John D. Thomas

There were exceptions to standard governmental procedures in every step of preparing for the construction of the California and Oregon lighthouses. Following the signing of the three-partners contracts, no bond or security was immediately required of the partners. The contract was not to be advertised; this by direct order of the Secretary of the Treasury. The Secretary had asked John McGinnis to check the law concerning requirements that government contracts be publicly advertised. This request shocked McGinnis.

March 1, 1850 was a damp, cold day in the District of Columbia. The clouds were darker gray than usual and because the sun did not appear. This was the inauguration day of Millard Fillmore as the thirteenth President of the United States. At the Department of the Treasury the fires were banked in the fireplaces in the ornate offices, the window drapes were drawn, and the doors were locked.

OCTOBER 12, 1992 A day of great celebration in many parts of the world. There will be parades of ships, and there will be parades of people where there is no water. In cities bearing the name "Columbus," and in cities with a large population of Italian ancestry there will be banners, costumes, music, speeches and spectacular nighttime fireworks. The plans are set for a festive Columbus Day, 1992, the 500th anniversary of the discovery of America by Christopher Columbus.