DUKE 
 
 UNIVERSITY 
 
 LIBRARY 
 
i 
 
 ■■ V 
 
 ''•V 
 
HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION 
 
 I \ 
 
 OF 
 
 BUNKER HILL MONUMENT 
 
 AS PRESENTED IN THE 
 
 MEMOIR OF THE ARCHITECT. 
 
 BY 
 
 WILLIAM W. WHEILDON. 
 
 BOSTON: 
 
 LEE, SHEPARD, AND COMPANY. 
 
 NEW YORK: 
 
 LEE, SHEPAKD, & DILLINGHAM. 
 
 1875. 
 
Digitized by the Internet Archive 
 in 2015 
 
 https://archive.org/details/historydescripti01whei 
 
MEMOIR 
 
 OF 
 
 SOLOMON WILLARD, 
 
 ARCHITECT. 
 
t 
 
 MEMOIR 
 
 0 F 
 
 SOLOMON WILLARD, 
 
 ARCHITECT AND SUPERINTENDENT 
 
 or THE 
 
 BUNKER HILL MONUMENT. 
 
 BY WILLIAM W. WHEILDON. 
 
 . . “ But the work is clone ; ami posterity ought to know that they 
 
 are more indebted to Solomon Willard than to any other person for the 
 monument.” — [Amos Lawrence. 
 
 . . . . “The merits of this noble - spirited man deserve permanent 
 
 record. — [Professor Packard. 
 
 PREPARED AND PRINTED 
 
 BY DIRECTION OP THE MONUMENT ASSOCIATION 
 
 1865. 
 
t 
 
 Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1865, 
 
 By William W. Wiieildon, 
 
 In the Clerk’s Office of the District Court of the District of IMassachusetts. 
 
TO THE 
 
 ■, i 
 
 'YM b ^ ^ ^ ' 
 
 LADIES OF BOSTON AND VICINITY, 
 
 BY WHOSE PATRIOTIC EFFORTS AND PERSONAE SACRIFICES, 
 THE 
 
 §unlier Jill Slomuncnt Association 
 
 WAS ENABLER TO COJIPLETE 
 
 T II xi T IM A J E S T I C INI E M 0 R I A L 
 
 To tSse l*i’ancij»Ies aaid Bravery of the Fathers, 
 
 IN THE ERECTION OF WHICH 
 
 SOLOMON WILLARD, 
 
 AS ARCHITECT AND SUPERINTENDENT, 
 
 BY HIS GENIUS, SKILL AND LABOR, GRATUITOUSLY RENDERED, 
 SO LARGELY CONTRIBUTED, 
 
 THIS MEMOIR 
 
 I s 
 
 RESPECTFULLY INSCRIBED. 
 
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AUTHOR’S NOTE. 
 
 ■ - 
 
 It will be seen by reference to the published proceedings of the 
 Bunker Hill Monument Association, for June, 1861, that a com- 
 mittee was then appointed to prepare a Memoir of Solomon 'Wil- 
 lard, the Architect and Superintendent of the Monument and one 
 of the earliest and largest contributors to the work.* 
 
 It was thought b^ the Association that Mr. IVillard’s eminent 
 and unrequited services in its behalf, and his extraordinary devo- 
 tion to the work which they had inaugurated, entitled him to the 
 distinctive honor proposed. A brief notice of his life, perhaps 
 a short analysis of his character, and a mere statement of 
 the services specially rendered by him, was at first all that was 
 contemplated ; but it soon appeared to the Committee that a nar- 
 rative of his life ; of the self-education and self-elevation which he 
 accomplished ; of the industry, economy and exemplary habits 
 which he cultivated ; of his liberal, public-spirited and magnani- 
 mous conduct, as well as a detailed account of his labors in relation 
 to the Bunker Hill Monument, in every stage and step of its pro- 
 gress, and which did so much to secure its completion, was due to 
 him, w'ould meet the approval of the association and at the same 
 time furnish, in the life of an excellent and worthy man, an exam- 
 ple of industry, perseverance and fidelity, which would be profita- 
 
 * William tV. W'heiMon, Amos A. Lawrence, Uriel Ci'ooker, Nath'l. Cotton, 
 and F. H. Stirnpson, Committee. 
 
G 
 
 author’s note. 
 
 ble to the youth of the country and a bond of faith to the faithful. 
 They have not hesitated to act upon this conviction, and with such 
 means as were open to them, attempt the perfomance of the w'ork 
 proposed. 
 
 The reader will not fail to observe that the narrative of Mr. 
 "Willard’s life, for many years, is so intimately connected with the 
 progress and history of the monument, that a detailed account of 
 the one is necessarily the history of the other. Even during the 
 periods of suspension, and when Mr. "Willard was officially dis- 
 charged from the service of the association, he was repeatedly con- 
 sulted and called upon for information and advice in relation to 
 the work, its resumption or its completion. For this and other 
 reasons, it has been thought best to pass over the periods of sus- 
 pension, in order to give, in a connected form, the narrative of the 
 building of the monument, resuming the personal history after the 
 completion of that great work. 
 
 There are two matters connected wuth the erection of the monu- 
 ment, in regard to which it was desirable that justice should be 
 done to Mr. Willard without doing injustice to any other party. — 
 These relate to the authorship of the design and the name of the 
 architect — two matters that have been controverted. The author- 
 ship of the design has been denied to him and earnestly claimed 
 for another ; and the plate under the corner-stone bears the name of 
 a gentleman as architect who never had anything to do with the 
 ])lanning or execution of the work, and does not bear the name of 
 Mr. Willard. Although these were matters of more or less notori- 
 ety during the progress of the work, Mr. TVillard spoke of them 
 only on one occasion, never preferring any claim in his own behalf ; 
 and, as the real and only architect, with his own hands, placed 
 the untruthful deposit under the present corner-stone, without a 
 murmur of displeasure. Few men, we think, with less faith in the 
 justice of a final public judgment, would have passed these matters 
 over in silence. 
 
 In the course of the narrative, wherever it has been practicable 
 to do so, the author has preferred to allow all parties to speak for 
 themselves, quoting letters not intended for the public eye, rather 
 than using language of his own ; and very rarely has he taken the 
 
author’s note. 
 
 7 
 
 liberty of changing a word or making any correction in style. This 
 rule has been applied particularly to Mr. Willard and his letters ; 
 and most of the statements made are in the words of their au- 
 thors or the record. In one or two instances, the chronological 
 progression of the narrative sutfers some violation, but it was 
 thought better to submit to this irregularity than to anticipate 
 reliable authorities and disturb other connections. 
 
 In regard to the preparation of the memoir, the author deems it 
 only justice to himself to say that it has been prepared at moments 
 of time taken from other duties, or while making daily passages 
 in the railroad cars to and from a residence out of the city. It may 
 also be interesting to some readers to know that the setting of the 
 type for the entire volume, reading proof-sheets, &c., have been 
 performed by him in the same way — portions of the work having 
 been composed in type without any previously written copy. 
 
 The press work and printing of the plates, have been done at 
 the office of Messrs. George C. Band & Avery, to whom personal 
 acknowledgments are due for many kindnesses during its progress. 
 
 The materials used in the preparation of this volume have been 
 obtained from papers and books of Mr. AVillard, furnished by his 
 brother and administrator. Mi'. Cephas AA'illard of Petersham ; from 
 a portion of the letters and papers of the late Mr. Amos Lawrence ; 
 and from the records of the Monument Association. The author 
 is also indebted to Mr. G. Washington AA'arren-, President of the 
 Association, for the use of valuable papers, and to various iudivid 
 uals who were personally acquainted with Mr. AVillard, for facts 
 and information which have been of service. 
 
 May 1st, I860. 
 
 AV. w. ^v. 
 
STATEBIENT OF CONTENTS. 
 
 9 
 
 STATEMENT OF CONTENTS. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 Inteoductory — Boston. 
 
 Mr. Willard not a native of Boston ; Liberal and generous character of the 
 people of Boston ; Their encour.agement of worth and merit ; Eminent 
 names in the history of the city ; Mr. Wdlai’d belongs to the class of 
 “ self-made” men ; The value of such men and the lessons they leave to 
 
 His coming to Boston — Bh'th and parentage ; His ancestry ; Major Simon 
 Willard, from England ; His arrival in this country, in 1634 ; His public 
 character and services ; His death at Charlestovrn ; Major WiUard Moore at 
 Bunker Hill ; Rev. Samuel Willard, President of Harvard University ; His 
 personal characteristics ; Solomon Willard’s Early Life ; His employments 
 and ingenuity ; His perseverance and personal characteristics. 21 — 26 
 
 Commenced as a Carpenter ; His economy and success ; Work on the Exchange 
 Coffee House ; Improvement of his mind and purchase of Books ; Working 
 as a Draughtsman and Carver in wood ; Work for Peter Banner and Charles 
 Bulfinch, architects ; Carving of a Colossal Eagle for the Custom House ; 
 The Eagle on the Beacon Hill Monument ; The Beacon and Monument ; Re- 
 erection of the Beacon Hill Blonument suggested — BIr. Willard’s progress in 
 Carving ; Carving of figure-heads and a bust of Washington. 27 — 33 
 
 the young ; Mi-. Willard’s cultivation, &c. 
 
 17 — 20 
 
 CHilPTER H. 
 
 Nr. Willard’s Ancestors — H is Early Life. 
 
 CHiiPTER HI. 
 
 His Employiient in Boston. 
 
 9 . 
 
10 
 
 STATEMENT OF CONTENTS. 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 Visits to the South — St.\tue of Washington. 
 
 Mr. Willard visits the South ; Spends three months in Richmond, engaged in 
 Carving, &c. ; Also at Baltimore and New York ; Proposed Statue of Wash- 
 ington; Model in AVax after rioudon’s Statue at Richmond; Destroyed in 
 its transportation from Richmond to Boston, and the undertaldng relinquish- 
 ed ; Chantrey’s Statue at the State House ; Visit to Mr. Rush at Philadel- 
 phia ; Drawing of the Water Nymph” ; Mr. Rush’s compliment; Al- 
 pheus Carey’s opinion of Mr. WiUard. 34 — 37 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 Modelling — The Capitol at AVasuington. 
 
 Letter from Mr. Charles Bulflnch ; Visit to AVashington ; Model of the Capi- 
 tol ; Exhibited to Mr. AVillard’s friends at AVashington, (not Boston, as in the 
 text) ; Invitation to carve the ceilings of the Congressional Rooms declined ; 
 Rooms in New York ; Models of the Pantheon and Parthenon. 38 — 41 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 Cabving in Stone — St. Paul’s Church — Teaching. 
 
 New studies ; Carving marble panels for Mr. David Sears ; Stone work on St. 
 Paul’s chui’ch ; Its portico and pediment ; Proposed Scripture piece ; the 
 U. S. Branch Bank at Boston ; Teaching ; Designing and building Suffolk 
 County Court House. 42 — 44 
 
 CHAl^TER VU. 
 
 New Heating Apparatus — The Hot-Air Furnace. 
 
 Pursuits in Boston ; Building and warming houses ; Franklin’s fii-e-place 
 and Count Rumford’s cooking range ; Use of Sea coal ; Development of 
 coal in this country ; Invention of a hot-air furnace, and its introduction ; 
 English inventions ; Furnaces for the capital at Washington. 45 — 51 
 
 CHAPTER VIH. 
 
 Boston Mechanics’ Institution. 
 
 Harmony between the Mercantile and Mechanical professions ; The spirit of 
 the Revolution exemplified in the formation of the Mechanics’ Institution ; 
 Officers and members ; Mr. AVillard one of the Vice Presidents ; Mr. Ever- 
 ett’s lecture, 1827 ; Mr. AVebster’s lecture, 1828 ; After ten years of exist 
 ence its effects given to the Mass. Charitable Mechanic Association. 52 — 57 
 
STATEMENT OF CONTENTS. 
 
 11 
 
 CHAPTEE IX. 
 
 Me. Willaed’s geeat woek — Bunkee Hill Monument. 
 
 His idea of the work and devotion to it ; Incorporation of the Bunker Hill 
 Monument Association ; Address to the Public ; Plans for the monument ; 
 Mr. Willard elected a member of the Association ; Circular of the Standing 
 Committee ; Measures to obtain subscriptions ; Address to the Selectmen of 
 the towns in the Commonwealth. 68 — 69 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 Selection of a Design for the Monument. 
 
 Designs by Mr. Willard ; The corporation propose a monument 220 feet high ; 
 Another plan by Mr. Willard, for public exhibition ; Premium offered for a 
 design ; Thanks to Mr. Willard for his plans ; Letter from Mr. Everett and 
 reply ; Discussion of a design ; First, Second and Third Committees ; Final 
 Report on the subject ; Letter from Mr. Willard ; Report of Building com- 
 mittee ; Dimensions of the proposed obelisk. 70 — 81 
 
 CHAPTER XL 
 
 Authorship of the Design for the Monument. 
 
 Imperfect account of the proceedings respecting the design ; The premium not 
 awarded ; Employment of Alexander Parris ; Letter to George Ticknor ; 
 Inscription plate and the name of the architect on it ; Robert MiOs’s letter 
 and claim ; Remarks on the subject. 82 — 92 
 
 CHAPTER XII. 
 
 Ceremony op Laying the Corner-Stone. 
 
 Mr. Willard not engaged ; Presence of General Lafayette ; National pride and 
 popular interest ; Numbers of people assembled ; Procession ; Oration by 
 Daniel Webster ; The corner-stone. 93 — 97 
 
 CHAPTER XIII. 
 
 Election of Architect and Superintendent. 
 
 Mr. Willard chosen October, 1825, by the Building Committee ; His qualifica- 
 tions for the work ; The contract with him ; His letter to George Ticknor, 
 proposing a plan for doing the work ; His “salary” and preparations for 
 commencing the work. 98 — 106 
 
 CHAPTER XIV. 
 
 Purchase of the Bunker Hill Quarry. 
 
 Mr. Willard’s explorations for a quarry ; His idea of the work ; Purchase of 
 the Bunker Hill Quarry ; Its distance from Bunker Hill ; Remarks of the 
 Building Committee on the purchase ; Estimate of a quarry ; The Director’s 
 estimate of an architect. 107 — 112 
 
12 
 
 STATEMENT OF CONTENTS. 
 
 CHAPTER XV. 
 
 The Railway Enterprise and Contract. 
 
 Introduction of the Railway system into the country ; Petition for an act of 
 Incorporation ; Act approved by the Governor, 1826 ; The contract to cari-y 
 the stone to Charlestown ; Dissatisfaction with the Railway. 113 — 118 
 
 CHAPTER XVI. 
 
 Preliminary work on the Monument. 
 
 Preparations for proceeding with the work ; Opening and clearing the ledge, 
 and making roads ; Expenses of dressing stone ; Expiration of the archi- 
 tect’s engagement ; His letter and plans for the work ; A meeting of the 
 building committee at Quincy, and satisfaction with the work. 119 — 123 
 
 CHAPTER XVII. 
 
 New Contract and Instructions. 
 
 The new contract with the Architect on a salary ; His intention to have his ex- 
 penses paid and not a salary ; Instructions for the work. 124 — 127 
 
 CHAPTER XVlIl. 
 
 Misunderstandino and Reconciliation. 
 
 It is not intended to revive misunderstandings ; Various causes of dissatisfac- 
 tion ; The architect gives up the woric ; Note from Amos Lawrence and his 
 reply ; Letter from General Dearborn ; The architect returns to the work ; 
 Subscriptions of the architect and the workmen. 128 — 134 
 
 CHAPTER XIX. 
 
 Legislative aid to the Monument. 
 
 Extract from the message of Governor Eustis ; Grant of the Legislature in 
 hammering stone at the State Prison ; Authority to the corporation to take 
 land for its purposes ; The cannons “ Hancock” and “ Adams” deposited in 
 the monument ; The legislative grant changed to a grant in money : Fun 
 among the dealers in lottery tickets in Boston. 135 — 140 
 
 CHAPTER XX. 
 
 Contracts and work on the Monument. 
 
 The making of several contracts for different portions of the work ; Pro- 
 gress of the work in 1827 ; The cost of a course stated ; Experiments and 
 cost of the work ; Progress in 1828 ; Vote complimentary to the architect ; 
 Letter from Amos Lawrence ; The architect’s original plans. 141 — 164 
 
STATEMENT OF CONTENTS. 
 
 13 
 
 CHAPTER XXL 
 
 Suspension of the woek — Discharge of Me. Willard — Proposed 
 
 Sale of the Land. 
 
 Progress of the work and the conclusion arrived at ; Disadvantage of inade- 
 quate means ; The Land mortgaged and the work suspended ; Annual meet- 
 ing of the Association, 1829 ; New Building Committee ; Letter from Gen- 
 eral Dearborn to the architect ; Laying out the Land ; Amos Lawrence’s de- 
 sh-e to save the whole battle-field ; His remarks on the subject. 155 — 161 
 
 CHAPTER XXII. 
 
 Difficulties in Enterprises — Plans for the prosecution of 
 
 THE Work — 1830. 
 
 Difficulties and obstacles in enterprises ; Probable mistake of the Directors ; 
 Plans for resuming the work ; j\D's. Sarah J. Hale’s effort and its failure ; 
 Address of Edward Everett and a new appeal to the legislature ; Pamphlet 
 list of contributors and act of incorporation. 162 — 166 
 
 CHAPTER XXIII. 
 
 Interruption in the Government — Efforts of the Mechanics’ 
 Association — 1831 — 1833 
 
 Annual meeting, 1831 ; Eruption of a political party into the association ; They 
 left the work as they Ibund it ; Annual meeting, 1832 ; Effoi’ts of the Me- 
 chanics’ Association ; Mr. Everett’s Address, 1833. 167 — 172 
 
 CHAPTER XXIV. 
 
 Report of the Committee — Mr. Willard’s Review of it. 
 
 Report of the sub-committee of the Mechanics’ Association ; Its statements re- 
 viewed by the architect in a letter to Mr. Sullivan. 173 — 185 
 
 CHAPTER XXV. 
 
 Effort of the Mechanics’ Association — Sale of the Land : 
 1831 TO 1839. 
 
 Recommencement of the work ; i\Ir. Willard again employed ; Report on the 
 sale of the land ; Land sold. [JVole : Visits of President Jackson and Hen- 
 ry Clay to Bunker HiU. Addressed by Mr. Everett.] 186 — 190 
 
 CHAPTER XXVI. 
 
 New efforts for completing the Monument — The Ladies’ Fair: 
 1840 TO 1843. 
 
 Unfinished condition of the monument felt by the people ; Authority for holding 
 a Fair ; The Ladies’ Fair and its successful results ; Donations of Amos Law- 
 rence and Judah Touro ; Raising the cap-stone. 191 — 196 
 
14 
 
 STATEMENT OF CONTENTS. 
 
 CHAPTER XXVII. 
 
 Celebration of the Completion op the Monument — 1843. 
 
 Celebration of 1843 ; President Tyler and liis Cabinet present ; IMr. Webster’s 
 Oration — Extracts ; “ The work is done,” &c. Amos Lawrence. [J\Toie : 
 Death of Hugh S. Lcgare and Phineas Johnson.] 197 — 203 
 
 CHAPTER XXYlll. 
 
 Cost op the Bunker Hill Monument. 
 
 Considerations on the cost of the Monument ; Colonel Baldwin’s estimate and 
 Mr. Willard’s remarks upon it ; His statement of the actual cost of the work ; 
 Remarks from his published book. 204 — 213 
 
 CHAPTER XXIX. 
 
 Location and Description op Bunker Hill Monument. 
 
 Cliarlestown a peninsula with three hUls ; Location of the monument and the 
 views from the hill ; Its object and purposes ; Description of the monument 
 and its parts ; Tlie completed monument satisfactory to the Directors ; Its 
 Height and the dimensions of its parts. 214 — 224 
 
 CHAPTER XXX. 
 
 Mr. Willard as Architect and Builder — 1824 — 1835. 
 
 His duties at the quarry and the hill ; U. S. Branch Bank ; The monument at 
 Concord ; Rev. Dr. Ripley ; NorfoUi County Court House ; Harvard Monu- 
 ment ; Mr. Willard in the Stone business ; Survey of a railro.ad to Brattle- 
 borough ; Building of Bowdoin-street church ; Contracts m New Bedford ; 
 Building of the Court House in Boston. 225 — 230 
 
 CHAPTER XXXI. 
 
 New York Merchants’ Exchange — 1836 — 1841. 
 
