Richmond daily times. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1853, 1853-05-27
[From Galignani's Messenger, May ST.
N4POLEON,S TOlTR

The following description of the present state
of the tomb of the Emperor, will not be without
interest during the twelve years that the con-
struction of the tomb of the Emperor was in
contemplation, variety of plans had been con-
sidered, and many of them, after having been
commenced, were afterwards abandoned as not
being suited to the purpose intended. The crypt
which was first formed was found not to be suffi .
GENTLY large and deep, and the enlargement of it
required considerable precautions in order not to
endanger the solidity of the DOME The circular
portico limiting the space, the centre of which
was to be occupied by the sarcophagus, had in
the first place been conceived without any spe-
cial ornamentation, and was intended to be re-
markable for its extreme simplicity. 1t was then
thought that this construction being of such vast
extent, ought to be ornamented with bas re.
liefs representing the civil acts of the Emperor;
it was also decided that the pillars supporting
the circular entablature should be ornamented
with the representation of different victories -
The sarcophagus, which is formed of porphvry,
brought from Korchoka, in Finland, is of an i'm
posing and severe form, and completely finished,
and bears most extraordinary polish. 1t is
four yards long by two wide. It is lined inside
with Corsican granite, in order that, lying in his
coffin, the illustrous deceased may as it were, re-
pose on materials brought from his native soil
The tomb is raised on foundation of granite
from the Vosges. The cover, which is supported
by woodwork, is brought as near as possible to
the sarcophagus, and has only to be pushed on
horizontally in order to cover it. On entering the
church from the south door, on the Place Vau-
ban, the Dome de Mansard is seen at one coup
dell. In approaching nearer is seen the crypt,
surrounded with rather massive balastrade.-
From the midst of marbles of extreme Wilderness,
stands up in bold relief the sarcophagus, reposing
on pavement of mosaics of extreme richness.
Beyond the crypt rises the high altar, surmoun-
ted by an immense canopy; all this part of the
decorations is composed of colored marbles,
which have the most superb effect The altar
is surmounted by statue of our Saviour on the
cross, sculptured by M. Triquett Semi. circu-
lar staircases, turning to the right and left, lead
to the door of another staircase, which leads di-
rectly to the crypt This part of the monument,
which is conceived in grand proportions, is turn.
ed towards the nave of the church. On the sides
of the door, which is in bronze, stand two figures
OF old men, composed as caryatides, and by
which it is intended to personate in some degree
the military and civil glory of the Emperor
Over the entrance are written the following lines,
which express the last wishes of Napoleon -
'Je desire que mes cendres reposent sur les rives
de la Seine au milieu du peuple Franchise que jai
tant aime." On the right and left of the open
space before the entrance of the monument, are
the tombs of Bertrand and of Duroc, worthy
guardians OF the man whom they so faithfully
served.
The sarcophagus bears no name inscribed on it,
and 1t IS that which surrounds it which gives it's
Specification to the tomb The twelve emblemati-
cal representations of victories, the names of bat
ties inscribed on the pavement, the bas-reliefs
intended to call to mind the principal acts of impe
rial Administrations union of military and
civil souvenirs, all equally glorious, and in the
centre the isolated tomb, such is what constitutes
In its ensemble" the monument of the Emperor
The ten bas-reliefs of the circular portico have
been executed by M. Smart. One of them re-
presents figure in antique dress, having in front
two females, representing the Roman and CALI
can Church, who are giving their hands to each
other, and, in the corner is man raising a cross
Under this composition is engraved the word,
"Concordat" The other bas.reliefs represent
the Cour des Complies, the university, centraliza-
tion, the legion of honor, the council of state,
great public works, commerce, manufactures,
and the Code Napoleon. In the centre of the
chamber, called the Chamber de l'Epee or du
Reliquare, is kind of cippus, having COM
partment of bronze in the form of cushion, on
which will be deposited the sword of Austerlitz,
and the interior of which will receive the hat of
the Emperor, his cross of honor and his CROWN
To the right and left will be grouped the colors
taken in the wars of the empire. At the end of
this funereal chamber, which will be lighted by
lamp, is the marble statue of Napoleon in a
standing position, covered with the imperial man.
tie, and holding sceptre and the globe. The
public will never be allowed to enter this room,
and the inside of it will only be viewed through
the grating of the door.