The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1814-06-22

dca,ed.
The pedestal OF this column is square
mass, occupying an extent, on the plan, of tif-
ty feet square, and an elevation of twenty feet,
broken on each front by projecting wings the
main fronts are supported by sixteen Of coll
ums, and pierced ,hI ough by grand arch way.
The number of voussoirs comprising this arch
corresponds with the number of states in the
union, each state being designated by a star,
encircled by a corona triumphalis. On :he
key voussolrs, the arms of the u. States are
represented in basso relieve.
The ornaments enrichiDg these fronts, are
constituted OF the following:
l. Over the grand arch.way and on broad
ffeize, the name of the illustrious Washington.
2. Surmounting the wing buildings, the tro-
phies of victory.
g. Below these are seulptured the arms OF
Maryland and Virginia, encircled by wreaths,
on each side an inverted torch and star, with
other emblimatic devices.
4. Under the insignia of Virginia,are inscrib-
ed these words:
Virginia gave the Hero birth,
Virginia saw the Hero die.
and under the insignia of Maryland these
words: The gratitude OF Maryland.
The secondary fronts present grand flight
of steps leading up TO coionnade, through
which you pass into the monument, and by an
inner flight OF steps ascend TO the great plat
form. Over the wing buildings, the trophies
of victory are seen IN profile. In the trIeze OF
the colonnade, the name of Washington is "a
gain Inscribed, and on The faces OF the wings
are scuptured the arms of Pennsylvania,
NewJersey, &c with some characteristic in :
sigma.
Arrived on the platform, which crowns this
grand pedestal, and which is enclosed by bal
ustrade, we see the commencement OF the
great column-tne diameter Of this is more
than twenty feet, and its altitude above l2o
feet, divided in its heighth by six iron rallied
galleries, which encircle it like bands, present.
ing promenades, TO accommodate the reading ol
those historical inscriptions recorded on the
face of the column. ihe number OF these
apartments on the shaft, answer to the G.
ventful years Of the American revolution
the record beginning with the year l776 and
brought down 10 the period OF the surrender
of Lord CORVALLIS at York, 1881. The e
vents preceding the first period, find place
at the top and those subsequent to the last per-
iod, are inscribed upon the base of the column.
This plan of record brings to memory circum-
stances the most interesting for whilst it ex-
hibts the glory of our national father, it de-
velopes the character of those great men who
were his compatriots in arms, and thus hands
down to posIeriry the actions OF those men
who were dear 10 the heart of the generous
Washington.
On the lower compartment of the column
(occspyiDg half its circumference is repre-
senta,ion Of the surrender of Lord Cornwallis
in basso relieve. The reversed side OF the
column presents the memorable scene which
took place at Washlngtor resign
ing his sword and commission as commander
in chief of the armies of the United States, TO
the president OF congress.
The chapters of historical events inscribed
upon the shafts of the column are separated by
military embcms.
The years in which the events took place,
stand at the head of the chapters, encircled by
wreaths--thc circular space which these oc-
cupy form aper,ures which light the interior
Of the monument.
The enrichment of the echinus (or great
moulding of the capitaD of the column are
composed of these words:
George Washington the Father OF his coun-
try. These are cast in brass and iron, as we'll
as the whole capital, with its decorations.
This monument is surmounted by qua.
driga, or chariot of Victory, in which is rep
resented the immortal Washington in military
costume, guided By Victory.
The interior structure of the monument
presents double wall, betweenwhich ascend
the steps that communicate with all the gal
leries and the top of the column; circular
space is left in the centre, which opens view
from the base to the apex fthe column-Thi,
aperture descends and intersects the vault OF
the arch way, pierced through the front OF the
grand pedestal, by which you command an in
terror view from the pavement OF the street to
the zocle of the quadriga, height OF at least
lao feet. The eye, in looking through this
dim and elongated vaal,,is immediately arrest
ed by light that terminates its length--thi'
effect is the result Of opening the sides OF the