph Company William Orton, Pres't Geo H. Mumford, Sec'y New York 62 Dated Washn DC 17 Sept 17, 1875 230 Received at 812 Sixth Avenue, N.Y. To Fred Law Olmsted 209 W 46 Please defer visit until twenty fifth Will write reasons tonight John A. Partridge 10 Pd. Words This Telegram has just been received at the office in 812 Sixth Avenue, Cor. 46th Street. Always Open. Where any reply should be sent. Direct Wires. 18th Sep. 1875 Mr Partridge my Dear Sir; I return herewith plan for concrete walk confirmed. There are objections to it but I have not been able to confirm anything better and they must be regarded as inherent to the situation. The lines will be inconspicuous and are they are determined solely by consideration of utility and economy extending over all the walk system below the terrace. The junction with the stone flagging is not satisfactory but the line is assumed to be temporary and I do not think anything satisfactory is in the cards until the permanent work is determined when there must be some waste.Sept 19th 1875. J. A Partridge; Engineer in charge; Dear Sir; If in order to accommodate the [groun] surface of the ground to the sunken trees in accordance with my previous instructions you find it desirable [to reduce the] bring the surface [of the ground] along the sidewalk also to a lower elevation than has been heretofore [fixed for it] proposed, either in certain places or generally all along the line I shall not object to it. Yours trulyEngineer's Office, U. S. Capitol Grounds, Washington, D. C., Sept 17 1875 Mr F L Olmsted Landscape Architect Dear Sir I answered you by telegraph today asking you to defer visit until the 25 as I have no ground to show you yet. The open ground proved so cloddy that I have kept plows, rolers and harrows running steadily on it for 7 days only to get in good condition. The seeded ground shows by trial furrows a much better condition and I have not broken it except when seed failed to take I propose setting a large force on tomorrow, to remove stone & rubbish, and will, weather permitting have a good space [all] nearly or quite all the East ground ready by time you come. The south planting must be broken to secure the shaping about trees that you wish. Many of the trees have settled badly - say 2 to 3 inches - from the copious watering this summer - and hence the soil must be removed. So fast as I can get new groundprepared I am bringing on soil & expect by 1st October to have it nearly all ready for final plowing It is more difficult to procure laborers now than any time before since the work began - owing to the press of City work now in progress, I am growing some what nervous about it. Mr Cogan thinks the trees are in good healthy condition - although they have not the deep color of those in lower grounds I have not yet found the man who is so poor as to be willing to grub the poplars in west grounds. Very truly &c Jno A PartridgePartridge 9th Sept 1875. My Dear Sir; I have yours of yesterday. If we are to have a very dry month, it seems to me useless to sow the seed earlier than Oct 1st - we gain nothing by having it on the ground while by a second process of harrowing, rolling, picking harrowing and raking we gain much. I leave the matter to your discretion, however, only again cautioning you that upon the refinement of the last process before seeding depends the value of all the rest of our work. I leave always [?ged] carelesness, (cheapness of process and of superintendence) in the preparation of the ground up tothis point, because it is better & cheaper to remedy all defects and put the refinement in one or two weeks of finishing work than to be always at it. Now, too much pains cannot be taken, There are two things to be secured fine modeling and fine surface tilth. As to the first it is so much a matter of the educated eye and artistic sense that I have nothing to say - but may repeat what I wrote you in April, as to the planted part of the ground. Take care that the spread of the roots of each tree is fairly to be seen above ground and that the surface slightly falls from and not toward the tree. Removeremove any excess of soil that this rule requires. As to the tilth, you know that except, any close planted trees, I believe in leaving the greater part of the work done by your favorite process, jumping horses, scared [horses] boys and rolling. This is simply to save the necessity of as much time as would otherwise be required in hand raking. Hand raking and perhaps hand shovelling in a few places will in the end be necessary, and in the hand raking, again, briskness of movement is probably purchased at amuch greater price per hour than ordinary public work movement. If you feel satisfied with the seeding of the South plantation let it stand. If you wish to seed before October, as soon as you think the surface is about satisfactory let me know, and I will if I can run on and inspect it. It is the point upon which I am now more anxious than any other of the work remaining to be done. If you sow and especially if the seed barely or in partgerminates and the drought occurs, you have the worst condition than to be anticipated. You must then water finely and sedulously until there is a change. It would be desirable to sow with or upon the seed some fine quickly stimulating manure, such as a farmer would put in a corn hill. The value of the different commercial manures is so variable and uncertain that I do not know what to recommend but you can judge by inquiry and consultation with yourseedsman or with Mr Smith what can best be bought for the purpose in Washington and what would be a very moderate top-dressing. One of the mixtures of Peruvian guano and super phosphate of lime would [probably] answer [be best,] and for convenience of sowing and to secure adequate division and distribution it may be mixed with fine dry loam.Engineer's Office, U. S. Capitol Grounds, Washington, D. C., Sept 7 1875 Mr F L Olmsted Landscape Architect. Dear Sir. I received yours of 6th duly. I find in course of a week I can procure a supply of fresh grass seed and will begin breaking up East grounds tomorrow. The South lawn on B Street seems to be in fairly good sod as do the grounds in front. While the north side is of no account. The soil in the places seeded in grass is in much mellower tilth than where sown with buckwheat which will require much labor to get fine and mellow. I do fear that we may have a dry month, and if so that the ground will be dusty by seeding time. And am doubtful about the propriety of deferring the seeding until October - some risk must be taken. I will forward the Statement of Expenditures for August tomorrow. Will you devise some way to expedite the shipment of courseD of Bluestone for the lamp Pieces The work is delayed for lack of them. Mr Elun should send forward the final Course of Granite. The Electrician of Capitol sends in one estimate of cost of projected work [which] for lighting which he now makes $4418,[?] and says his very cheapest estimate is $3850. This is $1350 in excess of his original statement and Mr Clark regards it as an attempt to impose upon us. I so write him tonight hoping to learn that a cheaper plan will answer. Very respectfully &c J A Partridge Eng in ChargeTo Mr Partridge-- 5th Sept--1875. Dear Sir; I suggested that you should rerun the wire guys of the trees but it would be better to draw and reset the stakes close about the mulching and shorten the guys accordingly. Otherwise the danger of injury to roots or trunks in plowing and harrowing [will be very] would be too great. Even if your men are unusually careful & skilful there will be danger of accidents.Just before sowing [At the final sowing or immediately] [after] the mulching and [strawing] straw roping may be removed and the mulched ground dressed with the rake and sowed the same as the rest with rye, (not with grass.) The sole object of sowing the rye (1/2 bushel to acre) is to gain a green field for the late autumn and early spring; for this purpose it is important that it be evenly sown [and in every part] on the whole surface designed ultimately to be green. I will plan to visit you again the first [week in October] of October, and should be glad if youcan make sure of having the whole ground then [?] in perfect order for seeding--To that end I am sure you can not begin too soon. You will probably find that a tedious amount of hand work in picking off stone and evening is necessary. Please write if you find or fail to find fresh seed at Washington. Mr Clark promised to write Senator Cameron--Please ask him about it soon and let me know if he gets a reply. I hope that you will not be obliged to have the first treesremoved by your regular force - Such irregular and unregulatable work will be demoralizing to it business interfering with the timely performance of other important work. I am most anxious that every thing should be finished up early in November, and if any of the construction seem to you in particular danger of failing to be through then -- please advise me. Elkins work is [very] backward but I suppose he can bring it up rapidly [t] now. It is very necessary he should do so.Engineer's Office, U. S. Capitol Grounds, Washington, D. C., Aug 17th 1875 Mr F L Olmsted Landscape Architect Dear Sir I returned yesterday morning and will be able to forward you the reports of Expenditures by tomorrow evenings mail. The weather here has been particularly favorable for the trees for over two weeks but I find notwithstanding that it rained every day [the] Some of the Horsechestnuts have grown very brown, Do the trees require the straw ropes still? It occurs to me that they may be too moist, if such a thing be possible. Evaporation is much more rapid here than north and I dont regard it as probably that the straw can harm them Very respy &c J A PartridgePartridge To Mr Partridge 4th August /75 My Dear Sir; Mr Bullard sends me a note from Cogan reporting to him at Bullard's request, about the condition of the trees in entire agreement with you. He mentions also that you propose to [reduce] change his position. His reference to the matter is respectful and uncomplaining but Mr Bullard is afraid that [he] he will [not be left with] loose efficient control of the management of the trees and [as much responsibility in regard] may be disposed to have the work [and] [to the trees as in his judgment he] [return to Brooklyn] [should have] and begs me to write to you on the subject. The facts for your consideration are these. Mr Bullard haswe should be able to show that in all the management of the trees, Mr Bullard, with his position as the most experienced expert in the matter to be found in the country, has been, as far as practicable, in all respects satisfied and held technically and essentially responsible.had more experience in the removal and subsequent [experience] treatment of large trees than anyone else in the country and [tha] Cogan has been his right hand man. What is to be said of Bullard in this respect applies to Cogan. Cogan was induced, at Mr Bullards earnest request, to leave Brooklyn Park where he had a secure (position to go to Washington to hold there the same place under Mr Bullard [and upon his] who has given him his instructions and depends on him. You will see certain equities in the matter both as respects Bullard and Cogan, and also recognize that it is very desirable thatEngineer's Office, U. S. Capitol Grounds, Washington, D. C., July 31 1875 Mr F L Olmsted Landscape Architect Dear Sir: I have yours of 29th. I wrote you on that day about the condition of the trees, in which there is no change for the worse visible. A few Horse Chestnuts are showing badly - but no more than they