The National tribune., 1886-12-30
HALLECK'S STATUE.
A Granite Memorial In Golden Gate Park

San Francisco CIuoRieie.l
There is gray granite statue in Golden Gate
Park that is not much observed. 1t is, how
ever, one of the most interesting objects there.
It stands off the main thOrOughfare, in q little
glen. almost surrounded By trees. 1t is erected
TO one of the oldest Californians and one of the
most distinguished men in the early history of
the Pacific Coast, rs we'll as one of the leading
Generals Of the Union during the civil war.
On the face of the pedestal in plain letters are
these words:
AJoR-GEsERAL
WILLIAM ii. HALLECK,
GeneTal-i in Chief OF the
Armies OF the United States.
lS62-lSd
On the rear of the pedestal is inscribed SIM
ply:
A tribute to his memory from his
Best Friend"
On the base of the pedestal in the rear there
lies parchment, upon which is written, "The
Constitution Of the State OF California" and on
this parchment there rests book, with these
titles on its side: international Law" and
Military Art and Science" Thus the life
work is told of one Of the most active and YER
satile men Of his day. His life was closely
identified with California, in both civil and
a military capacity. he came here in 1917,
and was Secretary Of State Of the Territory OF
California and Auditor of its revenue from his
arrival till 1si9. He took a deep interest in
framing the Constitution of the new State in
ls49, being one of the Drafting Committee. In
1854 he resigned an honorable position in the
army and pegan the practice of law in this city
Before his civil life began here in the turbulent
days of the fifties he had had a distinguished
military career displaying high qualities as q
soldier in the Mexican war. After pursuing
the duties of civil life in this city for nearly 1C
years be again entered military service. and
for two years was COmmander-in- Chief Of the
Armies Of the United States. Besides these oc
cupations he was an author and Professor
and TO some extent a politician. This is the
man whose memory is preserved in granite in
modest little glen in the park.
The statue stands ON a pedestal facing the
north. The attitude of the figure is remark
ably lifelike. IL is full Of dignity. The lef
foot is slightly advanced, throwing the weight
of the body on the right foot and giving tn,
figure an erect posture. Then the arms ar,
folded across the breast, which still further
adds to the strictly erect attitude of the statue
The general position of the figure is excellent
| 1t is digniied. yet easy it seems full Of lif'
and grace. The figure is clothed in a militar,
suit, with a heavy army Overcoat with a cap,
worn over it. The head of the figure is nobly
mounted and firmly poised. Halleck had a strik
| ing countenance in life. 1t was intellectual
aud also showed force Of character. The fac
| Of the statue represents Halleck in his late
| life when he had won his honors and fame
| There is a benevolent look in his face. Th
| hair is thrown well back from high forehea,
and a circle of whiskers surround his face
| leaving his chin bare after the old -fashione'
| style At the base of the pedestal in front Iii
the sword and scabbard and the soldiers hat.