Jefferson, Thomas, 1743-1826. Thomas Jefferson and the National Capital: Containing Notes and Correspondence exchanged between Jefferson, Washington, L'Enfant, Ellicott, Hallett, Thornton, Latrobe, the Commissioners, and others
Electronic Text Center, University of Virginia Library

| Table of Contents for this work |
| All on-line databases | Etext Center Homepage |

JEFFERSON TO ELLICOTT

Philadelphia, February 2, 1791:

to major ellicott, --
Sir:

   You are desired to proceed by the first stage to the
Federal territory on the Potomac, for the purpose of making a
survey of it. The first object will be to run the two first lines
mentioned in the enclosed proclamation to wit: -- the S. W.
line 160 poles and the S. E. line to Hunting Creek or should it
not strike Hunting Creek as has been suggested then to the
River. These two lines must run with all the accuracy of which
your art is susceptible as they are to fix the beginning either on
Hunting Creek or the River, if the second line should strike the
River instead of the Creek take and lay down the bearing and
distance of the nearest part of the creek and also of any of its
waters if any of them should be nearer than the creek itself; so
also should either of these two lines cross any water of Hunting
Creek let it be noted. The termination of the Second line being
accurately fixed, either on the creek or river proceed to run
from that at a beginning the four lines of experiment directed
in the proclamation, this is intended as the first rough essay to
furnish data for the last accurate survey. It is desirable that it
be made with all the dispatch possible and with only common
exactness, paying regard however to the magnetic variations.
In running these lines note the position of the mouth of the
Eastern Branch, the point of your first course there will receive



-041-



the S. W. line from the Cape of the Eastern Branch, -- the
Canal and particular distance of your crossing it from either
end, the position of Georgetown, and mouth of Goose Creek,
and send by Post, A plat of the whole on which ultimate direc-
tions for the rest of the work shall be sent you, as soon as they
can be prepared. Till these shall be received by you, you can
be employed in ascertaining a true Meridian, and the latitude
of the place, and running the meanderings of the Eastern
Branch, and of the River itself, and other waters which will
merit an exact place in the map of the Territory. You will
herewith receive a draft on the Mayor of Georgetown to cover
your expenses.


Th. Jefferson.

P.S. -- The President writes by Post to Mr. Beall Mayor of Georgetown
to furnish you with money for your expenses for which therefore you may
apply to him without further order.

[P. 170, columbia historical society, Records, Vol. 2.]