U.S. The district of Columbia was originally a tract of land of 100 square miles, ceded in 1790 by the States of Virginia and Maryland to the republic for the seat of the congress. It was situated on both sides of the Potomac river, about 120 miles from its mouth, and included the cities of Washington, Alexandria, and Georgetown. In 1846, however, the portion on the south side of the river was ceded back to Virginia. The present territory has an area of 60 square miles. The government of the district is vested solely in congress. The only laws, beyond the constitution of the United States, to which Columbia is subject, are those which were in force in Maryland at the period of its separation. The present district of Columbia contains only one county, that of Washington; and in this are comprised the cities of Washington and Georgetown. According to the census of 1850, the population amounted to 51,687, of whom 38,027 were whites, 9973 free coloured, and 3687 slaves. The employments of the district embrace almost every branch of national industry. Its manufactures and commerce are extensive, and its agriculture, though confined chiefly to the rearing of vegetables for the city-markets, is in a highly flourishing condition. The foreign commerce of the district is limited, and is carried on principally through the port of Alexandria, on account of the facility of transit afforded by the Chesapeake and Ohio canal.

the capital of the State of South Carolina, North America, stands on the east side of the Congaree river, immediately below the confluence of its main streams, the Broad and Saluda Rivers. The city is built upon an elevated plain 3 or 4 miles in extent, and gradually sloping in all directions. Its high situation contributes greatly to the health of the inhabitants, and affords an extensive view of the highly cultivated corn fields and cotton plantations of the surrounding district. It was founded in 1787, and is laid out on a rectangular plan, with streets 100 feet in width. The principal buildings are the state-house, 170 feet long by 60 feet wide, the county buildings, market-house, bank-