The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1840-12-01
CHAPMANS PICTURE
OF THE
BAPTISM OF POCAHONTAS.
Paihed By order Of Congress for the Rotunda
Of The Capitol.

Adult four years ago Congress ordered four large
natiaal paintings to fill up the pannels in the
Rotrada of the Capitol A large appropriation was
maddo defray the expense, and four American artists
seecd to execute the work. leaving each select his
ownsubject. Among the number Mr.. J. G
Chaman, resident in this city, a talented and
successful young artist, who chose the interesting sub
jectf the Baptism Of Pocahontas." Mr.. Chapman
is tn first to complete his task, and the splendid result
of h genius and labor now adorns the wall of the
Rotnda Immediately the right of the door leading
to the Senate Chamber.
Many If our citizens have visited the picture, and
hear nothing hut expressions of satisfaction and
delight. We have not ourselves examined it with suf-
fcent ere to notice it critically. With its general
effect ware highly pleased. Rcserving for another
day pticular notice. will, for the present. give
our reacrs description ofthe subject from pamphlet
which as just been published in this city
TIL name of Pocahontds has descended to
postdty as the great benefactress, the tutelary
gents of the first successful Colony planted
with the limits OF the United States; who,
whel famine ragged or conspiracy menaced it
witlSwitt destruction, ever interposed her be-
nigmnd gentle influence TO supply their wants
and 'ard of their dangers. From all that his
tory nd tradition have preserved, as well as from
the ttimonials of the objects of her kindness
and rejection; from the particulars of her life
ihatiave come down to us, and from every au-
theme memorial now extant, she appears to
havbeen, both in mind and person. one of the
choisst models the hand of nature ever formed.
Witlthe purest simplicity she united the kind
est lart and to the timidity Of spotless virgin
she pned sagacity Of mind, a frmness of
spiritand an adventurous daring, which more
than nee, when the existence of the Colony
was astake prompted her 10 traverse the mid
night ,rest alone, and brave the indignation of
her kidred, to give advice and warning.
Ins,arably interviewer as is the name and
histor of Pocahontas with the very existence of
the fit permanent Christian community Of this
great Confederation, and clothed as she is with
everuttribute to call forth our veneration and
gratiMe, she, most undoubtedly, deserves the
dignu Of a historical character. Though
simpl Indian maid, her life and actions are
closei associated with events, which, in their
consequences, have assumed magnitude that
fully nttles her to be placed among those who
exerded an extensive influence in the destinies
of sites and the course of human events. She
was, therefore,, deemed fit subject for Ma
tiona Picture, painted by order of Congress, TO
commemorate the history and actions of our an
cestfs.
BIT she had another claim, not less venerable
an touching, to the remembrance of posterity,
an which addresses itself TO all Christian peo-
pl,and Christian churches. She stands fore
INST in the train of those wandering children of
til forest who have at different times-few in
dcd, and far between-been snatched from the
fags of barbarous idolatry, TO become lambs
iIthe fold of the Divine Shepherd. She there
fee appeals to our religious as well as our pat
rite sympathes, and is equally associated with
te rise and progress of the Christian church,
a with the political destinies Of the United
Safes.
II was memorable Sabbath morning when
re sound Of the church bells echoes through the
dent forests about Jamestown, TO gather to its
onsecrated asles-the first dedicated to the
Worship Of the living God in British America
Inc pioneers Of civilization and Christianity in
he new world, to witness the sublime spectacle
IF this converted heather girl-PocAHoNTAs-
THE DAUGHTER OF PowHATAN-" THE FIRST
CHRISTIAN EVER OF HER NATION" turning from
,er idols to God
How long and earnestly the winning of this
,ne souln had been looked 10 in the Colony, and
~ its friends and promoters in England, the nu-
nerous letters and chronicles of that day ex-
press in terms that cannot be mistaken for tran
sent impulse. They placed their hopes of last
ng prosperity in bringing the savage within the
of the light of the Gospel; and when
hat pure minded girl knet, the . first fruits of
Virginian conversion at the altar of God they
INDUCED in pious exultation at the glorious be-
ginning, and the prospect of peace, security, and
prosperity, that seemed 10 dawn upon the Colony.
In obedience to the regulation Of the town,
he Captain of the watch had gone his usual
round, to shut the ports and place centinells,
and the bell having tolled the last time, had
searched all the houses Of the towne, to com
nand query one, of what quality soever, (the
sickle and hurt excepted TO repaire to church,
after which he accompanied all the guards with
heir armes (himseie being last) into the church,
and laid the keys before the GOVERNOR. The
Sargeants took their stations, and the Indians
gathered about the place of ceremony, as Rolie
supported his destined bride to the rude baptis
NAL font, hewn from an oak Of her native forest.
her favorite brother, whom Smith
calls ssthe most manifest, comeiest boldest spirit
he euer saw in a Salvage" stood nearest 10 her
Of her own kindred an elder sister, with her
Indian boy, sat in mute, anxious interest and
curiosity in front, while her uncle, the sullen,
cunning, yet daring Opechdnkdnough, shrunk
back, and probably even then brooded over the
deep laid plan of massacre which he so fearfully
executed years after, when that spotless Indian
girl had gone TO reap her reward in Heaven.