The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1846-01-10
Vol, 9. No. IS. Whole No. 441.

the chin fell with it. Several lilSenesses OF
him have thiled in the mouth, and | am satls-
fled this has been the principal cause. To a.
void this danger modelled at the mouth dur
ing tho first moments of the sittngs and as
his features began to lose something of their
expression worked upon those portions of
the head least affected by the change. My
object was to give an animated likeness of
Mr. Webster, and TO Judge of it fairly, one
mustsee him when engaged III earnest con-
versation.
esteemed it great advantage as well as
great pleasure TO be thus admitted TO the So
ciety of such n man, and left him not only
with feeling of gratitude and admiration,b but
even with a more lofty conception ofhis gem
ius and goodness than before. When took
his hand and felt his hearty iron pressure as
he told me his doors were always open TO me,
could not control my feelings; ! said in my
heart, "God bless thee great mani"
have reason to believe that through Mr.
Webstcr's influence, and other friends around
Boston, IreceWed several commissions for
busts which have since executed. IeXperi-
enced, too, from n large number of distinguish
ed men ofall parties, warm and generous
greetings and welcomes, which inhamed in
my heart still deeper desire TO contribute in
some humble manner TO the perpetuation Of
their fame by means ofthe art of sculpture,
when we shall all be dead. At last met one
whose unmerited kindness and generosity
putat once the means into my hands of conn
ing to Europe. | forbear TO mention his
name, as ! am persuaded this was never done
with the intention of having it generally
known. Ii was one of those princely acts
which flow from feeling and impulses so no.
BILE, the man who performs them would rath-
er they should be withheld from tie public
gaze.
pr flIIr he afN Lao of
Chief Justice Marshall modelled his BUST.
1t occurred to me in standing in the Supreme
Court Room looking at the busts of former
Chief Justices that adorn that venerable place,
that might obtain an order from the Govern
ment for executing his bust III marble, and
consulted one of the Representatives from o.
hio on this subject, and requested him to do
me the kindness TO introduce a resolution 10
that effect. But he told me the proper course
would he for me TO send in memorial 10
Congress myself must confess did not
like this plan, for it appeared TO me that the
measure ought to originate i'll Congress itself
and not he the work ola private individual
Still, as this was the advice ola member of
Congress whom had every reason to esteem
n friend waved my own opinion and allow
ed mysefto do an act ofwhich have been
ashamed thousand times. l signed me-
mortal TO Congress to allow me To execute n
bust ofChiefJustioe Marshall 1t was referr-
ed TO the Committee on the Library, who re-
ported unanimously in favor oft, and of ME
as the artist
This commission is the only one have ev-
or received from the Government, if | except
AN order for a bronze jet d. eau made for tho
foundation in front of the Capitol My OBJ
ject in applying for this was to induce Con-
gross to give me u commission for fountain
in marble or bronze on n magnificent scale,
To he placed in front ofthe Capitol;and hop
ell the effect thGt might be produced with a
greater quantity of water, they would take
the matter up. ] should have constructed ono
on plan have long had in contemplation,
which think would have met with general
appreciation.
These Jets were not intended as permanent
works, but as tests ofmy ability 10 construct
similar designs. But they have failed to pro-
duce the effect / desired, for ! have never
heard from them since except through a
speech from a member of Congress complain
ing of the eXravigance of the Government in
throwing away the peoples money upon
squrts, as the learned gentleman was pleased
elegantly TO call them. | therefore gave up
all hope ofanythng in the way of fountains
for the Capitol. Fortunately am now sufii.
ricntly occupied, and have no need fmaling
fountains mt all. dare say might have Sc
cured commission which was at that tine
given to Il foreign gentleman, at the Capitol,
had it suited my purpose to adopt the meas
Ires by which he succeeded. .....