 Contract for Stone and correspondence ; Organization of workmen on stone 
 work ; Management of the quarry ; Prejudice among the dealers ; Visit of 
 the President of the Exchange Company to the quarry ; Number of work- 
 men employed and amount of stone quarried ; Number of columns and their 
 cost ; Completion of the work ; Visits to New York. 231 — 237 
 
STATEMENT OF CONTENTS. 
 
 15 
 
 CHAPTER XXXIII. 
 
 The Stone Business — Mr. Willard as a Farmer. 
 
 Objects in engaging in the Stone business ; Jealousy of dealers ; Success of his 
 efforts in introducing Granite ; Boston Merchants’ Exchange ; The Hall 
 Cemetery ; Engaging in Agricultural pursuits. 238 — 242 
 
 CHAPTER XXXIV. 
 
 Introduction of Granite and Machinery. 
 
 Use of large blocks of Granite and improvement in architecture ; Dry Docks, 
 Astor and Tremont Houses, Blocks of Stores, &c. ; Introduction of machin- 
 ery, (with illustrations, 1, 3, 4 and 5.) 243 — 249 
 
 CHAPTER XXXV. 
 
 Closing Labors of Mr. Willard’s Life — His death. 
 
 Continued residence in Quincy ; Granite paving-stones ; Gliddon’s Lectures ; ■ 
 Savings Bank in New York ; Town House in Quincy ; School house in West 
 Quincy ; Building a road to the “ new state” — the last labor in which Mr. 
 Willard engaged ; His sudden death at the age of 77 years 8 months ; His 
 funeral obsequies ; Respect of his townsmen towards him. 250 — 255 
 
 CHAPTER XXXVI. 
 
 Personal Appearance and Character of Mr. Willard. 
 
 His thoughtful and studious habits ; Faithfulness ; Standing as a workman ; 
 Cultivation of his intellectual and physical faculties ; Personal appearance ; 
 Tlie charge of eccentricity ; Interest in West Quincy ; The “ Rejected Col- 
 umn;” Evidences of his skill, industry and benevolence. 256 — 261 
 
16 
 
 APPENDIX — ILLUSTRATIONS. 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 1. Beacon Hill Monument. 
 
 2. Willard Memoir — Letter to the President of the 
 
 Monument Association. 
 
 3. First Eeport op the Committee. 
 
 4. Public Monuments in Massachusetts. 
 
 5. Statuary in Massachusetts. 
 
 ILLUSTEATIONS. 
 
 View of Bunker Hill Monument — From a Photograph. 
 View of Beacon Hill Monument — From a painting hy Sully. 
 
 1. Diagram of the First Course and Corner-Stone of Bunker 
 
 Hill Monument. 
 
 2. Sectional View of Bunker Hill Monument. 
 
 3. Diagram of the Lifting Jack, — with side, interior and front 
 
 views of the same. 
 
 4. Diagram of the Pulling Jack, for removing large and heavy 
 
 blocks of stone. 
 
 5. Diagram of the Hoisting Jack, for loading columns, pilas- 
 
 ters and other heavy blocks. 
 
MEMOIR 
 
 OF 
 
 SOLOMON MMLLARD. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 INTRODUCTORY — BOSTON. 
 
 Solomon Willard was not a native but a voluntary citizen 
 of Boston; and although at one time disposed to take up his 
 residence in another city, and actually locating himself there, he 
 soon returned to Boston as his most congenial home. 
 
 Bostonians are proud of their city, its history and its honor- 
 able names in the various walks of business, in public and pri- 
 vate life. Her citizens have been distinguished as patriots and 
 heroes, and professionally as lawyers, statesmen, clergymen, and 
 in the departments of art, science and literature. They are 
 known in history and biography, and bear a fame down to pos- 
 terity as enduring as language, wliich, whatever may be said of 
 the self-complacency of the people, will forever justify the right 
 of the city to appreciate its own. It is a testimonial to her lib- 
 erality and the generous nature of her people that no distinctions 
 are made, in the award of merit or in the contest of excellence, 
 between native and voluntary citizens ; those of the household 
 and those who seek its shelter and its consideration. The road 
 3 
 
18 
 
 MEMOIR OP SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 to distinction has been ever open to all competitors, titled or not 
 titled, and merit, made more apparent by the obstacles it has to 
 encounter, is assured of its position and its honor. Pretension 
 everywhere has its achievements and for a time revels in success, 
 but true woi’th always finds its appreciation and rew'ard among 
 an intelligent people. It may not be entirely peculiar, but it is 
 deemed characteristic of the people of Boston, that those who 
 have come into her fold have found as ready employment, consid- 
 eration and honor, as those born into it. This is her early and 
 later history, and numerous illustrations, more or less conspicu- 
 ous, arc to be found in her annals. Commendable as this may 
 be in her life and honorable to her judgment, her generosity and 
 her patriotism, it is almost too much to believe that mistakes or 
 omissions have not happened in which injustice has been done to 
 worthy motives and a reasonable ambition. But as the rule, en- 
 couragement and appreciation have been bestowed upon all who 
 have taken up their abode with her people, whether coming to 
 them over the hills of New England or the waves of the Atlan- 
 tic. The guerdon of learning, the stamp of genius, the odor of 
 sanctity, the oriflamme of patriotism, have been recognized by the 
 citizens of Boston, more readily and more surely than any 
 hereditary claims to position or consequence, or the flaunting of 
 any token of imperial favor. And not this alone, not merely 
 achieved prominence or distinction, but humble effort, immature 
 merit, aspiring hopefulness, in science or art, in learning or la- 
 bor, have rarely failed to meet that encouragement which rightly 
 and earnestly directed effort is entitled to receive. 
 
 Boston has honored herself in this : The list of ivorthy names 
 which adorns her history, of men who have ornamented her so- 
 ciety, directed her councils, represented her in the state and fed- 
 eral governments, graced and honored her professions, promoted 
 her wealth and prosperity as merchants and mechanics, and who 
 have in a more than poetic sense, lived in her life, includes those 
 of many who were not born on her soil and inherited none of her 
 greatness though they now bear a proud share in it. Bevere and 
 
MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 19 
 
 Franklin were her’s ; Hancock and Otis were her’s ; Samu- 
 el Adams and the Phillipses, the Jacksons, the Sullivans and 
 the Lowells, were her’s; but the names of Warren, Adams, 
 Quincy, Dexter, Gerry, Mason, Story, Webster, Bowditch, 
 Choate, the Lawrences and others, and many more among 
 the living, are her’s only by voluntary residence and adoption ; 
 in the Avhispered words of another to our private ear, “ they had 
 their nests in the woods.” She has welcomed and nurtured and 
 honored these, as her own children, and they have faithfully giv- 
 en back to her their labors, their success, their thoughts, their 
 unforgotten names, and side by side with her own, and as her 
 OAvn, they stand upon the pages of her history. They are no 
 less than others, her jewels, and form with them her chaplet of 
 fame, her constellation of patriotic and high-souled men. 
 
 ♦ The subject of this memoir, in other countries, where other 
 laws prevail, where different institutions e.xist, where merit at- 
 taches to position, or is compelled to seek it for countenance and 
 support, would hardly be considered as entitled to this distinc- 
 tion, by the higher classes, nor would it be demanded by those 
 less favored who could not bestow it. The class, — it seems as 
 though we might almost say race, — to which Mr. Willard most 
 unequivocally belongs, though not wholly unknown in some oth- 
 er of the civilized and progressive nations, is believed to be pecu- 
 liar to our own country, born with its birth — existing even be- 
 fore its birth as a nation — and growing with its growth, with a 
 vigor which proves its congeniality, if not its indigenousness to 
 tlie soil. The laws, it is true, or the absence of them, have un- 
 doubtedly somethmg to do with this : neither making or allowing 
 any distinctions between elder and younger sons, or men as men ; 
 but leaving every one at liberty to seek his own improvement, 
 promote his own wel&re, work out as it were, under God alone, 
 his own destiny, making his mark if he can, or writing his full 
 name as he may, upon the page of history or the scroll of fame. 
 Born, it may be, in obscurity or retirement, Avith no inherited 
 claim to prominence, often Avitli no education but that furnished 
 
20 
 
 MEMOIR OF SOLOMON AVILLARD. 
 
 by a half yearly public school ; "with no endoAvment of wealth 
 or prestige of position ; in fact often amidst deprivation, labor 
 and hardship — those parents of perseverance and skill — men 
 among us have rvorked their Avay to high positions of usefulness 
 and honor, — as if the very point from which they started, and 
 the way they Avere compelled to travel, Avere alike necessary to 
 that developement of energy and intellect which has made them 
 men among men equal Avith the highest peer of them all. The 
 lives of such men are of great advantage to community, in all 
 the departments of science, learning, literature and the arts of 
 life, for they are inventive and progressive men ; and the lessons 
 they aflbrd are by no means the least of the benefits they confer 
 upon the Avhole human family. They adorn the times in which 
 they live, and leave, besides the wealth of their intellect, an ex- 
 ample to be followed by succeeding generations, Avhich the histo>- 
 rian of men should not fail to record. 
 
 Mr. Willard was one of this class of men and minds — so re- 
 ceived, so Avelcomed, so encouraged, so appreciated by the people 
 of Boston. He Avas endowed by nature Avith a mind of origi- 
 nal mechanical and artistic thought, combining tact and talent, 
 which were developed by self-effort and judicious self-cultiva- 
 tion, — some of processes and means and results of which we 
 shall see and endeavor to illustrate in the course of this narra- 
 tive of his life and labor. 
 
MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 21 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 MR. Willard’s ancestors — nis early life. 
 
 Mr. Willard came to Boston in early life, a “rough ash- 
 lar,” to seek employment, to learn a trade, labor and obtain an 
 honest living, — and sec, as many others have done and thought, 
 what shall come of it. Not as “-waiting for something to turn 
 up,” but rather to turn something up and see what activity, eir- 
 ergy and industry, directed by the best lights open to him, 
 might be able to accomplish. 
 
 He was born at Petersham, Worcester County, Massachusetts, 
 on the 26th of June, 178-3. His father, known as Deacon Wil- 
 liam Willard, was a native of Biddeford, Maine, and his mother, 
 Katherine Wilder, of Lancaster, Massachusetts. They W'ere 
 married November 22, 1763. William Willard was the son of 
 Rev. Samuel Willard of Biddeford, who was the son of Maj. John 
 Willard of Port Royal, Jamaica, and grandson of Rev. Samuel 
 Willard, D. D. pastor of the Old South Church and Vice Pre- 
 sident of Harvard College. As the last named Samuel was a 
 son of Major Simon Willard, the first emigrant and military 
 leader of his time, Solomon Willard, the subject of this memoir, 
 was a direct descendant from that noted man, of the sixth gener- 
 ation, as follows : 1. Simon, the first emigrant ; 2. Samuel, the 
 Vice President of Harvard College ; 3. John, of Jamaica, tra- 
 der; 4. Samuel, of Biddeford; 5. William, of Petersham; 6. 
 Solomon, the architect. 
 
 William Willard had two brothers, Rev. John Willard, D. D. 
 
22 
 
 MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 of Stafford, Connecticut, and Rev. Joseph Willard,* the four- 
 teenth President of Harvard College, father of Joseph Willard, 
 Clerk of the Superior Court, Suffolk Co., at the present time, 
 (1803,) and author of the “Willard Memoir.” William was 
 the father of eleven children, and Solomon was the youngest but 
 one ; two of them died in early life. The Rev. Samuel Willard, 
 of Deerfield, known as the Blind Preacher, and yet rein,ember- 
 cd by many persons in this vicinity, who have listened to his 
 discourses with peculiar interest, was a brother 5f Solomon. His 
 hlindness iras caused by grief and over-use and a similar cause 
 bi’ought the same deprivation upon his son. His fimiliarity with 
 the Billie and Psalm Books was remarkable, and his memory 
 was so retentive and firm that he was able, with slight prepara- 
 tion, to perform all the services of the pulpit ivithout authorizing 
 a suspicion of his blindness. 
 
 IMajor Simon Willard, above mentioned, was a native of Hors- 
 monden, County of Kent, England, and w'as baptized on the 7th 
 of April, 1605. He came to this country with his sister Mar- 
 gery and his half brother George, in the year 1634, and was 
 three times married — his second and third wives being near rel- 
 atives of President Dunster, of Harvard University. It seems 
 that lie held a military commission in England. Soon after his 
 arrival here he was engaged in the public service, and besides 
 filling numerous civil offices, as a military teacher and leader 
 served the colony for nearly forty years. He first settled at 
 Cambridge ; was the principal purchaser of Concord from the 
 Indians ; removed from Concord to Lancaster ; thence to Gro- 
 ton — and finally to Charlestown, where he tiled. He was a 
 leadinj:; man in all these towns, and a laro;e landholder, havin'}- 
 received several grants of land for his various public services. 
 
 * This uncle of Solomon tVillard was inaugurated as President of the College 
 on the 19th of December, 1781, under Governor Hancock, and held the office 
 until his death, .Sej^tember 15th, 1804, within a few days of the coming of his 
 nephew to seek his fortune in Boston. 
 
MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 23 
 
 It would require a large space simply to enumerate the vari- 
 ous public offices held, and public duties performed, by Major 
 Simon Willard, during the forty years of bis pubbc life. He 
 Avas ‘ Clerk of the AVrits’ at Concord, for nineteen years, by elec- 
 tion ; deputy and representative for fifteen years ; assistant for 
 tAventy years. He was the surveyor of arms ; superintendent 
 of the fur trade ; commissioner and negotiator for numerous im- 
 portant pm-poses relative to tOA\ms, lioundaries, the Indians, &c. 
 He Avas for more than tAventy years in command of the Middle- 
 sex Regiment ; for much of the time on the frontier towns, de- 
 fending them against the incursions of the tidians ; Avas the 
 leader of the expedition against Ninigret, the Narraganset sa- 
 chem, and near the time of his death, unable to discharge his 
 civil duties by reason of his military services, he Avas actively 
 engaged in King Philip’s AA^ar. TAvice he had the subject of 
 “ the Concord and Sudbury meadoAA's” in his hands — an impor- 
 tant interest, not yet after the lapse of more than tA \"0 centuries, 
 finally disposed of. There is scarcely any kind of service need- 
 ed of a public man in those early times, that Major AVillard 
 did not render to the colony : in making and administering the 
 laAvs, preparing for Avar and conquering peace, regulating trade, 
 settling controversies and tOAvn difficulties, buying and dividing 
 lands, &c. His house at Groton having been burnt by the In- 
 dians, in March, 1675, his family fled to Charlestown, where 
 he died on the 24th day of April, 1676, (4th of May, N. S.) 
 Major Willard Avas the father of seventeen children, and his de- 
 scendants of the 6th generation are estimated at 10,976 ; of the 
 8th generation, 239,057. 
 
 In speaking of one of his descendants, Major AA^illard Moore, it 
 is said, “At the battle of Bunker Hill, he was a Major in a ncAV 
 regiment raised at Cambridge, of which Colonel Doolittle was 
 commander. In the absence of the Colonel, the command of the 
 regiment devolved upon Major AA^illard Moore. ‘He was early 
 in the field, and took a prominent post of danger. . . . He 
 
 Avas Avounded, and fell in the second charge of the enemy upon 
 
24 
 
 MEMOIR OP SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 the lines. lie received another wound through the body, as his 
 men were carrying him from the field, which proved fatal.’ At 
 the foot of that hill reposed in peace the remains of his great- 
 grandfather, Major Simon Willard.”* 
 
 The Rev. Samuel Willard, D. D., was the seventh President 
 of Harvard College, the General Court, by its votes having ex- 
 cluded President Increase Mather and appointed Dr. Willard, 
 on the same day, 6th of September, 1701. He held the office 
 under the title of Vice President, for more than six years, and 
 discharged the duties of the office to great acceptance. “Willard 
 was cpiiet, retiring, phlegmatic and unpretending. . . 
 
 His life had been devoted to professional research and pastoral 
 duties. His study was the scene of his private labors ; his 
 church the theatre of his public action. These had constituted 
 a sphere of usefulness, to which his ambition had been limited ; 
 which he did not quit until after repeated legislative applications, 
 for one higher and wider, and then with reluctance. ”f 
 
 It is remarkable how nearly some of these personal character- 
 istics were reproduced in the subject of this memoir, a hundred 
 years later. The Doctor’s independence of character, as illus- 
 trated in the following extract, was not less conspicuous in Mr. 
 Solomon Willard : “Amid the agitations consequent on that in- 
 sanity of the age, denominated ‘The Salem Witchcraft,’ the con- 
 duct of Willard was marked by prudence, firmness and courage. 
 He neither yielded to the current, nor feared to cast the weight 
 of his opmion pul^licly in opposition to the prevailing delusion ; 
 an independence the more remarkable and honorable, as Stough- 
 ton and SeAvall, two of the Judges of the Court of trial, men of 
 great influence in the Province, both his personal friends, and 
 the latter a principal member of his church, were deeply infect- 
 ed by the distemper of the times. He died on the 12th of 
 
 * Willard Memoir, or Life and Times of Maj 9 r Simon Willard, by Joseph 
 AVillard, p. 391. 1858. 
 
 t Quincy’.s History of Harvard University. t Ibid. 
 
MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 25 
 
 September, 1707. His son Josiah held the office of Tutor in 
 the University, and was afterwards Secretary of the Province 
 of Massachusetts Bay, earning in this office the sobriquet of 
 “the good Secretary.” 
 
 Of Solomon Willard’s early life we have only some general 
 information ; and this, of small importance in most cases, is per- 
 haps less essential in Mr. Willard’s, whose early career was of 
 a most common character — and yet, bred a man of industry, 
 perseverance, self-reliance and energy, he was sure to leave an 
 impress of himself upon whatever he touched. His brother, Ce- 
 phas Willard, of Petersham, writes of him, “My brother had 
 no advantages but a common school of that day. He acquired 
 easily and made good proficiency. His employment was mainly 
 agricultural. His father was a carpenter and joiner, and in 
 dull weather and in winter, Solomon was employed in the shop, — 
 not with the expectation of learning a trade, but to fill up his 
 time in some useful employment. He was very ingenious and 
 would perform skilfully many things in the mechanic arts. He 
 labored upon the farm until about the first of August after his 
 majority, and in October, 1804, he left home for Boston.” 
 
 These few lines indicate Mr. Willard’s birth, parentage and 
 education — such as belong to the history of thousands of young 
 men born and nurtured, i. e. made useful, in Hew England. — 
 There is nothing peculiar in it — nothing important, unless it 
 be in the general absence of all advantage of position, means 
 and influence, sometimes supposed to be necessary to success. It 
 is no disparagement to the boy -nano reflection upon the interest 
 of the parent — to say that, besides being occupied “in some 
 useful employment,” he was left, to develope himself, like a 
 tree in the field, expected and permitted, in due time, to bear its 
 own fruit, with such care alone as the husbandman can give it 
 in common with the rest. 
 
 There is no doubt that he labored faithfully for his father dur- 
 ing his minority, and it is equally certain that the latter was re- 
 quired to do nothing for him after that period. He attended the 
 4 
 
26 
 
 MEMOIR OP SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 tOAvn school in winter, and employed such portions of time as 
 were granted to him, with a borrowed book or two, for his own 
 improvement in gratifying his thirst for knowledge. He is said 
 at this time to have been persevering and indefatigable in what- 
 ever he undertook to accomplish ; achieving triumphs, under the 
 circumstances, in mechanical and intellectual pursuits, — opening 
 the doors of knowledge and invention to himself ; often no doubt, 
 surprised by the discovery of things and their relations, princi- 
 ples and their application, known long before his renowned mili- 
 tary ancestor was born. It is no marvel that in after years, the 
 mind which had worked out old discoveries for itself, should 
 work out new ones for others. The latter were no more discov- 
 eries to him, from the original workings of his mind, than the 
 former, as both were the result of the same thoughtfulness and 
 study, the same combinations and the same capacity for investi- 
 gation and calculation. 
 
 In his youth Mr. Willard exhibited other qualities, which af- 
 terwards became characteristic of his life and conduct. He was 
 of gentle manners, amiable, kind and obliging ; careful, faith- 
 ful and considerate. Heady, we imagine, as in after life, to en- 
 ter upon any new undertaking which promised to call forth the 
 energies and inventive powers of his mind, and more especially 
 if something no one else Avould undertake, or in which others 
 had failed. In such a case he would accomplish the desired ob- 
 ject or end, or show how it could be done, as a matter of course 
 and not as a success, much less as a triumph for himself His 
 brother relates of him that ii:^ his study of Euclid, a copy of 
 of which some way came into his possession, the problem which 
 puzzled him at night, as he pored over it after the rest of the 
 family had retired, was sure to be found mastered on his slate 
 in the morning. 
 
