Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1831-05-24
From the Ncw-London Gazette. April 81.
GROTON hONUMENT,

We have the pleasure to inform the public, that tho
Groton MONUMENT is now compieted-(w wit a con-
venient snug stone house for the keeper) The con-
tractor, Nathaniel +. Potter, Esq. of Providence, de-
serves great creditlO the fidelity, skill, and expedition,
with which he has accomplished The work; such was
his prudence and judicIous system In conducting the
work, that no accident Of any consequence occurred
among the craftsmen during the operation. The struc-
ture is stately and simple. Neither the funds appropri-
ated, nor the plain habits OF the economical people Of
Connecticut, would have justified the committee in an at
tempt to vie with their more wealthy neightors in cost
and elegance. They therefore wisely determined TO
consult the means in their hands (Which was absui
thirteen thousand dollaTs) and not undertake a work
either in style, magnitude, or materials, which they
could not finish. Governed by this consideration, they
consulted Mr.. TOwDe, Of New Haven, who to his
accomplishment as a scientific architect, adds good com
mon sense and judgment. in buildings OF inferior style
and magniicencs.
The committee became satisfied that the best mode
in which they could discharge the trust committed to
them, was TO confne themselves within the means they
possessed, and accomplish the object, in the best man
ner in their power, keeping in view as near as they
could a model which would not offend public taste, d.
recing their aim alta plain Monument, giving IL height,
solidity and durability, as more appropriate than a vain
sttempt at elegance and s%plendor.
Another object with the Committee, was, 10 draw
tho materials from the spot where the building is cree.
ted, and make use OF the rough granite, which had
been consecTaled by The blood Of those whose names
were to be honored and perpetuated by the edilice.
These materials, thus collected, though rough and un.
polished, derive a sort OF sanctity, from the place where
taken Ihe building IS rough, m,assy' and lofty per-
ittN "iNtA A" hhHt. VIZ W. fiNCAbiJ olduu mutu llO
finished and expensive materials will yield TO tine. II
T. now finished and paid for.
The following il a description of
GRoTON MONUMENT.
II stands on tho summit Of the Till, 20 rods rom IN,
shore, near Fort Grswold, in GroloD, on the East bsnl
Of the river Thames, aud directly opposite the GENRE q
the city Of N. London. The hill IL 100 ieel above lid,
water, and rises gradually from the river. The foun
dalion ii'ts one foot above the surface, and is 26 fee
fqlate. The BE Is "a feet 'qisre, Of large macs,
grsDite, With a sPiit faces, 3 itet high, each stone weigh
ing 5 or 6 tons, lad In regular courses The cts Iobaiio
or dye is % feet 'qu.re, Of similar Il ne in size and 40
pesfance, raised u regular courses o. tiers, pr, sri vim
a r. guIar bosd, IL feet high, with an eniablature {
hewn stone, the architfsve three feet face, and he co,
nice one foot face, extending on each side ons foot be
yond tho dye, or 2l feet fqusTe, making " e height iror
the ground IS feet. On this csp is n Used a sqn re ohs
Iisk 20 feet base, % feet high, sod ten ieel At Tor,
iafg rough lace g'sn te, 'sii In regular courses, ",
strviBg the bond ne ihTOut houi, 61ished al the n
with wide Dat hewn stems, or = look ~, or pace.
sisu1 on; tbis is secured by a stout ron rating on m
outef edge 4 feet high. On the TOP and in the rem
Of the obelhsk is a irame Of iron and copper, rising 6 fe