We have submitted revised designs of the State Capitol, the roofs elevated, towers reduced and porches given a Romanesque character. I think the roof a great improvement but it is greatly injured by large Renaissance dormars which are pets of Richardson’s and the whole has I fear a patch work character. I trust it will be lessened as we go on.

It was adopted without delay by the Capitol Commissioners but in the Land Board there was much debate, the Anti Tilden Democrats repeating the phrases as well as they could recollect them of the Memorial of the Institute of Architects and Fuller repeating his remonstrance and quoting Hunt and Upjohn. A comprehensive resolution of approval failed. A resolution of approval “to the roofline,” (so as to allow work to proceed this summer) was then offered and after further weak debate adopted by one majority (in a Board of Seven). The change was with Comptroller Robinson who thought the roof “looked like a hencoop” but was willing to let us go as far as we could below the roof before the next legislature could take it in hand.

I have received no reply to my letter to Hunt and am told that the matter will be brought before the general convention of the Institute in November. Fuller will, I presume, be dismissed if he does not now resign.

Considerable improvements have been made in the interior.

The business is in various ways very embarrassing to me. I think that I am in a false position as the head of a Board charged with the duty of architectural [205] superintendence but Eidlitz and Richardson both insist that they will resign if I do.