MEMOIR OP SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 27 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 HIS EMPLOYMENT IN BOSTON. 
 
 Mr. Willard’s first work in Boston has been variously stat- 
 ed. Mr. Alpheus Carey, who knew him well for many years, says 
 he “commenced to learn the trade of a carpenter and the first 
 work he did was to fit with the broad axe a set of piles for the 
 building of a wharf, and notwithstanding the coarseness of the 
 work, he said his master taught him one good habit, and that 
 was to keep his tools always in good order.” He never forgot 
 this lesson, or failed to give the principle it inculcated a broad 
 application. Mr. Willard’s own record, probably of this trans- 
 action, shows that he worked for Pond & Gale, ten days at fifty 
 cents per day (and board,) and the amount is entered under the 
 date of 10th November, 1804. The next thirteen days he was 
 employed by Salmon Morton, at the same rate of compensation. 
 But this kind of labor and its proportionate pay could not long 
 engage the attention of a mechanic of Mr. Willard’s capacity. 
 He was one who always worked with his head as well as hands, 
 and in doing a piece of work himself, or seeing another do it, his 
 immediate thought would be whether it could not be done in 
 some easier, quicker, or cheaper way, or in a more perfect 
 manner. 
 
 Before the end of his fii’st year in Boston, Mr. Willard had 
 worked for several parties, had paid his personal expenses, made 
 purchase of tools, books, &c. and on the 12th of October, 1805, 
 “received of Salmon Morton two hundred dollars, due for eight 
 
28 
 
 MEMOIR OP SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 months’ work, Avith money lent.” It ayouIcI appear that he had 
 supported himself ai\d furnished his employer with a part of his 
 working capital in the first year of his freedom. Three months 
 later, besides visiting the paternal roof and making — what 
 was then a journey — a visit to Providence, he had money to let, 
 and took a note of William Willard for two hundred and five 
 dollars, which was subsequently paid by installments. It must 
 not be inferred from these statements of his prudence and thrift 
 that Mr. Willard was a penurious or an avaricious man, — he 
 was neither the one of the other, — but free and liberal always, 
 spending his money for useful, practical and profitable purposes, 
 and not otherwise ; often for means of instruction and improve- 
 ment, but seldom for mere recreation. 
 
 In 1808, Mr. Willard, still working at the trade of a carpen- 
 ter, was employed upon the famous Exchange Coffee House, an 
 immense and costly structure, in the rear of State-street, and 
 extending from Congress to Hevonshire-street. This building, 
 combining the hotel and merchants’ exchange, was at the time 
 of its erection, one of the largest and most pretentious buildings 
 in the country, and was almost as remarkable for its architec- 
 tural designs and arrangements as for its great height, numerous 
 apartments and spacious accommodations. There were in this 
 edifice three principal stair-cases, of which the grand spiral pile, 
 on the southerly side of the building, which extended from 
 the basement story to the roof and intended especially for the 
 hotel, was built by Mr. Willard, and Avas a work of considerable 
 calculation, judgment and skill in the joiner’s art. Probably 
 there was no piece of joiner’s work in the country at that time 
 Avhich would compare Avith it, in spaciousness, achitecture or 
 finish. It w,as some slight preparation for the construction, 
 many years afterAvards, of the winding steps leading to the top of 
 Bunker Hill Monument. Mr. Willard was engaged upon this 
 edifice for several months, until the 8th of December, 1808. 
 He had previously had some experience in stair-work, which 
 has since then become a distinct branch of carpentry. As this 
 
MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 29 
 
 building was seven stories bigh, and contained a central rotunda 
 with galleries and an immense dome, it included much elaborate 
 •work in various styles of architecture by the best artists of the 
 time, and was a very useful study for Mr. Willard. No doubt 
 he profitted by the opportunity it alforded. This costly building 
 was destroyed by fire on the 3d of November, 1818, and the 
 light of the conflagration was seen at the distance of a hundred 
 miles from Boston. 
 
 Although Mr. Willard had worked these three or four years 
 to considerable pecuniary profit, and had also learned his trade, 
 without any regular apprenticeship, he had by no means neglec- 
 ted the improvement of his mind and the acquisition of knowl- 
 edge intended to be made available in the future. He early 
 provided himself with the most approved works on architecture 
 and perspective drawing ; purchased an Encyclopeedia and 
 other standard books, and paid for his tuition at a di’awing 
 academy for at least two terms — some years later becoming 
 a teacher himself 
 
 Mr. Willard had also during the same years, in the improve- 
 ment of that time which so many others waste, quahfied himself 
 not only as a draughtsman but as a carver in wood. His first 
 charge for this kmd of work was made in February, 1809, to 
 A. Dexter, for six capitals, probably for a door- way. The same 
 year he carved a set of Ionic capitals for the Brighton meeting 
 house ; and other sets for E. Preble and Bichard Hills. In the 
 latter part of this year, so much had this business grown in his 
 hands, Mr. Willard seems to have been constantly employed, 
 carving besides other work all the capitals, Ionic and Corinthian, 
 for the steeple of Park-street Church, of which Peter Banner, 
 a well-known architect of that time, was the designer.* He re- 
 
 * Peter Banner was a native of England, and followed his profession as an 
 architect previously to coming to this country. One of the best preserved evi- 
 dences of his skill and taste in this vicinity, is a private mansion house adnii- 
 
30 
 
 MEMOIR OP SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 ceivecl from Mr. Banner, in November, 1809, nearly four Imn- 
 dred dollars for his work on this church ; and in December hired 
 a room in Somerset Place and employed two workmen to assist* 
 him. 
 
 For the following years, 1810, ’ll and ’12, Mr. Willard was 
 still engaged in carving, commencing the first of these years on 
 work for the Federal-street Church, (Dr. Channing’s,) lately 
 taken down, of which Charles Bulfinch, afterwards employed to 
 finish the capitol at Washington, was the architect. He also 
 purchased some “ anatomical apparatus” ; attended a course of 
 lectures on that subject ; commenced the study of the French 
 language, and secured admission to the Library of the Boston 
 Athenaeum. 
 
 In 1810, in the spring, Mr. Willard carved at the establish- 
 ment of Mr. Goodrich, organ builder, a colossal spread Eagle, 
 Avhich was placed upon the apex of the pediment of the old Cus- 
 tom House in Boston, and still ornaments the warehouse which 
 now occupies the same site on Custom-house street. As this 
 figure was designed to be elevated to the height of some sixty 
 feet, it was of colossal size, measuring five feet from wing to 
 wing, and about five feet in height. It was in these measure- 
 ments admirably adapted to the proportions of the building which 
 it was designed to embellish and indicate as national in its pur- 
 poses. Of this kind of work at that time, it unquestiona- 
 bly possessed considerable merit, and probably to-day in its 
 
 rably located on the northerly slope of Parker’s Hill, Washington Street, in 
 Roxbury, built for Mr. Eben. Crafts, in 1805. At that time it was quite noted 
 for its proportions and classic style, was -visited by the Cambridge students and 
 is still much admired for its rich and massive front elevation ; its fine fluted 
 Corinthian columns, in pairs, on pedestals, and reaching to the height of two 
 stories, and for its general purity of style. The interior finish is also elaborate 
 and the ornamentation profuse but stiU tasteful and classic. It has been for 
 the last twenty years, the residence of George Howe, Esq., and has recently 
 been purchased by other parties, who we trust, will long preserve it and its 
 delightful grounds and veneraijle elms from the vandal hands of “p>rogress” 
 and “improvement.” 
 
MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 31 
 
 porportions and execution, for the purpose intended, will stand 
 the test of a reasonable criticism. This Eagle is said to have 
 been one of several, more or less prominent, that were cotempo- 
 rary in the early history of Boston. The first of these was that 
 Avhich w'as placed upon the top of Beacon Hill Monument, erec- 
 ted by the Citizens of Boston, in 1790, upon the hill then ex- 
 isting and lying between Dearne street and the State House, 
 the present site of the Reservoir. The gilded Eagle, still pre- 
 served, is suspended in the Representatives’ Hall, while the 
 large tablets of slate-stone, covered ivith historical data, are in the 
 Doric Hall below, still calling the attention of the people to the 
 independence and prosperity of their country and admonishing 
 them to “forget not those who, by their exertions, have secured 
 to them these blessings.” The Eagle carved by Mr. Willard was 
 damaged by fire in jMay, 1862, but has since been repaired, and 
 while its cotemporary, taken in from the storms of the elements, 
 overlooks the legislation of the State, this proud bird still calm- 
 ly gazes upon the evidences of an extended commerce and peers 
 into the dim distance of the ocean beyond. 
 
 The Beacon Hill Monument, built two years after the Beacon 
 itself,* its frame and “ skillet” had been blown down, was proba- 
 bly the first public or historical monument erected in the coun- 
 
 * The Beacon was erected in 1635, the next year after the completion of the 
 fortifications on Fort-hill by the people of Boston, Charlestown, &c., and was 
 intended to alarm the neighboring towns in case of an attack by Indians. As it 
 was standing during the revolutionary war, it may have been used to alarm 
 the country had occasion required. The Beacon was therefore ante-revolu- 
 tionary by a hundred and forty years, while the Monument was subsequent to 
 the adoption of the Constitution. 
 
 In 1768, when it was expected that British troops were coming to Boston, 
 a meeting was held to consider the subject and adopt measures for “ the peace 
 and safety of his [Majesty’s] subjects in this Province, &c. At this time, Sep- 
 tember 10, an officer arrived from Halifax “ whose mission was rightly judged 
 to be to make arrangements for quartering troops in the town. Immediately 
 after his arrival a tar-bari’el was discovered in the skillet of the Beacon on Bea- 
 con Hill. This, it was understood, was to be fired when the King’s shqjs con- 
 taining the troops from Halifax, should make their appearance in the bay. — 
 Construing the elevation of a tar-barrel, rmder such circumstances, to be a gross 
 
32 
 
 MEMOIR OP SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 try, and as it no longer exists, a brief notice of it here may not 
 be out of place. The hill, according to drawings reproduced 
 in 1859, was nearly as high as the dome of the State House, 
 and was dug away between 1806 and 1810, and the monu- 
 ment taken down. It was pyramidal in form, ascended in part 
 by a flight of steps from Dearne street, and said to be 138 
 feet above tide-water. The monument was a plain Doric col- 
 umn, 4 feet diameter, on a pedestal of 8 feet, 60 feet high, and 
 surmounted by an Eagle, bearing the arms of America. It was 
 of brick masonry, plastered. In the panels of the pedestal were 
 four inscriptions : that on the south side stated the purpose of 
 the monument thus: “ To commemorate that train of events 
 which led to the American Revolution, and finally secured Lib- 
 erty and Independence to the United States, this column is 
 erected by the voluntary contributions of the citizens of Boston, 
 MDCCXC.” On the west side, these events were named, com- 
 mencing with the Stamp Act and ending with the Declaration 
 of Independence ; and on the north side, they were continued, 
 including the Confederation, the Constitution, Treaty of Peace, 
 Inauguration of Washington as President, &c. On the east 
 side, an appeal which ought to mark the spot to day : “ Amer- 
 icans ! while from this eminence scenes of luxuriant fertility, of 
 fiourishing commerce, and the abodes of social happiness, meet 
 
 insult, in his military capacity, the Governor [Bernard,] summoned the Coun- 
 cil, which was held at a gentleman’s house half-way between the Governor’s at 
 Jamaica Plains and Boston.” Here the tar-barrel question was debated, and it 
 was “ resolved that the Selectmen should be desn-ed to take it down ; but they 
 would not do it.’’ “ However, Sheriff Greenleaf had private orders from the 
 
 Governor and Council to remove it, using his own discretion as to the proper 
 time to do it. He, therefore, taking- about a half-dozen men with him, proceed- 
 ed stealthily to the hill, just at dinner time, and effected the important object 
 in about ten minutes. This was a victoi’y over the Sons of Liberty, gained 
 while they were not expectmg the enemy.” Drake’s History of Boston. 
 
 It seems from this account that the engraving in Dearborn’s peculiar book, 
 “ Boston Notions,” representing the Beacon -with a full-sized tar-barrel on the 
 top of the pole besides that in miniature in the “ skillet” suspended from the 
 crane, is an unauthorized addition of the artist. 
 
MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 33 
 
 your view, forget not those who, by their exertions, have secur- 
 ed to you these blessings.” 
 
 This just monition of the early fathers might with great pro- 
 priety and good sense be inscribed upon Bunker Hill Monument. 
 It Avas the original intention to put inscriptions similar to those 
 above mentioned on this structure, as the first circular of July 
 9, 1823, declares : “ It is intended to erect a monument Avhich 
 shall be consecrated to the great leading characters and events, 
 civil and militaiy, of the American Revolution, u|) the 17th of 
 June, 1778, to bear approju-iate inscriptions of names and dates.” 
 It is not unlikely that the inscriptions already quoted suggested 
 this idea, but the purpose, if really entertained, to make Bun- 
 ker Hill Monument personal or individual, in any degree, 
 never met with public favor, and upon a full consideration and 
 discussion of the subject, it Avas thought best to leave it without 
 inscription of any kind. If, hoAvever, the original intention 
 should ever be carried into effect by the association, Ave know of 
 no more fitting AA'ords for a portion of the inscription than those 
 just quoted. Better, perhaps, CA^en than this Avould be the re- 
 erection of Beacon Hill Monument on the Common, a very 
 suitable place for it, or on the grounds in front of the State 
 House. 
 
 Mr. Willard continued the business of a carver, as a profes- 
 sion, for several years, having in 1813, as Ave find by his first 
 charge for such work, added to his architectural Avork that of 
 ship-carving. His anatomical studies, his observation and his 
 practice had prepared him for this neAV branch of art, and among 
 the figure-heads carved by him are mentioned those of a native 
 “Tartar,” for the ship of that name — a vessel of celebrity in 
 her time — and an Arab, for a schooner called the “ Caravan.” 
 In January, 1816, Mr. Willard completed a colossal bust of 
 Washington, for J;he United States 74-gun ship Washington, 
 built at Portsmouth, N. H. anti launched that year, and for this 
 Avork he received one hundred dollars. 
 
 5 
 
34 
 
 MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 CHAPTETl IV. 
 
 VISITS TO TUE SOUTH — STATUE OF WASHINGTON. 
 
 On the 18th of December, 1810, Mr. Willard paid for his 
 passage by vessel to Norfolk, in Virginia, and arrived at llicb- 
 mond on the 21st. He was at the “ Cape” on the 9tb of De- 
 cember, and probably sailed from there, paying bis passage on 
 board the vessel. He passed about three months in Richmond, 
 engaged in carving, and also spent some time in Cbarlotteville, 
 Washington, Baltimore, Philadelphia and New-York, — return- 
 ing to Boston on the 16tb of May, 1811. In 1814, Mr. Wil- 
 lard did considerable carving for parties in Providence, and in 
 the latter part of this year was again at the south. In Novem- 
 ber, 1817, Mr. Willard left Boston, and returned again on 31st 
 of October, 1818. He spent about six months in Baltimore, 
 and vicinity, and three or four months in New York, (thinking 
 to locate there permanently,) and seems to have prosecuted his 
 business very successfully. 
 
 About tliis time it was proposed to erect a Statue of Wash- 
 ington in Boston, by the Washington Monument Association, 
 which was organized some time previously. An Equestrian 
 Statue was at first proposed, to be placed on Flagstaff Hill, on 
 the Common, but the idea was subsequently»abandoned and a 
 simple statue determined upon, to be placed in the Doric Hall 
 of the State House. Mr. Willard, who had already made a co- 
 lossal bust of Washington, in wood, had a strong desire to en- 
 
MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 35 
 
 gage in this work, although we have found no mention of any 
 work in stone by him previously to this time. He was con- 
 sulted by some of the gentlemen entrusted with the duty of pro- 
 curing the statue, and was induced to make a journey to Rich- 
 mond, Virginia, where the State Government had erected a 
 Statue of Washington, by Houdon, under the superintendence 
 of Mr. Jefferson. This was made at Mount Vernon, in 1785, 
 by actual “ measurements of the hero’s person” taken by the 
 artist himself, who had come to this country on the invitation of 
 Franklin and Jefferson, expressly to execute this work and a 
 bust which he took home with him. 
 
 Reaching Richmond, by a sailing packet, in about ten days 
 from Boston, IMr. Willard, who was accompanied and assist- 
 ed by his friend, IMr. Alpheus Carey, (to whom we are in- 
 debted for these particulars,) proceeded at once in taking meas- 
 urements and in the construction of a model on a miniature scale 
 in wax. In this he succeeded much to his satisfaction, and also 
 obtained a life-size bust in plaster, a copy of that by Houdon. 
 With these means, under the inspiration of the subject and his 
 own genius, it is believed that IMr. Willard would have been 
 able to produce a Statue of the Father of his Country creditable 
 to him and worthy of the subject. Unfortunately, perhaps, for 
 jMr. Willard’s fame, the model although packed with great care- 
 fulness, was broken and rendered worthless in its transportation 
 to Boston. Mr. Willard thereupon, — probably finding the 
 work a greater task than he had calculated, and with his little 
 experience, more than he would be justified in assuming, — re- 
 linquished the undertaking. A conscientious fear of failure, 
 which w'ould be injurious to himself and a much more serious 
 Avrong to his employers, we have no doubt prevented Mr. Wil- 
 lard from recommencing the wnrk. The statue, as is generally 
 knoAvn, Avas executed by Chantrey, a distinguished English 
 sculptor, in London, and occupies the room constructed for it 
 by the Association in the Doric Hall of the State House, 
 where it was placed in 1828. It is of pure white marble, grace- 
 
36 
 
 MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 fully clothed in a military cloak. Chantrey, like Willard and 
 Rush, commenced his career in art as a carver. 
 
 After leaving Richmond, Mi'. Carey relates that they visited 
 Baltimore and Philadelphia. In the latter city they presented 
 letters of introduction to Mr. William Rush, these having been 
 furnished to them by Mr. Robert Mills of Baltimore, the dis- 
 tinguished architect of the Washington Monument, erected in 
 that city in 1815-16. Mr. Rush had at this time acquired con- 
 siderable reputation as a carver in wood, and especially of figure- 
 heads for ships. These were favorably spoken of in the period- 
 icals, and had also been noticed in England — where, it is 
 said, they had been in some inst-ances purchased and transferred 
 to the bows of English vessels in Liverpool. Mr. Rush succeed- 
 ed “admirably with Indian figures,” and these would be likely 
 to attract attention abroad. He subsequently wrought a Statue 
 of Washington for the State of Pennsylvania, which is now in 
 the State House at Philadelphia.* Mr. Mills was a prominent 
 competitor for the premium offered by the Bunker Hill Monu- 
 ment Association for a design for the monument, and appears to 
 have thought he had a strong claim to it. 
 
 During this visit to Philadelphia, Mr. Willard made a draw- 
 ing of the “Water Nymph,” a piece of statuary by Mr. Rush, 
 which surmounted the building of the Fairmount Water Works, 
 (a labor of singular insignificance in these days of artistic skill 
 and photography,) with which Mr. Rush was much pleased, and 
 which gained his consideration. In speaking of this matter the 
 next day, Mr. Rush said to Mr. Carey, “that gentleman is a 
 man of high talent ; I wish I could draw as well as he does, but 
 I cannot.” Mr. Willard had an accurate eye and a facility in 
 drawing quite remarkable for that time and the slender opportu- 
 nities he had enjoyed. Mr. Rush ivas a Director in the Penn- 
 sylvania Academy of Fine Arts, and a member of the City 
 
 Vide Dunlap’s Histoi’y of the “ Arts of Design.” 
 
MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 37 
 
 Council of Philadelphia. The remark made by him was con- 
 sidered by ]\Ir. Carey as a very high compliment to his friend. 
 We have no doulit that it was well merited. 
 
 Architectural drawing, carving in wood, various studies in 
 chemistry and geology, teaching in drawing and perspective, 
 occupied Mr. Willard’s time, until he added to these pursuits 
 those of modelling and sculpture. His taste, industry and gen- 
 eral accomplishments in all these arts, induced Mr. Carey to say 
 in a letter of June, 1861, “I have been acquainted with nearly 
 all of the principal artists and mechanics who have resided in 
 Boston for the last fifty years, and I think I have never known 
 a man of greater original powers of mind, combined witli un- 
 common practical skill in execution, than Solomon Willard. He 
 was indefatigable in whatever he undertook, and seldom if ever 
 failed to accomplish his object. Whether the material on which 
 he wrought was clay, wood, marble or granite, he was equally 
 successful in all.” Similar testimony is offered by others who 
 knew Mr. Willard personally and professionally. “ Combined 
 with uncommon practical skill in execution,” we doubt if his 
 place has even yet been filled. 
 
