Kaye, Ruth Lincoln: "The District's Boundary Stones," The Washington Post, p. A18 (July 28, 2001).

The July 10 Metro story about the 40 boundary stones of the District as it existed in 1792 was very interesting as far as it went, but more could have been said about the laying of the first stone at Jones Point, Alexandria, on April 15, 1791.

It was accompanied by an elaborate ceremony organized by Masonic Lodge 22, of which George Washington was a member. The master of the lodge was Elisha Cullen Dick, an Alexandria doctor who eight years later was called to the bedside of the dying president.

Dr. Dick led the procession from Gadsby's Tavern to Jones Point and helped set the stone in place, sprinkling it with oil and water and laying corn on it in accordance with Masonic ritual. The Rev. James Muir of the Old Presbyterian Meeting House made a speech. This stone may still be seen near the Jones Point Lighthouse.

I pray that this historic stone will not be disturbed by construction of the new Woodrow Wilson Bridge. It is made of Aquia stone and it is in poor shape as it is subject to erosion from the waters of the Potomac River.

RUTH LINCOLN KAYE

Alexandria