Illustrated Gazetteer of the Maritime Countries (Vol. 34)

Illustrated Treatise on the Maritime Kingdoms

Volume 72: The Great Atlantic, A Brief Collection on the United States

The Public Office original: "Gongsuo," referring here to the United States Capitol building. has a circumference of three hundred and fifty paces. The center is raised high, while the two wings are lower and flat. The entire structure is built of stone and decorated with whitewash original: "Bai'e," literally white chalk or clay, referring to the white facade of the Capitol.. Inside, there are paintings depicting the battles of the nation's soldiers. There is one museum, also built of stone, standing three stories high. Beside it are the government offices for civil and military officials, which serve as academies, temples, and residential quarters. Bridges have been constructed to connect the capital to the two departments of Alexandria and Georgetown. In the year 1814, the city was breached by the British original: "Ying-ji-li ren.", and various government offices were burned to the ground; however, they were soon after reclaimed and restored. The city contains 13,379 residents, 3,229 Black people, and 2,310 slaves original: "Nupu." The text distinguishes between the free Black population and those in bondage..

The city of Georgetown is located west of Washington, separated by a small river at a distance of three li. It can be considered the outer city of Washington. Most buildings are made of brick, and it is equipped with gas lamps original: "Jia-si deng," a phonetic rendering of "gas.". There is one schoolhouse and one public library, with approximately four hundred young students. There is one cannon foundry; this city is the preeminent center for merchants and trade. It has a population of 3,440.

The city of Alexandria is located on the opposite bank from Washington, at a distance of six li. It is built upon a small hill and features an artillery bureau original: "Chongpao ju," a facility for manufacturing or storing firearms and cannons., various exquisite temples, and an artisans' institute. Among merchant goods, wheat flour and tobacco are the two most prominent. It has a population of 8,260.