38 
 
 MEMOIR OP SOLOMOU WILLARD. 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 MODELLING — THE CAPITOL AT WASHINGTON. 
 
 IMr. Willard seems to liave adopteil modelling as an auxil- 
 iaiy to designing and drawing, in architecture, and appears to 
 have applied it to private as well as public enterprises. The 
 first mention of modelling found in Mr. Willard’s books is under 
 the date of June, 1817, where he mentions having worked five 
 days upon a model, at three dollars per day. He probably did 
 other work of this kind before he left for the south. 
 
 The next mention of the subject is in the following letter fiom 
 Mr. Charles Bulfinch, at the time engaged as architect upon the 
 Capitol at Washington : 
 
 “Washington, January 30, 1818. 
 
 “Mr. Willard, — Sir, I understood from Mr. Towne, when 
 he passed tlirough this place, that you were in Baltimore and 
 intended soon to come on here and with a wish to obtain employ- 
 ment. There are a number of sculptors employed on the public 
 buildings — very superior workmen, brought from Italy by the 
 agents of the government, and whom they are under contract to ' 
 keep employed. But I have a wish to have a Model made of 
 the capitol building, both of the parts already erected and finish- 
 ing and of the different designs for the centre. To be on a scale 
 of one inch to eight feet would require a model of four feet long 
 and about fourteen inches high, or to be more exact, forty-five 
 inches long, fifteen deep and ten high in the walls. Should you 
 
MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 39 
 
 like to undertake this ? I wish you to consider and let me 
 know as soon as convenient, whether you incline to come for the 
 purpose, and on what terms you would undertake it, and how 
 long time it would require. Perhaps the doing that would in- 
 troduce to other work. The model I propose to be of wood, 
 similar to one of a hospital, done by you in Boston for Dr. 
 Parkman. 
 
 “ Your answer would oblige your friend and humble servant, 
 
 “ Charles Bulfinch. 
 
 “ On consulting the Commissioner he is willing to engage you 
 for one month, if you think you can complete the model in that 
 time, at three dollars per day.” 
 
 Mr. Willard at this time was engaged on the ornamental work 
 of the Independent Church, in Baltimore, and to Mr. Bulfinch’s 
 friendly invitation sent the' following reply : 
 
 “ Baltimore, February 16, 1818. 
 
 “Sir, — Previous to receiving your letter I had engaged to 
 execute some ornamental finishings for the Independent Church, 
 in this place, designed by Mr. Godfrey, and which will probably 
 require a month to complete. 
 
 “ I have a desire to be engaged at the public buildings and 
 on a part which will not interfere with others. The time neces- 
 sary to' make the model which you mention would depend on the 
 mountings of the representation ; but I should think that it 
 might be done sufficiently so in about eighteen days. The com- 
 pensation per day should be from two hundred and fifty to three 
 hundred cents. 
 
 “It would oblige me if you would let me knoiv soon, by the 
 way of the post office, if the terms are acceptable, or if the delay 
 will occasion any inconvenience. 
 
 “Yours, &c., Solomon "Willard.” 
 
 The correspondence, so characteristic of ]\lr. Willard in the 
 
40 
 
 MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 foregoing letter, was further continued by Mr. Bulfinch, on the 
 twenty-fiftli of February, who then informed o\Ir. Willard as 
 follows : “ Since I have mentioned to the Committee of Cono-ress 
 
 O 
 
 and to the Commissioner of Pulilic Buildincfs the advantages of 
 having a model, they have become impatient to have it made, 
 and wish it to be undertaken immediately.” Urging Mr. Wil- 
 lard to make an arrangement to come on and begin the work, 
 he says, “ there ivill be no difficulty about the terms, 
 and I think there will be an opening for you here in the line 
 you are fondest of, that is worth your attention.” 
 
 hlr. Willard replies that “ the committee of the church have 
 consented to release me for the present, . . . and I shall 
 
 have the necessary implements for e.xecuting the work transport- 
 ed by land, and shall be happy to serve you to the extent of my 
 ability.” 
 
 The work ivas accordingly undertaken and completed early 
 in April. In a letter to a friend under the date of Baltimore, 
 April 9th, 1818, Mr. Willard speaks of the work as follows : 
 
 “I have just returned from Washington, where I have been 
 engaged in executing a model of the pul)lic buildings, under the 
 direction of Mr. Bulfinch. The model though slight, seems to 
 give satisfaction, and Congress has shown uncommon liberality 
 in the appropriations for carrying the work into effect. This 
 model was executed in the architect’s room, where we had the 
 honor of a visit from Mr. Latrobe.” 
 
 Some years afterwards the model was in the possession of Mr. 
 Bulfinch, at Boston, and was shown by him to his friends and 
 commended as an evidence of the genius and ability of Mr. 
 Willard. It is presumed to be still in existence, but now repre- 
 senting only a small portion of the present building. 
 
 Some months previous to the execution of this work, Mr. Wil- 
 lard visited Washington for a feiv days, and it is understood then 
 rendered valuable assistance to Mr. Bulfinch in making drawings 
 and working plans of Mr. Latrobe’ s designs. 
 
MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 41 
 
 In June of the same year, while yet engaged in Baltimore, 
 Mr. Bulfinch invited Mr. Willard to come to Washington “ to 
 undertake the carving on the ceiling of the Senate and Repre- 
 sentatives’ rooms,” and adds, “ I hope your engagements will 
 not interfere with your coming here, as I should derive great 
 confidence and pleasure from your engaging in the work, and 
 would do all in my power to render it agreeable and pi’ofitable 
 to you.” But, notwithstanding his formerly expressed desire to 
 be engaged on the public buildings and the kindness of his friend, 
 Mr. Willard, evidently thinking he might “ interfere with oth- 
 ers,” under date of June 19th, 1818, wrote as follows: “The 
 ornaments of the church are not quite completed and when they 
 are finished I do not think of returning to Washington, as there 
 are a sufficient number of my profession ah’eady there ; but I 
 shall make New York my residence, as I think that my ulti- 
 mate views will be best promoted in that place.” What were 
 the ultimate views entertained by him at this time, we have no 
 means of ascertaining. This correspondence shows that he re- 
 garded carving and ornamental work as comprising his profes- 
 sion ; but modelling, as connected with architecture and as he 
 practiced it, was an art which seems to have been undertaken 
 and pursued by him partly as a matter of taste. 
 
 In July, Mr. Willard hired a room in New York of Mr. Van 
 Buren,. — but returned to Boston in October of the same year. 
 He was no doubt fully employed while in that city. Subse- 
 quently and for a number of years, in Boston, Mr. Willard- oc- 
 cupied a portion of his time in modelling designs and plans of 
 his own, and, in addition to these, made models in plaster of 
 the Pantheon and Parthenon, of exact proportions, which were 
 used by Mr. Edward Everett, in a course of lectures delivered 
 by him, in the winter of 1821-2. These models are yet in ex- 
 istence, in the basement room of the Boston Athenaeum. 
 
 6 
 
42 
 
 MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 CARVING IN STONE — ST. PAUL’S CIIURCn — TEACHING. 
 
 After Lis return from the south, Mr. Willard who had pre- 
 viously paid some attention to the subject of geology, now con- 
 nected this study with chemistry, and attended a course of lec- 
 tures on the latter science. He made himself familiar with the 
 different kinds of stone and their component parts, and devoted 
 much time and labor to a practical investigation of the science — 
 which like his other studies and pursuits, proved available in 
 aftertime, both in quarrying and building. He continued also 
 to meet all the demands made upon him in carving, making de- 
 signs and drawing plans, and added to his other pursuits that 
 of carving In stone, or sculpture in its limited and popular sense. 
 The first work of this kind mentioned by him in his memoranda 
 of accounts, excepting a single tablet for Mr. Carey, is the 
 ‘ ‘ modelling and executing of five panels in marble for Mr. David 
 Sears, at one hundred dollars per panel,” in October, 1816. — 
 These are to be seen in the front of his fine granite mansion 
 house on Beacon street, in Boston, and as specimens of scroll- 
 work and foliage are quite equal to the best outside-work of the 
 present time. 
 
 In January, 1820, Mr. Willard was engaged on the stone- 
 work of Saint Paul’s Church, Tremont street, of which Captain 
 Alexander Parris was the architect. He had previously been 
 an inmate of Capt. Parris’s family, and undoubtedly gave him 
 
MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 43 
 
 friendly assistance in the arrangement and preparation of the 
 plans for this edifice, which was regarded as a very decided 
 improvement, in material and style, on the churches of half a 
 century ago, — resulting, as it certainly did, partly owing to its 
 cramped situation, in disappointing the expectations of its pro- 
 prietors. Its completion, we think, was not regarded with much 
 satisfaction : in point of fact it never has been completed, and 
 since its erection, has been overshadowed by the Masonic Temple, 
 now the United States Court House, and other buildings near it. 
 The masonry of this church was the work of Mr. Carey, who 
 thinks Mr. Willard made some of the drawings, though Capt. 
 Parris prepared the working plans. The fi'ont elevation, — its 
 Ionic portico and pediment, — is of Potomac sand-stone, from the 
 quarries near Aquia Creek, which were visited by Mr. Carey on 
 occasion of his trip to Virginia with Mr. Willard, two or three 
 years previously. The massive columns, in blocks, are the work 
 of Mr. Carey, but the wrought capitals are by Mr. Willard, who 
 worked them out on Mason street, on land afterwards occupied 
 for many years until his death, by his warm friend Mr. Amos 
 Lawrence. It was originally intended to have a Scripture-piece, 
 executed in bass-relief, in the pediment above the portico, for 
 which purpose the blocks of stones are left projecting at the pre- 
 sent time. The subject proposed was, “ Paul before King 
 Agrippa,” and it was to have been executed by Mr. Willard; 
 but the edifice having cost more than the original estimate, the 
 proprietors did not feel warranted in incurring any further ex- 
 pense, and the work was not undertaken. They also thought 
 the kind and quality of the stone inferior and unsuitable for 
 the work ; but, as it can be worked with facility and will of 
 course be as durable as the columns and capitals of the portico, 
 — notwithstanding the unfavorable location of the edifice, • — the 
 original design may yet be completed. It would greatly emfich 
 and improve its appearance. 
 
 During the following years, Mr. Willard, — besides furnishing 
 plans, designs and models ; including plans of improvements for 
 
44 
 
 MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 the Second Church and Brattle-square Church, (1823-4) ; a 
 plan and model for the United States Branch Bank ; plans and 
 outlines for many private houses and blocks, — received pupils 
 at his studio near St. Paul’s Church, and gave lessons in archi- 
 tecture and drawing. Mr. Nathaniel Cotton, a member of the 
 committee to prepare this memoir, was* an attendant in one of 
 his classes in drawing, and speaks of liim in high and apprecia- 
 tive terms as an instructor and a gentleman. He says, “Mr. 
 Willard’s ability as an architect having become more generally 
 known, he was induced to devote a portion of his time to impart- 
 ing instruction in architectural di’awing ; and by his experience 
 and perfect familiarity with his subject, was a competent and 
 thorough teacher, especially for those who were disposed to be- 
 gin at the begiiming. He was always interested in the progress 
 of his pupils and encouraged them by the kindness of his man- 
 ners. He endeavored to teach them the first principles of geom- 
 etry and of perspective, and as they progressed he gradually 
 brought them to comprehend and understand the orders of archi- 
 tecture and their true application and appropriate purposes. He 
 was familiar with the works of the old masters of the art and 
 had a high appreciation of proportion and harmony. He not 
 only had his juniors as his pupils ; but many, who for a score of 
 years had been practical architects and mechanics, were solicit- 
 tous of his instruction, and to some of these he gave private 
 lessons. They all profitted by his instructions, knew well how 
 to appreciate his ability and still retain a lively and interested 
 recollection of him.” Mr. Charles Wells, who was afterwards 
 associated with him as a member of the Bunker Hill Mon- 
 ument Association, and still is one of its Vice Presidents, was 
 one of his private pupils. During the administration of Mr. 
 Wells, in 1832, as Mayor of Boston, Mr. Willaixl was employed 
 to design aird build the County Court House, in Court street, 
 which was enlarged in 1862, in a manner according with the 
 original plan. • 
 
MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 45 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 NEW HEATING APPARATUS — THE HOT-AIR FURNACE. 
 
 We have seen that Mr. Willard came to Boston at the age of 
 twenty-one years, and without having served any regular ap- 
 prenticeship, soon became master of his art, ■ — his third piece of 
 work being one of the most dilEcult in carpentry. Devoting 
 himself assiduously to labor and study, we have found him ris- 
 ing in his pursuits and securing the means unaided to improve 
 his mind, cultivate his taste and qualify his hand for still higher 
 service. Taking lessons in art-work, attending lectures in sci- 
 ence, seeking the privileges of the best library in Boston, study- 
 ing volumes of history and of the masters of design — support- 
 ing himself by his industry and absolutely lending his employer 
 money — we soon see him laying aside the broad-axe and fore- 
 plane and occupied as a draughtsman and carver. Architecture 
 and modelling, sculpture in wood and stone, are next adopted 
 and successfully practiced, while geology, anatomy, chemistry 
 and the Erench language are pursued as studies, and teaching 
 a little later almost as a pastime. 
 
 As much of Mr. Willard’s attention for a number of years 
 had been given in some form, to the construction of buildings, 
 both public and private, it was natural that he should bestow 
 some thought upon the existing methods of warming these — 
 imperfect, inadequate and unsatisfactory as such methods were 
 admitted to he. Nearly all the fuel used for producing artificial 
 
46 
 
 MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 beat was wood, furnished from the neighborhoods of our cities 
 and towns and from the almost boundless forests of Maine. The 
 Franklin fii-e-place and Count Rumford’s cooking-ranges, were 
 in use in the best dwelling-houses ; and large cast-iron stoves, 
 with extensive pipes ranging through rooms and halls, were in 
 use in the public buildings and churches. Some better means 
 of warming these last was even more necessary than in private 
 dwellings where open fire-places and iron stoves with moderate 
 lengths of pipe could still be used with comparatively satisfactory 
 results. In public halls, school liouses and churches, large iron 
 stoves in the coldest weather, were kept at a red-heat, ■ — thus 
 burning up and destroying the air for all purposes of sustaining 
 life, and still failing to keep these large apartments comfortable 
 or maintaining any reasonable equanimity of temperature. Some 
 few merchants and others of the wealthy classes, were able to 
 procure a supply of “ Sea Coal” from England, for use in their 
 counting-rooms and perhaps for the parlor grate, but the total 
 amount of English coal imported into the city of Boston, at that 
 time, was a small item in the aggregate amount of fuel used. — • 
 It was not until 1820, two hundred years after the first settle- 
 ment of the country, that our own immense supplies of coal were 
 developed and during that year only three hundred and sixty- 
 five tons of anthracite were used in the whole country. It w’as 
 some years after this before it could be used to any considera- 
 ble extent, for want of experience and suitable apparatus : its 
 successful inti’oduction required an apprenticeship in the consu- 
 mers ; its use was a new art ; it w'as not easily ignited and the 
 traditionary methods of hastening combustion in wood fires Avere 
 sure to extinguish one made of stone-coal. The lesson, however, 
 Avas learned ; new apparatus came with the experience, and 
 the increasing use of mineral coal has continued ever since, un- 
 til it now reaches an amount exceeding in annual value the sum 
 of tAventy millions of dollars. 
 
 It may Avell be believed that there was at this time need of 
 some improvement in the methods as well as means of warming 
 
MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 47 
 
 and ventilating dwelling-houses and public buildings — and the 
 earnestness with which these were sought is manifested in every 
 letter and record we have upon the subject. Numerous im- 
 provements were made in stove-patterns and stove-manufacture, 
 as is sufficiently attested in the patent office, hut they were 
 stoves still and required the usual quantity of pipe in exposed 
 situations, and in various ways increased the danger of fire. To 
 Mr. Willard belongs the credit of originating in this country 
 the first step towards the complete, adequate and almost perfect 
 contrivance of the present day for the production of artificial 
 heat, — namely, the Hot-air Furnace, — placed in the basement 
 of the building, having communication with the external air, 
 and pipes leading to the various apartments to he warmed. — 
 The system thus introduced for warming dwelling-houses, office- 
 buildings, school houses or churches, easily, readily and equably, 
 and of obtaining the required ventilation, was completely suc- 
 cessful. Progress and improvement had been planned and made 
 upon the results attained in the scientific experiments of Hr. 
 Franklin and Count Rumford. Although we do not find that 
 Mr. Willard ever obtained or applied for a patent for his inven- 
 tion, we are not aware of any claim of prior right existing in 
 conflict with that now made for him. Many patents for new 
 furnaces, and for improvements, in both cases involving the same 
 general plan and principles, have been obtained since Mr. Wil- 
 lard’s furnaces were introduced — of course all these are design- 
 ed for the use of the modern mineral fuel. 
 
 Mr. Willard’s furnaces were manufactured by Mr. Daniel 
 Saffoi’d, a well-remembered mechanic of Boston, at his establish- 
 ment on Devonshire street, between Water and Milk streets : 
 they were made chiefly of wrought and sheet iron, and as we 
 have intimated, were intended for the use of wood as a fuel. — 
 Two of these were constructed in the Old South Church ; two 
 in Saint Paul’s Church ; one in Rev. Dr. Lowell’s Church, and 
 one in Mr. Davenport’s factory, in the fall of 1823. There was 
 one in the Rev. Mr. Coleman’s Church, in Salem, and the Rev. 
 
48 
 
 MEMOIR OP SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 Benjamin Abbott, of Exeter, N. H., (whose society had just com- 
 pleted a small church on a plan furnished by Mr. Willard,) ap- 
 plied for one for that building. The inventor has not left any 
 description of this furnace or account of his interest in it : the 
 following letter from Mr. Bulfinch, two years later, is the only 
 writing containing any notice of it which we have seen ; 
 
 Providence, Rhode Island, October 8, 1825. 
 
 “ Dear Sir, — I intended to have called upon you once more 
 before my leaving Boston, but was prevented by a variety of 
 engagements in which I found myself involved. I called ac- 
 cording to your advice at Mr. Salford’s work-shop. He was not 
 within, but his foreman explained to me the construction of the 
 various parts of the furnaces now in use. I also saw at Salem, 
 one setup in Rev. Dr. Coleman’s chiu’ch — so that I have a 
 very complete general idea of them ; but there are some further 
 particulars that I wish to be informed upon, and will thank you 
 to answer the following, as soon as you conveniently can : 
 
 “ The dimensions of size, in breadth and height, of the square 
 inside stove ; the same of the external cover containing the tubes, 
 its base, its diameter in the middle and its height. 
 
 “ The size of the cold-air tubes — admitted at the bottom — and 
 the best size of the openings to convey warm-air to the rooms, 
 both for churches and for private houses to warm separate rooms. 
 The size of the openings in the floor to promote circulation, and 
 whether they are necessary in every room. 
 
 “Is it best to admit the warm-air near the floor? In Mr. 
 Coleman’s church the openings were about five feet from the 
 floor. 
 
 “ Do you find any necessity for ventilators, and how do you 
 construct them ? 
 
 “ What is the difference in size, of furnaces for churches and 
 for private houses, and the difference in expense? 
 
 “ I wish for information on these points, because we are about 
 taking measures for warming the centre of the capitol, and the 
 
MEMOIR OE SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 49 
 
 President is desirous of adopting the most approved mode for 
 warming the entrance-hall of his house : it opens to the north 
 and is not only cold in itself but keeps the whole house uncom- 
 fortable. There is a basement room under this hall, in which a 
 furnace could be set very conveniently. I want to be able to 
 do it in the best manner, and to convey pipes to any room where 
 they may choose to admit them. In these rooms I suppose they 
 will continue their open fires, but as the rooms are very large a 
 supply of warm-air must be very desirable. 
 
 “ The dining-room is 30 by 40, and the banqueting-room 40 
 by 90 feet, and 22 feet high. This large room has never yet 
 been used. 
 
 “ I will thank you to give the subject some consideration, and 
 to favor me with all the information that your experience may 
 suggest to be necessary ; and the sooner the better, as the season 
 is fast advancing upon us. You will address your letter to me 
 at Washington, where I expect to be in the course of this week. 
 
 “ If upon conferring with the President, after his return, he 
 should determine upon having a furnace for his house, I shall 
 write to you again, and ask your attention to haAung it con- 
 structed in the best manner : and shall be happy to return the 
 favor by any means in my power. 
 
