United States Statutes at Large/Volume 3/16th Congress/2nd Session/Resolution 3
III. Resolution authorizing the President of the United States to cause astronomical observations to be made, to ascertain the longitude of the Capitol, in the city of Washington, from some known meridian in Europe.
The President authorized to cause astronomical observations to be made to insure a determination of the longitude of the Capitol.Resolved, by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That the President of the United States be authorized to cause such number of astronomical observations to be made, by methods which may, in his judgment, be best adapted to insure a correct determination of the longitude of the Capitol, in the city of Washington, from Greenwich, or some other known meridian in Europe; and that the data, with accurate calculations or statements founded thereon, be laid before Congress at their next session.
Approved, March 3, 1821.