Originally for legislators to do research, it was begun this day, April 24, 1800, with a five thousand dollar allocation from Congress. The British set fire to it during the War of 1812, burning hundreds books, but the Library of Congress was restocked by Thomas Jefferson, who provided over six thousand volumes. It has since grown to be one of the largest libraries in the world. Relocated to its present site in 1897, the Library of Congress is inscribed with the verse: "What does the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, love mercy and walk humbly with thy God."