 “ Your friend and servant, Charles Bulfinch.” 
 
 We regret that we have not been able to find Mr. Willard’s 
 reply to this letter, as it would no doubt afford a more distinct 
 idea of the construction and character of the furnace. It is evi- 
 dent, however, that it greatly resembled those in use at the pre- 
 sent time, and may have been the model on which they are 
 constructed. Some years previously to this time a stove had 
 been invented in England, by Mr. William Strutt of Belper, in 
 Derbyshire, which was called the “ cockle” or “ Belper” stove, 
 which included the idea of the furnace. It was a cylinder stove, 
 enclosed in a brick chamber, into which cold air was admitted 
 at the bottom and heated air transmitted from the top to the 
 
50 
 
 MEMOIR OP SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 apartments to be warmed. In 1792, Mr. Strutt applied it to 
 warm bis large cotton factories. An improvement of this stove 
 was made by Mr. Charles Sylvester for warming the Derby In- 
 firmary, and “was long regarded as a model of its kind for 
 a large building.”* This stove, notwithstanding the general re- 
 mark that the use of heated air-chambers for warming adjoining 
 rooms is of very ancient date, is the first mention of any appara- 
 tus resembling the modern furnace for the same purpose, which 
 we have met with. Mr. Willard’s furnace differed materially 
 from the “cockle,” being not a stove but an open fire-place, 
 with flaring jambs and back, covered with a hexagon chamber, 
 in which were the tubes, — the whole enclosed in brick work. 
 The smoke passed over the jambs and out of a smoke flue below- 
 Mr. Strutt’s was a cylinder stove for burning “ Sea coal.” 
 
 Subsequently to Mr. Bulfinch’s letter above given, probably 
 in 1827, two of these furnaces were manufactured by Safibrd 
 and Low, for the capitol at Washington, and their erection was 
 superintended by Mr. Low, in that year. It is possible that these 
 Avere made for the burning of coal. Some of these furnaces were 
 put up by Mr. Safibrd as late as 1843, in interior places where 
 wood was more easily obtained than anthracite. 
 
 This furnace, of course, in the onward march of improvement, 
 has been superceded ; but for some tAventy years, it answered 
 the public Avants and Avas almost Avithout a rival. The demands 
 
 *Vide, “ Treatise on Warming and Ventilation,” by Charles Tomlinson. 
 London, 1858. Franklin’s and Count Romford’s experiments and improYo- 
 ments, are explained and commented on in this volume, but no mention what- 
 ever is made of any of the American anthracite burning stoves or fm'naces for 
 warming and ventilating large buildings. Nor are these mentioned with any 
 particularity or described in the “New American Cyclopaedia,” nor yet in the 
 “ English Cyclopaedia,” 1861, while these works contain elaborate rehearsals 
 of early experiments, inventions and improvements pertaining to the subject. 
 Existing methods of warming buildings and ventilating rooms, in the United 
 States, by means of hot-air furnaces, hot water pipes, or steam, can hardly be 
 learned from any works which have faUeu under our observation. 
 
MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 51 
 
 for it were pressing and constant, not alone for public buildings 
 but for private dwellings ; and in their manufacture the work- 
 men of Mr. Salford’s establishment were employed night and 
 day exclusively on them. Probably more than one thousand of 
 them were made and put up — and we have been unable to dis- 
 cover that Mr. Willard ever received any income, royalty or re- 
 ward for his invention. Managed in the customary way, with 
 the protection of a patent, it would have proved a fortune to 
 him ; but, prudent and judicious as he was in his expenditures, 
 he was not the man, by nature or habit, to accumulate property 
 for its mere possession. Such an instance of unselfishness and 
 indifference to profit, on the part of an inventor, must be of rare 
 occurrence, and in the present time, we judge, it would not be 
 easy to find one person thus freely yielding up a fortune either 
 from indifference or for the public benefit. Mr. Willard has 
 done more than this : he has given the labor of his whole life 
 to the public, or mdividuals, in every way in which he has been 
 engaged, having barely had his own personal expenses paid, 
 “ which were very small.” 
 
52 
 
 MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 BOSTON mechanics’ INSTITUTION. 
 
 No association which was ever organized in Boston has more 
 conspicuously illustrated the hai’mony of feeling and unity of 
 purpose which prevailed at the time and has for many years 
 subsisted between the mercantile and the mechanic interests, and 
 we may add the professional also, than the Boston Mechanics’ 
 Institution. The evidence of this is seen in its list of mem- 
 bers, in its organization and in its whole history. It has been 
 thought that there was, at the commencement of the revo- 
 lutionary war, if not during its continuance and at its termina- 
 tion, a feeling of opposition tinctured with some asperity, be- 
 tween the mechanic and the other interests in Boston, which was 
 more or less manifested in the civil and political affairs of 
 the time. It was natural, perhaps, that such a feeling should 
 exist, when it is remembered that the mechanics were the first 
 and most active in exciting and promoting the revolutionary 
 spirit ; which, of course, was looked upon by the merchants 
 as destructive of the commerce and prosperity of the town, and 
 which they were but little inclined thus early to encourage. — 
 The “ Liberty Boys” were mostly mechanics, or belonging to 
 the working classes; the famous “Tea Party” company was sim- 
 ilarly composed ; and General Gage seems to have believed that 
 but for the greater numbers of the “lower classes,” as he called 
 them, the tea itself would have been accepted and the rebellious 
 
MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 53 
 
 proceedings checked and possibly stayed altogether. But the 
 purpose of the British government to make the colonies a source 
 of revenue, became more apparent ; broader views began to 
 prevail, and a truly patriotic feeling was soon engendered in 
 the minds of the people. The different classes, if not acting 
 together in the same private meetings, were cordially united 
 in their purposes and measures. The mechanics had their clubs ; 
 the merchants their clubs — and resistance to British injustice 
 and coercion w'as the determination of each. 
 
 But whatever there was of this feeling, at any time, it was 
 local and temporary, and had no deep-seated foundation in the 
 sentiments or sober judgments of the people of either class or 
 any section of the city. If it arose from a difference of opinion, 
 as we have already suggested, it were impossible, in the incipient 
 movements of the revolutionary war, that there should not be 
 divisions of opinion and honest doubts on the momentous ques- 
 tions of the day, — they were necessary to the issue, — but 
 among those not absolutely tories, they were soon settled or 
 e.xploded ; and the rebellious “ lower classes” were fully and 
 efficiently supported by the merchants and professional men. — 
 The latter were privately invited to attend the secret meetings of 
 the former, and the members of these were solemnly sworn not 
 to communicate their proceedings to any persons excepting cer- 
 tain prominent individuals, who were of the wealthy and culti- 
 vated classes. So that when the revolution fairly broke out, 
 the People of Boston, — excepting their natural enemies, the civil 
 and military officers of the crown and their sympathisers, — were 
 as a unit, and exerted their influence and directed their strength 
 to the assertion and maintenance of their rights and ultimately 
 to secure the national independence. The same spirit of har- 
 mony and good feeling continued during the war — has been 
 repeatedly and actively manifested since that period — is inter- 
 woven with the domestic and political history of the city — and 
 finds a striking exemplification in the formation and organization 
 of the Boston Mechanics’ Institution, in which, notwithstanding 
 
54 
 
 MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 its distinctive corporate name, all classes and professions were 
 united ; and those other usually dividing lines in a community, 
 religion and politics, were not considered. 
 
 The Boston Mechanics’ Institution was originated by a few 
 gentlemen in 1826, and was incorporated in 1827. The first 
 meetings were held in a room in Boylston Hall. Mr. Willard 
 was one of those engaged in its formation and was present at the 
 primary meetings. When the subscription of membership was 
 opened it was at once signed by Nathaniel Bowditch, Daniel 
 Treadwell, David Moody, Solomon Willard, Alpheus Carey, 
 Amos Lawrence, H. A. S. Dearborn, William Sullivan, Francis 
 0. Whiston, Charles W. Moore, and others. 
 
 The act of incorporation was accepted on the 29th of June, 
 1827, and at the election of officers Nathaniel Bowditch was 
 elected President ; Daniel Treadwell, David IMoody and Solomon 
 Willard, Vice Presidents ; Francis C. Whiston, Recording Sec- 
 retary ; George B. Emerson, Corresponding Secretary ; Stephen 
 Fairbanks, Treasurer, and the following equally well-known 
 gentlemen a Board of Directors : Ebenezer Bailey, George Bald- 
 win, Alpheus Carey, Timothy Claxton, John Cotton, George 
 Darracott, H. A. S. Dearborn, Phineas Dow, James K. Froth- 
 ingham [Charlestown,] William Lyman, Charles W. Moore, 
 Alexander Parris, Charles C. Starbuck, Ezra Stone [East Cam- 
 bridge.] William Sturgis and John W. Webster. Mr. Willard 
 at this time was engaged in the erection of the^ Bunker Hill 
 M onument. 
 
 In the formation of this Institution, which embraced among its 
 members clergymen, professors in the college, lawyers, physic- 
 ians, merchants and traders, and numbers from the manufac- 
 turing and mechanical 2 ^ursuits, is seen with nearly all its char- 
 acteristics, the Lyceum, which soon after occupied public atten- 
 tion ; and in its annual courses of lectures by its own members, 
 on scientific and literary subjects, the inauguration of the system 
 
MEMOIR OF SOLOBION WILLARD. 
 
 55 
 
 of popular lectures wliich now forms an essential feature in the 
 winter-recreations of our New-England communities. On the 
 first season, commencing November, 1827, the introductory lec- 
 ture was delivered by Mr. Edward Everett, “ On the importance 
 to practical men of scientific knowledge, and on the encourage- 
 ment to its pursuit.” In this interesting and valuable lecture 
 Mr. Everett says, “ The object of the Mechanics’ Institute is, to 
 diffuse useful knowledge among the mechanic class of the com- 
 munity. It aims in general, to improve and inform the minds 
 of its members ; and particularly to illustrate and explain the 
 principles of the various arts of life, and render them familiar to 
 that portion of the conununity, who are to exercise these arts as 
 their occupation in society. It is also a proper object of the In- 
 stitute, to point out the connexion between the mechanic arts 
 and the other pursuits and occupations, and show the founda- 
 tions, Avhich exist in our very nature, for a cordial union be- 
 tween them all.”* The discourse was eminently calculated to 
 encourage the institution and promote its purposes. Other lec- 
 tures in the course were delivered by Professors Farrar and 
 Treadwell, Dr. Jacob Bigelow, George B. Emerson, and Gama- 
 liel Bradford. 
 
 In November, 1828, the second course of lectures was com- 
 menced with an introductory discourse by Mr. Daniel Webster, 
 on the state of the mechanic arts, their usefulness and the pur- 
 poses of the institution. Like that of the preceding year, it was 
 an eloquent and scholarly production. In describing the pur- 
 poses of the institution, Mr. Webster expands the view taken by 
 Mr. Everett. The latter gentleman, rightly enough, spoke of 
 it as intended to diffuse information among its members, and to 
 promote a cordial union among all the pursuits and occupations 
 
 * “ Orations and Speoclies on Various Occasions, by Edward Everett.” — 
 Boston, 1856. Volume i. 
 
56 
 
 MEMOIR or SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 of men. Mr. Webster speaks of its purpose, in a far-seeing and 
 almost prophetic spirit ; 
 
 “ The distinct purpose is to connect science more and more with 
 art ; to teach the established, and invent new, modes of combin- 
 ing skill with strength ; to bring the poAver of the human under- 
 standing in aid of the physical poAvers of the human frame ; to 
 facilitate the co-operation of the mind Avith the hand ; to promote 
 convenience, lighten labor, and mitigate toil, by stretchuig the 
 dominion of mind farther and farther over the elements of na- 
 ture, and by making those elements themselves submit to human 
 rule, follow human bidding, and Avork together for human hap- 
 piness.”* 
 
 How soon miich of this was realized by inventions and im- 
 provements noAV so familiar ! 
 
 After an eloquent explanation of the mechanical powers and 
 a brief sketch of the history of art, in speaking of the progress 
 of the mechanical arts — tAventy-five years ago — Mr. Webster 
 says, “ The slightest glance . . must convince us that me- 
 
 chanical power and mechanical skill, as they are noAV exhibited 
 in Europe and America, mark an epoch in human history wor- 
 thy of all admiration. Machinery is made to perform what has 
 formerly been the toil of human hands, to an extent that aston- 
 ishes the most sanguine, with a degree of power to which no 
 number of human arms is equal, and Avith such precision and 
 exactness as almost to suggest the notion of reason and intelli- 
 gence in the machines themselves. Every natural agent is put 
 unrelentingly to the task. The Avinds Avork, the waters work, 
 the elasticity of metals works ; gravity is solicited into a thous- 
 and new forms of action ; levers are multiplied upon levers ; 
 wheels revolve on the peripheries of other wheels ; the saw and 
 
 * “ The Works of Daaiel Webster,” Volume i. 
 
MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 57 
 
 the plane are tortured into an accommodation to new uses, and 
 last of all, with inimitable power, and ‘ with whirlwind sound,’ 
 comes the potent agency of steam. In comparison with the past, 
 what centuries of improvement has this single agent comprised, 
 in the short compass of fifty years ! Evei'ywhere practicable, 
 everywhere efiicient, it has an arm a thousand times stronger 
 than that of Hercules, and to which human ingenuity is capable 
 of fitting a thousand times as many hands as belonged to Bri- 
 areus.” 
 
 These courses of lectures were continued with generaHsuccess 
 and satisfaction for some ten years. They were popular and in- 
 structive ; the means of introducing a number of lecturers to the 
 public, and afibrded opportunities of association and intercourse 
 which were highly valuable to the members and of much benefit 
 to the conununity. Mr. Willard, we have reason to believe, es- 
 pecially profitted by them, and we have no doubt, many others 
 did also. Some few books and scientific periodicals were collect- 
 ed by the institution, and considerable valuable philosophical 
 apparatus was obtained from Europe and used to illustrate the 
 lectures. All these, together with the records and papers be- 
 longing to the institution, were transferred to the Massachusetts 
 Charitable Mechanic Association in January, 1840, the members 
 retaining certain conditional rights in the property, and entitled 
 to some privileges in the way of membership. 
 
 The institution flourished for ten or twelve years, success- 
 fully promoting its objects and preparing the way for other 
 efforts in the same direction. 
 
 8 
 
58 
 
 MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 MR. AVILLARD’S great A¥0RK — BUNKER HILL MONUMENT. 
 
 The great work of Mr. Willard’s life — for which he was 
 prepared by circumstances ; which comported with his taste and 
 experience ; into Avhich he threw his energy and skill ; and 
 which, for the time, was as a part of himself, was the Bunker 
 Hill Monument — the grand national memorial of the opening 
 of the Revolutionary War and of the principles involved 
 in that memorable contest for liberty and the rights of man. — 
 As soon as the subject of erecting a monument Avas proposed to 
 the public, Mr. Willard became interested in it. It seemed 
 at once to seize upon his imagination and feelings — he labored 
 for it in season and out of season — and notwithstanding all the 
 difficulties, embarrassments and delays in the progress of the 
 work, he never lost his interest in it or failed to do his utmost to 
 secure its completion. He did not look upon it simply as a work 
 of art, Avhich might be supposed to be his stand-point, but 
 regarded it as a high patriotic duty, sacred to the best and 
 noblest sentiments of our nature, and one Avith which no 
 selfish or sordid purposes of popularity or profit should be 
 permitted to mingle. It Avas in his mind, — as surely in the 
 minds of those eminent men Avho conceived, and by efibrts and 
 labors yet untold, promoted the enterprise, — to be a work of 
 gratitude — the outpouring of appreciative and grateful hearts — 
 as Avell as the memorial of an event, hoAvever important in its 
 
MEMOIR OF SOLOMON 'WILLARD. 
 
 59 
 
 consequences. His ideas on this subject, in some respects, were 
 peculiar ; in order to make the work what it should be — the 
 memorial of a grateful people — he thought all should conti’ibute 
 towards its necessary cost, according to theii’ means, but he did 
 not believe in asking for or receiving money to pay a profit in 
 such an undertaking. In accordance with his feelings in this 
 respect, he always refused for himself all compensation for ser- 
 vices rendered, and, we think, to a large extent also for expenses 
 incurred, and never sought for or accepted any pay or profit in 
 any matter connected with the work, either during its erection 
 or afterwards. He seemed to feel that to undertake such a work 
 for profit, to speculate in its conti’acts, or in any way diminish 
 or misdh’ect its funds, would not only be a high misdemeanor to 
 be punished by statute and a fi-aud upon the patriotic contribu- 
 tors, but would take fi’om the structure itself a part of its sacred 
 character as a work of gratitude and honor. He took an early 
 occasion to have his -views on this subject kno-wn, as will be 
 seen by his letter of June, 1825, before he was chosen archi- 
 tect and superintendent of the work. 
 
 With these feelings, Mr. Willard’s interest in the monument 
 became devotion to it, and there are, and have been, but few 
 persons that know how arduous, continuous, self-sacrificing and 
 public spirited have been his ser-vices in its behalf — fi-om the 
 beginning to the end. There are but few persons if any, now 
 living, who know how much we are indebted to him for the de- 
 sign and general plan of the monument ; for the massive and 
 durable character of its material ; for the excellence and accu- 
 racy of the work ; for its low cost, and finally for its completion, 
 with the means originally and ultimately at the command of the 
 association. JMuch of all this remains untold, and it is due to 
 him, and to those Avith whom he was associated in the work ; to 
 the truth of history, and as a faithfnl record of faithful ser-vices, 
 that they should be stated and rendered as durable as the monu- 
 ment itself, and the deeds and principles it so sublimely com- 
 memorates. He gave time, thought and labor to the work — its 
 
60 
 
 MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 preparation, its management and its progress, — which as re- 
 gards himself, money could neither command or compensate. — 
 During his engagement upon it, he found his best reward in his 
 own breast and in the approbation of those with whom he was 
 associated in the patriotic service. 
 
 The first suggestion of the present monument is, credited 
 by Mr. Everett, without contradiction, to Mr. William Tudor, 
 first editor of the North American Review and it seems that 
 Gen. H. A. S. Dearborn called attention to the subject of the 
 battle-field in April, 1822, in one of the public papers, when a 
 “ lot of ground including the monument erected to the memory 
 of Gen. Warren,” was to be sold at auction. He desired that 
 “ some patriotic gentleman of wealth in the town of Charlestown 
 should purchase this American Marathon and have it enclosed 
 with a stone or iron fence, to be held sacred, as the spot where 
 the defenders of the Republic first met the shock of battle ‘ in 
 times which tried men’s souls.’ ” Mr. Tudor thereupon consult- 
 ed with Mr. Dearborn, and the result is stated as follows : “Dr. 
 John C. Warren of Boston, purchased the land in November, 
 1822, and held it until the Monument Association, subsequently 
 formed, took it from his hands.”f The Records of the Standing 
 Committee, kept by Mr. Everett, make no reference to such a 
 transaction, but state, under date of August 17, 1824, “ that 
 Mr. Knowles made a report on the subject of the Bunker Hill 
 lands, exhibiting the proposals which he had received from the 
 proprietors, and estimating the sum required to purchase them 
 at $26,000. This report was accepted, and it was voted, that 
 the same committee be requested to proceed to make the pur- 
 chase, and to procure a loan of the money required for the same 
 on the credit of the corporation, secured by the joint obligation 
 of such gentlemen as may be disposed to enter into it.” The 
 lands were purchased and the next year rented as a pasture. 
 
 * Speech of Itlay 28, 183-3, in Faneuil Hall. Speeches, &c. vol. i. 
 t Prof. Packard’s History of the Bunker Hill Monument. Collections of 
 the Maine Historical Society. 1852. 
 
MEMOIR OE SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 61 
 
 The act incorporating the Bunker Hill Monument Associa- 
 tion was approved by the Governor, on the 7th of June, 1823, 
 and was accepted by the corporation on the 13th of the same 
 month. On the 17th, by-laws were adopted and the officers for 
 the year elected. John Brooks, Governor of the-Commonwealth, 
 was chosen President of the association, and Daniel Webster 
 first on the list of Directors. In his letter of acceptance. 
 Governor Brooks said, “ the object had always been a desirable 
 one on his mind.” Governor Brooks had himself served in the 
 revolutionary war. He commanded a company of minute-men 
 at Reading, and was on duty on the 19th of April, 1775 ; was 
 a Major in Col. Bridge’s regiment on the 17th of June, and as 
 Lieutenant Colonel, stormed the entrenchments of the German 
 troops at Saratoga. 
 
