Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1832-10-16
DOMESTIC.
OFFICIAI..

Department of State
The following rrepondence part of which has AREA
y unoicaly been published, shows the steps tina, have
been taken by the President pursuant TO resolution Of
Congress for erecting the statue of the Father of his coun
y IN the Capol and the appropriate ideas entertained
ny me artist for the execution OF the important work con-
hded TO his genius and skill.
.Nr. Lipingston to Mr.. Greenough
DEPARTMENT OF STATE,
. Washington 23d Feb 1882
HoRArIo GREENoUGH, Esq. at Florence, in Italy
SIR 81 have great pleasure in transmitting to Won
copy OF resolution Of the House OF Representatives. nv
which they have authorized the President TO engape Won
TO execute pedestrian statue of Washington TO be placed
III the rot ndo OF the Capital in this city The reference
III the resolution to the bust OF Houdon, was for the pur-
pose OF securing good representation of the features but
Is presumed, will not restrict you servile copy should
me action OF the figure, which you are at liberty to
choose require animated expression
Accompanying this note is plan and description of
the place, in which is intended 10 place the statue thai
you may be enabled to give the base as well "a the
inquire, the proper elevation
The four faces of the base, should you decide on maxi
ing quadrangular, may be occupied with has reIcfs
representing ls the surrender at Yorktown; ID the re-
sgnauon 3D. his Inauguration President OF the United
States at New York. ith. inscription Should Won
prefer octagona base and pedestal i'm order TO make il
more coniormahc TO the shape the hall the
compartments may be filled with such ornamental scnp,
lure as you may devise but thGsquare would is thought
be the best arrangement presenting larger unbroken
surface Tor figures, and corresponding as Won will
see, 10 the four the hall For the
bas relics the pictures of Trumbull may furnish YOU with
the rcsemblances and many cases. portraits of the p-
clpa actors are preserved in their families which will
readily be furnished to YOU: hut the grounny 10 n 10 CON-
taste.
Although particular appropriation has been made for
your compensation, tho duty of the President
hat the expense should not exceed that which has been
paid for similar works, executed by artists of the first re-
putaon, limit which he il persuaded YOU will not ex
coed, and an estimate Of which he requests YOU will furnish
as soon "a convenient
an very happy, sir in announcing y3r this proof of
inc hg sense The representatives, of your country have
IN your genius and talent which persuaded YOU Will
exert IN manner worthy OF the subject on which they
are TO he employed Tits no ordinary TASK that is conf
Died TO you The remotest posery of your countrynen
travellers from the distant regions will come 10 st
dy IN your deneaon the FORM the features the charac-
terror the man. who although the successful leader of his
eouhWyheh IN war; The founder of their free constitution
in peace had the higher title of being first at ali times
in their affections When you have impressed on your
mind, by close study Of his life and character acts and
qualities, which entitled him this proud distinction
your Imagination viii be prepared to give form aud
preston to the hgure that represent this comb-
nation of talent character and virtue IL your art in the
words of a kindred spirit is truly descpbed as that
Per qun spirtns ct vita rodit bonus
Post mortem ducbus''-
never had appropriate occasion TO perform its
Legitimate functions. Never did leader better deserve
the ephet of good Never more important to en-
body the expression of his virtues and by the ouch d
genius TO life and animation TO features which in
a very short time, no one living will have behed.
Excuse these reflections, which are drawn from me bv
the nature OF the subject but not | sure neces-
sary AS an American, you will duly appreciate the i'm
porance OF your task and the honor you will acquire bv
its execution artist. You will feel better than
describe the elevation of mind necessary to proper
conception oil the character your chisc is elineae
am, respectfully, sir, your obedient servant,
(Sgned) EDW LIVINGSTON
GP S As soon you have sgniiied your accep,ance
OF the task measures will be taken place. your dspo-
suon such sums as may be necessary for you proceed
with its executions In your estimates please TO state how
many years the work will probably be in execution and
what you will require annually to enable YOU TO de-
vote your time TO it,