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Dear Sir,

Yours of the 8' is received and I am at loss what to say in answer --

Is it possible that, as commissioners, we have any official vitality? I had supposed our functions ceased on the first of April last, and such was probably the construction of the legislature by the passing of a resolution assigning to the commissioners appointed "to prepare a plan for re- building the State House," a specific duty in the matter of the "suitable figure to be placed on the dome."

Mr. Silloway was with me last evening. It is his intention to go to Montpelier as soon as he can arrange his home affairs, and remain there some time, perhaps thro' the season, unless Dr Powers should -------------------------------- Page -------------------------------- resisit him "[...] et [...]." He thinks, by attention to the details, he can yet save the building from any gross violation of the plan. The Doctor has thrown away his circular plinths and directed the construction of proper ones and I think Silloway, by a firm and cool course, may have the effect to restrain his vagaries.

I shall have time to hear from you again before I see Judge Porter. I have such a conviction that our duties as commissioners are done, that I have misgivings about a formal meeting at Montpelier. -- It seems to me that we could administer nothing but exhortation. It is possible that it would be well received by Dr Powers, but it would not be as effectual as advice & suggestions made by you alone. He knows that you are perfectly acquainted with the subject and entirely qualified to teach the teachers in architecture. He cannot have much confidence in the opinions of the -------------------------------- Page -------------------------------- other Commissioners in regard to details, and should we go there in a body he might take the attitude of resistance, in which case we should probably fail of doing any good.

Before deciding on a meeting will it not be best to see what you and Mr Silloway can do to make the crooked straight? If I understood Mr Silloway he thought there was no danger of the work going wrong until he should return.

Repectfully

Yours

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