usually have done (in dry seasons) in their original positions. Three of them I have watched carefully for three weeks past - have had the roots well protected by mulching and they have been copiously watered - the effect being the same whether carefully cared for or left with ordinary care - that is to say, they are in no better and apparently no worse condition than others. I attribute it to old habit, as they seem to be starting new buds and shoots (according to Cogan) in the tops. I am sorry to tell you that I am compelled to go away [again] tonight Mrs Partridges father having very suddenly died, and the family require my assistance now, I will probably return on the 5th prox. Should anything new occur will write you from Eastern Penna Very respectfully &c J A PartridgeEngineer's Office, U. S. Capitol Grounds, Washington, D. C., July 30 1875 Mr F L Olmsted Landscape Architect, Dear Sir: I recd your two favors duly and acted upon the first immediately I find one man with an occasional helper can water the trees, and have set Cogan at other work. Since former writing I have arranged with Gen Babcock to furnish transportation for any surplus earth we may have. We to load his carts I could better show Mallard than any other man, but feel provoked at his duplicity, as he accepted my proposition to go and be paid in Cash with such alacrity I suspect he thought if he could come back he would have converted his June certificate into cash. Mr Radford writes he will be here on the 6th. Are you coming! Very respy &c J A PartridgeEngineer's Office, U. S. Capitol Grounds, Washington, D. C., July 29th 1875 Mr F L Olmsted. Landscape Architect. Dear Sir: In reply to yours of 23d I have to say that our weather is improving as regards moisture We have had until Tuesday but one shower since you were here - on that day it rained gently and opened the ground finely to receive the water falling yesterday and today, which has thoroughly saturated the thirsty earth. The trees with few exceptions are doing well The exceptions are one male Black Walnut on the South side which has lost its leaves, and a few Horse-Chestnuts which have become brown enough to frighten me, did I not know it to be an old habit of theirs when in original position. Mr Cogan has examined them and assures me they are sending out new shoots at the top and thinks they will put forth fresh leaves after this rain. We are giving them more mulching and I will report a week hence upon the condition of all the trees, I have had the buckwheat turned under successfullyand find the ground in a much mellower state than when the seed was sown. The growth was very dense and I expect very good results from the crop. During my absence an article appeared in the Washington Tribune - date 23d - criticising the plan of the grounds and the conduct of the work generally. A copy was sent - I am told - to Mr Radford and you may have seen it. Mr Black desires me to call your attention to it (otherwise I had never thought of it) as the first of a series of growls resulting from the failure to invite competition upon the construction of the stone work in Pairs, Seats and fountains, and says great dissatisfaction exists among the stone workers here You will I trust, pardon me for referring to it. Of one thing I am assured, which is that it will be well to give the people good dry walks and ways to the Capitol this winter and exactly how to accomplish this without selling or relaying our Flagging I donot at present see. Possibly in a week or two I will find a way out. Mr Clark leaves for a northern trip on the 3d proximo and will perhaps call upon you Very respectfully J A Partridge Eng Chge Capl GroundsEngineer's Office, U. S. Capitol Grounds, Washington, D. C., July 21 1875 Mr F L Olmsted Landscape Architect. Dear Sir: Mr Clark desires me to say that Dr L Filbert (a city contractor) who is negotiating for the control of the neuchatel work in this city intends to call upon you in New York with reference to contracting for the walks upon the Capitol grounds. Matters here are moving on slowly but fairly. I hope to get the grading of north side mostly done this month Very respectfully yours J A Partridge Engin in Charge &c 28th June, 1875. J. A. Partridge, Esq Engr in charge U. S. Cap G. Dear Sir; I have read and duly considered yours of 23rd & 24th and provisionally approve and adopt all your estimates & suggestions, which with a single slight exception, are very satisfactory. [It] Mr Radford will visit you next week and perhaps I shall. Details can then be fully discussed. [*¶*] [I have but one observation to make] I question now but one point of your estimates. [I can {I know} see no necessity for any an appreciable part of Cogan's time being charged to the trees.] [during the summer.] [His] Cogan's personal and direct superintendence of any work to be done in the trees [is not needed] [for a simple operation] this summer, is not [needed] at all needed so far as I can see. [?] Its [may] [a?ing] having been done, one mans time will be required after a certain hour in the afternoon, daily, asa rule, for the watering. The whole number of trees being divided into 3 (or 4) parts he will water one part on Monday, the next on Tuesday, the next on Wednesday and then come back on Thursday to no 1 again. All that Cogan or you ordinarily need to do about it is to suspend the rule, and [send the] keep the man [at] with his gang when watering would be superfluous. All else that is necessary is to dismiss the man & put another in his place if it is observed in passing that he is not doing the work according to orders. There will be, [is,] so far as I know, absolutely nothing else to be done unless because of a heavy storm or other catastrophe. Ifif anything. more mulching is needed, [that] (as that may be), that is not a work that requires Cogans personal service. Supposing the edging sit I can [not] see no way in which a penny over 60 cts. a day can be usefully expended on the East grounds (except under contracts) [any] before August, when you will want a boy and a horse & plow & another boy with a pair of horses & a harrow for a fortnight. This is not chargeable to trees, & except for extremely contingencies I can not see how you will be able to spend $50 on the trees this year. $950 is a great deal more than it should cost to harrow three times seed and roll 20 acres with all complications & all desirable refinement but the element of government labor must come in here, I suppose, [in] and therefore I double on all hand work. I only write of this now 150 because your observations make me suspect a misunderstanding somewhere 20 between us as to what is to be done. [I feel very sure] I do not think that except for less than 2 dayswork of a laborer per week & for what remains if any thing of edgeing there be [no] occasion for your spending [?ing] the rest of the summer or single dollar for government labor [?st] of the Capitol. If [o] you think me wrong please tell me what you expect to do -Mr Partridge 21st June 1875 [* Last 91 Trans *] Dear Sir, Yours of 19th is recvd. You [entirely] miss the point of my letter of 18th which was to [draw] get from you a more accurate and judicious estimate than mine of what could now be undertaken with a certainty of finish before December [with all] [the means surely at our disposal.] That you will "endeavor to conduct the work" to that end I need no assurance. [goes I know without your assurance]. [But I consider our position to be critical] [*x our previous calculations on this point being upset; we must start anew *].But I do need assurance that we are able to proceed hence forth from a new point of departure to a [new] new series of ends, well defined, and with reference to which we have the game in our hands. That we make no mistake it is essential that we now make an estimates of what is possible to be done with the greatest possible accuracy That is today it will be a very easy matter to find ten or twenty - at any rate an, thousand dolls value for anything we that will appear in December, it will not be worth a copper - when in fact it will tell falsely against us. To guard against this as much as possible I give you my ideas in order that they might be subjected to yourreview, on the ground and [with] that I might get the benefit of your more accurate knowledge. My propositions are all tentative, until you have given your judgment upon all the points to which they relate. That judgment I am waiting for - I am sorry you saved the buckwheat - [it will] it involves the cost of an extra plowing & does [no good.] [Of course the grass absolutely] not a dollar's worth of benefit. Of course [matter] it is unnecessary to break up the seeded ground but [dont spend a dollar] [spend nothing] nothing shd be spent in trying to save it. Do not let them waste time in hoseing it. [it.] If it comes, well & good, but the question is gone by for the present [and before you need do any thing more I shall be in Washington.] [I am disposed to think]thorough [and delicate] I find that so much of the cost of the removal of rail road & slates as has not been paid for already, is to be deducted from our fund. I [It] take it thus reduces our fund [field of operations] again by as much as $4000. My present impression is that we had better do nothing on the South side of the West grounds below the South Capitol Street entrance - nothing until we are sure of being able to do every thing on the north side - [At any rate I] But I must [for the present] leave this to your discretion [but] only let it be understood that for the present you are [responsible] to be sure that nothing is spent there which we shall by any possibility lack for the completion of the north sideCopy. to end beginning last ¶. ¶ may it not be better that after making your estimates of what can be [done you come on here completed of] completed within the 52000. (now 48000) dollars, you come here for a conference? I want to guard as fully as possible against mistakes and misunderstandings. [*Trans*] [Pray] Of course you will not let Mr Clark persuade you to set any more sod [and] or do anything for present appearances. I hope you fully realize that [to account]May it not be better that you [?] on here for a day and let us tells no story of failure. The further from a finished or not appearance every individual [thing] object remains until October at least, the less unsatisfactory the whole will be. No sodding on B. St. north was a little mistake except as necessary to prevent waste by Wash, but I would have preferred any other expedient for the purpose than the sod which so far as it goes makes all the rest of the work look untidy and tends to establish a falsely mean impression. Of course I refer to it only as an illustration of a general principle difficult of acceptance. [which I do not expect Mr. Clark to accept.] This [?] mistake is made everywhere in Washington -- Nothing can be meaner than most of the poor, ragged dingy apologies for turf facings [which are] so common there. A raw clay bank is much less ugly [because it fails of nothing] and tells no story of failure. Washington DC June 19th 1875 Mr F L. Olmsted. Landscape Architect. Dear Sir I have yours of 18th and think I understand your wishes -- will certainly endeavor to conduct the work in such a manner as shall give us a respectable finish on the west grounds. Early in the coming week I will send a tracing showing the portions of water service and drainage I proposed to dispense with. also some data relating to roadway material, The [mischief?] was all done in plowing and seeding the open ground, on the 17th by noon. The day after you left, I found the soil in so good condition