Rutland weekly herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1859-1877, 1867-10-31
4 rriyal and departure Of Trains
A Portrait of Lincoln Tor the
p ...t Capitol. E

The late Hon. stoddard B. Colby ad-
dressed letter to the Hon. Abraham b.
Gardner, Just previous to the extra SEES
sien of the General Assembly, in March
last, wis hing him to bring the attention
of that body to the duty and propriety
OF procuring a portrait of President Lin
coin for the capitol, The communica-
tion failed to reach Governor Gardner
until after the close OF the session. 1t
has been placed in our possession for
publication, that the attention Of the
Legislature might be called to the sub
ject. The letter of Mr.. Colby is worthy
OF perusal and consideration, and the
recent decease Of the eloquent and es-
teemed writer will add weight to its
suggestions. Mr.. Colby's fine apprecia-
zion of the character of the 'lamented
Lincoln increased his desire that YER
mont might possess suitable memorial
OF the great statesman, and thus testify
its love and reverence for his memory
WARRINGTON, D. G., March 26, 1867.
Hon. n. B. Gardner, Lieuten0at' Governor Of
Term0nt:
Ny DEAR SIR I'll desire to avail my.
self OF the opportunity afforded by the
meeting of the Legislature of our State,
tomorrow, to present to you q sugges-
ton. 1t is, If not already anticipated,
to submit the propriety Of placing with
in the capitol a faithful likeness of Pres.
idept Lincoln-the man who in his life
personified the cause Of liberty and hui
man fraternity-who In his death was
honored and renowned by all nations as
one of the most noble and illustri0us of
martyrs, over whose ashes it seemed as
if the whole OF Europe WED in the ex-
preston of sorrow and heartfelt indig-
nation. A volume of over 700 pages,
compiled at the State Department, en-
bodies worldwide sentiments of condo
lence and sympathy, such as never before
have been attested in the history Of this
globe. / have the honor to transmit,
herewith, my copy. And it is, indeed, a
record of mankind in mourning. To us Mr..
Lincoln, his face and figure, come to be
quite as familiar as our family pictures.
But to the ages that are to succeed, this
will not be so. AS time passes away the
interest will increase to see the authentic
and reliable face and form of this re-
markable man. And 1t is very singular
now Sucn things do disappear anu Iaur
away. / presume even his autograph
could hardly be found to-day In Wash
ingtnn county, or in old Vermont, unless
attached to some official document. 1t
is so here. By and by it will be still
more difficult to secure a portrait that
will bear the criticism of those who
knew the original. Now it is compare
lively easy. The expense of a life. size
will be trifing-not over two thousand
dollars, presume. II the Legislature
would authorize committee, composed
in part, at least, of some of the deega-
tion-say the Senators from Vermont
TO contract for it with some artist of
known ability, / have no doubt opportu-
mites will be met with in this city su-
perior to those of any other locality.
Please excuse this, fear too lengthy
s'suggestion," but / really wish to see the
object consummated. Vermont, so true
to the Union in Its peril, SO dear to Mr..
Lincoln because she was SO true to the
Union he loved, will, l know well, never
fail to preserve his sacred memory in
the hearts of her sons; and In my judg-
ment will never regret the trifiing sacri-
him ever before the eye in one Of hel
public halls. a~ A'6
/ remain, very respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
.s.u.. - .,.. S. b. Colby.