Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1850-02-08

by evidence which cannot be coloyerted We ask aen-
ton 10 few tcsmonials-and first introduce letter
from Mr. Latrobe of Baltimore lawyer OF eminence and
gentleman Of acknowledged and practical skill in the
line Tho letter is private one-but gives such
clear ard beautiful view of Mr. Crawfords Model that we
take the liberty of laying before our readers sucha let
Ter should not remain private 1t is just Mr.. Crawford,
Just ourselves that bring it forward to corrobo-
rate our action We would add that Mr. L. is acquainted
with Mr. Crawford and his tribute is 10 tho genius of tho
Sculptor and will be SEEM drawn forth by own
special request:
ExcHASoE HoTBL
Richmond, January 26, 1850.
NV Dear Sir-At your instance put upon paper some
views which expressed during conversation this morn
ing with the designs and models of the proposed Washing
Monument before NY only reluctance in doing This
arises from fear that may be considered meddlng with
what does not Relying upon YOU however, TO
from any impuation Of this SORT willingly comply
with your request.
If coiumpar or pyramda monument is preferred, If es-
walton the object be attained prefer decidedly the
sketch in OIL Its proportions excellent the broad plat
form which forms fine feature In the plan II is
quite original in many respects-at least my recollection Of
what have here in Europe furnishes with
thing like and the details of construction exhibited in
section among the drawings in way that IS very satsiac-
tory some as1soS %G % made with a the
suggest prefer this design TO tho obsisks and columns
which have been offered the commItee-because either
0bellSk or column you Wouiu % WHeIc you
could not hope equal The obesk at Boston, the obelisk
Washington in progress, in magnitude and cost
will exceed what you propose TO orect at Richmond Tho
columnar monument is TO be found in Baltimore Your
column or your obesk therefore, would be but copy and
an inferior copy Still if hoeht is wanted, 1t be OBJ
tcped in Mr. Adams way with as little copying the case
is susceptible OF.
But confess my fayorte among the designs is that of
Mr. Crawford He is artist of high reputation quite
capable of executing in the best manner the conception
which his model cxempi6es ike il best for several tea
sons.
In the first place an association of Washington with
Virginia and her sons which srkos me as happy
In the second place. il has great originality II 49,
whole, copy of anything tina, has gone before it,
In the third place when well executed in marble il will be
school OF ART whose influences will be felt in the
nifty Ths eve that gazes upon habuay and almost
consciously wiz become educated by IL and entertain not
shadow OF doubt that your architecture will be the bet
ter your views of beauty in consequence of its being
in your midst. 1t is wi,hou warrant that venture
anticipate that future scIpors may refer hereafter
the parent of their skill
In the fourth place. if the design Of Mr. Crawford be
adop the appropriation of the State will become In fact
premium los ;he encouragement Of high ar-and repub-
the greatest works sculpture cs did the republics of old
OF the date Of the Apollo and The Glad;atoF
In the 6f place. the design of Mr. CRAWFORD while large
enough for grandeur will overshadow nothing II will con-
well with existing structures which would NOT be he
case column obelsk TO arise overlapping the
Capitol.
So much for my for prefenng such design as
Mr. Cawords As TO the design ITSELF is worthy Of high
praise. The figures sketches they are many Of them
Plassicay and beauul-and when all the details
fha have been elaborated have no doubt you WIZ have