to pulverize that I set plowsrunning - broke[d] up fully six inches in depth, harrowed twice and after sowing Buckwheat at the rate of 3 [?] Bush per acre cross harrowed it in, finishing by noon of 17th. The weeds are disposed of and the crop when again plowed will lighten the soil well - I think. I hope you will not insist upon breaking up the ground already in grass seed until after a week or fortnights further trial - the blue grass seems to be coming on well, and I would like to see the effect of another rain upon it. The weeds can be kept down with very little work and I wish to see what will come from the seed soon. Very Cordially your &c J A Partridge Eng. in Chg &c18th June 1875. To Mr Partridge. Dear Sir; Mr Radford having been out of town I was unable to see him until yesterday p.m. and he was then obliged again to leave town before I had made as thorough a canvass of our trees as I wished. I will write on my present understanding of the situation which in a few points is not [as] yet clear [as I could wish.] I do not [yet] see fully where or how our miscalculation occurred but it is evident that the cost ofgrading and agricultural & horticl operations has much over run our estimates. There will be required for work already contracted for including gas & water systems and stone for edgings and engineering & superintending expenses [fully] say $146.000. Putting aside any saving that can be made on gas & water &c [must be held for] as a reserve for unavoidable contingencies, we have for other operations under your direction [$24000] $54.000We have been expecting to lay out [78000 of] on these operations $78000. We must contract our scheme by $24000, or, to hold a slight margin for errors and omissions and charges to be yet forced upon us, say $26000. [I propose to apportion this as follows: The following table will show how I think this can best be apportioned - the older and revised estimate being also given.]This contraction must be made chiefly by operating on a smaller area than previously intended and the following table will show what & where the [contraction must be made.] reduction, as I now judge, can best be made. As before intended As now proposed Amt reduced Preparation & care of turf & trees East Side 1000 1000 ----- Grading West 10,000 6000 4000 Roads & walks 23,000 17000 6000 "Agric". West 28,000 25000 3000 Ag. drawings 4000 3000 1000 Hydraulic wks of fountain - 12000 --- 12000 ---------- --------- --------- 78,000 52,000 26,000[By doing less The above [Our] estimates [must here] - may be reduced [- pa] [after stand] as follows: Reduced Amt of Estimate - Reduction Agric, east side 1000 - --- Grading West - 6000 - 4000 Roads & walks 1[6]7000 - 6000 Agric. West - 25000 3000 " Drainage 3000 1000 Fountain - 12000 ____________ ___________ 52000 26.000] The first item will include besides the summer following [and final seeding] final dressing [sown of the turf; cost of] seed &c, the watering and other care of trees and autumnal replanting. [Whether It] The required expenditure is not in a great degree [a]controllable [item] and much will depend on the season. I will write further about it.As to grading of West side if necessary to avoid an outlay of more than $6000 you can leave untouched a portion on the whole of the ground south of the South approachapproach road - including the walk and all of the corner near the African church. If the necessity is clear [in your mind] leave [out] ungraded also the corresponding ground on the north side - though I hope this at least can be made complete. On roads & walks [the outer walks] 1st the walks outside [(referred to in last ¶)] the approach drives can be left [out the road on the South si] [and;] at subgrade; next the South approach road, next, the intended temporary stone bottomed road bed can be reduced in width everywhere and lastly if [clearly] necessary parts on the whole of it can be omitted. I hope however that by disposingof a larger amount of flagging &c than heretofore estimated, omitting the temporary stone road on the south approach, and making it nowhere more than 16 feet wide you will be able to keep this item within $16000. [But] ¶ I leave what will perhaps seem to you an unnecessary amount ($25000) for agriculture of west side because whatever else we fail in we must have the full amount of soil & fertility on all ground that we propose to plant or seed, and this is where it is most difficult [to restrict] to limit expense. You can [save on] dispense with subsoil plowing [and] on the made-groundof the South side but I fear [not] [much on the North and on all] the whole ground needs it [North], on the North [the ground to which we pretend] Then, on all the area [give the slightest appearance] of finish, to - which we are to plant or seed, or where we are to cover the rough subgrade at all; we must have, [what ever else we leave -] the full foot [of rich soil] of fertile soil. Of course any considerable [limitation] contraction of the area of grading will contract the area for soil & surface finishing. [grading.] As to drainage, we have telegrpd to Boynton, but do not know how you will stand - If the tiles are shipped You can if necessary store [the tile] them & save the required $1000 [- on laying] by postponing their laying.The whole of the hydraulic work for the fountain is necesarily postponed to my great regret, but there is no help for it and it will leave nothing obviously [incomplete] unfinished on the East side. [& there is no help for it.] There is to be no much modification of the gas, water and [general] surface water drainage [plan] plans but none of them are to be carried out on the Central [East] West ground, or elsewhere further than economy and convenience require. The saving here [will be] goes as I said before, to our contingent fund.¶ The most important question for you at once is how much of the West ground can be brought to the intended sub-grade at an outlay of not more than $6000? If [we] you get [one] a good road & walk through from [Penn] Penna - Ave to the East Court on the north side - and every thing near it[,] brought to perfect finish - includingcurbs, edging, planting and seeding, [and] - before Congress meets leaving [leave] the other side rough [and can not complete,] and [a] barring off passage [any] through the road & walk, I [the other (South) side,] I am sure the impression will be much more satisfactory than to have both sides 9/10ths done, the 1/10 [lacking being] being the last touch of finish. [the finishing operation.] This therefore must be your policy. [To] To attempt to bring nothing near apparent completion that you can not be sure to bring with the means remaining before December to apparent perfect finish,and to go no further with sub-work there is economically necessary to operations on ground in which finish is practicable before December, with the means still at our disposal. Please to fix this principle of policy in your mind & go back and reconsider carefully what I have proposed under the several numbered heads and tell me fully [what] what you think of it[if you think I have miscalculated as to what can best be done no strict, regard to [it] this policy ] As to [have it] this policy it is as you know the only policy I ever use and we must stand or fall by it. That is to say we must leave our work in such shape that it will stand us in lieu of all lobbying. But to carry out this policy successfully we need now to shape our course closely and that we may do so we must see to it that we are accurately of one mind.Engineer's Office, U. S. Capitol Grounds, Washington, D. C., June 24 1875 Mr F L. Olmsted, Landscape Architect, Dear Sir: I herewith hand you statement of cost of stone roadways, made of the Seneca stone. I have followed the specification made by Mr. Radford when less except in thickness of gravel to be deepening. The stone are awaiting a purchase and unless a decision is made very shortly - they will be taken up by City Contractors and we will be compelled to pay an average of .75¢ per cubic yard higher price for other stone, We can do better to buy for cash, and sell our Belgian blocks to the highest bidder. One contractor (Acker who furnishes granite curb) told me yesterday that if we would hold the blocks a little while he would take them at $30. per thousand. In a [memo??] relating to drives sent here by Mr Radford under date of May 5th, he estimates the cost of roads as $2 50 per lin foot - for 2100 feet - leaving out of the estimate the cost of the 2600 ft in East approaches although he had specified the length and manner ofLast page to end 2 constructing, in the same memorandum He gives the cost of 2100 ft 16 ft Roadway $5250 Less 100 in Belgian blocks @ 15 1500 Leaving balance as net cost of roads $3750 and afterward mentions that 25 ft drives will cost 2 00 per foot I now make the cost of 16 foot road assuming graveling and gutters to cost same as he estimates $1 85 per lin foot and the 25 foot roadway, leaving present gravel in situ $1 24 per foot. In looking over the situation I conclude that your proposed expenditure for trees - $1000. is too small an amount, as it will only leave for the purpose about $150. per mo for the 6 months. Cogans pay is $75. and he must have two expert hands with him who are paid 2 00 per day each. We have had but five rainy days in four months. [and] the trees require constant attention and probably will need watering twice or thrice a week for some time to come. I think that $1500 will be required for the trees. I mentioned (yesterday) having consulted Mr Clark about reduction of force. We have no laborers but Congressional appointees and the only way we can get rid of them is to set them at hard labor anddismiss for cause. I propose doing the grading with them instead of doing it by Contract: the cost will be greater but 'tis the only way I now see to get anything near the value out of them and not offend their patrons Very obediently &c J A PartridgeEngineer's Office, U. S. Capitol Grounds, Washington, D. C., June 23 1875 Mr F L. Olmsted Landscape Architect, Dear Sir: I have yours of 21 - and think I clearly see a way to do all the work you propose for the sum you allot to it $52000, especially as I think we can construct our roads at a considerable saving upon the estimated cost of two months ago. I have not been able yet, to make an estimate of work to be done that is at all satisfactory to myself, and cannot until I understand how your estimates are made - that is what items are included. The element - "Government laborers" is a disturbing one - that no man can fully understand or control nor can anything like a close estimate be made of the cost of work to be performed by them. After consultation with Mr Clark, we have agreed to add to our force of teams and do a part of the grading by them - weeding out as they prove worthless2 As at present employed we have too many men all of whom are forced upon us by Congressional influence that must be respected to some degree. I send herewith a large tracing upon which I have shown the reductions I propose to make in the old grounds - except the item of Agricultural drainage - and have to say in reference to these reductions. 