I send today plan, elevation and perspective, suggestion of revisions of plan for space between western stair ways of the Capitol. I am sorry that I could not send them sooner but it has not been a simple matter and one drawing fully made I have had to discard. The object of these drawings is to enable you and Mr. Morrill to discuss the subject more definitely and advise us of your judgment.

The fountain is designed to be used, as shown, with a moderate amount of water. It would be improved very much if better supplied, so that there would be a central broad jet and spray. But I do not think that the effect of it would be unsatisfactory with such supply as I suppose can be had soon.

The principal question submitted to you is that of the diameter of the lower basin. The plan expresses my judgment. The perspective, (included to present the fountain more particularly,) is not, I think, quite correctly drawn, the result being that the basin appears larger and the walk behind it narrower than they would be if of the dimensions shown in the plan and intended. My feeling is that a basin much smaller than that thus proposed would appear paltry under all the circumstances. Might it not be reduced slightly? Yes, I think that it might. I should not at all object, if you thought best, to give a foot of breadth on each side for the walk, or even two feet, but as it stands I do not feel as you do that the basin looks too large. Of course, I have always in mind the great portico and dome which do not appear in the drawing.

If the proposition, which I see has been offered, to have a passage from the level of the fountain to an elevator under the rotunda should be favored, I am

“United States Capitol Terraces, View from Above,” n.d.

[612]

Yours Truly,