When the corner-stone of the Capitol was ready to be laid, great preparations were made for the event. Companies of militia and artillery were called out, and civic societies, public officials and many distinguished citizens were invited. With appropriate ceremonies of the military and of the Masonic order, the President deposited in the corner-stone, together with corn, wine, and oil, a silver plate bearing this inscription, which the Commissioners first ordered to be read aloud:
"This Southeast Corner Stone of the Capitol of the
United States of America in the City of Washington was
laid on the 18th day of September, 1793, in the thirteenth
year of American Independence, in the first year of the
second term of the Presidency of George Washington,
whose virtues in the civil administration of his country
have been as conspicuous and beneficial as his military
valor and prudence have been useful in establishing her
liberties, and in the year of Masonry, 5793, by the President
of the United States, in concert with the Grand
Lodge of Maryland, several lodges under its jurisdiction,
and Lodge No. 22, from Alexandria, Virginia.
Thomas Jefferson,
David Stuart,
Daniel Carrol, Commissioners.
Joseph Clark, R. W. G. M. P. T.
James Hoban,
Stephen Hallett, Architects.
Collen Williamson, M. Mason."