1 As to water service, we can properly leave out the 3 and 6 inch pikes - the latter can be sold out of hand by the Contractor, the former can be used for gas pipe in the new service of the lower grounds. Street washers of course are not needed then & can be left out, 2 Road and walk drainage is only left out of the grounds we will not occupy, the edgings can also be dispensed with & need not be sent on this year, 3 As to Agricultural drawings, we have on hand a quantity of pipe costing us $772.00 the value of the remainder not shipped is about $330. This item $330 added to the cost of laying the whole, amounts to $2842. Under date of 21st Mr Radford writes that [after]3 you have determined not to omit all the Tile draining of west grounds. To use it seems only necessary to lay them in the old grounds, and if so the amount saved this year is important, In reference to the stone roads - I can procure a sufficient quantity of Seneca Stone Shales and rubble, at $1 50 per cubic yard, delivered upon the ground and measured in place, to make all our road bottoms as well as the finer grades for top dressing, This can be covered with a top dressing of secured gravel two inches deep and rolled with a steam roller. The cost of such a road will be, - including the removal of old gravel - for 25 ft road 43¢ per square yard, for 16 foot roadway 67¢ per square yard. As estimated by Mr Radford at prices given when he was here, these roads would cost $8746. By using Seneca stone and best local gravel, the same roads will cost but $5526 leaving a balance in favor of the latter of $3220. I can exchange Belgian Blocks for about $30. per [?]. the flagging will not bring over 20¢ at the outside as the B B Stone Co deliver the same stone here at 24¢-25¢. It will be impossible to exchange the flagging for a sum sufficient to relay our walks4 with artificial stone. Before receiving your letter, I had the 12 inch drainage pipes laid from the fountains to these junctions, by the monument, - You speak of leaving out the hydraulic work - this I understand implies the interior pipes at fountains and the 12 inch pipe to the Capitol and [?] have done notching farther than to make the connections advised by Mr Radford when here. I feel very sure about the grading - if we confine our operations to north and south sides alone we will of course leave the lower terrace untouched. Mr Radford writes that he will be here about the first of July, if he brings on his estimates [and] we can go over the whole and come to a better understanding of the amount actually required to complete the work. I think the estimates can be more correctly made upon the ground than elsewhere, Will you come on earlier and is it necessary that I come to New York? Will you write me what you think of the reductions I propose? The amount will balance cost of removing Stables and RR tracks Very Obediently Yours &c J A Partridge, PS. I will tomorrow send you estimate for roadways made of Seneca Stone. Yours J A P -Engineer's Office, U. S. Capitol Grounds, Washington, D. C. June 15 1875 Mr F L. Olmsted, Landscape Architect. Dear Sir Will you advise me of [to] your conclusions relating to work upon West grounds I found upon examination that we can save upon the following items $12.300 and suspect that by substituting sods for edging on flanks some $3000 now can be saved. Tile drainage 4160 Grading 5000 Water service 1274 - Center grounds Road & walk drainage 475 " " Edgings 1400 "=" $12.309 I wrote to Mr Radford stating the same as above, but am without reply - meantime drain tiles are coming on. which if unlaid had better be sold in a Southern market. Will you advise & believe me Very obediently &c J A Partridge Engr in Chge &cEngineers Office Capitol Grounds Washington, DC June 10th 1875 Mr F L. Olmsted Landscape Architect, Sir: Your favor of 5th inst came duly to hand - I am glad to say that the late rains have moistened our grounds thoroughly - the seeding looks well now and I think I can safely venture upon another part of the grounds, referred to in my last - I herewith hand you condensed statement of expenditures up to May 1st which with vouchers since paid exhausts the original appropriation of $200.000. It is now discovered that owing to a clerical error, the last appropriation is not available until after July 1st. It seems that while it was voted for and intended to be immediately available - the engrossing Clerk failed to Copy that portion of the act - and the [act] act was signed without it, thus leaving the last appropriation to stead as a separate one, only to be used during the coming fiscal year. The only embarrassment arising from this is in the matter of the payroll, and this can only be paid after Congress shall pass an enabling act for the purpose. Our force of employees understand that they will notbe paid for June service until after the next Congress meets and so understanding prefer to remain upon the work. As the R R. on the N W side will be completed this week, I will at once close up the old roadway and use every effort to push that side to an early completion. In the statement herewith sent - you will observe that I have kept the cost of removing stables as a separate item - the figures will show you how it is usual to exceed money hereabouts, under the general Government system of work. Very Obediently Yrs &c J A Partridge Engineer in Chge Capl Grounds5th June /75 Jno A Partridge Engr in Chge Cap. Gnds Dear Sir, I have recd yours of 3d with enclosures - The sowing of oats will be of little use but will do no harm, if they are not allowed to grow too much. Understanding the policy of treatment you will be able to determine the most judicious process. What we want is that at the end of September the ground shall have a finely graded [finished] surface and that for a depth of two [or three] inches or more that it shall be composedof soil free from weeds or seeds of weeds, rich and finely communicated - It is easier to work[4] 3 to 6 inches than [two] 2 because you can use [the plow - going] go rapidly on the ground to that depth with the plow, giving - plow or cultivator. [for the tillage]. The main point is to secure the germination of the seeds in that part of the [the] soil that will finally lie on [green] the surface and to prevent the ripening of a new crop of [amp] seeds. To this end, the ground should be turned [and made fine] once in [three or four] 4 to 6 weeks, - or according as the [fo] season mayof a rich and finely [?] [rich] [[?]] soil determine the growth. It may be turned with a plow going, plow or cultivator and the new lumpy surface each time rolled and harrowed. A growth of oats in buckwheat upon it will have a certain good effect favoring a more rapid [perfect] disintegration & greater porosity, but adding a little to the difficulty of tillage by clogging the instruments. The cost of the process should be about as follows; per acre: [say 15th June per acre]2 day cultivator or guy plow [?] 1/2 day roller " 1/4 " seeding? " 1/2 " harrow More than this until the finishing operation would be [useless] of little use. Engineers Office Capitol Grounds Washington DC. June 3d 1875 Mr F L. Olmsted Landscape Architect. Sir: I herewith hand you abstract of Expenditures for month of May. Also statement of Vouchers paid up to 2d inst being payments which should properly be included in Expenditures for May. I am unable to give you the classification of payroll today - but will send it early the coming week I wish some instructions relative to the ground in which tile drains have just been laid. Shall I carefully shape the surface & sow with oats - or sow without regard to care in shaping. The soil compacts so very hard, that I think it will be in much better condition for future seeding if the oats are sown, as the roots will tend to loosen the surface At the East end of the North oval no grass seed has been been sown - awaiting the completion of drainage. Shall it be done now or sown with oats? Please advise me upon these points. Very Obediently &c Jno A Paratridge Engineer in Charge Capl GroundsPS. Since writing the foregoing I am in receipt of intelligence that requires me to go away tonight to be absent until Monday night If you will answer the inquiries the work will be pushed forward meantime as if I were here Very respy &c. J A PartridgeEngineer's Office Capitol Grounds Washington DC May 7th 1875 Mr F L. Olmsted, Landscape Architect. Sir: I herewith hand you statement of Expenditures for the month of April showing a total of $15685 40/100. You will observe therein some small lots of soil and manure purchased and used during the month The soil was offered cheaper than usual and was required for dressing up after our supply was exhausted - the manure was purchased in part for quality, but mostly to save twice hauling and was delivered upon the ground when wanted. You will observe in the statement one column given to moving shops from the triangular lots NW & SW Since the first of April Mr Miller kept a roll for men and teams employed in removing shops and the north side and a stable and shops upon the south west lot. Upon the NW lot is a large stable yet to be removed. Mr Clark informs me that when the New Engine house is completed the horses will be taken from this stable to the temporary Engine house on North Capitol Street. this will give us an open way upon NW lot. Our work upon the west grounds has beenseriously retarded by the removal of the old building An old brick sewer traverses the NW grounds (passing directly under the stable) which having no proper sole has broken in several places & requires reconstruction I cannot get about it until the stable is removed, and I beg to suggest that when it is vacated it be instantly torn down and given to the poor - rather than expend so much upon its removal. Until today I have understood the delay of the RR Co in beginning the removal of their track, as agreed upon a month ago, to arise from lack of material, which they said had been ordered and was daily expected - Today, I am told by the President that material ac'd in money is wanted. Mr Clark has agreed with them to supply labor & timber, and they will now be ready to go about the work on Monday, the 10th inst, on the SW side. I will set one of our foreman to superintend the heavy work Our East grounds have required very much labor to get into proper condition but are now well forward and the seed sown except in one place where we are waiting for tile. Thus far I have not been advised of the shipment of tile from Woodbridge N J. I hope they may be near to handOur whole force of Govt laborers has been profitably employed during the month upon the [west] East grounds, and I have regarded it as better economy to leave the west grounds untouched until we could work advantageously there. A strong pressure has been brought above me to employ Government force there, and I have perhaps, carried my objections to it too far, but I am very confident that if the work of grading is done by Contract, all lost time will be regained and the work accomplished at much less cost, especially as 'tis so difficult to get rid of men once employed. Mr Radford writes me that you propose coming here on Monday - I shall be very glad, as you will be able to give me information that is much needed now. I am Very obediently Yrs &c Jno A Partridge Engr in Charge &cEngineer's Office, U. S. Capitol Grounds, Washington, D. C. April 9 1875 Mr F. L. Olmsted Landscape Architect; Sir: I herewith hand you abstract and condensed statement of Expenditures upon the Capitol Grounds during the month of March. I have therein charged all labor in leveling soil to Agriculture instead of Grading believing this to be the proper head for it. I am Very Obediently Yrs &c Jno A Partridge Engineer in Charge &cApril 1st 1875. Mr J. A. Partridge: Engr in Chg. C. G. Dear Sir; The ground to be sown with grass this spring is that which will come under the continuous noon shade of the groves near the North & South boundaries [of the East grounds] and those adjoining the East Court, and any other which you think best in which drains have not yet to be laid. In evening the surface take care that the spread of the