The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1851-10-08
From the Detroit Free Press, Oct 3.



II will be seen by the following intelligence commu
nicaed from Rome, of the 25,h August last, by cor
respondent OF New York paper, that our Minister a
that court Major Cass has been instrumental IN the d.
coyery and restoration of long lost and invaluable
relican original portrait of the immortal discovere
America. Columbus The authenticity OF the painting il
will undoubtedly forward this inesmable work of art to
the United States at early day II should have per-
msnent place among the nations archives in the Capitol
"Mr Cass, the United States Minister, while travel
ling not long since in the Abruzzi mountains, at
tackled with fever at little hamlet, which stands
convent of the Passonists. He received into this
convent and remained there some time. The monks
showed him their collection OF manuscripts and paint
lngs among which was the picture in question It was
have Just returned from inspecting it, and certainly the
historical interest attached renders one OF the
interesting objects have seen. To an American il
is priceess-of inestimabIe value The painting is a
large slze-abou four feet by three-and represents a
scene at the port OF Paos, in Spain AT the very edge
sails, supported by ar.blades, under which priest
is standing before pis dieu, with lighted candles be-
fore him, celebrating Conspicuous in the fore
ground. richly apparaled, with rapier by his side,
and pumed hat in his hand appears Columbus,
kneeling upon knee; while to the right, kneeling
upon both knees, in attitude of profound devotion,
10 be three four officers OF inferior degree,
geher with other mariners Scattered in the back ground
are several Indians, natives OF the newly dscove red
islands, one OF whom is holding large hound, while
others bound with manacles In the offng riding at
her anchor. with the flag of Spain flying from her
head. appears ship. the sight OF which would throw
Baltimore clipper into fits The lofty, casteated, and
acknowledgement stern, and the still lofty and eab
oraey carved lamp suspended above IT, give idea
OF naval architecture in the fifteenth century. Her decks
are crowded with sailors. and boats passing between
the ship and shore.
"The following is the history OF this interesting pic
ture, which transcribed amos, hierotna from the old
manuscript attached the frame: Ii was painted by or
der OF the Convent La Prabda. Palos, in l493 imme
diatey after the OF The event
In 1879, several OF the monks belonging this convent
together with much OF the property possessed,
transferred TO Vierbo in the Papa States From Vter
DO. the new conven, removed in 1862 to the vicinity OF
Aquaba, in the Ahruzzi mountains where it subse
gueny merged in that Of the Passionsts previously ex
listing on the same spot.
The authorities OF Rome, am told have offered Mr.
Cass large sum Tor this painting, which be has
fused As their proceedings are rather summary in the
matter OF the fine arts, by virtue OF prohibitory law
which foblds the expectation Of originals glad TO
learn that this picture would be sen, OF Rome in
few hours. There is place, and only one place. fit
for it it should hang in the Capitol"