I have recieved your letter of yesterday asking the application of a part of a late appropriation of Congress to certain avenues and roads in this place.

The only appropriation ever before made by Congress to an object of this nature was ‘to the public buildings & the highways between them.’ this ground was deliberately taken, and I accordingly restrained the application of the money to the Avenue between the Capitol & Executive buildings & the roads round the two squares.

The last appropriation was in terms much more lax, to wit, ‘for avenues & roads in the district of Columbia.’ this indeed would take in a large field, but besides that we cannot suppose Congress intended to tax the people of the US. at large for all the avenues in Washington & roads in Columbia, we know the fact to have been that the expression was strongly objected to, and was saved merely from a want of time to discuss (the last day of the session) and the fear of losing the whole bill. but the sum appropriated (3000. D.) shews they did not mean it for so large a field. for by the time the Pensylva avenue between the two houses is widened, newly gravelled, planted, brick tunnels instead of wood, the roads round the squares put in order & that in the South front of the War office dug down to it’s proper level, there will be no more of the 3000. D. left than will be wanting for constant repairs. with this view of the just & probable intention of the legislature, I shall not think myself authorised to take advantage of a lax expression, forced on by circumstances, to carry the execution of the law into a region of expence which, would merit great consideration before they should embark in it. Accept my friendly salutations and assurances of great esteem & respect