roots of each tree is fairly to be seen [above the surface] above ground and that the surface slightly falls from not toward the tree[Cast away] Remove any excess of soil that this rule requires. Byrne understands this but [may be reluctant to] may hesitate to remove the soil necessary. When evened let the surface be well rolled by hand to guard against uneven settling; then have the surface very lightly and rapidly spaded or forked loose and raked fine and in this process more perfectly evened. It may then be sowed, raked and again rolled. As this work is all very light and must be done by days workmen special care should be taken to make thembrisk; the more rapid the spade and rake work the better the result will be. For seed mix of Red-top 2 parts by weight Kentucky B. Grass 2 " " White Clover 1 " " Sow in the ground adjoining the Court 5 pecks to each 100 feet square, on the other ground 3 pecks to 100 feet sq. Leave a circle unsown about each tree of from 6 to 12 feet according to its size.Engineer's Office, U. S. Capitol Grounds, Washington, D. C. Mar 25th 1875 Mr F L Olmsted, Landscape Architect, Dear Sir: I hand you herewith a tracing showing the area of west grounds of Capitol, and the quantities of Soil Manure & Peat required for deeping. Within the lines of old fencing we will be able to save seventy five per cent of the soil which is very good, all outside will have to be purchased this summer. I suspect we will not have enough from last years supply to finish soiling the East grounds - our measurements show about 800 cyds wanting. I can procure that quantity at any time for the old price, 25¢ per load, but prefer to wait until I know how much will be wanted. I think we should buy cheaper this year. Mr Bullard leaves tonight & will probably see you Saturday morning. I have samples of gravel, clean washed and scoured, which will cost about $2 00 per cubic yard delivered on the grounds or at $1 54 on wharf The weather is very fine today and we are plowing successfully. Very obediently &c Jno A PartridgeEngineer's Office, U. S. Capitol Grounds, Washington, D. C. Mar 20 1875 Mr F L Olmsted, Landscape Architect Dear Sir: Will you inform me if you contemplate placing the high cut (14 inch) in the rear of the Sidewalk on First Street, and along the east end of the flat lawns, this season; on line AB. CD as shown in sketch! Flower Flower Casket Casket East Capitol Street Drive Drive A (14" Curb) B C (14" Curb) D First Street East. I wish to begin plowing at once, and hence desire this information immediately Will you oblige Yours Very Obediently Jno A Partridge Engr in Charge [*Ansd 22d. probably late in the season.*] Washington DC April 29th 1875 Mr F L. Olmsted, Landscape Architect, Dear Sir: Your favor of 27 enclosing letter of Mr Byron came duly to hand. I saw Mr B and persuaded him to remain another month. He is exceedingly anxious to get back to his family and thinks that if he were there to look about, he could easily find employment. He wishes me to ask your interest in his behalf especially as he remains another month with us. One of our foremen leaves this week, a (capable) man whom I got upon the work, and if Mr B leaves now, it will greatly embarrass me in completing the East grounds. I hope something can be done to persuade Mr B to remain all the summer Our work is progressing favorably - I have not yet begun grading the west grounds but will do so in the early part of May. I am Very respectfully &c Jno A Partridge Engineer in Charge &cTo Mr Clark - 15th March 1875 My Dear Sir, The first business in order will be the removal of the RR's & the buildings on the triangles. We can make but little progress with our summer's work till both are out of the way; none of consequence economically. Will you please notify the Compy and all interested immediately, if you have not, and ascertain if possible this week what we may expect I propose to come on in a few days with Radford & hope to put all the grading mowing & heavy work under full way - Yours very truly F. L. O.copy. Mr Partridge. 9th April 1875 Dear Sir; I have yours of 8th - The quantity of clover seed is immaterial. I directed less than is commonly asked. If the season is unfavorable the immediate result will be better for a larger quantity, the ultimate for a smaller. With regard to the administration I am not disposed to resist any claim which Mr Clark distinctly and persistently makes: holding him to be the elder officer and that he has the confidence and must be [To Mr Partridge]presumed better informed of the intentions of Congress and the meaning of the law than I. I think you have managed the difficulty with great tact judgement and all the success that could be expected. It is chiefly desirable that whenever in anything of importance you are overruled that the authority assumed should be so in writing and that you should have an exact account if possible of what is lost in consequence. Signed Yours truly Fred Law OlmstedEngineer's Office, U. S. Capitol Grounds, Washington, D. C. April 8 1875 Mr F L. Olmsted, Landscape Architect, Dear Sir: In conversing with Mr Bullard today - relative to seeding - he informed me that your practice on Central and Prospect Parks has been to sow 2 pounds of White Clover to the acre, mixed with proper proportions of Blue grass and Red Top seed and he thinks he understood that you desire to follow your usual practice which differs from the instructions given in your letter of 1st inst. In that you give the following proportions for mixture Red Top 2 Parts by weight Kentucky Blue Grass 2 " " " White Clover 1 " " " to be sown at the rate of 5 Pecks to 10000 square feet - approximately 1/4 acre - or 5 Bushels per acre The weights of the seeds are respectively, Blue Grass 14 lbs per bushel Red Top 10 " " do White Clover 64 to 66 " doIf used in the proportions given me, the quantities will respectively be Of Red Top 2 8/10 Bush = 28 lbs " Blue Grass 2 do = 28 " " White Clover 7 qts = 14 " This is not arithmetically exact, but I give it to show the rate of White Clover to be used per acre in high seeding Do I misunderstand your directions & will you advise me upon this matter? I will send the Statement of Expenses tomorrow if I am not too hard pressed by applicants for places. Our work is progressing very favorably, with fair weather we will have the soil all over the ground by the 10th. The drainage will then begin and I hope to get some of our seeding done by the 15th. Mr Radford can tell you of some of the effects of our "new departure" and I had much rather he would do so than write it Everything seems to work well now Will you favor me by next mail! Very respectfully yrs &c Jno A Partridge Engineer in Charge &c PS. The "colored girl" has not yet applied for a position as field hand.Engineer's Office, U. S. Capitol Grounds, Washington, D. C. March 8 1875 Mr F L. Olmsted, Landscape Architect, Dear Sir: I herewith hand you a statement of Expenditures upon Capitol Grounds during the month of February, and a condensed statement of Expenses under their several heads, to the 1st inst. this will show an unexpended balance of $36161 24 in hands of Secretary of Interior Department. On account of frost in the ground and the inclement weather, I find it impossible to do anything toward completion of the grounds; under the most favorable circumstances we will be unable to work to any advantage for ten days to two weeks. About 50 miles down the Potomac are large deposits of oyster and other shells - completely blanched and in excellent condition for road material. I think they can be brought here and delivered upon the grounds for about $1 50 to 2 00 per cubic yard. Would they not make very excellent surfacing for our roads and walks? spread when crushed and rolled about 2 to 4 inches deep? I would greatly like to know your opinion upon the matter.My recollection of the shell road in the neighborhood of New Orleans is, that it is always compact and smooth, but I suspect the shells were used there without limit Perhaps less than 6 inches would not do here. Our gravel (roadway) directly fronting the Capitol, is very well puddled, the stones have gone down and the clayey matter comes to the top; when the latter is cleaned off, the roadways will be in excellent condition for top dressing Mr Radford wrote for certain information, lest the unexpended balance might revert to the Treasury; this cannot be the case until July 1st. I suspect there will be no balance then unexpended. Very respectfully Yours &c Jno A Partridge Engineer in Charge &cEngineers Office Capitol Grounds Washington DC Dec 24 - 1874 Mr F Law Olmsted Landscape Architect, Sir: I herewith hand you abstracts of Vouchers from Oct 1st to Dec 21st, accounting to $100806.05 I also enclose memn sheet showing vouchers certified by myself (and paid) up to present writing, showing total amount expended to date inclusive, to be $104,142.78. I cannot well classify the vouchers, better than is shown in the abstracts & in marginal notes, as Mr Clarks office is closed so early today Early in January proximo I will get in our final estimates of grading water service and drainage, and will report the expenditures there in full. The grading of the grounds can be completed within one week - weather being favorable - and I wish to push forward our preparation of planting grounds as fast as possible An examination of the soil in heaps purchased early last Summer2 Summer demonstrates that it is of very ordinary character which should be highly fertilized to make good sod. Our present stock of manure & compost is about 2200 cubic yards - our ground to be fertilized measures 13 acres. The manure purchased in the summer shrank greatly in bulk, when composted: on the lower grounds an undue proportion of fresh manure was used (more than double the quantity required - this is saved in the lower soil heaps -, but in my judgement should not be regarded as available - as I believe it will only bring the poor soil up to a fair standard. Using 50 cubic yards manure to the acre will only give a dressing 3/8 inch in thickness. Is this sufficient in a clayey soil, such as we have? I learn through Mr Bullard that his practice has been to dress more heavily - and to use it seems proper to do so here. I have agreed with parties to bring 50 yd lots of peat and night soil mixed and of clean peat. This is needed to dress the3 Lawn in front of the Capitol. The night soil matter is at same price (heretofore) paid for ordinary soil, 75¢ per cubic yard measured in the heap; the clean peat to be $1.00 per yard measured the same This I ventured to order after advising with Mr Bullard believing that you will sanction the purchase of more. I think we can now obtain fresh manure somewhat cheaper than we did in the summer, owing to the stringent regulations of the board of Health Should you desire it I will make inquiries and report to you. Very respectfully &c Jno A Partridge Engineer in Charge &ccopy 209 West 46th St 17th Dec 1874 Dear Sir, I have received yours of 16th The plats in question may be prepared at your convenience It is only a question of economy and of husbanding the appropriation. I will be prepared to review all the field of operation with reference to this question with you when I come on again probably next week Yours respectfully Fred Law Olmsted Jno A Partridge Esq Eng in Chg.Washington DC Dec 16th 1874 Mr Fred Law Olmsted Landscape Architect Sir: Will you inform me if you wish the triangular plats between North & South B Streets and the Capitol Drive fertilized and dressed with soil this winter If so the ground is quite ready for sub-soiling and we can finish up the work in very short time. The sketch herewith sent will