The buildings belonging to the United States are: The Capitol, a massy structure of the Corin- 1 thian order; it is situated near the western extrem ity of the Capitol square, 73 feet above tide; it is of free-stone, and consists of a central edifice and two wings, and is of the following dimensions, viz: Length of the whole front, - fcct-350.5 centre building, - - 120 Height to top of centre dome, - 140 Depth of wings, - - 121.6 East projection, - - 65 West do. - - 83 Height of wings to top of balustrade, 70 The wings were nearly completed when the British army, under General Ross, in August 1814, made a sudden incursion, and after defeating the American troops at Bladensburg, gained possession of the city; he set fire to the Capitol, the President's house, and the public offices, reducing them to ashes, although unconnected with the operations of war. The foundation of the north wing was laid in the presence of General Washington, on the 16th September 1793, and that of the centre on the 24th of August 1818,being the anniversary of the destruc tion by the British. The building covers one and a half acres, and 1820 square feet, exclusive of its circular enclosure and the elegant area and gla cis on the west front. The square contains up wards of 20 acres, embracing a circumference of more than three-fourths of a mile, enclosed by a substantial iron railing, with very neat gateways, gravel walks, and a beautiful bordering of shrubbery and flowers, forming a delightful promenade for the use of the citizens. A brick pavement encircles these beautiful grounds.
The Capitol presents the most splendid and im posing architectural mass to be found in this or, probably, in any other country, for the same object. The plan was originally furnished by the late Dr. Thornton, was altered in part by Mr. Latrobe, and finally completed by Mr. Bulfinch.
A magnificent portico, extending the whole length of the centre, decorates the eastern front of the building. The pediment, resting on five massive Corinthian columns, is in just proportion and fine taste. The tympanum is ornamented with an alle gorical group, in alto relieve), executed by Signor Persico. The principal or central figure, elevated on a platform, represents .Imeriea holding the con stitution in her right hand, and directing Hope, standing on her Left, to look to Justice. Near her is an eagle in a soaring attitude. All these figures are colossal, and do credit to the skill of the artist by whom they were executed.
The eastern entrance to the rotunda from the floor of the portico is ornamented with two light and beautiful figures in stone, in the act of covering with laurel the bust of Washington, which is placed immediately over the door.
The rotunda occupies the centre of the Capitol; is ninety-six feet in diameter, and ninety-six feet high to the ceiling of the dome. This is terminated
by a cupola and balustrade, accessible by means of a stair-case passing between the roof and ceiling. From this elevation the prospect which bursts upon the eye is most splendid. Three cities are spread before you; the Potomac on one side, and the East ern Branch on the other, uniting and rolling their waters to the ocean; a range of hills extending in a magnificent sweep around you, and displaying all the richness and verdure of woodland scenery, with here and there beautiful slopes in cultivation; the whole,when coloured by the golden beams of the set ting sun,burnisbing the reposing clouds, and gilding the tops of the trees, or giving light and shade to the living landscape—forms a scene which few por tions of the earth can rival, and which none can surpass. The interior of the rotunda is orna mented with alto rclievos, sculptured in stone; and with four historical paintings, by Col. Trum bull. Four other pannels are left to be filled up with other productions of the pencil, at some future period. The subjects of the sculptured pannels are, 1st. The landing of the Pilgrims on Plymouth Rock; 2d. The Treaty between Penn and the Indians; 3d. The preservation of Captain Smith by Pocahontas; and, 4th. The exploit of Captain Boon, the western pioneer, with two In dians. The whole of these are indifferently executed, with the exception of the third, repre senting the Indian princess in the act of saving the life of Smith, which is more skilfully grouped and executed than any of the others.
Stone pilasters support the entablature and cor nice, which are ornamented with carved flowers and wreaths, and on the latter are sculptured me dallions, representing Columbus, Sir Walter Ra leigh, and Cabot; the fourth has not been inserted. The floor of the rotunda, which is laid in Seneca stone, is supported by stone columns of the Tuscan order, and groined arches.
Passing out of this spacious room to the west, you enter the Library of Congress, which is ninety-two feet in length, thirty-four in width, and thirty-six feet high. It consists of twelve alcoves, supporting two galleries running along the whole length of the apart ment from north to south, and containing the same number of recesses as the other part of the room. The, front of' each alcove is ornamented with fluted pilasters, and four stone columns with caps like those in the temple of Lysacratcs at Athens. Each end and the ceiling are richly decorated with stucco ornaments, in fine taste. Three circular openings, handsomely ornamented, admit the light from above, while five windows admit light from the west. A stair-way at each corner of the room leads to the galleries above, and a door in the centre opens into a splendid colonnade, or logea, to the west, extending the whole length of the apartment.