USA > Washington DC > Washington DC > Picture of Washington and its vicinity, also, the Washington guide, containing a congressional directory, and much other useful information, 1850 > Part 3
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ting part of time are providentially broken off from such imaginations, and, being necessitated to eye the remaining particle of futurity, are naturally constituted unto thoughts of the next world, and cannot excusably decline the con- sideration of that duration which maketh pyra- mids pillars of snow and all that is past a monument." But human affections are stronger than argument, and will be found rearing monuments until old Time himself is entombed among the ruins of the universe.
Two of the most imposing and expensive monuments in this cemetery are those erected to the memories of George Clinton, by his children, and to Elbridge Gerry, by order of Congress. These are in the northeast corner. In the southwest corner are several handsome, and some of them recently erected, monuments. Among them is a fine marble shaft standing upon a square pedestal reared by Congress to the memory of Major General Jacob Brown, born in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, May 5th, 1775, died 24th February, 1828. " By birth, by education, by principle, devoted to
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peace. In defence of his country and in vin- dication of her rights, a warrior. To her he dedicated his life; wounds received in her cause abridged his days." Here also stands an imposing marble monument, erected by the officers of the medical staff to the memory of Joseph Lovel, M. D., for many years Surgeon General in the army of the United States, born in 1788, died in 1836. A pyra- midal monument, erected by his father, Com- modore Rogers, is inscribed to midshipman Rogers, who was drowned at the early age of seventeen, while engaged in noble efforts to save the lives of two of his companions, mid- shipman Slidell and Harrison, who perished with him in 1828. A single marble monu- ment is dedicated to the memories of Abel Parker Upshur and Commodore Beverly Kennon, bearing the following inscription: " The lamented men who lie together beneath this stone were united by the ties of friendship, which commenced in youth and experienced no interruption till the awful moment when the lives of both were terminated by the ex-
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plosion of the great gun of the Princeton frigate: United in life, in death they were not divided." A very fine white marble monu- ment, made to represent exactly the mast of a ship violently broken off, is reared to the memory of the late George Mifflin Bache, of the brig Washington, and his associates who perished with him in the hurricane of Septem- ber 3, 1846. " The gulf stream which they were engaged in exploring has received their bodies; this monument has been erected to their memory by their shipmates who shared their perils but escaped their fate." One of the most beautiful and touching memorials of affection is a marble monument reared to com- memorate the virtues of Captain Burdell Ash- ton Terrett, United States dragoons, who died at Fort Scott, Missouri, March 17, 1845. It bears on one side, "my husband," and a brief tribute concluding "and thy memory to me what the dew is to the rose;" on the other, " Our boy : Died at Fort Scott, Missouri, March 15, 1845, James Bludworth Terrett, aged one month : Suffer little children to come
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unto me and forbid them not, for of such is the kingdom of Heaven." Among the other monuments of striking interest and chaste and beautiful design, may be mentioned one erect- ed by Peter Von Schmidt to " Mariana," his wife, a native of Courland, in Russia ; one of marble and granite, inscribed to " Mary Ann," and several children of Charles Coltman; one of very fine proportions sacred to " Eliza, wife of G. C. Grammer;" a granite one to the late Judge Thurston; one to Judge Pendle- ton Barbour, adorned by many shrubs and flowers; and one of peculiar simplicity and elegance dedicated to "our father," by the children of Peter Lenox.
Here in this secluded spot, this abode of silence, rest the remains of many members of Congress, and over the grave of each is erected a plain sandstone monument, painted white, and marked with the name of the deceased, also specifying the State from which he came, and the time of his death. We paused a moment as we read the names of Pinck- ney and of Lowndes, whose eloquent voices
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had so often enchained their audiences with delight and admiration. The Roman poet would have inscribed over these great men, Palma nobilis terrarum Dominos evchit ad Deos ; but perhaps the reflection of Job is more becoming this house appointed for all the living: "He leadeth princes away spoiled and overthroweth the mighty." Let our statesmen, amid the excitements of public life seek occasional retirement from the capitol, to meditate among the shaded walks of this ceme- tery, and these thickening emblems of mortality, that, in the deep silence and amid the graves of the dead, they may learn wisdom. Within view of the dome of the capitol, they will call to mind the lines of nature's great poet-
" Like the baseless fabric of this vision, The cloud-capp'd towers, the gorgeous palaces, The solemn temples, the great globe itself, Yea, all which it inherit, shall dissolve, And, like this insubstantial pageant faded, Leave not a rack behind."
