Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1843-09-15
BY VIM. e. YTHER.
WEST PoINT, July Goth, ls4s.
To The Editor of The ". Phenin:

10 tRe Edtor OF he ". Ph6naT:
Dear Sir:-In accordance with a very polite
invitation from the artist, went this morning,
in company with several others, to see "The
picture Of the embarkation of the Pilgrims from
Delf-Haven in Holland, painted by r. w.
Weir, in conformity to an act of Congress, for
filling the vacant panels in the Rotunda of the
Capitol at Washington" This is a National
prize prediction Tor the sum of fifteen thousand
dollars. II is by far the greatest and most
successful effort, that one of our most ceebra-
Ted artists has ever made; and one for which
every American citizen, and especially every
descendant of the Pilgrims, will ever have oc-
casion to rejoice and be proud.
The occasion of the scene of this picture was,
YOU know, as follows: In the beginning Of the
18th century some devoted Christians, in the
north of England, not being able 10 enjoy, un-
moested, such religious privileges in their ma
live land as they wished, determined to remove
to the Netherlands. This they accomplished,
after the providential removal Of many obstruc-
tons; and settled in Leyden in 1910. But
they soon entertained the thought of leaving
that country for America, for the following
fered from that of the Dutch; the means of
supporting themselves in Holland were very
limited: their children were subject to ntoler-
able labors, and exposed to irreigous inhuen-
ces; their descendants were likely to become
Dutch; and they themselves were DESTROYS of
'slaying some good foundation for the propaga-
ting and advancement of the gospel of the
kingdom of Christ in these remote parts Of the
world.''
After much humiliation and prayer, it was
agreed that a part Of the church, comprising
the most vigorous and healthy, should come as
pioneers TO America. Accordingly the chosen
band-those men and women with whom came
'the germ OF our Repubc"-proceeded 10
Dellt-Haven, attended by most of their breth-
rem. Here they embarked July 2lSt, $780,
That solemn scene-the moment Of separation
and embarkation-when alternate hope and
fear shook the soul, and the upward glance of
the eye, the falling tear, and fond embrace,
was the only language OF the heart is the sub
ject Of the picture.
The scene is laid on board the Speed-well.
The principal characters are Mr. Robinson,
pastor Of the congregation, kneeng in prayer,
with his hands and eyes appraised; to his right
Gov Carver, VIM. Bradford and Elder Brew
ster The latter has large bible open before
him. To the right Of these are Mrs. Brew
ster and sick child, Mr. and Mrs White; and in
rear of these Mr. and Mrs Winslow, young and
beautiful, attended by two boys, with whom
they had travelled considerable in Europe. In
rear of Mr. Brewster are Dr. Fuller and wife,
the latter resting in tears upon the bosom OF
the former; also nurse and child, in the cos
tune of the times. Farther to the left we see
Mrs Bradford, who fell overheard the day after
the vessel came to anchor at Cape Cod, and
was drowned Still farther on are Mrs Carver
and child, Miles Slandish, afterwards Military
Captain, and his wife Rose and boy. In the
rear of these are Capt Reynolds, treacherous
man, having been bribed by the Dutch TO the
hurt of the Puritans; and sailor, with era.
die of wicker work, in which Peregrine White
born on the passage, was rocked. Farther
back, on one side, are The spectators upon the
wharf; on the other side in the distance, is
beautiful brilliant rainbow, the bow OF prom
Use; we see also the huke of an anchor-th,
emblem of hope;-and on The sail "God witt
us''--the pilgrims motto. Such are the princi
pal figures And when you consider the mum
Der of them, and thai they are much large
than life, being on a scale of nine feet, instead
real life, for the better appearance in tn
Rotunda, you may, perhaps, form some con
cepton of the magnitude of the whole produc
tion.
The feelings and appearance of the compan.
at this time are thus described in the N. T.
Memorial. "The next day, the wind being fair
they went on board, and their friends witt
them, where truly dolelul was the sight OF tina
sad and mournlul parting, to hear what signs
and sobs, and prayers did sound amongst them
what tears did gush from every eye, and pilh
speeches pierced each others heart, that sun
dry Of the Dutch strangers, that stood on tn
key as spectators, could not refrain from tears
yet comfortable and sweet it was to see sue
lively and true expressions Of dear and unfeign
ed love. But the tide, (Which stays for n
mani calling them away, that were thus lot
TO depart, their reverend pastor falling down o
his knees, and they all with him, with water
cheeks commended them with most lerver
prayers unto the Lord and his blessing; an
then with mutual embraces, and many tear
they took their leave one of another, whc
proved to be the last leave TO many Of theni.''
Prof. Weir, the artist, now in the prime
life, is connected, as teacher in his art, wit
the u. S. M. Academy. He has travelled col
siderable in Europe. to qualify himself for Il
task he has so successfully accomplished, an
to perfect himselfin his art. The patriotism
taste and Indictment. he has manifested in Il