To James Madison from Alexander J. Dallas, [ca. 17 July 1816]
From Alexander J. Dallas
[ca. 17 July 1816]
Dear Sir.
I inclose Mr. Hassler’s letter, respecting a site for the Observatory.1 The reccommendation of the ground selected, is very strong; but it requires consideration, whether the authority is sufficient, for purchasing that portion of it, which does not belong to the public? The appropriation is adequate, regarding it as an incident to the survey of the coast. I have requested from Mr. Munroe and Col. Lane an estimate of the price of the lot, and the cost of the building; which shall be forwarded to you, as soon as I receive it.
Mr. Jones has just sent me the inclosed Note,2 which will give you a general idea of the progress of the Bank subscription. The institution is becoming every day more popular; and the universal expectation, that it is the only remedy for the disordered currency, must essentially contribute to make it effectual. I am, Dear Sir, most respectfully & faithfully, Yr. obed Sert.
A. J. Dallas
RC (CSmH). Undated; conjectural date assigned based on the assumption that Dallas wrote this letter after his 16 July letter to JM and before JM wrote his 21 July 1816 letter to Dallas.
1. The letter has not been found, but on 23 July 1816 Dallas informed Ferdinand R. Hassler that he had forwarded the latter’s correspondence on the observatory to JM. He added: “Besides the objection to the spot selected by you, on account of the exorbitant demands of the proprietors, it is doubtful, whether the authority for the survey of the coast, will warrant a purchase of the ground. There is no difficulty in occupying lots, already belonging to the public, subject to the future disposition of Congress. Be so good, therefore, as to consult Mr. Monroe [sic] and Col Lane with this view of the subject; and to designate lots, which will be best suited for the establishment of the Observatory.” Dallas concluded by telling Hassler that “it is very desirable, that the business of the Survey should be commenced; and I hope you will not be much longer detained at Washington” (DNA: RG 42, Letters Received and Drafts of Letters Sent by the Superintendent of the City of Washington).
2. Not found.