explain the places I think of Very respectfully &c Jno A Partridge Engineer in Charge &cEngineers Office Capitol Grounds Washington DC Nov 7 1874 Mr F. L Olmsted Landscape Architect Sir Mr Clark showed me a telegram from you today relating to Large Elm tree in which you ask if you shall come on for a day. Mr Bullard has probably seen you today and explained the condition of the tree. No other points are settling, except the slope of flagging at North Ports [?], which to Mr Clark seems too great - being a little in excess of 1/2 inch per foot. If Mr Radford comes as promised on Monday, that can then be determined I trust you will pass on my failing to send report of Expenditures for last month. So many points need my personal attention that I have been unable to make it out, and thus far have not been able to get abstract of Vouchers from Mr Clarks office & will try to do so early in week. Mr Powers - Ellius - foreman is away I learn [and] but I understand his men are looking after the Seneca Stone today. We have very much to doto get our work in shape to show, and I fear will be short of Granite Curbing. No edgings have yet been sent - hence I cannot finish that part of work already graded. Mr Wiserode promised me some plans of high seat curb - I greatly need one that showes one bay, finished with pieces at each end; such an one would enable the masons to comprehend the matter & go on properly The Blue Stone Co have sent piles of stone, giving names of pieces none of which are marked, nor are they marked on plans - cannot this be made plainer for Stone setters! Very respectfully &c Jno A Partridge Eng in Charge &cEngineers Office Capitol Grounds Washington DC Oct 14 -74 Mr F L. Olmsted. Landscape Architect Sir Mr Mollard will stay at the price offered by you I ought to have mentioned this in my letter of yesterday. Our work is progressing as favorably as our restricted space will permit South grounds will be ready for planting this week. North grounds to waterpike mostly subsoiled Very Obediently Yours &c Jno A Partridge Eng in ChargeTo Mr Partridge My Dear Sir, Your telegram asking me to explain to Mr Clark came to late I had already written him [as follows:] that as recommended by you, writing at his request, I thought it best the contract should be given to Vandenbergh. I also said that I thought [the] - your reasons sound and that Scotch [prefe had better be prefe] pipe was to be preferred. I enclose a note which shd be filed with Vanderberghs bid. I may come to Washington with Mr Bullard first of next week, & I am anxious that the pavement of the port cochere roads should be hastened. To avoid any possibility of frost interfering with contractors known to be in difficulties & likely enough to [?] slowly.Telegram J. A. Partridge C. E. Archs Office U S C. Washington Recommendations approved Notify Mr. Clark and start Vandenberg at work without delay. F L OEngineers Office Capitol Grounds Washington DC Oct 14 1874 Mr F L. Olmsted Landscape Architect, Sir: At Mr Clarks suggestion I herewith hand you the three lowest bids for drainage The lowest one, $4054.00 comes from a person who has been foreman for several Concrete paving companies & who we hear has never performed such work any where. His proposal when worked up from detailed prices amounts to $5074.43 and looks as if he had made an error in additions of over $1000, as you will see upon sheet enclosing proposal. So far as we have heard, reports concerning this person are not favorable for skill or reliability - (Personally, I may say that I dont like anybody who comes as he did with a proposition to pay the Engineer for a Contract.) The next lowest [Conns] $4581.34 comes from an old Plumber who is favorably known for skill and reliability, who has done much of this work also much work for Mr Clark, who thinks well of him His proposal [covers] is for pipe made by American Pipe Co - Morehead - of Philada The highest of the three is [for] $4695.54: this is froma contractor who has been constantly engaged in this work for the last 5 years, in which he has laid more [Scotch] pipe than any other dozen contractors in the city. His proposal (as you will see by letter addressed to me) includes Scotch pipe for 15 & 18 inch drains, remainder of work to be Moreheads Amn Pipe Co Philada. He has the most skillful foreman I ever saw I am not favorably impressed with the samples of large pipe of American make, excepting one sample of 15 inch unglazed, which has a slate colored [?] and seems to be made of well tempered clay - the other samples seem to be too coarsely granular for strength, and the glazing is not so perfect as in the smaller sizes Will you please decide between the bidders, and instruct me to whom to award the contract. Very Respectfully &c Jno A Partridge Engin in Charge &cTo Mr Partridge 209 W. 46th St. 10th Oct. 1874. Dear Sir, I have yours of [9th] yesterday. Tell Mr Mollard that I should be glad if I had very suitable employment for him but have not I do not want him to stay in expectation of getting over $3.00 a day, for the winter. Whenever a gravel heap seriously interferes with the progress of any operation in hand, follow the plan you propose. I did not think the heap before the central portico [wuld] would be sotill just before you are ready to gravel the area, there being plenty of room for curbs each side of it. When it is necessary to lay [?] of course it must go. X (The Washington statue is in Mr Clark's hands. I hope that he will get it out of your way. I can suggest no better place for it temporarily than adjoining the pool.) The water pipe must be buried, of course, and I [see] know no way in which it can be done except from our fund. If you & Mr Clark do not, make the [be] most economical arrangement you can. I should likean estimate but if you are satisfied then [and] ready go ahead without waiting [You need not wait] to hear further from me. Mr Bullard says [you are troubled] that after ploughing the subsoil you skim the surface to reduce it to the given sub-grade. This is unnecessary. My instructions of Aug 15 apply. "Accuracy in the preliminary grading is unnecessary". [In point of fact the rougher [the subsoil] & looser the surface is left the better. I would but for the expense apply first a part of the top soil and mix it with subsoil by plowing & harrowing.]Of course, the finished surface will if a foot of soil is added be slightly higher [until] than the elevations given, until the whole settles [down, but that is a matter which I will regulate in good time.] down but the adjustment between theory and practice [is] not need not trouble you at present. Please be particular that after the last loosening of the top of the subsoil it is not hardened by carts going over it. If a heavy rain sets in before the top soil is applied the subsoil surface should be again loosened either by plow or harrow. [The The rougher it is] The more irregular it is, provided the tilth is fine the better, It is only because of the expense that I do not apply a part of the top soil first and mix it [thoroughly] with the [top] upper part of the subsoil by plowing both together. Do this if you can without a serious addition to the cost of the work as now directed. [*Do not let the plows go to work so soon after a soaking rain that will puddle the clay.*] You are wrong in substituting dung for peat, as you will [see] find [by] in reference to my letter of 19th September, which please see (2d ¶) You will also remember that I explained to you that I did not want the peat as a substitute for [manure] dung [o] but for another purpose. I value the peat for its mechanical effect, the dung chiefly for its chemical effect.To Mr Partridge 10th Oct -74 Engineers Office Capitol Grounds Washington DC Oct 9th Mr F L Olmsted Landscape Architect Sir: I recd your telegram, and spoke to Mr Mollard. We can use him to advantage as foreman until I hear from you again. He will work until further advised at $3. per day, but says he has written to you his prices and expects higher wages when his real work begins Please advise me upon this, that he may either remain or go. Our work is progressing as favorably as circumstance as will permit The South side from A to B Streets will be almost wholly ready for subsoiling tomorrow night. On Monday we will again begin plowing & prepare subsoil and the moment that is done I will contract for soiling from large heap in front of Capitol, which will give us a clear space to work. I quite understand the force of your objection to graveling roadways & walks, but am at loss to know what to do with the gravel piles in front of Capitol As the gravel is not clear enough to use for top deeping or concuting, will it do to spread a substratumof say 3 inches & afterward finish 3 inches with better quality? I will have the south grounds - weather permitting - soiled next week in readiness for planting. Mr Bullard can at once begin removing trees - & clear some space for the Contractors, who are greatly embarrassed now. Is it yet decided what will be done with the Washington Statue. I think we had best contract for its removal - the government force is too slow. Perhaps the tree moving force can do it. I have not heard from you in relation to lowering the watermain on North side - did Mr Clark speak about it? He requested me to write to you about it, and I did so. I herewith hand you abstract of Vouchers for balance of month of September, showing amount of appropriation expended. In connection with the subsoiling I should have said, that in absence of peat we are using double the quantity of manure in its place. Cannot a corrected plan of grounds be sent me? I need one to enable me to study work to advantage I am Very Obediently &c Jno A Partridge Engineer in Charge &cJohn partridge NY. 5th Oct. 1874 Dear Sir; I have just recd yours of 2d I do not think [that any] there is any satisfactory place [can be found.] in the Cap. grounds for the office & sheds which we shall need in the winter. [If you can find some] You may be able to find some fixed accommodations near by, which Mr Clark will think best to [rent] hire. If not the least objectionable place would be I think on the South side, [and] either [to] East or West of [Clarke Ave] New Jersey Avenue as may be most convenient - [to ent] entrance from B. Street. I doubt the adviseability of laying in tile for general land drainage before the trees are [moved] generally moved. I prefer that the soil should be put on before [the trenches are] laying them. You will before this have received plans for road drainage. (sewers &c.) (Over)P.S. Yours of 4th since recd. I send yours of previous mail to Mr Radford who will have answered about partial letting of road drains. I think it better not to gravel the roadbeds any sooner than convenience requires, [as before setting curb] as subsequent cartage and other operations in and near them will mix earth with the gravel and crowd gravel into the sides, especially until the curbs are set. Besides the general objection that premature and incomplete finish always creates misconception and diminishes [the] ultimate [satisfaction of] popularity. The more chaotic the ground looks until [all] the rougher preliminary & formed as this work is out of the way the better it will be thought of and the less will be the loss through damage & misuse of the final surfaces. Of course I do not mean that any operation is for this reason to be delayed so that all things considered [its] cost will be increased.Washington D C Oct 4 -1874 Mr F L Olmsted Landscape Architect Sir I have advertised the drainage &c bids to be opened 13th inst - I would like to let the north & south road drains at once - in order to have