Macon beacon. [volume] (Macon, Miss.) 1859-1995, 1896-12-12
Lamar. Portrait Presented tn. ssas..

7. N. Henry In Commercial Appeal.
Judge Edward Mayes, on behalf q
Mrs. NJ. D. v. Leonard, OF Washtng1oes
presented tho State Of MississlVpk,
through Gov. McLsurin, . magninSent
oil portrait Of Justice L. Q. c. Lamar.
Mrs. Helen Bell, State librarian, atoncs
gave the same prominent place ON the
walls Of the State library. It has been
admired by great many people since
being hung there.
Accompanying tho portrait was . lot
ter from Senator Walthall, who was
commissioned by Mrs. Leonard and her
son, William D. Leonard, to present the
picture, but he delegated that honorable
duty to Judge Mayes, who was the SON
in-law OF the distinguished subject Of
rhe painters brush.
Mrs. NJ. D. v. Leonard is, ~ Senator
Walthall's letter indicates. Mississip-
plan, having at one time been resident
Of Vicksburg. She 10 niece Of the
Confederate general. Earl Van Dora.
The portrait ID . magnificent one By
F. J. Fisher, celebrated artist Of Wash
inaton, and is pronounced by those who
knew Justice Lamar best to be the hnsst
likeness Of him yet Transferred TO csp-
vas. Y 1t portrsys the CREST Misstssip-
plan in bis robes ss one Of tho justices
OF the Supreme Court Of the United
States, and gives faithful reproduce
tion Of him as he appeared at the zenith
OF his greatness. Every feature is ex-
act, and in gazing upon 1t one feels that
1t Is not an inanimsto picture. but JUS
tice Lamar himself 1t Is in very
heavy gilt frame, which sets of Its hns
points to great advantage. 1t has not
been hung yet, but will be In day
or so.
Following is Senator Walthall's letter
to the governor:
ITO the Governor Of Mississippi:
Dear Sir-Mrs. M. d. v. Leonard and Mr.
VIM. d. Leonard, her son. Mlssissippians. resid-
ing In Washington City, have commissioned mo
to present, through you, to the State, a portrait
liyered with this communication.
"The donors were the representatives OF Q
historical family Of our State, are deeply in
terested In all that concerns her people and
proud Of the high achievements OF any OF her
sons, besides sharing the general admiration Of
the great Missssippian's rare virtues and won
derful powers and OF his brilliant and useful
public career; they were his devoted personal
fria md far ho nf
interest and affection.
ITO testify their appreciation OF his services
to his country and his people and his kindness
to themselves. they have had this portrait pre-
pared by skilled artist and 1t Is their DESIRE II
allowable and agreeable, that 1t may be hung in
our State library.
"In asking on their behalf that the gift be
accepted venture. on my own behalf to express
the hope that 1t may be considered appropriate
by the board Of trustees OF the library, over
which you preside, to comply with their wishes.
(which they do not impose as condition),
touching the disposition Of the portrait.
yours very truly, E. &. WALTHALL"
The governors reply is as follows:
JACKSON, MISS. Dec. 3, 1886.
Hon. +. c. Walthall, Grenada, Miss:
"Dear Sir-Yours Of the 2Oth OF November ac-
companled by magnificent portrait Of the late
Justice Lamar as present to the State OF
Mississippi from Mrs. NJ. d. V. Leonard and
Mr. Vim. D. Leonard, her son, is received.
"In behalf OF the State Of Mississippi ! take
great pleasure In accepting this mFgr!aeeut
present. and In rendering to ,he donors the
thanks Of the people Of the State. II lsa mark
Of an enlightened. nctl5 aud patriotic people ~
take special PRIDE IL The ergat men Of thtr
State while living ami 90 honor thslr aissns r.ss
whenssaaf lnthis MiSs'ssippans .o aot fall
peiltl e. jeope OF any gc. ~ all the sons Of
Hh0r state mas boss ~ one was ever held
in rl.'.tr esteem by our people than Justice
Lar ". nor I'D az, one ever have nrmer hold
up n the peoples affections, and surer avenue
to the heart Of the State is TO do honor to his
memory. a memory that we cherish as precious
treasure.
"In pursuance OF the desire Of the donors the
trustees direct that the portrait be hung In the
State library.
Again rendering to you, and through you to
Mrs. Leonard and Mr.. Leonard the grateful ac-
Of the State, am, fraternally
yours. A. j. MCLAURIN."