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CAPITOL.
The Capitol of the United States stands on an eminence about a mile east of the Potomac, commanding a full view of the cities of Wash- ington, Georgetown, and Alexandria, and the varied and forest-clad hills in Maryland and Virginia. This building was commenced in 1793. The dimensions are as follows: The enclosure within the iron railing contains thirty acres; length of foot-walk outside of railing a little upwards of one mile; extent of building, one acre and a half, and eighteen hundred and twenty feet; length of front, 352} feet ; depth of wing, 121}; east projection and steps, 65 ; west projection and steps, 83; height of · wings to top of balustrade, 70; height to top of centre dome, 145; length of Senate cham- . ber, 74; height of Senate chamber, 42; length of Representatives' room, 95; height of Representatives' room, 60; height of great central rotundo to the commencement of the small curve, 96; to the skylight, 122} ;
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diameter of great central Rotundo, 96. The cost of the Capitol was nearly two millions of dollars. The building is surrounded by a balustrade of stone, and covered with a lofty dome in the centre, and a flat dome on each wing.
The exterior presents a rusticated base- ment of the height of the first story; the two other stories are comprised in a Corinthian elevation of pilasters and columns. The co- lumns are thirty feet in height, and compose a portico on the eastern front of one hundred and sixty feet in extent, the centre of which is crowned by a tympanum, embellished with a group of statuary, the composition of John Quincy Adams, then President of the United States, offered by him after forty designs had been rejected. The Genius of America, a a colossal figure, holds in her right hand an oval shield, resting lightly on a slender altar, on the front of which is an oaken wreath in bas relief with the words "July 4, 1776," with- in it. A spear rests behind, a star surmounts her head, which is turned towards the figure of
TYMPANUM.
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COLUMBUS.
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Hope, who gazes with smiling animation, and, while her left arm rests on an anchor, lifts her right in exultation, and as though anticipating the glory of the republic. The genius points with one hand to her shield and spear, and with the other to Justice having in her hand the con- stitution of the United States. Justice, with eyes raised towards heaven, holds in her right hand the constitution, and in her left the scales emblematical of her office ; and she has neither bandage nor sword, showing that with us jus- tice is clear-sighted respecting the rights of all. The moral is that America will regard only public rights and the preservation of the con- stitution. An eagle, finished with great beauty, is at the feet of the genius, its head is raised and its wings partly expanded, as if ready to fly at her command. This group was executed by Persico.
On the southern abutment of the grand steps is Persico's group, the Discovery of America. It consists of two marble figures-Columbus, having landed for the first time upon the shores of America, and an Indian female startled at
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the appearance of a stranger of an unknown race. The group well represents the char- acter of Columbus, the contrast between the European and the Indian, and the triumph of science and perseverance in the discovery of a new world; while it but too clearly foreshad- ows the fading away of the red men before the face of the whites. The armor upon the stat- ue of Columbus is said to be accurate to a rivet, having been copied from a suit in the palace of the descendants of the discoverer at Genoa. Persico was employed five years upon this group.
On the north side of the great entrance door from the Portico to the Rotundo, stands the statue of War, also by Persico. It is made of Carrara marble, and is about nine feet high. War is represented in the costume of an an- cient warrior. His helmet presses upon his brow, and his breast is covered with the iron corslet. He leans with his right hand upon his shield, and with his left brings his sword up to his heart, across which it lies in readiness for combat. His eyes are lowering with an-
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PEACE.
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ger, and his whole attitude indicates a roused and excited temper. There is, however, nothing fierce in the expression. A manly sense of power and right, and calm indignation, seem to pervade the figure. The finish given to this statue is very high.
On the other side of the door stands the beatific figure of Peace. The maiden, clothed in a simple garb, is in the act of extending the olive branch to her warlike brother. A smile of calm and sublime repose hovers about her eyes, and her attitude is one of simple and guileless innocence.
Entering the Rotundo the beholder is struck by its extent, height, and beautiful proportions. The panels of this magnificent circular hall are appropriated to paintings and to bass-re- liefs of historical subjects.
