The New Orleans crescent. [volume] (New Orleans, La.) 1866-1869, 1869-02-07
Houdons Wsshissssa ana Lafayette.

Jefferson described the artist to Washington as
without rvalshp, and as disinterested, generous,
candid and painting after glory" He comes now
for the purpose of lending the aid OF his art to
transmit you to posterity." Franklin accompanied
Houdon across the ocean and announced their
arrival in Philadelphia. To this Washington, then
at Mount Vernon, replied on the 26th Of Septem-
Der, 1885, On the same day he sent character.
isticletter to Houdop, which is as follows: gasis
SS-By letter, which have lately had the honor
to receive from DR.. Franklin at Philadelphia, am
informed of your arrival ct that place. Many let
tiers from very respectable characters In France,
as well as the doctors, inform me Of the occasion,
for which, though the cause Is not Of my own seek
ing. feel the most agreeable and grsteful ssnsa.
more worthy of the mastery genius OF the first
ststuary in Europe, for thus you are represented
to me. 49,. - lA-.a :
at win give me pleasure. sir, to welcome you TO
this seat Of my retirement; and whatsoever l
have or car procure that is necessary to your pur-
pose or convenient to your wishes You must freely
command, as inclination to oblige you viii be
among the last things in which ! shall be found
deficient either on your arrival or during your
stay.n -r-.f $500 49,. W.
Houdon Immediately proceeded to Mount Yer.
non. and was cordially received. Although the
artist lad been led to anticipate the highest
pleasure from beholding Washington, yet he after
wards stated to Jefferson that he had no idea Of
the grandeur Of his form, features and presence"
allow plaster casts to be taken Of his face and
whole person, but such was the confidence which
the artist inspired that Washington submitted,
saying " Do with me 40 you please; can re.
fuse you nothing" and " the scrupuIously modest
Washington did permit himself to be laid nude
upon q table and buried in plastsr fso0 had 70
foot" ttH
Houdon remained at Mount Vernon fortnight,
engaged in taking casts, which he sent to Paris.
The moulds Of the head were retained under his
special charge, he observing: :" If they are lost
in the ocean / am determined to perish with
them.
All the correspondence relating to the statue
appears in the report, as well as copy of the
authorization from the government Of Virginia to
W. j. Hubbard to make copies from the original
statue. Speaking Of the ststue, the report says
II illustrates the incident 80 emphatic in his his
tory-fhe resignation Of his authority as comman-
der-in.chief Of the army. BE holds In his hand
the cane of the civilian while he rests on the rods
of fasces, on which Is thrown his military cloak,
and on which hangs his sword" The report also
says: .it8Gr q. ..isf
blance Of the ststue to the original
fell from the lips Of Lafayette when he last Wis
tied this country. His first request was to be
shown some representation of his dear friend. He
shook his head at the picture by Stuart; he was
then shown Trumbulps, and az once said that
brought him to mind but when he stood before
Hcudon he remained mute and gazed upon 1t till
the tears flowed from his eyes. and ct last said /:
That IL the man himself; can almost realize he
is going TO move.'"