them out of the way to enable me to remove the gravel piles in front of Capitol, to the roads. They are graded down ready for gravel, and I had proposed putting a force at removing the gravel tomorrow - the delay consequent upon advertising 10 days retards the work - I can get pipes laid by good parties in the business & can invite competition from several if you desire or can get prices privately & get work done well & cheap I wish you would write me next mail what to do about itwill begin preparing subsoil on north & south grounds tomorrow Have not heard from you in relation to lowering water main to be paid for out of appropriation. Cost is said to be about 75¢ per foot 3 to 4 feet below grade Very Obediently &c, Jno A Partridge Washington DC Oct 2d1874 Mr F L. Olmsted, Landscape Architect, Sir: When here, did you decide when this office is to be placed? Through some one (Mr Bullard, I think) I learned that with Mr Clark you proposed to place it on the flat parking near Corner of B St North and Clarke Avenue I failed to ask Mr Clark about it before he left and found on inquiry that no instructions were given by him. Hence this question to you. My impression is, that Mr Clark would prefer to have it on South part of grounds, [but] as it should be out of view of Senate Chambers - Very respectfully &c Jno A Partridge PS. Ought not the drains to be laid before soiling on Monday 5th inst we will be ready for subsoiling north & south grounds and I have no plan of drainage20th Sep. 1874. Mr Partridge. Dear Sir I think it better in reflection not to attempt an explanation with Mr Clark if it is needed by letter. There is probably some misunderstanding on my part which he will easily remove in [conver] conversation - The course I had expected to follow seems to me the natural & usual one and is that which has [was] required in all the large works which I have hithertoo directed - I shall however, no doubt, willingly adopt the conclusions of his better [judgment] knowledge & judgment I certainly want nothing which can reflect in the most distant way on him. Of this pray make him sure. Very Truly Yours F L ONY. 19. Sep. 1874. John Partridge. Yours of 16 I recd yesterday on returning from Buffalo, of 17th & 18th with statement of Expenditures, this evening. With regard to manure, add nothing in place of peat which you find impracticable to use on subsoil as originally intended. Any dung you have in excess of quantity [on hand] required for East ground stack and cover with earth until required [for] next year for West ground. The peat already obtained I understand to have been composted with dung. Please examine it and tell me if it is becoming [salvy] at all salvey or so changing that it is likely it can be [distributed] intimately mixed with soil? I will write Mr. Clark as you suggest. I am glad that you find Mr Gilbert's report was wrong.I hear from Senator Morrill who partly promises to visit Washington with me next week [when we will] in which case I will review the whole situation with him and decide as far as possible what we shall attempt to [complete] do this season. About the work on the curves S W. & N. W. of the Capitol, have no doubt [we shall] about proceeding [according to programme] as proposed when you were here. Cut though, the wing terraces without hesitation when the time comes to do so economically. You need not wait an hour. The turf I suppose is not worth saving as turf. If not it will be better than soil for your compost heaps. Yours respy. [Mr Partridge NY Sept 19th 1874 Dear Sir Yours of 16th and 17th with abstract expenditures I have received this evening]Engineers Office Capitol Grounds, Washington DC. Sept 18 1874. Mr F L. Olmsted, Landscape Architect, Sir: I herewith hand you abstracts of Vouchers covering items of Expenditure on account of improvement of Capitol Grounds, from July 1st to Sept 15th inclusive I also send [?] of Vouchers showing the general classification of Expenditures to Sept 15 inclusive. I am told that Messrs Bullard Wisedale & Radford are not yet paid, but will be, (probably tomorrow). I was also told this morning that check subject to draft, shows a balance beyond my report. In explanation of excessive quantity of manure and peat, I could get no report of quantity delivered in August and until the 10th inst supposed we were to finish the lower grounds The refractory character of the peat bought compels the use of a different [?] or a double quantity of manure, this will I think, consume most of our supply. At last I have succeeded in stopping bargainsbeing made without my knowledge, in fact nothing has been done in way of work for 3 days past except in cleaning the SW triangle, hence [frome] or required have been attempted. The heavy rain of Tuesday, until last night compelled all Contractors work to stop - today the mud has not dried sufficiently to enable them to work but about 60 men with Shovels and only this afternoon. The Contractors force I find was reduced during my absence - to about 1800 to 2000 of us per day - This I did not regret until the close estimate of quantity was made up. Upon examination I find we have on hand about 1500 lin feet of 8 in granite cut. So far as I have been able to learn prices we can get a superior quality of straight granite 6 inch for 1.00 to 1.06 Concrete for foundations of high seat curb, I can make on the ground, if I can have men who will work 10 hours the day for say $5 per yard - I will be able to procure proposals from responsible parties, by the 21st. Will you pardon me if I stop here - a chill now upon me, will account for the incoherence of the foregoing I have resolved that I will have no more of them & hence do not call a doctor to experiment upon me I hope Mr Radford will come tomorrow & bring drawings promised I am, Very Obediently yrs &c Jno A Partridge Engineer in Charge &cEngineers Office Capitol Grounds Washington DC. Sept 17th 1874 Mr F L. Olmsted, Landscape Architect Sir: It will be impossible for me to forward you the abstract of Expenditures until tomorrows mail I can only give gross amount expended up to 15th inst inclusive which is $30,478.35. I hope to be able tomorrow to ascertain what this has been expended for. In speaking to Mr Clark about contracts and vouchers being forward for your approval he says that while he "is quite willing to forward monthly or fortnightly statements of expenditures he does not hesitate to give his opinion that the delay consequent upon forwarding bills for approval before payment will cause great inconvenience and detriment to the public service" and that he "thinks your approval can only be based upon representations made by him or" myself "who are constantly here" Mr C shows considerable feeling in the matter saying "that inasmuch as Congress has providedfor the expenditure of the appropriation under his direction, the forwarding papers for approval as proposed seems to be a reflection upon his discretion or integrity" I trust that some understanding may be had that will fully settle these vexed questions, and relieve me from the embarrassing situation in which I am placed by them. Will you be good enough to write Mr C upon the matter. We have lost 2 / 4 days work in consequence of rain - from present indications I think we will resume tomorrow. I may say here, that upon inquiry I find that Mr Gilbert's conclusions relating to assent being given Contractors to waste earth, were incorrect, his information being derived from Contractors who were interested in [the] misrepresenting Mr Clark. I will report upon the general condition of the work in my next Very Obediently Yrs &c Jno A partridgeEngineers Office Capitol Grounds Washington DC Sept 16 - 1874 Mr F L. Olmsted Landscape Architect, Sir. Mr Clark has been moving yesterday and today, and I am unable to procure a statement of Expenditures on account of improvement of grounds, until tomorrow when it is promised. I have estimated with care the quantity of earth in east grounds - and find a total to Subgrade of 156,000 c yds - which leaves us ample quantity to cover Mr Radfords estimate of earth required to fill lower grounds. In embanking the earth alongside the street - the curve on lower grounds - I fear we will excite active opposition, from remarks I hear dropped - Will it be well to disturb the terrace made by Mr Clark on North side? (I mean that extending north to B Street, parallel to the street fronting the Capitol. -I wish to keep any resident Senators in good humor, hence the question. I am Very obediently &c Jno A Partridge Engr in Charge Architects Office US Capitol Sept 7 - 1874 Mr F L. Olmsted, Landscape Architect &c Sir: I have your favors of 4th I do not like to leave until I learn exactly the condition of the lower grounds. If grades are received tomorrow morning, I will come on by night train & meet you on Wednesday morning. Very Obediently Yrs &c Jno A Partridge Eng. in Charge &cArchitects Office U S Capitol Washington DC Sept 4th 1874 Mr F L Olmsted, Landscape Architect &c Sir: I find upon examination, that we have for future use, stored east of the Capitol, 921 Cubic yards, Compost, of manure & Soil, 62 " " " " do & Peat, 69 " " Clean Peat, 170 " " Short manure, 3872 Bushels Lime 3000 cub yds Soil and 1550 cub yds of Gravel in piles I have stopped delivery of manure and Lime for the present. I think we can get enough - unless it be short manner, - at any time, but am told that farmers are offering $1 25 per load of 1 cubic yard for manure. The quantity of Lime is excessive; it was run in despite my wishes during my illness, but is now been ready for use when wanted. Millers peat we composted, using the long fibrous part for the purpose. Our working force is now 146 Shovelersand 223 horses & carts. Plows &c I do not reckon as they only serve as getters for the shovelers. The whole grading is progressing very rapidly - too much so, for the limited information I have relating to grades west of Capitol. I hope to receive advices from Mr Radford tomorrow. The exceedingly hot weather & extreme drought have within the last two days, caused the trees around which excavation has been made, to blanch noticeably. I have mulched them with peat, with a top dressing of manure, and watered the whole, hoping to preserve them. I will have a top dressing of soil placed over the manure, and water every day, unless otherwise instructed. A sample of short fibrous peat, that looks exceedingly well is offered, if a sample load shows as well I think it will be quite as satisfactory as the turf that Miller brought. Mr Smith (gardener at Botanical grounds) pronounces it superior to Millers, it certainly would spread better and I think would retain moisture better Trusting that the progress we are making may be satisfactory & that I may hear from you in reply to mine of yesterday I am Very Obediently Yrs &c Jno A Partridge Engr in ChargeArchitects Office US Capitol, Washington DC Sept 3 - 1874 Mr F L. Olmsted, Landscape Architect &c Sir: I trust you will pardon my neglecting to send you extended report of work. I contracted "chills & fever" here and have been so entirely broken by them that I could only look after the general progress of work I hope tomorrow to be able to give details of work & report material on hand. I am glad to say that the soil on [?] grounds proved better than I anticipated and I have heaped it for use there. Manure is [?] obtained now, at our prices but in two weeks when Cantalupe season is over & farmers begin to haul I fear it will become scarce. Had we not better secure a good quantity of short manure while we can?I think our stock of Compost is full. Will examine quantity & report tomorrow. Will you reply to the question about the