Four of the panels of the Rotundo are occu- pied by Trumbull's great Historical Paintings, which merit more than a passing notice. Colonel Trumbull, the artist, a son of the first Governor Trumbull, of Lebanon, Con- necticut, was one of the aids-de-camp of Gene-
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ral Washington in the first year of the revo- lution, and in 1776 was deputy adjutant gene- ral of the northern department under General Gates. Shortly after the revolution he de- voted himself to the study of the art of paint- ing, first in this country, and afterwards in Europe. In 1786 he produced in London his great historical picture of the battle of Bunker's Hill. He communicated at that time to our minister in London, Mr. John Adams, and Mr. Jefferson in Paris, his purpose of executing several pictures commemorative of some of the principal events of the revolu- tion.
In 1789 Colonel Trumbull returned to the United States, and having obtained the portraits of General Washington, and several other dis- tinguished men then in New York, he subse- quently visited many parts of the country to collect others; but it was not until 1816, that Congress by resolution authorized the execu- tion of the four paintings which now, from his pencil, adorn the capitol, and will transmit to coming generations a vivid and correct view
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of the patriots whose valor and wisdom secured independence to the United States.
Declaration of Independence .- The artist spared neither labor nor expense to present correct likenesses of the great men who gave this immortal instrument to the world. The costume of the time is carefully preserved .; the room is copied from that in which Con- gress then held their sessions, though the back- ground is embellished with some military tro- phies, and the entire scene is one of the most impressive that can be imagined.
Surrender of Burgoyne, 17th October, 1777 .- This painting represents General Bur- goyne, attended by General Phillips, and fol- lowed by other officers, drawing near the marquee of General Gates. General Gates has advanced a few steps from the entrance to meet his prisoner, who, with General Phillips, has dismounted, and is in the act of offering his sword, which General Gates declines to re- ceive, and invites them to enter and partake of refreshments. Fish Creek and the North river are seen in the distance, and troops crossing
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the meadows, and officers on horseback pre- cede the head of the column and follow the dismounted Generals.
Surrender of Lord Cornwallis at York- town, October 19, 1781 .- Lord Cornwallis surrendered to the combined forces of Ameri- ca and France, and the honor of marching out of town, which had been refused to General Lincoln, when he surrendered during the pre- ceding campaign at Charleston, was denied him. The British troops marched out between the lines of the American and French troops to a place appointed, grounded and left their arms, and returned unarmed to town. "The painting represents the moment when the principal officers of the British army, con- ducted by General Lincoln, are passing the two groups of American and French Gene- rals, and entering between the two lines of the victors. By this means the principal officers of the three nations are brought near together, so as to admit of distinct portraits. The por- traits of the French officers were obtained in Paris in 1787, and were painted from living
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men in the house of Mr. Jefferson, then min- ister to France."
Resignation of General Washington at Annapolis, December 23, 1783 .- After bidding farewell to his old comrades in the war, Gen- " eral Washington hastened to Annapolis and there resigned his commission to Congress. The Maryland Gazette, in allusion to the res- ignation by General Washington, remarked : "Here we must let fall the scene-few trage- dies ever drew more tears from so many beau- tiful eyes, as were affected by the moving man- ner in which his Excellency took his final leave of Congress. After which he immediately set out for Virginia, accompanied to South river, by his excellency our Governor, with the warmest wishes of the city for his repose, health, and happiness. Long may he enjoy them."
Besides Trumbull's four paintings are three others, leaving still one vacant panel.
Baptism of Pocahontas .- This picture is by Mr. J. G. Chapman, and represents a beau- tiful incident in the life of one whose history
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will ever be interesting to Americans, and who is said to have been the first convert to the christian faith from the Indians of North America. " Pocahontas is kneeling on the steps of the rude baptismal font, in an attitude of deep humility and devotion ; her dress is . pure white, with a snowy mantle of swan's skin, tipped with plumage, just falling from her shoulders. Her hair flows negligently over her neck and back, and her features and complexion are those of the Indian, though less beautiful than she is said to have been in life." A beautiful portrait of her is preserved in Colonel M'Kenney's work on the Indians. The chapel in which the scene occurs is copied from one of the earliest rustic churches. Po- cahontas was well instructed in christianity, and Smith relates, that "after her baptism she never had a desire to live with her father or his people, who would by no means turn from their idolatry, that thereby they might confess the true faith, which she embraced with all her heart, from that time mourning her former blindness and imbecillity. Her
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poor dear father, she said, although at times, he was not angry with her, yet would by no means give up an idolatrous religion to which he had been so long used."
