Lexington weekly intelligencer. (Lexington, Mo.) 1871-1887, 1881-10-29
LETTER FROM VIRGINIA.
RICHMOND, VA, Oct. 1S,

confederscy and witnessed some OF
the greatest battles of the war, but 10
the antiquarian it holds many rich
and valuable gifts. l arrived here
last night. and have spent to-day in
sightseeing, end most richly have l
been repaid. Most naturally the first
point of interest to all strangers is
Capitol Square. This occupies an
eminence in the heart of the city aud
embraces about four blocks of ordi-
nary size, making square which is
beautifully laid off with walks, with
here aud there native monarchs of
the forest affording abundant shade.
On entering the grounds from the
south or east you commence the grad
ual ascent of hill on the summit
of which stands the capitol, in which
the sessions of the confederate con-
gress were held. No elaborate des-
cription Of this historic building
could give to the reader so clear an
idea of its general appearance as 10
say that it's general exterior is very
similar to Central Female College,
and the two buildings strike the be-
holder when approaching the capitol
as counterparts; yet Oh close ap-
proach the dimensions of the capitol
appear omewhat larger, and with
entrances at the two sides as we'll as
front. Before entering tho building,
and mentioning some few of the many
interesting things to be seen within.
let us examine some of the objects of
intereston the grounds. Invohntarily
l first sought the statue of Stonewall
Jackson. To the north and in the
rear of the building and about two
hundred and fifty feet distant stands
Foley's bronze statue of the greatest
military genius, next to Napoleon,
the world has ever known. Including
the base, which is Of gray granite, it
is about twenty-five feet high. TIE
figure represents jackson, clad in the
uniform Of lieutenant-gencral, the
right arm is bent, with the back of
the hand resting on the hip; the left,
on an elevation with the shoulder,
grasps staff; the right foot is ex-
tended with the knee bent. The
figure is graceful; the likeness strik-
ing. On the base is the following
inscription:
presented by English Gentlemen
as Tribute of Admiration for the
Soldier and Patriot, Thomas j. Jack
son, and Gratefully accepted by
Virginia in the name of the South.
ern People. Done A. d. 1875"
Beneath this is the exclamation of
Gen. 'Buel, at the first battle of
| Manassas:
f"Lookl there is Jackson standing
| like stonewall !"
To the west of this statue is the more
imposing equestrian statue OF Wash
ington. l have no means of de-
termining, but should say this statue,
with base, was about ninety feet
high. Washington is represented on a
magnificent charger; his right hand
| pointing in the distance; he seems to
be urging his soldiers to the charge,
aud inspiring them by his example.
About equi-distaut from the summit
and base, and at the six corners of the
monument, standing about ten feet
from it, yet joined to it by the pedes-
tails on which they respectively stand.
are six figures. Commen ing on the
northeast corner, these are in the
order in which they appear-Jeffer-
son, Mason. Henry, Lewis, Marshall
and Nelson. The five first are known
to fame; as to the last Il word. At the
siege Of Yorktown Thos. Nelson
c ,mmanded the artillery, ,and knowing
that his own friendly house was oc.
cupied by CORVALLIS as his head
quarters he fired, with his own hand,
the first shot at it, and then offered a
reward to the soldiers under him for
every shot which should strike his
own home. Facing each of those
latter figures, yet lower and resting
on separate bases distinct from the
main monument, are what may be
termed six allegorical statues, repre-
senting liberty, justice, law, sc. The
whole is said to have cost $259, 900,
aud is the first work of art of the
kind iu the world. Farther to the
west, crowned by pagoda, is q
marble statue OF Henry Clay, which
some vandal has disfgured by break.
ing off the fingers.
We now enter the building and
space will not here admit of the bare
mention of all the rare curiosities
mellowed by age and hallowed by
sscred associations which it contains
A very brief description must suffice
The senate chamber (whcre also
the confederate senate sai) Is to the
south. Here is 20 be seen painting
said by those who profess to b,
Judges, to be Of great merit. 1t is L
feet 6 inches by l6 feet, and repre-
sents the storming of a retsoubt a
Yorktown. The painting is b,
Lani, all eminent historical artist O
France, and it was presented to th
state by w. w. Corcoran, of Wash
ington. 1t is the original from wh;cl
the chromos representing the seen
were taken. Near this hangs a fin
oil painting of General Lee, in tn
dress of a civilian. On the same floor
but about tho centcr of the buiIdip.
stands Houdau's celebrated statue @
Washington. This was executed il
1887, aud being from plaster cast, be
side being a work of the greates
merit, il is the best represent
ation of the father Of hi
country extant. In the Iibrar,
just over tho senate chamber is ala,
an Oil painting of Washington, b,
Chas. Wilson Peal. AS d work of ar
this is said to stand dcservedly high
though rot so highly esteemed i,
this regard as the Two paintings b,
Stuart, which hang to each side of il,
but for faithfulness to the origina
(Which after all should be the pres
test OF value) the Peal painting i
said to take DrecaGaucp nf Stuar.,a