 Tn the first “ address to the public,” probably from the pen of 
 Mr. Webster, published July 9th, 1823, the proposed erection of 
 the monument is spoken of as follows : 
 
 “ The erection of some public monument which should bear 
 lasting testimony to national gratitude and cherish a national 
 feeling, has often been the subject of discussion and conversation 
 in this part of the country ; but none worthy of the name and 
 purposes, has yet been executed. It is true that the public rec-, 
 ords, the productions of the press, history and poetry, are sure 
 to preserve and perpetuate the remembrance of the great events 
 of the American Revolution. Nevertheless, some grand and 
 striking object, often recurring to the sight and impressing the 
 mind with interesting associations, would be one, it is thought, 
 neither useless nor unworthy for the present generation to rear 
 
 to the memory of the past Fortunately the scene 
 
 of the battle of Bunker Hill possesses distinguished natural ad- 
 vantages for the site of a monument. It is high, conspicuous, 
 and at present not covered with buildings. 
 
 “ At present it is not practicable to define the character or 
 magnitude of the monument which may be erected. This must 
 
62 
 
 MEMOIR OP SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 depend essentially on the extent to which the feelings of the 
 country shall be interested in the undertaking. The general 
 view, however, is to erect a monument which shall be distin- 
 guished hy simplicity and grandeur, rather than by elaborate 
 and elegant ornaments. Like the events which it is to com- 
 memorate, we would wish it to exhibit the character of natural, 
 inherent, durable greatness.” 
 
 At the expiration of a year, and after the recurrence of the 
 annual meeting, on the 27th of July, 1824, a Standing Com- 
 mittee was appointed, composed of H. A. S. Dearborn, John C. 
 Warren, Edward Everett, George Blake, and Samuel D. Har- 
 ris, invested with authority “ to exercise the powers of the Di- 
 rectors in managing the affairs of the association.” 
 
 The first meeting of this committee was held at the Medical 
 College, on the 2d of August, 1824 : Gen. Dearborn, Chair- 
 man ; Mr. Everett, Secretary. The first business before the 
 committee was a proposition from the Washington Benevolent 
 Society for transferring to the association its property and funds, 
 and these were subsecpiently received. The next matter of record 
 is in the following words : “ Plans of Monumental Columns, 
 drawn hy Mr. Willard, architect, were submitted by Gen. Dear- 
 born,” with whom Mr. Willard had been in conference on the 
 subject. The Standing Committee managed the affairs of the 
 association until April 29, 1825, — the date of its last meeting, 
 but the Building Committee did not have a meeting until the 
 last of October of that year. 
 
 Having shown his interest in the work, in various ways, Mr. 
 Willard was elected a member of the association in September, 
 1824, and received the following notice of the honor thereby 
 conferred upon him : 
 
 ‘‘Boston, September 8, 1824. 
 
 “ Sir — You are hereby informed that you have been elected 
 a member of the Bunker Hill Monument Association, incorpo- 
 
MBMOIU OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 63 
 
 rated June 7th, 1823, for the purpose of commemorating the 
 early events of the American Revolution, and especially for the 
 erection of a Monument on the ground where the action of J une 
 17, 1775, was fought. 
 
 “ The intention of the association, in electing you a member, 
 is to obtain your influence and aid in carrying into effect the 
 design of the incorporation. These you are earnestly solicited 
 to employ to the extent your situation and opportunity admit. 
 Should you decline becoming a member, you will please to trans- 
 mit a notice to this effect to the Secretary of the Standing Com- 
 mittee ; otherwise you will forthwith receive a certificate of 
 membership. By order, 
 
 Edward Everett, 
 
 Secretary of the Standing Committee of Directors.” 
 
 The certificate subsequently received is as follows : — 
 
 “Be it made known by us, the President, Vice Presidents and 
 Directors of the Bunker Hill Monument Association, instituted 
 in 1823, for the purpose of commemorating the early events of 
 the American Revolution, and especially for the erection of a 
 Monument on the ground where the action of Bunker Hill was 
 fought on the 17th of June, 1775, that Solomon 'VVillard has 
 been admitted to be a member of this association, and that this 
 is to serve as a perpetual memorial of his having contributed to 
 the execution of its patriotic design. 
 
 “John Brooks, President; T. H. Perkins, Joseph Story, 
 Vice Presidents ; Daniel Webster, George Blake, Benj. Gor- 
 ham, H. A. S. Dearborn, Edw’ard Everett, Samuel D. Harris, 
 John C. Warren, Seth Knowles, Samuel Swett, George Ticknor, 
 Theodore Lyman, Jr., Isaac P. Davis, Jesse Putnam, Directors; 
 Nathaniel P. Russell, Treasurer; Franklin Dexter, Secretary.” 
 
 On the 24th of September, the Standing Committee publish- 
 ed a circular, “explaining the objects of the association,” which 
 was to be “ circulated among the members of the community able 
 to promote the design by their aid and interest.” We should be 
 
64 
 
 MEMOIR OP SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 glad to copy this able and eloquent paper at length into these 
 pages, but for the reason that it will appear in a comprehensive 
 history of the monument, already in progress under a vote of the 
 association. There are, however, two or three passages which 
 pertain so nearly to our subject, and which composed a part of 
 the material which artists would necessarily consider in making 
 a design for the wmrk, that we feel justified in quoting them in 
 this place : 
 
 “ The spot itself on which this memorable action took place, 
 is extremely favorable for becoming the site of a monumental 
 structure. Competent judges have pronounced the heights of 
 Charlestown to excel any spot on our coast, in their adaptation 
 to the object in view. Their position between the Mystic and 
 Charles, with the expanse of the harbor of Boston, and its beau- 
 tiful islands in front, has long attracted the notice of the stran- 
 ger. An elevated monument on this spot would be the first 
 landmark of the mariner in his approach to our harbor ; while 
 the whole neighboring country, comprising the towns of Roxbury, 
 Brookline, Cambridge, Medford and Chelsea, with their rich 
 fields, villages and spires ; the buildings of the University, the 
 bridges, the numerous ornamental country seats and improved 
 plantations, the whole bounded by a distant line of hills and 
 farming landscape which cannot be surpassed in variety and 
 beauty, would be spread out as in a picture, to the eye of the 
 spectator on the summit of the proposed structure. 
 
 “Nor are these the only natural advantages of the spot. — 
 Though essentially rural in many of its features, it rises above 
 one of our most flourishing towns, the seat of several important 
 national establishments, where the noble ships of war of the 
 American Republic seem to guard the approach to the spot where 
 her first martyrs fought and bled. Its immediate vicinity to 
 Boston, and its convenient distance from Salem, makes the ac- 
 cess to it direct from the centres of our most numerous, wealthy 
 and active populations, and will be the means of keeping contin- 
 
MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARL. 
 
 65 
 
 ually in .sight, or bringing frequently to view, to the great 
 masses of the community, the imposing memorial of an event 
 which ought never to he absent from their memory, as its effects 
 are daily and hourly brought home to the business and bosoms 
 of every American citizen.” 
 
 “ In forming an estimate of the cost of the structure proposed, 
 a single eye has been had to the principle which dictates its erec- 
 tion. Everything separated from the idea of substantial strength 
 and severe taste has been discarded, as foreign from the grave 
 and serious character both of the men and events to be commem- 
 orated. With this principle in view, it has been ascertained 
 that a monumental column, of a classic model, with an elevation 
 to make it the most lofty in the world, may be erected of our fine 
 Chelmsford granite, for about thirty-seven thousand dollars.”* 
 
 “ The general propriety and expediency of erecting public 
 monuments of the kind proposed are acknowledged by all. — 
 They form not only the most conspicuous ornaments with which 
 we can adorn our towns and high places, but they are the best 
 proof we can exhibit to strangers, that our sensibility is strong 
 and animated toward those great achievements and greater char- 
 acters, to which we owe all our national blessings. There surely 
 is not one among us who would not experience a strong satisfac- 
 tion in conducting a stranger to the foot of a monumental struc- 
 ture, rising in decent majesty on this memorable spot. * 
 
 “ Works of this kind also have the happiest influence in ex- 
 citing and nourishing the national and patriotic sentiment. Our 
 
 * This estimate refers to the earliest sketches made by IMr. Willard, of two 
 columns “ which had nearly the proportions of the Trajan and Antonine col- 
 umns at Rome, excepting that the pedestals are higher in proportion than the 
 Trajan and lower than the Antonine.’’ They were of less height and less 
 diameter than the present monument, and the estimate was for small blocks 
 and cheap construction. The Trajan column is 106 feet in height with a ped- 
 estal of 19 feet ; that of Antoninus is 96 feet 6 inches with a pedestal of 26 feet 
 6 inches and a statue of St. Paul on the top of the column. 
 
66 
 
 MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 government has been called, and truly is a government of opin- 
 ion ; but it is one of sentiment still more. It is not the judg- 
 ment only of this people, which dictates a preference for our 
 institutions ; but it is a strong, deep-seated, inborn sentiment ; a 
 feeling, a passion for liberty. It is a becoming expression of this 
 sentiment to honor, in every way, the memories and characters 
 of our fathers ; to adorn a spot where their noble blood was spilt, 
 and not surrender it uncared-for to the plough. Years, it is to 
 be remembered, are rapidly passing away ; and the glorious tra- 
 ditions of our national emancipation which we received from 
 them, will descend more faintly to our successors. The patriotic 
 sentiment, which binds us together more strongly than compacts 
 or constitutions, Avill if permitted, grow cold from mere lapse of 
 time. W e owe these monuments, therefore, not less to the char- 
 acter of our posterity, than to the memory of our fathers. These 
 events must not lose their interest. Our children and our chil- 
 dren’s children have a right to these feelings, cherished and kept 
 by a worthy transmission. It is the order of nalure that the 
 generation to achieve nobly should be succeeded by a generation 
 worthily to record and gratefully to commemorate. We are not 
 called to the fire and the sword ; to meet the appaling array of 
 armies, to taste the bitter cup of imperial wrath and vengeance 
 proffered to an ill-provided land. We are chosen for the easier, 
 more grateful, but not less bounden duty of commemorating and 
 honoring the labors, sacrifices and sufferings of the great men of 
 those dark times. 
 
 “ There is one point of view, in which we seem to be strongly 
 called upon to engage in the erection of works like that proposed. 
 The beautiful and noble arts of design and architecture have 
 hitherto been engaged in arbitrary and despotic service. The 
 Pyramids and Obelisks of Egypt ; the monumental columns of 
 Trajan and Aurelius, have paid no tribute to the rights and feel- 
 ings of man. Majestic and graceful as they are, they have no 
 record but that of sovereignty, sometimes cruel and tyrannical, 
 and sometimes mild ; but nevci' that of a great, enliglitened and 
 
MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 67 
 
 generous people. Providence, which has given us the senses to 
 observe, the taste to admire, and the skill to execute, these beau- 
 tiful -works of art, cannot have intended that, in a flourishurg 
 nation of freemen, there should be no scope for their erection. 
 Our fellow-citizens of Baltimore have set us a noble example of 
 redeeming the arts to the cause of free institutions, in the impos- 
 ing monument they have erected to the memory of those who fell 
 in defending their city. If we cannot be the first to set up a 
 structure of this character, let us not be other than the first to 
 improve upon the example ; to arrest and fix the feelings of our 
 generation on the important events of an earlier and more mo- 
 mentous struggle, and to redeem the pledge of gratitude to the 
 high-souled heroes of that trying day.” 
 
 This noble appeal to the people, — in words which cannot be 
 too often repeated, — could not have been unheeded by them, 
 nor lost upon the artists of the country, and especially not upon 
 Mr. Willard, whose feelings had already been awakened in behalf 
 of the work. Those who read its eloquent sentences and hapj^y 
 illustrations, at this day, will be able to realize how forcibly and 
 truthfully the subject was presented in it, and how clearly its 
 reasonings have been fulfilled in the completion of the rvork. 
 
 Having thus presented the subject to the public, the next step 
 was the initiation of active measures to obtain subscriptions for 
 the work through the agency of the various town authorities, — 
 accordingly a circular, dated October 1st, 1824, was addressed 
 to the Selectmen of all the towns in the Commonwealth. This 
 eloquent paper recounts the causes of the rebellion and the 
 events which preceded the battle of Bunker Hill, and remarks 
 of the battle and its consequences as follows : — 
 
 “ Under cover of the night of the 16th of June, 1775, this 
 detachment proceeded silently and cautiously, with such arms 
 and implements as they had, and with a very small supply of 
 powder, to take possession of the hills, and spend the night in 
 
68 
 
 MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 the hurried labor of preparing for themselves some intrenchment, 
 against the probable attack of the British. Poorly prepared, 
 and wearied with labor, they met the shock on the following day, 
 of the picked and chosen men of the British army ! 
 
 “ The consequences of the cool, undaunted, astonishing brav- 
 ery, displayed on that day, we now feel and enjoy ; and they 
 will continue to be felt and enjoyed, so long as we and our de- 
 scendants shall be worthy of the name of Freemen. 
 
 “ It is among these consequences, that we are now the citizens 
 of a free and independent republic, not the degraded and despis- 
 ed subjects of despotic royal power ; 
 
 “ That we live under laws made by rulers chosen from among 
 ourselves, not under the orders of arbitrary authority, enforced 
 by a ferocious soldiery ; 
 
 “ That we dwell in security in our peaceful homes, in the full 
 enjoyment of the fruits of our labor, instead of being liable to 
 arbitrary taxation, and to personal service in wars of ambition, in 
 which we could have no advantage, though subject to the most 
 distressing evils ; 
 
 “ That the community of which we are members, is thriving 
 and expanding with the impulses of civil freedom, not creeping 
 through an humble existence in the constraint of colonial depen- 
 dence ; 
 
 “ In short, that \fe are citizens of a free, powerful and in- 
 creasing nation, not a remote and insignificant appendage to a 
 kingdom, and ruled by mandates issuing from a throne three 
 thousand miles from our homes. 
 
 “ What of gratitude, reverence and affection, do we not owe, 
 fellow-citizens, to our countrymen who assembled and met the 
 British on Bunker Hill on the Seventeenth of June ! It is to 
 their manly resistance that we owe the precious blessings we call 
 our own ; All, all that we hold dear ! Had they turned and 
 fled, as the British believed they would ; had a panic spread 
 through the country from their flight, might not the germ of 
 liberty have been crushed in the bud ; and the history of our 
 
MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 69 
 
 country have been stained with disgraceful military executions, 
 instead of being read as it now is, with emotions of inexpressible 
 thanksgiving and praise ! 
 
 “ It is in honor of that glorious day that it is now proposed 
 to raise a monument, worthy of those we commemorate, and to 
 remind successive generations of the deeds of our fathers, and 
 to evmce the just and heartfelt gratitude of the present time.” 
 
 . . “ Such a monument will not only carry down to 
 
 distant ages the memory of illustrious deeds ; it wull also remind 
 the generations, as they rise, of the origin of their social rights ; 
 it will proclaim to them with awful grandeur, the sacred duty of 
 preserving unimpaired the freedom which was purchased with 
 precious blood.” 
 
70 
 
 MEMOIR OP SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 SELECTION OP A DESIGN FOR THE MONUMENT. 
 
 After the purchase of the land, in behalf of the association, 
 by the Directors, the next great questions to be considered were 
 as to the plan of the monument and the means to meet its cost. 
 The gentlemen who had conceived and undertaken the patriotic 
 enterprise held frequent meetings, and immediately adopted meas- 
 ures to present the subject to the puldic and obtain subscriptions 
 and donations for the work, as already described. The interest- 
 ing question of a plan had of course been spoken of incidentally 
 and was visibly presented at the first meeting of the Standing 
 Committee, on 2d of August, 1824, by original designs from 
 Mr. Willard, and it occupied the attention of the Directors and 
 the public until July, 1825. 
 
 At the second meeting of the Stamling Committee, on the 9th 
 of August, “ Dr. Warren having observed that Mr. Willard 
 was prepared to make a drawing on a large scale of a plan 
 of a monumental column, it rvas voted, that he be requested by 
 the committee to draiv a plan which might serve the purpose of 
 public exhibition.” “It was also voted that the same request 
 be made to Mr. Alexander Parris, when he shall have exhibited 
 a smaller plan to the committee.” We have not found that Mr. 
 Parris submitted any “smaller plan” to the committee, or any 
 other plan until after the offer of a premium. 
 
 The idea respecting the proposed monument, entertained by 
 
MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 71 
 
 the committee at this time, may be considered as embodied in 
 the following extract from the circular of October, 1824 : 
 
 ‘‘ It is the design of the corporation to erect a column of two 
 hundred and twenty feet in height ; of hewn granite, containing 
 in its centre a circular stairway, by which it may be ascended 
 to the top.” . . . “ As it will commemorate the greatest 
 
 event in the history of civil liberty, it should be, and shall be, 
 the grandest monument in the world.” This announcement, of 
 course, would naturally lead artists who might be considermg the 
 subject, to suppose that the committee had determined upon the 
 form of the mouument — a column ; its height — two hundred 
 and twenty feet ; the mode of ascent, by circular stairs, and the 
 material — hewn granite, — and that the only matter undecided 
 was its diameter. But the committee had not yet called upon 
 the artists of the country to offer designs for the work. 
 
 On the 4th of November, it was “ Voted, that Mr. Willard 
 be and he hereby is authorised to draw a plan of a monument, 
 projected on a large scale, to be painted for the purpose of exhi- 
 bition to the legislature and the citizens of Boston and vicinity.” 
 This plan was executed agreeably to the request of the commit- 
 tee, and proved to be satisfactory, as will be seen by the vote 
 and correspondence which followed. 
 
 On the 17th of January, 1825, the Standing Committee ac- 
 cepted the form of an advertisement for a “plan,” offering a 
 premium of one hundred dollars for the best design which should 
 be accepted. The committee desired to avail itself of the artistic 
 skill of the country, and received in response to their call about 
 fifty designs of different styles and characteristics, a portion of 
 which are yet preserved among the archives of the association, 
 but no one of them was ever accepted by the Directors, nor was 
 the premium offered ever awarded. 
 
 On the 16th of March, in the Standing Committee, it was 
 ‘ ‘ Voted, that the Secretary address a letter of thanks to Mr. 
 Solomon Willard, soliciting permission to keep his plan and to 
 
72 
 
 MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 compensate him for bis trouble.” Mr. Everett’s letter to Mr. 
 Willard is as follows — 
 
 “ Cambridge, March 22, 1825. 
 
 “ Dear Sir, — I beg leave to inform you, that at a meeting of 
 the Standing Committee of the Bunker Hill Monument Associ- 
 ation, on the 16th instant, the following vote was unanimously 
 passed : — 
 
 “ That the thanks of the Committee be expressed to Mr. S. 
 Willard for the preparation of a very beautiful plan of a monu- 
 mental column at their request ; that, though the Committee 
 have felt it their duty, at this stage of the business, in discharge 
 of a public trust, to make a general advertisement to the artists 
 of the country, yet nothing is farther from their purpose in so 
 doing, than to undervalue the very beautiful plan prepared by 
 Mr. Willard, whose services on this occasion, the Committee 
 highly appreciate and desire to acknowledge by ample and hon- 
 orable compensation. 
 
 “ Permit me, dear sir, in communicating this vote, to offer 
 you my private tribute of thanks for the display of talent, science 
 and taste, in the plan prepared liy you. 
 
 I am, very respectfully, yours, 
 
 Edward Everett, - 
 
 Secretary of the Committee.” 
 
 The following is Mr. Willard’s reply : 
 
 “ Boston, April 11th, 1825. 
 
 ‘ ‘ Dear Sir, — I did not receive your note of the 22d of March 
 until this evening. As - 1 do not often call at the post office, it 
 had remained there until sent to me by the post. 
 
 “ I should be very sorry to have the Committee suppose that 
 I question the propriety of their advertising for designs. On my 
 own account merely, I should have preferred knowing their in- 
 tentions at the outset, as I might thereby have avoided commit- 
 ting myself, and have chosen a course that might have been more 
 
MEMOIR OF SOLOMON AVILLARD. 
 
 73 
 
 successful. It requires some management to make and exhibit 
 a design Avhich will please the multitude. The purest design 
 does not make the most catching picture, and an artist who in- 
 tends to succeed in such a case should not draw what he thinks 
 it proper to build, but that which he thinks will please. The 
 design should be light and fanciful and the drawing deceptive 
 and highly colored. 
 
 “ I am not insensible to the honor that has been conferred on 
 me by the Committee, and if my slender efforts have been of any 
 service, they are entirely welcome. As respects the sketches, 
 I think it due to myself to state that they were made under 
 great disadvantages. 
 
