Morning herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1837-1840, 1840-12-03

wAsHiseror, Nov. 30, 1870
Preparations in the Capitoi-Paiatings in the no
funda,
They are brushing up the desks in Congress Hall,
sweeping the earpets-fxing the Speakers chair,
aad getting ready for next Monday. Avery beauti-
full and expensive chandelier has been lately sas-
pended in the House, which will give hne light,
and many ether Improvements in, and about the la
dies gallery have been made for the coming winter
There is fresh arrival twice day, OF groups oil
members, some of them are in the aest spirits and
many who are not reelected, look very blank; and
SO with those who have large bets to pay. One no.
norable member frsm Ohio, just got here yesterday
in time to plank up five hundred dollars, lost ON the
Presidential election.
The beautiful painting of the baptism OF Pocahon-
tas, by Chapman, was displayed this morning in the
rounda of the Capitol, where it fills one OF the long
vacant pannels. Congress, two years since, aatho-
rized four paintings to be made by American artists
fer the rotunda, giving eight thousand dollars for
each picture. The selection Of artists was made by
the Committee the Library, and the first offer
was made to Washington Allston, allowing him the
privilege of choosing his own subject but he had to
decline the honor, which he did, by the following
letter to a member Of the Committee, never before
made public:
CAMBRIDGEPoRr, MASS, Feb. 3, 1887.
Sir-I beg you to present my respectful and CRATE
full acknow to the Committee Of Congress,
the subject of the National paintings, for the he
nor which they have done me, in naming me as one
tn supply picture for the rotunda OF the Capitol;
but regret to say in reply, that imperative circum-
stances, over which have control, pat il wholly
out of my power to avail myself Of the Profered
commission. can only add that under other cir
cumstances-sucha as would leave me free to follow
my inclination, should esteem it enc Of the haPp-
est privileges Of my life to be so employed AS 1t
is, am compelled, however, reluctantly, to forego
this honor. WARRINGTON ALLsToH.
Mr. Allston having declined, the selection was
made and given, to Inman, Weir, Varderlyn, and
Chapman. Mr.. Chapman has finished his painting
sometime in ad vance of the rest, and it is credit
able and mastery production. The citizens whe
thronged to see it to-day were all delighted.
In the execution of the picture, the artist has been
governed by the best authorities to facts and de.
tails and has made all the research within his power
in England as well as eur own country, for inforna
ton with egard to the subject The representation
Of the picture is in the interior Of church at James
town. where the ceremony performed 1t was
a memorable Sabbath morning, (says the historian,)
when the SCUM. of the church bells echoed through
the silent forest about jamestown, to gather to its
consecrated aslcs-the first dedicated to the wor
ship of the living Ged in British Ameriea--the pic
neers of civilization and christianity in the new
world, to witness the sublime spectacle Of this hea-
then converted girl-Pocahontas, the daughter Of
Powhattan, turning from her idols to God.
Pocahontas, in the picture, is represented kneel.
ing, dressed in white, and leng flowing hair, and re-
ceiving the rites from the Apostle Nitaker Near
her is her sister, and the other relatives Of the IA
mly, and her brother, a tall chief, with his war
plume; in her rear is John Wolfe. Sir Thomas
Dale, the Governor, with his standard bearer and
page, are present. There are about twenty figures
on the canvass The book of prayer is closed
Pocahontas bears upon her forehead the record Of
her vow-she renounces the idols of her nation
has confessed the faith Of Christ and baptized
A snowy mantle Of swan skin, tipped with gay
plunage, falling from her shoulders, discovers to
her own the costume Of hor adopted people, and
An uaguarded movement OF momentary excitement
among the savage spectators, is repeated through
the congregation, as hands fall instiactively on
matchbox and sword hilt. II is the moment Of the
picture-another, and she is received into the fold
Of Christ, cas- pure and beautiful spirit ever
knelt at his hsly sacrament" Mr.. Chapman is an
artist Of great celebrity and this last production is
well verify Of its prominent place.