short manure by next mail? and also tell me the maximum quantity of Compost required? Very Obediently &c Jno A Partridge Engineer in ChargeJno Partridge, Sep 1st 1874 Architects Office, U S Capitol, Washington, D C, Sept 1, 1874 Mr F L. Olmsted, Landscape Architect &c Dear Sir Having just completed our Approximate Estimate for the Month of August, I am glad to report that up to yesterday morning, we have moved 30800 cubic yds of earth, being a daily average of 2500. yds: this is as much as I dare do until grades are corrected for lower grounds. Trusting that this report of progress will be as satisfactory to you, as to myself, I am Most Obediently Yrs &c Jno A PartridgeArchitects Office US Capt Washington DC Aug 26 - 74 Mr F L. Olmsted Landscape Architect &c Dr Sir I have your favor of 25 duly - The Gray matter is laid over for future consideration No peat is now arriving. I am wretchedly ill & must remain indoors a day or two I do not see that I can possibly leave here, until after 3-5 proximo, when I hope matters will have shaped a little better. Very Obediently Yrs &c Jno A Partridge Eng. in Charge &c[*To Mr Partridge Sep 4 /74*] [*To Mr Partridge Sep. 4-74*] (Mr Partridge) 209 W 46th N.Y. 26th Aug. 74 Dear Sir, I have recd yours of 25th You can not [have] too soon have compost of equal parts dung and soil (or better, peat) to the amount of 500 c.yds. in preparation. Whenever, therefore, [for] dung or peat is offered at fair price, that you can not otherwise correctly dispose of at once send it to your compost ground until that [amount] quantity has been made. [I think it would be well to have] Whether it is important to collect manure elsewhere on the ground [before you are ready to plow it in] faster than you can spread it and plow it in, depends on whether we can be sure of obtaining all we may want to be delivered when we want it and just as fast as we want it till the end of the season. I neither [want] would have operations [to be] delayed for want of manure nor [do I want any] unnecessary expense [to be] incurred in twice handling it or by having it in the way of plowing and carting. Manage as you think must discrete on the whole. [* If there is decided tendency to an overstock it would indicate might be reduced. Please consider whether we are raising the [ma?] *]To Jno partridge, 24 Aug. 74 209 W. 46th St. N York 25th August 1874. Mr Jnoh Partridge C. E, [Eng in Chg] Dear Sir, I have received with much satisfaction yours of 24th Augst. [I] I reply to your numbered inquiries. 1st. The flagging may be left for the present. 2d. The depth of gravel should be determined [the] with better knowledge than I have of the condition of the ground in which it would be placed. For the present [use your] I leave it to your discretion. 3d. I accept your judgment. Use the dirt as you suggest. The tracing you ask for will be sent as soon as prepared.with regard to Mr Gray: I understand you that [Mr Gray] he has been assuming that I gave him an order for an unlimited amnt of night soil and peat, [and] on which assumption he has [delivered] [hastened to deliver 235 yds thereof and for whi it acted] been proceeding until, the amnt delivered having reached 235 c yds, he [now asks] wants for a voucher therefor [It can hardly be necessary to say to you that] of course. I gave him no [such order] such order. I gave him no order. I told him that [if he could deliver] we wanted no muck of the quality which he exhibited, and no night soil compost unless it was to be better than [some of] the bulk which he showed me that [I would] if he could find it as good as a particular sample whichI selected, I would take some. In accordance with this [arrangement] proposition to him I afterwards gave you verbal instructions that if he brought any such material in which the night soil appeared to predominate over the [muck] earthy matter you could give him an order for 100 c. yds and substitute it for an equal amnt of stable manure in dressing the subsoil. See that his claim is in no way [recognized] [admitted] countenanced. In regard to Miller's peat the ordinary way is to compost it with manure with which it heats and is disorganized, or to [mix] apply a mixture of lime and salt by which the same result is obtained. As Ivalue the peat quite as much for its absorbent & moisture holding [quality] as for its fertilizing quality. I thought to avoid the expense of these operations. I trust that you may be able to do so, [either] by spreading the clods and knocking them to pieces by harrow and roller or by hand beating or by use of hoe or spade. If you knock it generally into clods [the size] not larger than a hen's egg it will do. If not, as it has been I suppose soaked in salt water, try what an application of lime will do. If you find it entirely unmanageable we must abandon its use for the sub soil. In that case stack it up [with] in layers with dung, almost equalquantities and as soon as a heat is developed [turn the stacks over and] mix the whole intimately by turning the stacks over. If Miller's supply comes faster than you need at any time for subsoil dressing, compost all excess as above, as it will be very desirable for the trees. When do you think it will be most convenient for you to make a visit to N York?Architects Office U S Capitol Washington DC Aug 25, 1874 Sir: Is it important that large quantities of manure & compost be collected upon the grounds? We may find it more readily now than in a month hence, but it is greatly in the way of completing the soiling as we go along. The same question may be asked of peat - the reason for the latter question, is, that Miles says he can procure it "better now than hereafter" & would like to bring more of it while it is comparatively dry digging. Tomorrow I propose clearing away a space for filling in S W part of grounds & do that work before contractors waste too much earth. Very obediently, Yrs &c. J A Partridge, Eng. in Charge &c To F L. Olmsted, Landscape Architect, new York.Architects Office U S Capitol Washington DC Aug 24 - 1874 Mr F L. Olmsted, Landscape Architect: Sir; I have yours of 21 & 22 by this mornings mail. In reply to the former I have to say that Contractors Sullivan and Stafford began promptly on the 17th & and Clubb through his bondsman began on 18th - Hunt came forwarded and bonded on the 18th, but I understand has given McNamara power of Attorney to fulfil his contract. McNamara is now working all north of E Capt. Street. Since morning of 17th our force has averaged 200 Horses & Carts, 164 Shovelers & 6 plow teams per day. This on part of Contractors. Mr Millers force has been engaged on North & South sides in preparing subsoil & soiling So much of our time has been occupied in establishing Center & other lines, that the latter force indulged in some rather ''high farming" - in way of fertilizing - but are now working more intelligently. Mr Gray delivered 235 cyds of Peat, night soil & mulchof the quality he showed you in the cart. He says an order was given by you for this, at $1 00 per yard: about 135 yds was used, the balance piled for future use. Will you kindly inform me if the order was given, as he asks for a voucher. [*(refuse it)*] Miller brought (the latter part of the week (21st) 181 yds of peat-like sample in the barrel - this is of very excellent quality, and I would suggest that a full supply be obtained from him. Does peat disintegrate when heaped? I ask, as this is lumpy, and unless worked up fine, it will be difficult to spread 50 bushels per acre. No difficulty has arisen from disaffected laborers, rain only interrupted the work this morning - this afternoon a force of 50 horses & 35 shovelers are out. I believe this covers all the information that you desire as to progress of work. I am glad to report favorably of Mr Gilbert, who brings an earnestness & intelligence that is particularly refreshing. There are some points upon which I desire further instructions. 1st Shall I at present, take up flagging on B Streets North & South & have relaid to proper width, or shall it be left for the future. [*(left.)*] 2d Had Will it not be better to excavate the roadways, to allowat least 6 inches of gravel, instead of 4 inches as you instructed me when here? I fear a muddy drive the coming winter. [*(left to his directions after eyeing the subground.)*] 3d Having examined the ground southwest of the Capitol, I am fully satisfied that you would not like to use the earth now plowed & manured as soil. I regard it as entirely worthless except as a top dressing for subsoil. Will it not be better to use it as the last 6 inches of subsoil, spreading it in place of manure plowed in? [*(yes)*] I have no plans showing grades west of Capitol I wish to set the Contractors filling up the lot Southwest. Will you have a tracing forwarded, that will show the grades on that side? [*(will be sent as soon as ready.)*] I may say here that the soil on nwest side is worth preserving for top dressing. With fair weather tomorrow, I will mass the heavy force in the Center of the lot & if more force is necessary notify the Contractors to process it immediately. I regret to say, that I am too ill today to take a very clear view of matters - but trust that this conveys the information you desired I am Very Obediently Yrs &c Jno A Partridge Eng in Charge &c209 - &c Aug 22d, 1874. Jno A Partridge Eng. in Chg, [?] U. S Cap Grounds. Dear Sir, I have yours of 18th Your understanding is right. My instruction is that the ground shall everywhere be divided from the sidewalk of the streets by a block of stone the tops of which shall be 14 inches above the walk, the ground within to be flush with the top of this stone The carriage court will be separated from the adjoining turf in the East by a similar block to distinguish this from ordinary curbing I denominate it, "parapet curbing". [?] F. L. O. L. A.Partridge. 18th Aug. Architects Office U S Capitol Washington DC Aug 18. Sir: From notes upon the large plan, I understand that curbs in rear of foot walk upon B St North and South, are to be 14 inches above the walk, and upon this understanding am now distributing soil along the street. Should my inference be incorrect, will you kindly advise me by telegraph? Very Obediently, Yours &c Jno A. Partridge Eng. in Charge To F. Law. Olmsted EngineerWashington DC Aug 10, 1874 F Law, Olmsted, Esq. Engineer &c&c. Sir: Upon my return from Virginia I am informed of your inquiries at my house during the past week. At the instance of Mr Edward Clarke I write to say that understanding that the Engineering service incident to the improvement of the Capitol grounds will require but part of my time, I will undertake suchservice for $150. per month, the remaining time to be allowed me for other professional duties. It is imperatively necessary that I return to bring a party of friends "out of the wilderness', but I can be in Washington to meet you on the 15th instant, or at your convenience thereafter May I ask you to address me by the 12th inst, in Care of RR Station Agent, Gordonsville Va? I am Sir, Very respectfully Yours, J A partridge C E.Washington July 22nd 1874 Dear Sir I have been looking about among the persons who are supposed to know something about the kind and quality of Peat that you will want: Capt. Robt. Miller who owns a schooner says that about 40 miles down the river he can get all you will want of as good quality as he ever saw in the Old Country, which he will deliver on the Capitol Grounds at $1.25 cts per cart load. If this should meet your approbation please write me word, as Capt. Miller is now discharging and would go for it on his next trip Very Respectfully your obedient servant Geo M Miller Foreman Capt Extension