 “ Yours, respectfully, Solomon Willard.” 
 
 Up to this time, notwithstanding the many suggestions which 
 had been made and the various designs offered, the impression 
 appears to have been in favor of a monumental column, in 
 preference to any other form. The subject had been for a 
 long time and yet continued to be discussed in the Board of 
 Directors, among the people, and in the public papers, and 
 numerous p)lans were proposed. The Board of Directors was 
 composed of distinguished gentlemen — lawyers, scholars and 
 artists ; and the discussion was so full and thorough that, if 
 learning, ability and a desire to arrive at a wise conclusion could 
 secure a wise result, it was scarcely possible that a mistake 
 could be committed. 
 
 No less than three committees of the Board of Directors were 
 appointed on this subject. On the 5th of April, it was resolved 
 that a final decision “ in regard to the kind of monument to be 
 erected shall be made only at a meeting of the Directors warned 
 by special notice to each individual and also by advertisement in 
 two newspapers in Boston, twenty days before the time of such 
 meeting.” It was also I’esolved, “ that whenever the Directors 
 shall judge [it] expedient to take measures to come to a decision 
 in regard to the kind of monument to be erected, they shall elect 
 10 
 
MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 74 . 
 
 a board to whom shall he submitted all plans and designs which 
 may be presented, in order that this board may give an opinion 
 as to the superiority of any plan or design thus presented ; and 
 further that said board of artists be requested to give their 
 opinion in regard to any other plan which may occur to them, 
 besides those which may have been laid before them hy the 
 Du'ectors.” 
 
 FIUST COMMITTEE ON THE DESIGN. 
 
 It was determined that this board should consist of seven 
 members, and the Standing Committee was requested to make 
 the nomination : This committee nominated the five following 
 
 gentlemen, viz. Daniel Webster, Gilbert Stuart, Washington 
 Allston, Loammi Baldwin and George Ticknor, — a constellation 
 of eminent men, statesmen, scholars and artists, equal to the full 
 discussion and final decision of any question that may be pre- 
 sented to a committee, in law, literature or art. The report of 
 the committee was accepted, “ both as to the persons named and 
 the number of them.” 
 
 To this “board of artists” fell the duty of examining the 
 designs offered for the premium, and on the 12th qf April the 
 following proceedings took place : 
 
 “ A report in part was made by the committee appointed at 
 the last meeting to examine plans for the monument, &c. 
 
 “ Ordered that this report be laid on the table ; that the fur- 
 ther consideration thereof be postponed to the next meeting, and 
 that the committee have leave to make a further report. 
 
 “ Ordered that the same committee be requested to report 
 which of the plans submitted be entitled to the premium of one 
 hundred dollars, as the best submitted plan.” [The committee 
 were not previously instructed in this matter.] 
 
 At the next meeting, on the 26th of April, the following pro- 
 ceedings took place : 
 
 “ A report was made by the committee on the subject of 
 awarding a premium to the author of the best plan or model. — 
 
MEMOIR OE SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 .75 
 
 On motion and after discussion of the principles of the report, 
 it was voted to lay this report on the table.” [It does not appear 
 that this report included a decision in regard to the premium, 
 nor that the report itself was ever farther considered.] 
 
 “ Voted that a meeting of the Directors he notified for 19th 
 of May, for the purpose of deciding on a plan of a monument.” 
 
 SECOND COSI5IITTEE ON TUB DESIGN. 
 
 On the 19th, “the proceedings of the last meeting having been 
 read, a discussion arose upon the subject for which the present 
 meeting was called, viz : the plan of a monument. After debate 
 it was voted, that a committee of five be appointed to report the 
 plan of an obelisk, and also of a column, with estimates of the 
 expense of each. That this committee consist of the following 
 gentlemen : H. A. S. Dearborn, Edward Everett, Seth Knowles, 
 Samuel D. Harris, and Thomas H. Perkins.” 
 
 On the 7th of June, ten days only before the great initiation- 
 ceremony was to take place, the question had practically come 
 to be between a monumental column and an obelisk : The fol- 
 lowing were the proceedings as recorded ; 
 
 “ The committee appointed to report a plan of an obelisk and 
 of a column, with estimates of the expense of each, made a 
 statement on the subject, by General Dearborn, their chairman. 
 This statement is placed on the files of the association.” [It is 
 not now to be found ; but was no doubt in favor of a column, as 
 the votes of a majority of the committee indicate.] 
 
 “ A proposition was then made and supported, which was as 
 follows ; That the Directors of this Association do now decide 
 on and adopt a column as the form of the object for the propos- 
 ed monument. 
 
 “ This proposal having been discussed at great length, the 
 question was finally taken by yeas and nays, and each Dmector 
 being called on in turn, answered as follows : 
 
 “ Yeas : II. A. S. Dearborn, George Blake, Samuel D. Harris, 
 Jesse Putnam, Seth Knowles, — 5. 
 
76 
 
 MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 ‘‘Naijs : Daniel Webster, President, Joseph Story, Vice Pre- 
 sident, Nathan Appleton, Loammi BaldAvin, Isaac P. Davis, 
 Amos Lawrence, Samnel Swett, William Sullivan, David Sears, 
 George Ticknor, John C. Warren, — 11. 
 
 “ So, there being five in the afiirmative and eleven in the 
 negative, the proposition was rejected. 
 
 “ It was then Voted, That the form of an obelisk shall be 
 ^ adopted for the proposed monument ; or in other words, a pyra- 
 midal structure such as may hereafter be agreed on.” 
 
 TniKD COMMITTEE ON THE DESIGN. 
 
 “ A committee was then chosen by ballot to report a design of 
 an obelisk, or pyramidal structure ; and to consider and report 
 on the subject generally. 
 
 “ This committee consisted of the following gentlemen, viz : 
 Loammi Baldwin, George Ticknor, Jacob Bigelow, Washington 
 Allston, and Samuel Swett.” 
 
 While this committee had the subject in consideration, the 
 ceremony of laying the corner-stone of the monument took place, 
 on the fiftieth anniversary of the battle — arrangements having 
 been hastened for the purpose of marking the half-century, an d 
 also to secure the august presence of General Lafayette, at the 
 time the guest of the nation. 
 
 At the meeting on the 24th of June, “ The chairman of the 
 committee to present the design of an obelisk stated that he 
 should be ready to report in about ten days.” 
 
 July 1, 1825. “ A report from the committee on the plan of 
 
 the monument was, in the absence of Colonel Baldwin, chairman 
 of the committee, read by Mr. Ticknor, and after a short discus- 
 sion, the further consideration of the same was referred to the 
 next meeting of the directors.” 
 
 July 5. “ After a short discussion, it was voted, neni. con. 
 
 to accept the report of the committee on the plan of the monu- 
 ment.” 
 
MEMOIR OP SOLOMON AVILLARD. 
 
 77 
 
 These are the proceedings of the Directors as they stand upon 
 the records. It having been determined, to the satisfaction of 
 the whole board, “ that the form of an obelisk shall be adopted, 
 or in other words, a pyi’amidal structure, such as may hereafter 
 be agreed on,” the remaining questions relative to its propor- 
 tions, height and accessories, (although settled, in a general 
 way, by publications already made, and by plans prepared by 
 Mr. Willard, to test the question of cost,) were finally determin- 
 ed by the acceptance of the 
 
 FINAL EEPOET OF COLONEL BALDWIN. 
 
 We have obtained the original of Colonel Bakhvin’s report, — 
 one of the few papers of importance which have been preserved 
 among what are by courtesy called “ the archives of the associa- 
 tion.” It recommends “an obelisk or frustum of a quadran- 
 gular pyi’amid, the base of which shall be a square of thirty feet 
 on each side, to rise two hundi’ed and twenty feet from the plat- 
 form or ground on which it is to be erected, to be surmounted 
 with an apex having its upper angle ninety degrees, and to be 
 fifteen feet square at the top, agreeably to the plans and section 
 herewith presented.” 
 
 It further reconunends, “that its four faces shall be respec- 
 tively opposite the four cardinal points of the compass, and the 
 north and south faces shall intersect at right angles, the plane of 
 the meridian passing through the axis of the monument.” 
 
 Also that the foundation shall be twelve feet in depth and fifty 
 feet square, with offsets, and built of stones of large dimensions ; 
 and that in order to obtain a sufficient knowledge of the soil, &c. 
 it is expedient to sink a well near the proposed site. 
 
 That the site shall be carefully examined, “ to ascertain at 
 what level, in relation to the surface of the hill about it, the 
 platform should be fixed, so that in forming the terre-jilein, or 
 suitable and convenient area round the monument, an economical 
 disposition of the earth shall be obtained. . . . Upon this 
 
 point the committee consider it very essential to preserve as high 
 
78 
 
 MEMOIR OP SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 a level for the platform as the nature of the land will admit, 
 consistent with that easy approach to, and promenade round, a 
 public monument of so much grandeur and importance.” 
 
 That “ the obelisk shall be erected of the dimensions and pro- 
 portions and in the manner represented in the plan and section 
 of the drawing herewith presented,” — the general outlines of 
 which are described and have been mainly followed in the struc- 
 ture as now completed. 
 
 The report also recommends that contracts be made for sup- 
 plying the material, making the excavations, dressing and ham- 
 mering the stones, &c., but that the erection of the obelisk shall 
 be “ entrusted to the care and superintendence of an experienced 
 stone-mason, of known industry and integrity, and the W'ork to 
 be performed by hired workmen under his direction.” 
 
 That “some skilful architect should be employed, in whom 
 the public as well as the board may justly have confidence, who 
 shall make and prepare the detailed and working plans, and who 
 shall see that the execution of the monument shall be through- 
 out, faithfully and substantially performed, agreeably to the 
 plans and directions to be adopted and delivered by the board, 
 or a committee by them appointed for that purpose.” 
 
 The report further recommends the appointment of a Building 
 Committee of three members, with full authority to employ 
 an architect, make contracts, &c. By a vote of the Directors 
 the number was increased to five. 
 
 After the completion of the monument, “and not before,” 
 tlie committee recommend around the obelisk, “a firm platform 
 of broad, well-hammered stones, resting on foundation walls, and 
 extending to the distance of twenty feet from each face of the 
 building, having at the exterior boundary three steps, of not 
 more than eight inches rise each, running round the whole plat- 
 form.” This terre-plein^ it is suggested, should now be con- 
 structed according to the original design. 
 
 In concluding their report the committee state that “ several 
 other propositions have been examined, which presented dimen- 
 
MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 79 
 
 sions and proportions varying from those of the plan they herein 
 recommend. One scheme was to preserve the relative propor- 
 tion of base and top, and to make the base a square of forty feet 
 and the top twenty feet. Another was to enlarge the base to 
 forty or fifty feet, and give the top a proportionally smaller area, 
 so as to present an outline more distinctly pyramidal ; but your 
 committee having taken into consideration the funds already 
 provided or probably attainable, as well as the practical compli- 
 ance with the general wishes of the board and the public, had no 
 hesitation in adopting the plan recommended, as the one most 
 likely to be finally and satisfactorily accomplished.” 
 
 The following copy of a letter shows that pending the discus- 
 sion, an obelisk had been suggested by Mr. Ticknor, and also 
 what Mr. Willard’s views were upon the,, subject : 
 
 “ Dear Sir, — I have made another slight sketch of the obe- 
 lisk you suggested. I have supposed that the monument would 
 be enclosed by an iron fence and have sketched the frustums of 
 pyramids, in the Egy}itian style, at the angles, which may serve 
 as accompaniments and also for a lodge, watch house, &c. The 
 obelisk and base is as sketched before, with the addition of a 
 broad platform and a subterranean entrance. 
 
 “ It has always seemed to me that any of the three figures 
 which have been proposed, if well designed, would make a re- 
 spectable monument. The obelisk I have always preferred for 
 its severe cast and its nearer approach to the simplicity of nature 
 than the others. The column might be more splendid. The 
 character of the obelisk, without a pedestal, seems to me to be 
 strictly appropriate for the occasion and I think would rank first 
 as a specimen of art and be highly creditable to the taste of 
 the age. 
 
 “ Yours, respectfully, 
 
 “ George Ticknor, Esq. 
 
 Solomon Willard.” 
 
80 
 
 MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 In the report of the Building Committee, made the next year, 
 June 17, 1826, referring to the presentation to them of a plan 
 “ of an edifice in the form of a Gothic church,” it is said : 
 
 “ While this committee were disposed to give their respectful 
 attention to the representation alluded to, they could not take a 
 measure of any description thereon. Whatever the individual 
 opinions of this committee may have been, they are sensible that 
 the design had the sanction of two Boards of Directors in two 
 different years ; that it underwent discussions perhaps without 
 example in this country, if the time and labor employed in them 
 are considered, and the talents of those who took part in them, 
 are estimated as they should be. Moreover it has seemed to 
 them, so far as they have been able to judge, that the choice of 
 the Directors has beerfc sanctioned by public opinion, as fully as 
 any design of this description ever was or can be.” 
 
 During the whole period of discussion and action, on the sub- 
 ject of a design for the monument, Mr. Willard appears to have 
 been on the most intimate terms with the Standing Committee, 
 the Directors and the several committees of the association to 
 whose consideration it was successively referred. He was free- 
 ly and constantly consulted by them and not only sketched out- 
 lines of various designs but prepared one or more models of his 
 plans for their use. His views of the matter are shown in the 
 following remarks : 
 
 “ The general dimensions of the obelisk that was adopted were 
 thirty feet at the base, and two hundred and twenty feet high ; 
 with stairs to the top ; and a foundation twelve feet deep and 
 fifty feet in diameter at the bottom. The directors would have 
 preferred a structure of greater magnitude, had the state of the 
 finances warranted it. 
 
 “ In order to ascertain the size of the largest obelisk that could 
 be safely undertaken, estimates were made of the expense of 
 
MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 81 
 
 three, of different dimensions ; all, however, of two hundred and 
 twenty feet in height. 
 
 “ An estimate was made for one of fifteen feet base, with a 
 pedestal, in imitation of one of the Roman antiquities. Another 
 estimate was made for one of the dimensions finally adopted ; 
 and a third for one of forty feet base. But after mature consid- 
 eration, it was decided that one of thirty feet base was as large 
 as could be safely undertaken with the means at disposal. 
 
 “ It will be perceived, therefore, that the size of the obelisk 
 had necessarily to conform to the means available ; and it was 
 so decided by the committee on the designs. But whatever re- 
 lated to the form and arrangement of the details — the construc- 
 tion, and mode of carrying the work into execution — was left 
 entirely to the architect and superintendent of the work.”* 
 
 * “Plans and Sections of tRe Obelisk on Bunker’s Hill, witb details of the 
 Experiments made in quarrying the Granite. By S. Willard, Architect and 
 Supei'iutendent of the work.” Boston, 1843. Quarto, pp. 31. 
 
 11 
 
82 
 
 MBMOIE OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 CHAPTER XI. 
 
 AUTnORSHIP OF TRE DESIGN FOR TRE MONUMENT. 
 
 W E have given in the preceding chapter as full an account of 
 the proceedings of the Board of Directors, regarding the design 
 or plan of the monument, as their records allow. It is incom- 
 plete and unsatisfactoiy, affording no decisive evidence as to the 
 authorship of the design or of the part several persons are said 
 to have had in its production — its suggestion or modification. 
 We have never supposed that there was a great deal of credit 
 due to any one person, or in fact to any number of persons, for 
 the mere form of the monument, since it is entirely without any 
 claim to originality of design, and if it is indicative of genius in 
 this respect, it belongs to a remote antiquity. The form of a 
 column is nature’s own, exhibited in almost endless proportions 
 in the vegetable kingdom ; the form of an obelisk — simply mak- 
 ing the column quaibangular — is so readily accomplished that, 
 though not simultaneous, must have soon succeeded the column, 
 wherever either was applicable in art or architecture. The only 
 claim that can be set up in relation to the design of the Bunker 
 Hill Monument is for the first suggestion, not for the copying 
 of any particular form, or expanding the proportions of any par- 
 ticular structure. So far as the external form of the monument 
 is concerned, the merit of that belongs not to the builders of 
 the present age. Nevertheless there are those who claim the 
 design, for themselves or others, and also the reward publicly 
 
MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 83 
 
 offered by the Directors. And still there is no pretension of 
 originality, unless it be in some additions or ornamentations, all 
 of which were rejected. 
 
 The obelisk form, in contradistinction to a monumental col- 
 umn, was not the suggestion of a single mind, but was present- 
 ed to the committee, from two or three sources, as appears from 
 Mr. Willard’s letter to Mr. Ticknor, already quoted, and the 
 report of the Building Committee of 1826. In the course of the 
 discussion in the Board of Directors, which was continued so 
 long and sustained with so much ability, learning &d investiga- 
 tion, the merits of the various forms were elaborately presented, 
 and when the vote was proposed the minds of all were made up 
 and the result showed a decision not again to be disturbed, — the 
 friends of the obelisk form were more than two to one. Of the 
 second committee, of which General Dearborn was the chairman, 
 three members voted in favor of a monumental column and the 
 two other members did not vote on the question. 
 
 We have seen that Mr. Willard made the earliest designs for 
 the monument, before the offer of a premium, which were exhib- 
 ited at the first meeting of the Standing Committee, and there is 
 satisfactory evidence in the bound volume of designs and plans,* 
 preserved by the association, that he made the last, which was 
 adopted, and in strict conformity with which the monument has 
 been constructed ; and notwithstanding all that has been said and 
 claimed on the subject, for modifications and improvements, is in 
 wonderful conformity with the earliest ideas entertained and 
 published by the friends of the enterprise. 
 
 We have no disposition to claim for Mr. Willard what he did 
 not thmk it necessary to claim for himself ; and what we, with- 
 
 * There is in this voliune a large plan, drawn by Mr. Willard, which is 
 undoubtedly the plan reported by Colonel Baldwin. It shows a section of the 
 whole structure, from foundation to cap-stone, with the interior and exterior 
 walls, the courses of the foundation, the circular steps, and also a ground plan 
 of the foundation — ^precisely as delineated in Mr. Willard’s printed volume. — 
 In conformity wtih this design the working plans were made. 
 
84 
 
 MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 out any intention to underrate the importance of the question of 
 a design, esteem of less moment than some others, on the score 
 of merit. But it is very clear, ive think, that the merit, what- 
 ever that may he, of the design as finally adopted and carried 
 out, belongs chiefly to Mr. Willard, by -whom it was reached 
 through what was very nearly an experimental process. In 
 the greater merit of the work, — the construction, — of which 
 we shall speak hereafter, Mr. Willard’s claims are beyond the 
 reach of question or cavil. 
 
 The premflim offered by the Directors for the best design sub- 
 mitted, was never awarded, and the action of the board in regard 
 to it indicates that no one of the competitors was, in their judg- 
 ment, entitled to receive it. The premium proposed was one 
 hundred dollars, and the only money paid, (Mr. Willard de- 
 clined to charge or receive anything for the various services 
 rendered by him,) on account of the design, Avas the amount of 
 fifty dollars paid to Captain Alexander Parris, “ For plans and 
 estimates made for the intended monument, made by direction of 
 H. A. S. Dearborn.” 
 
 The reader will not be surprised, after Avhat has been said, 
 to knoAV that the question of the authorship of the design is by 
 some parties smartly controverted, — though we know of no 
 pretensions that can for a moment exclude those of Mr. Willard. 
 The following letter to Mr. Ticknor, and the enclosure from Mr. 
 Mills, on this subject, form a part of the history of the work and 
 are deemed proper for insertion in this place ; 
 
 “ Boston, October 4th, 1832. 
 
 “ Sir, — The enclosed is a letter written by Mr. R. Mills, a 
 respectable architect residing at the south, and will speak for 
 itself It Avas put into my hands some months ago, and I have 
 sent it to you, presuming that you Avere better acquainted with 
 the subject than any other person. I recollect seeing at the 
 exhibition, the drawings in oil referred to ; but had ahvays sup- 
 posed they Avere the production of Mr. Allston or Mr. Morse. 
 
MBBIOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 85 
 
 I propose to publish a work in relation to the monument, show- 
 ing the construction and giving to the public the results of our 
 experiments, and should like to be al^le to give credit wherever 
 it is due. There has been something from the beginning in 
 relation to the subject that I have not been able to understand. 
 On the plate that is deposited, Mr. Parris is said to be architect ; 
 in the North American Review for July, 1830,* Mr. Oreenough 
 is said to be the inventor, and jNIr. Mills’s letter shows that he 
 considers himself the designer. I was not aware that either of 
 them had anything to do with the design that is in- progress. — 
 Indeed so far as relates to the accessories, and the height, I did 
 not know that the design was yet determined on.f 
 
 “ If you can give me any information where the design origi- 
 nated, or in relation to Mr. iMills’s claims, or can refer to the 
 paper containing the advertisement for the design, it would 
 oblige much. Mr. Mills evidently thinks there has been some 
 unfairness — and I consider it due to myself to inform him that 
 it does not attach to me. 
 
