National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1886-03-06
THE MANASSAS PANORAMA.
Some Account of the wonderful, Pic.

Some Account of the Wonderful Pic
ture OF tho Second Bull Run Fight.
The panorama Of the battle of Manassas,
or Second Bull Run, recently erected at the
corner Of Fifteenth street and Ohio avenue,
has attracted hundreds Of spectators during
the last week. It's not only credit and at
traction to Washington, but reflects honor
on its originators.
This famous battle-called by us the
'second Battle Of Bull Rum" and by the
confederates the "Battle Of Manassas
was fought on the goth day Of August, 1862,
on ground already rendered historic as the
scene Of the first great struggle In the civil
Wharf.-The First Battle Of Bull Rum" July
81, 1861.
A sangulnary fight on the night OF the
2Sth, and several severe engagements dur
ing the Goth, terminating with furious as
sault made on the enemy at dark at Grove
ton, were In themselves battles, and, al.
though measured by the events OF the day
to follow, were but combats, yet In a mill
tary sense formed an integral part OF the
second battle Of Bull Run.
Our forces, known as the "Army OF Vir-
ginia," composed Of the previously indie
pendent commands Of Gems. Mcdowell,
Banks, and Fremont, were commanded by
hdIs htHs JOHn IUOhb OF Iuc cucIuy-
the "Army of Northern Nirginia"--were led
by Gen. Robert L. Lee. Numerically these
forces were quite evenly balanced, the
armies each comprising about So 900 men OF
all arms.
The panorama contains 10000 square feet
OF canvas, and represents the battlefield of
Manassas and the surrounding country. In
the center Of the building in which It is To-
Gated Is raised platform, upon which the
gDpCtntOr stau1q Ralaw Tho Mat form Ia
the natural ground, upon which short pine
trees and bushes are growing. Stones, old
muskets, canteens, and equipments are
strewn about, and an army ambulance
overturned and shattered. An old Virginia
rail fence extends short way, and Joins
one painted In the picture. The painting
is so realistic that II is difficult to distln-
guish where the real foreground ceases aud
the painting begins. Several figures of
soldiers are stretched upon the ground,
withdittle streams Of blood trickling along
in the sand. These are partly painted and
partly artificial forms, and the allusion is
so perfect that It is absolutely impossible
to distinguish between the painted and
artificial.
All through the picture will be found
very many figures and groups that are In
themselves pictures. Some are painted on
the canvas, some are part Of the artificial
foreground, and some are combination of
both. The whole is truthful and realistic
and artistic In the highest degree, represent
ing in the best possible manner moment
Gus page in the history OF our common
country.
AS a work of art the picture demands
more than passing attention. 1t was
executed under the direction Of NJ. Theo-
dore Poilpot, Of Paris, o famous French ar
tist, assisted by nine or ten talented and
wellknown French artists, all of whom
have been admitted to the French Salon.
In order to gain correct idea OF the bat
tle-feld, two months were spent by the ar
lists In the neighborhood of Manassas
painting studies of the landscape, and four
months were consumed In executing this
picture. All the figures In the foreground
are lifelike. The lights and shadows In
troduced are excellent in the vivldness OF
their portrayal AS study Of history the
cyclorama is excellent, as no better idea of
the famous battle and those who fought it
can be gained than by half an hour spent
In looking at the picture. The building is
well warmed, and lighted at night by 800
Edison electric lights. The platform and
passages are carpeted, and comfortable
seats provided. An elegantly furnished
ladies' parlor, with toilet room and ward
robe attached, adjoins the entrance. A
large amount of money has been spent in
erecting the building, and 1t is a permanent
affoir. 1t is open from 0 a. m. to IL p. m,
an explanatory lecture being delivered fire.
quently.
The lapse Of years serves only to increase
public interest In the events OF our great
civil war. Accounts of the principal bat
ties are read with greater interest than any
other literary products of the time. This
panorama is admirably adapted to meet this
growing demand. 1t has come in good
time, in good shape, and 10 will stay.