"NOTHING OUGHT TO JUSTIFY A DEPARTURE FROM THE ENGRAVED PLAN" (WASHINGTON)

(U.S. CONGRESS) (WASHINGTON, George). Report from the Committee to whom it was referred, on the 5th of February last, A Motion in the form of Two Resolutions of the House, "Respecting the adjustment of the existing disputes between the commissioners of the city of Washington… Also, Relative to a plan of the said city of Washington… 8th April, 1802. [Washington]: Printed by Order of the House of Representatives, [1802]. Octavo, original ivory self-wrappers, original stitching as issued, uncut and unopened; pp. 32. $225.

First edition of this scarce House report reproducing correspondence relating to disputes concerning the plan of Washington city.

After the original design of L'Enfant, a revised plan of the city by Ellicot was published and engraved. There remained, however, many disputes, between the city commissioners and several land owners, all of which are documented here. The pamphlet concludes with George Washington's opinion that nothing but the potential for some great public good might justify any departure from the engraved plan. Shaw & Shoemaker 3389, 3421.

A near-fine uncut and unopened copy.