The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1851-12-01
No. I13.

be to give you short statement of the progress and
present condition of the work.
By the agreement of Mr.. Clark Mills, sculptor
with the "Jackson Monument Committee" ;" enter
ed into in June lS4S the equestrian statue Of Jack
son was to have been completed within two years
from that time. This, have doubt, would have
been accomplished by the sculptor, if genius and
untring energy could have done 80; bu', in the
progress of the work. he met with difficulties and
delays which, although not anticipated by him
when he made the agreement, were more less
necessarily incident to work Of this kind-the fret
ever undertaken in this city, and, consequently
where the mechanical and other conveniences re-
quired in its execution could not be found ready to
his hand, but which had to be provided-indeed,
may say, invented-as the occasions for their use
presented themselves. lie has, however am hap
py to say, thus far overcome every obstacle and is
now in the full tide of "sncoessiul experiment"
The beautiful and spirited model of the statue,
you doubtless aware was completed long
since, and Mr.. Mills has now succeeded in casting
all of its parts, with the exception OF three, and Of
these three the moulds OF two ready for the
metal, will be in few days. The pieces which
have been cast those from which he expected
the most difficulty but in every instance the casts
were made succesAfully, and they are specimens
that would not discredit any foundry. The parts
remaining to be cast or at least two Of them, are
the heaviest pieces. but, being OF simple FORM he
does not expect any difficulty with them.
The whole Of this wori-the Inodcllir S as well
as the castng-has been done under the temporary
frame buildings-sheds may call them--on the
corner Of the public grounds south Of the Treasury
Department. part of Mr.. Mills's contract re-
CURED the whole work TO be done in this city, and
am sure il will be work of art in which our citi
zens will justly feel pride.
Mr. Mills agreed to execute and put up the statue
for the Of twelve thousand five hundred dol
lars, which sum had been contributed by the peo-
pie OF the United States for that purpose, and the
amount has been advanced TO him as the work pro-
gressed. In consequence, however, of the difficult
ties and delays which he has had to encounter it
will require about two thousand five hundred dol
la To bla IN
the jackson Monument Committee, at its last
meeting, empowered subcommittee to take
measures for obtaining this additional sum from
contributions. The kind offer of your Association
to aid in procuring additional pecuniary aid for
the work is therefore most opportune, and is re-
ceived with thanks. Our sub committee will |
doubt not, be most happy to act in concert with
any committee you may appoint on the subject
In justice to Mr. Mile, / ought to say that the
work is labor of love with him, and that, when he
undertook to execute the statue for twelve thou
sand hve hundred dollars, he estimated that as the
actual cost of the wDrk-the only profit he expect
ed being the reputation he would gain by its sue
cessful accomplishment.
After the statue is completed, pedestal must
be erected in Lafayette Square, upon which to
place il; and am gratiied to say that the distin.
guished rural architect, A. j. Downing, esq Who
has charge of the improvement of the public
grounds of ths city, has kindly offered his valu-
able aid in the preparation of plan for pedestal
worthy of the subject. Until this plani5 adopted,
it will of course be impossible TO say what its pre-
else cost will be, but | presume | shall be within
bounds when put down the required for it
at about four five thousand dollars This will
also have TO be raised; and have doubt that as
soon as il is known by the people of the United
States that the statue of jackson ia completed and
only this small amount is required to build suit
able pedestal upon which to place il, the amount
will be readily obtained.
Ii may not be out OF place for to say here that
the statue promises 10 be worthy of the old patriot
and hero and that work ofart il will not only be
a credit to our city but to the whole country; and
believe am correct in sayng that it is the first
bronze equestrian statue of its size that has ever
been executed in the United States. 1t must be
gratifying to every citizen of Washington that
this is So and that while it will be monument to
one OF the truest friends of city, it will hand
down to distant ages the form and features of one
Of our country's greatest men-a soldier whose
sword was never drawn but in her defence, and a
patriot whose life devoted TO her service
am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
j. W. MAURY
Secretary Of the jackson Monument Committee
To Z. b. ROBINSON, JAMES G BERRET, and DANIEL
RADeLIFF, esqs., Committee, &c.