Embarkation of the Pilgrims .- This pic- ture, by Weir, represents a scene of pathetic interest, when the pilgrim fathers of New- England have just embarked from a port of Holland on their high enterprize, and the venerable Robinson is commending them to Heaven, when about to spread their sails for the new world. Religion is the presiding spirit of the scene, though Standish kneels like a soldier, and the whole company seem of those whose fear of God has expelled all other fear. One is reminded of the fine lines by Mrs. Hemans-
Not as the conqueror comes, They, the true hearted, came; Not with the roll of the stirring drums, And the trumpet that sings of fame;
Not as the flying come, In silence and in fear ; They shook the depths of the desert gloom, With their hymns of lofty cheer.
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The Landing of Columbus in the New World .- This picture is by Vanderlyn, and, though different opinions have been expressed of its merits, all must be struck with the reso- lution and devotion blended in the aspect of Columbus, as he bears the standard of civiliza- tion, and points the sword of authority towards the earth, dedicating, with uplifted eye towards heaven, the new world to the Divine Author of christianity.
Over each of the four entrances to the Ro- tundo is sculptured, in a panel, a scene from American history. Over the northern door leading to the Senate Chamber, is a represen- tation of William Penn, under a spreading elm, engaged in making a treaty with the Indians. This work is by Gezelot, a French- man.
On the panel over the southern door, leading to the Hall of the House of Representatives, is Daniel Boone, the hero and pioneer of Ken- tucky, engaged in conflict with the Indians. The figures are of colossal size. Boone's as- pect is calm and intrepid; the face of the In-
TREATY 1686
PENN'S TREATY.
BOONE & INDIANS.
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LANDING OF THE PILGRIMS.
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dian in combat, ferocious ; and at the feet of the warriors is the form of a dead Indian, which is thought admirably to express the proud spirit of a fallen savage, unsubdued even in death. This is by Causici. Some years ago, a band of Winnebagos came through the Rotundo. They were all noble looking fellows, dressed in their own barbaric uniform. Their faces were painted of various colors, and in their belts were their scalping knives and toma- hawks, and over their backs their long iron looking bows and arrows. As they were passing through the Rotundo, their attention was arrested by this group of statuary-Boone killing the Indian. They formed a semi-circle, and the head man stepped forward and stood before the rest. They looked intently for some moments, scrutinizing and recognizing every part of the scene, and suddenly, as of one impulse, they raised their dreadful war-cry and ran hurriedly from the hall.
. Over the eastern door is represented the landing of the Pilgrim Fathers upon the rock of Plymouth. The boat has just touched the
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foot of the rock, and in the prow is a Pilgrim in the act of landing. His little son seems to caution him ere he ventures among the savages. But the mother, with her eyes elevated to Heaven, places her trust there, and restrains the boy. Seated on the rock is an Indian, holding m his hand an ear of corn, as an em- blem of friendship. The conception of this work is noble-how could it be otherwise, commemorating one of the sublimest incidents in the annals of mankind ?
In a panel over the western door of the Ro- tundo, is the rescue of Captain Smith from the Indians, by the Indian Princess Pocahontas, executed by Cappalano.
The Hall of the Representatives is in the second story of the south wing, and is of the form of the ancient Grecian theatre. The chord of the largest dimension is ninety-six feet. The height to the highest point of the ceiling of the dome is sixty feet. This room is surrounded by twenty-four columns of varie- gated marble, from the banks of the Potomac, with capitals of white Italian marble, carved,
1606
CAPTAIN SMITH AND POCAHONTAS.
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CLOCK IN THE REP'S HALL.
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by Andrei, after the Corinthian order still re- maining among the ruins of Athens. The dome is rich and grand, similar to the Pan- theon of Rome, and executed by a young Italian artist, Bonani, now dead. Light is ad- mitted through a cupola over the centre of the dome. The Speaker's chair is elevated above the floor, and canopied; above it, and under an arch, is a statue of Liberty, by Causici ; and on the entablature beneath is an American eagle, copied from nature by an Italian artist, Valaperte, who has left but this one specimen of his talent in this country.
