1. _Preparation of foundation._--This consisted in placing a mass of Portland cement concrete beneath the existing foundation, extending downwards 13½ feet; underneath and within the outer edge of the old foundation 18 feet; and without this edge 23 feet; then, of taking out the old foundation from beneath the shaft, for a sufficient distance back to obtain a good bearing upon the new masonry which is built out upon the slab first mentioned. This work is so far advanced that it will be entirely completed by the 15th of June. 2. _Preparation for the shaft._--The other operations have consisted in the erection of the interior frame-work for the staircases and elevator within the shaft, which frame-work will be used in the construction of the masonry; the collection of granite and marble for continuing the shaft; and the preparation of the machinery for raising the stones to the top of the shaft, and setting them in place on the walls. APPROPRIATIONS. The only appropriation for this work as yet made by Congress is two hundred thousand dollars, contained in the act of August 2, 1876, which sum will be exhausted by the end of August, 1880. The estimate for completing this work is $667,000, and the time required will be four working seasons. Very respectfully, your ob't servant, THOS. LINCOLN CASEY, _Lieutenant-Colonel Engineers, U.S.A., Engineer in Charge._ UNITED STATES SENATE CHAMBER, WASHINGTON, D. C., _March 31, 1879_. DEAR SIR: I inclose, as possibly of interest, extracts from a letter I have just received from Hon. George P. Marsh, our Minister at Rome. These extracts refer to the Washington Monument question. Mr. Marsh is among the most learned and accomplished of those in any country who have given the subject of architecture and monumental art attention. Very truly yours, GEO. F. EDMUNDS. Gen. T. L. CASEY, _Corps of Engineers_. [Extracts.] ROME, _February 9, 1879_. DEAR MR. EDMUNDS: By a letter from the sculptor Mead to Mrs. Marsh, I understand that the main feature of the Washington Monument is to be an obelisk of great height, surmounted by a colossal statue, and with _bas-reliefs_ at a suitable height from the base. I believe I have not only seen but sketched every existing genuine--that is, Egyptian--obelisk, for no other can fairly said to be genuine. The obelisk is not an arbitrary structure which every one is free to erect with such form and proportions as suit his taste and convenience, but its objects, form, and proportions were fixed by the usage of thousands of years; they satisfy every cultivated eye, and I hold it an esthetical crime to depart from them.