In front of the Speaker's chair and imme- diately over the entrance to the hall, is a mar- ble statue of History recording the events of the nation. She is standing on a winged car, traversed by the signs of the zodiac, the wheel of the car composed of a clock. The whole is of beautiful structure and design. It was executed by Iardella, an Italian.
On one side of the recess is a portrait of La- fayette, executed in full length by a French artist, and said to be an admirable likeness of
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the illustrious Frenchman. Opposite. to this, to correspond, is a portrait of Washington, painted by Vanderlyn.
Between the columns at their base, are sofas placed for persons admitted by rule and privi- lege to the floor of the House; while in the area sit the members at mahogany. desks.
The northern door of the Rotundo leads in. to the vestibule of the Senate Chamber. This chamber is adorned by a screen of Ionic col- umns, after those of the temple of Minerva Polias. These columns support the gallery to the east, and a new gallery of iron pillars and railings prop it from the semi-circular wall to the west, and support a gallery for the use of ladies. The chair of the president is a canopied elevation under the eastern gallery and overlooks the floor of the Senate. In the area, the Senators sit in a semi-circular form, each at his mahogany desk. Over the Presidents chair is an admirable portrait of Washington, by Charles Wilson Peale.
In the basement of the north wing is the Supreme Court Room of the United States.
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PATRIA PATER
PEALE'S WASHINGTON.
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The Library Room is constructed with great taste and beauty, is ninety-two feet in length, thirty-four in width, and thirty-six in height, having alcoves over which are two galleries extending throughout the apartment. The room is handsomely ornamented, and light is admitted both from ample windows and from three skylights above. The architect of this room was Mr. G. Bulfinch. There is a pleasant retired apartment on the north, suita- ble for persons who may desire a quiet place for writing or study. Mr. Jefferson's library, embracing about seven thousand volumes, was purchased in 1815, for $23,000, and the whole number of volumes, which have been selected with care, is near forty thousand. Mr. George Watterston was appointed Librarian in 1816; the present librarian, Mr. Meehan, was ap- pointed in 1829. A small annual appropria- tion is made by Congress for the increase of this library, and purchases are made under the direction of a joint committee of both houses. The books are well arranged, and every atten- tion is paid to those who may desire to avail themselves of its advantages.
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The library is open daily, Sundays excepted, during the session of Congress, from nine to three, and from five to seven P. M., and in the absence of Congress on Tuesdays, 'Thursdays, and Saturdays, during the same hours. The privilege of taking books from the library is restricted to members of Congress, and officers of the general government.
NAVAL MONUMENT.
Near the western entrance to the Capitol stands the Monument erected by the officers of the Navy to the memory of their brother offi- cers who fell in the war with Tripoli. It stood originally at the Navy Yard, but was removed a few years since to the Capitol grounds. It is of marble, and about forty feet high. On one side of the base is a view of Tripoli and the American fleet ; on another, the words "To the memory of Sommers, Caldwell, Decatur, . Wodsworth, Dorsey, Israel ;" and on another, their epitaph-a brief, but comprehensive and eloquent history. At the base of the column are four marble emblematic figures, Mercury,
1804
TO THE MEMORYOF
SAMZAS CALUWELL DECATUR WADSWORTH
DORSEY IERADL
NAVAL MONUMENT.
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Fame, History, and America. The column has appropriate embellishments, and is sur- mounted by an eagle.
CAPITOL GROUNDS.
The grounds around the Capitol, as well as around the President's House, have recently been planted and adorned with taste, and afford, in the mild seasons of the year, inviting and shady walks, much frequented by citizens and strangers. Much yet remains to be done, and each successive year reveals some new im- provement; and when the Smithsonian Institu- tion shall be completed and its gardens brought under cultivation, when the grounds around the Observatory shall be properly laid out, and enriched with flowers and shrubbery, and es- pecially when the entire extended mall which opens from the Capitol to the Potomac, shall exhibit noble elms, sycamore, oak and other trees, beneath the shade of which may gather the meditative, the young, and the beautiful, where our statesman may wander and refresh themselves when weary of political cares and
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