 “ Yours, respectfully; &c., 
 
 Solomon IYillard. 
 
 “ George Ticknor, Esq., Park street.” 
 
 We have not been able to find any answer to this letter ; it 
 probably was not answered, as no reference is made to the sub- 
 ject in Mr. Willard’s published “ work.” Our inference fr’om 
 the letter, is that lie was a little annoyed by the disputatious 
 
 * This must be a mistake ; the North American Review does not contain 
 any article on the subject between the years 1821 and 1832. 
 
 t In 1834, May 5th, the Directors on the report of the Executive Commit- 
 tee, discussed and passed the following vote, viz : “ That the iSIonument be 
 raised to the height of one hundred and fifty-nine feet six inches, and be con- 
 sidered as completed, when raised to that elevation, as to the effort to be made 
 at this time.’- Records of the Association. 
 
 This was long after iMr. Willard’s letter was written. He, of course, was op- 
 posed to the measure. The “ effort to be made” was- that undertaken by the 
 Massachusetts Charitable Mechanic Association. 
 
86 
 
 MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 character which the question had assumed and the “ something 
 in the beo-inning” that he could not understand. He had Avoi'k- 
 ed in good faith, and had made and modified several designs, 
 to make them acceptable to the committee and within the proba- 
 ble means of the association. If suggestions were made to him, 
 he could not know whether they were original or purloined, and 
 was in no way responsible for their use — if any such were used, 
 as Mr. Mills rather broadly insinuates. 
 
 In reference to the inscribing of Captain Parris’s name on the 
 plate, as architect, the only explanation to be given is, that it was 
 his own act, authorized, (as he seems to have supposed,) by the 
 circumstance that he was employed by Dr. Warren to “ make 
 preparations for the laying the corner-stone,” and the fact that 
 he was a prominent candidate for the office. Among other du- 
 ties he procured the engraving of the plate. His bill for this 
 service contains the following particulars (omitting. the items.) ; 
 For expenses, labor, materials, &c., $336.48 ; For engraving 
 plate, $131.00 ; Total, $467.48. On the face of this bill is the 
 following memorandum : “ hly own services I will not at present 
 make any account of” Subsequently, Captain Parris presented 
 a bill, which was paid, containing two charges : the one above- 
 mentioned for “ plans and estimates,” and another : “For 
 services in making preparations for the laying the corner-stone, 
 by order of Dr. John C. Warren, $50.00.” The wrong done 
 to Mr. Willard, inadvertently and certainly without any design 
 on the part of Captain Parris, is almost irreparable ; and so, 
 doubtless, Mr. Willard felt it to be wdien, with his own hands, 
 he placed the box containing the plate, under the true corner- 
 stone, more than a year after the ceremony the professional 
 part of which Captain Parris superintended. 
 
 The advertisement for a design, which appears not to have 
 been seen by Mr. Willard, we judge had a very limited circula- 
 tion. It was mserted only once in the Boston paper in which 
 we found it, and was left to the voluntary action of other pub- 
 lishers, who might not see it, or might not choose to do the work 
 
MEMOIR OE SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 87 
 
 at their own expense. As its statements and requirements are 
 somewhat peculiar, we copy the principal portion of it : 
 
 “ The Committee esteem it their duty on this occasion, to act 
 altogether in conformity with the public taste and judgment. — 
 Tor this reason, although there are some obvious recommenda- 
 tions of a Column as the best form for a monumental structure, 
 on the spot in question, yet the committee are determined to 
 propose no plan whatever to the association till they have had 
 the means of comparing all the suggestions which may be offered 
 by the architectural skill and genius of the country. They 
 accordingly publish their invitation to artists, without any limi- 
 tation ; and are desirous of receiving proposals and plans for a 
 monumental structure of whatever character or design. But as 
 a column is recommended, by various local circumstances, and 
 appears to enjoy a general preference, the committee are partic- 
 ularly desirous to receive plans of a Monumental Column of 
 about 220 feet in height, to be built of hewn granite. 
 
 “It is wished that proposals should contain two plans : one, 
 the architectural plan and elevation of the work, with a suitable 
 scale ; vertical and horizontal sections of the interior ; particular 
 statements of the proportions and magnitudes of the members ; 
 and if a column, draAvings of the ornamental portions of the ped- 
 estal : and the other, a handsomely finished perspective vieiv of 
 the work. For the plan of this description, Avhich shall appear 
 to merit the preference, the committee offer a reward of one 
 hundred dollars.” 
 
 ME. ROBEET MILLS’s LETTER. 
 
 The following is the letter from Mr. Mills, addressed to his 
 friend, Richard Wallack, Esq., which was handed to Mr. Wil- 
 lard, and by him sent to Mr. Ticknor : — 
 
 “ City of Washington, July 1st, 1832. 
 
 “ Dear Sir, — Understanding that you will remain in Boston 
 some time, I would take the liberty of asking you to represent 
 
88 
 
 MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 me in a case in which I am professionally interested : When 
 
 tlie Bunker Hill Monument committee advertised for designs for 
 the monument, I took a good deal of pains to study one which 
 should do honor to the memory of those worthies it was intended 
 to commemorate, and prove an ornament to the city which it 
 was to overlook. I went into some detail on the subject of 
 monuments generally, and in sending them two designs, I re- 
 commended in strong terms the adoption of the Obelisk design, 
 not only from its combining simplicity and economy with gran- 
 deur, but as there w'as already a column of massy proportions 
 erected in Baltimore, we ought not, therefore, to repeat this 
 figure, but construct one of equally imposing figure. I was 
 then residing in South Carolina, and was at much trouble to 
 fonvard the roll of drawings to their place of destination. I 
 never heard anything on the subject of these drawings until it 
 was announced that the committee had adopted the Obelisk form 
 for the Bunker Hill Monument, and I was left to conjecture 
 what part of my design was taken and what left, until some time 
 after, when I saw that all the decorations were omitted, and the 
 naked pillar preserved in all its original proportions. (By the 
 way, I would observe that the committee have erred in omitting 
 the simple decorations proposed in my design ; the grand gallery 
 about one- third the height of the shaft would have been useful 
 as a lookout platform as well as presenting an appropriate deco- 
 ration, as the outline of the gallery showed the monumental 
 character used by the Egyptians, from which nation originated 
 the obelisk form.) 
 
 “ From the obelisk design being adopted, and my having re- 
 commended this form to them, I thought it was a courtesy due 
 from the gentlemen to have dropped me a line of thanks for the 
 trouble I had taken in the business, though they may have not 
 awarded me the premium, as they may have made a design 
 themselves, and simplified that sent, which however does not 
 obliterate the idea. [Mr. Mills has just remarked that the idea 
 originated with the Egyptians, to which he certainly had no 
 
MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 89 
 
 personal or professional claim. As the Egyptian obelisks were 
 erected before the Christian era, the idea had been public prop- 
 erty for many centuries.] 
 
 ‘‘ I would ask the favor of you, my dear sir, to see or inquire 
 of any gentleman of the committee if there was any other design 
 of the obelisk form presented for adoption to the committee with 
 mine, and where this design came fi’om, and if such design was 
 oiFered, whether it was not made in Boston, or neighborhood, 
 and if so, should not some credit be given to me at the distance 
 I was, for suggesting the same idea ? The design now carrying 
 into execution bears all the proportions of that I sent them, and 
 I ought reasonably to infer that some reference must have been 
 had to my drawings. If the committee are not disposed to 
 award me any credit for my design, I would thank you to pro- 
 cure my di’a wings, and when you have an opportunity forward 
 them to me. The drawings were on a large scale and finished 
 in oil colors, with a distant view of Boston in the back-ground. 
 
 “ With sentiments of respect, and esteem, dear sir, I salute 
 you, Kdbert Mills.” 
 
 The following is that portion of the remarks of Mr. Mills, in 
 his communication to the Standing Committee, in which he 
 recommends the Obelisk form. Plans were to be received until 
 the fii’st of April, and this communication is dated at Columbia, 
 S. C., March 20, 1825 : 
 
 “ In the designs for the monument which I now have the 
 honor to lay before you, I would recommend the adoption of the 
 Obelisk form in preference to the Column. The details I have 
 afiixed to this species of pillar will be found to give it a peculi- 
 arly interesting character, embracing originality of effect with 
 simplicity of design, economy in execution, great solidity and 
 capacity for decoration, reaching the highest degree of splendor 
 consistent h good taste. 
 
 12 
 
90 
 
 MEMOIR OE SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 “ The Obelisk form is, for monuments, of greater antiquity 
 than the Column, as appears from history, being used as early 
 as the days of Eameses, King of Egypt, in the time of the Tro- 
 jan War. Kercher reckons up fourteen Obelisks, that were 
 celebrated above the rest, namely, that of Alexander ; that of 
 the Barberines ; those of Constantinople ; of the Mons Esquli- 
 nus ; of the Campus Elaminius ; of Florence ; of Heliopolis ; 
 of Ludovisco ; of Saint Makut ; of the Medici ; of the Vatican; 
 of M. Coelius, and that of Pamphila. The highest on record 
 mentioned is that of Ptolemy Philadelphus in memory of Ar- 
 sinoe. 
 
 “ The Obelisk form is peculiarly adapted to commemorate 
 great transactions, for its lofty character, great strength, and 
 furnishing a fine surface for inscriptions. There is a degree of 
 lightness and beauty in it that affords a finer relief to the eye 
 than can be obtained in the regular proportioned column.” 
 
 We have given to Mr. Mills the benefit of his letter and his 
 original recommendations of the Obelisk form. They present 
 his case in its strongest light, and in a manner which seems to 
 require either explanation or answer. This, perhaps, is not de- 
 manded here. Probably the committee regarded his design as 
 a whole — not in parts — and as such, whatever they might have 
 thought of its proportions, it was not accepted by them. They 
 could not accept a part of it, or modify and then accept it as a 
 whole. Besides, the decorative parts, which alone were truly 
 his, were certainly not acceptable to the committee, and when 
 stripped of these, only the “naked pillar” was left — which 
 was an Egyptian obelisk, such as others had suggested and 
 such as, under the circumstances, was not entitled to the offered 
 reward. As to the “original proportions,” claimed by Mr. 
 Mills, the principal measurement, which more or less controlled 
 the rest, — the height, — was determined by the committee in 
 
MEMOIR OE SOLOMON ^YILLARD. 
 
 91 
 
 their advertisement ; the diameters had also been mentioned and 
 estimates made of others by Mr. Willard, and “after mature 
 deliberation it was decided that one of thirty feet base was as 
 large as could be safely undertaken.” Evidently hlr. Mills 
 relied much upon the “ simple decorations proposed in his de- 
 sign,” and thought the committee made a mistake in not adopt- 
 ing them ; but they desired a structure which should be substan- 
 tial and grand, not decorative. In short, they did not approve 
 or accept Mr. hlills’s design, and therefore could not give- to 
 him the reward. The intimation in hlr. Mills’s letter, of any 
 unfairness in the matter, Mr. Willard did well promptly to re- i 
 pudiate as not attaching to him. As against the committee or 
 the Board of Directors, such an implication is not to be credited 
 for a moment. 
 
 So far as Mr. Willard is concerned in the remarks of Mr. 
 Mills, he has answered, with all the force of brevity and truth, 
 in the letter to Mr. Ticknor, “ I was not aware that either of 
 them, [Messrs. Parris, Greenough, or Mills,] had anything to do 
 with the design that is in progress.” This was said by Mr. 
 Willard after he had become aware of the claims of each of these 
 parties. As he made the design that was in progress, he ought 
 to have known whether either of them had anything to do with 
 it or not. It is presumed that neither Mr. Mills or any other 
 artist will claim a premium for the idea of the obeHsk form, and 
 as regards the proportions, we know that Mr. Willard made 
 designs of three different diameters for the last committee. How 
 many he had previously made, some of which he modelled also, 
 we are not able to say ; but we think he spent weeks in the ser- 
 vice of the association in making designs and estimates, where 
 Mr. Mills or any other artist, spent hours, — and at no time 
 did he ask for or accept any compensation for his labor, his 
 expenses or his time. . 
 
 We conclude, if the premium offered by the committee for a 
 design was justly to be claimed by any one it was Mr. Willard. 
 He never claimed it, and if it had been awarded to him he would 
 
92 
 
 MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 have placed it in the treasury of the association. Notwithstand- 
 ing his untiring study and long labor upon it, he professed, 
 honestly no doubt, not to know to whom the credit of the first 
 suggestion belonged. If it did not belong to him, it is quite 
 certain that in every other respect, he was the true and only 
 architect of the work, the evidence of which, it is due to his 
 public spirit and devoted patriotism, should be preserved, and 
 the fact made distinctly manifest by the association. 
 
MEMOIR OP SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 93 
 
 CHAPTER XII. 
 
 CEREMONY OF LATIN& TRE CORNER-STONE. 
 
 The corner-stone of the monument was laid, — rather figura- 
 tively than permanently, for it was a mere ceremony, — on the 
 17th of June, 1825, by the Grand Lodge of Freemasons in 
 Massachusetts, and strange as it may seem, Mr. Willard had no 
 part assigned to him in the arrangements. It was one of 
 the most imposing spectacles ever witnessed in this country, or, 
 in some respects, in any other country. It was not simply that 
 such a work — the spontaneous undertaking of a free and grate- 
 ful people, — was to be inaugurated ; there were other induce- 
 ments to a general observance of the day and the occasion, which 
 operated upon all classes. The usual recurrence of this anniver- 
 sary was heightened in interest by the circumstance that fifty 
 years had elapsed since this famous battle, and the fact that but 
 few of the undisciplined heroes of that day still-survived to par- 
 ticipate in a Avork designed to commemorate the event in Avhich 
 they alone, of all living, had taken an active part. In addition 
 to this, the patriotic sentiments of the country had been stirred 
 and gratified by the presence as the Nation’s Guest, of General 
 Lafayette, the early and devoted friend of the country and the 
 associate in arms of our venerated Washington. The story of 
 his services to this country in the struggles Avhich commenced on 
 Bunker Hill, and the trials and sufferings he had endured for the 
 estahhshment of the principles that inspired him, was patent to 
 
94 
 
 MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 the people ; and the Directors of the monument association, for 
 many reasons, desired his presence on the occasion. To these 
 considerations, likely to be as highly appreciated by the public 
 as by the Directors, may be added the name and reputation of 
 the Orator, whose profound thought and massive eloquence were 
 known to be so admirably adapted to the subject and the place ; 
 and which will preserve the Temembrance of the occasion and its 
 associations to the remotest posterity. 
 
 Inspired by the feeling of national pride and national fame, 
 which in that memorable year filled the whole country ; when 
 prosperity and almndance, peace and happiness crowned the 
 land; when all the people lived in harmony, honoring and 
 blessing the benignant government which blessed and protected 
 them — the event of which Ave speak, local only geographically 
 and belonging to the whole country, was everyAvhere hailed with 
 joy by the people, and all hearts present or absent, beat in 
 unison Avith the patriotic sentiments of the day. Then we were 
 ONE PEOPLE — united, prosperous, happy — having no anxious 
 moments about the future and never dreaming of those terrible 
 disasters Avhich have destroyed our peace and people, desolated 
 our land and threatened our existence as a nation. 
 
 Such Avas the extent of popular interest and patriotic feeling 
 on this anniversary, that the directors and architect, — Avhose 
 joint lal)ors had been employed, in conjunction Avith the public 
 press, to interest and arouse the people, — beheld Avith Avonder 
 the specta9le presented to them, on the morning of the seven- 
 teenth ; and felt a ncAV impulse to effort in order that the con- 
 templated Avork should be worthy of the purpose for Avhich it 
 Avas undertaken and the noble patriotism of a community so alive 
 to the value of their inheritance ■ — ■ an inheritance which to-day 
 is more estimable than ever before and which is to be preserved 
 as it was obtained by sacrifice and blood. 
 
 The people had assembled in numbers almost too large to esti- 
 mate, thronging not merely the streets of CharlestoAvn and Bos- 
 ton, but covering the battle-field Avith a living mass as it never 
 
MEMOIR OP SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 95 
 
 had been covered before. They came from all parts of New 
 England, in societies and associations, with music and banners, 
 arms, emblems and patriotic devices, and even from distant 
 parts of the country — all as to the great National Altar of law 
 and liberty. They came not as their fathers came, at the 
 roll of the drum, to lay down their lives if need be, for their 
 just rights ; not as then, armed with fowling-piece and rifle ; 
 nor came they now for conflict of any kind, but rather as a 
 people filled with gratitude, to manifest their sense of obligation 
 to the fathers, to revive the fire of patriotism in their souls, and 
 perform an act of justice to an ancestry such as no country had 
 before seen ; and worthy of the renowm which embalms their 
 memories. 
 
 At the appointed hour there moved through the crowded streets 
 of these cities, on the way to the battle-field, crossing the 
 bridge which now spanned the “royal Charles,” a procession of 
 military, civic and social bodies, all existing in virtue of princi- 
 ples there baptized in blood and now emblazoned on the banners 
 of a people absolutely revelling in their enjoyment. Such a 
 sight as this moving mass afibrded to the more numerous 
 thousands that gazed upon it, its venerable men, and the august 
 patriot whose fame is the just property of two great nations, 
 has rarely been seen in this, and as a voluntary exhibition never 
 in any other counti’y. It was a spontaneous outpouring of the 
 people and seemed to demonstrate, more than anything else, how 
 correctly the movers in this enterprise had judged of their feel- 
 ings in proposing the structure now to be commenced. Those 
 venerable men who were so early called upon to defend their 
 homes and maintain the rights they claimed, and who had alone 
 survived their compatriots in arms to behold this glorious and 
 grateful day, were everywhere greeted with enthusiastic cheers ; 
 while the acknowledged Apostle of Liberty, whose presence 
 connected a nation with the occasion, received from the gathered 
 thousands that grateful homage of mind and heart which would 
 have been the breath of life to Gesler, and was never before so 
 
96 
 
 MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 rendered to any man. It was a day well spent for the nation, 
 and worthily by the people. 
 
 Judging from what we know of Mr. Willard’s views of the 
 purpose of this work and his sympathy with the undertaking, 
 his heart must have swelled with emotion at the enthusiasm, 
 and he realized more forcibly than ever, hoAV inadequate were 
 his powers to embody the sentiments of the occasion and give 
 expression to the gushing gratitude of the people in the struc- 
 ture to be erected. 
 
 After the completion of the ceremony by the fraternity charged 
 with its performance, Mr. Webster, in his admii’able oration on 
 tlic occasion, said, 
 
 “ The foundation of that monument we have now laid. With 
 solemnities suited to the occasion, Avith prayers to Almighty God 
 for his Messing, and in tlie midst of this cloud of witnesses, we 
 have begun the work. We trust that it Avill be prosecuted, and 
 that, springing from a broad foundation, rising high in massive 
 solidity and unadorned grandeur, it may remain as long as 
 Heaven permits the works of man to last, a fit emblem both of 
 the events in memory of Avhich it is raised, and of the gratitude 
 of those Avho have reared it.” 
 
 Another purpose of Bunker Hill Monument, suggested by the 
 orator, in his muscular English, is peculiarly applicable at the 
 present time and marks the profound thought of tlie statesman : 
 “ We Avish that, in those days of disaster, Avhich, as they come 
 upon all nations, must be expected to come upon us also, des- 
 ponding patriotism may turn its eyes liitherAvard, and be assured 
 that the foundations of our national power are still strong.” 
 
 After Avhat has been said of Mr. Willard’s interest in the pro- 
 posed monument, his continued service and his intercourse with 
 the directors, it must appear singular to the reader that he was 
 not cm.ployed to superintend the laying of the corner-stone in 
 preference to any other person. We do not attempt to account 
 
MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 97 
 
 for the omission, but presume it to have been inadvertent, — if 
 that is to be considered a sufficient excuse for the neglect. Mr. 
 Willard, as was to be expected of him, has not mentioned the 
 cu’cumstance even in his familiar correspondence ; and perhaps 
 felt that he had no right to complain. It is true that he had 
 not then been elected architect ; but it is also true that no other 
 person had been elected. No other architect had been employ- 
 ed by the directors as he had been ; no other had been elected 
 to membership as he had been ; for these and other considera- 
 tions, it seems to us now that he should have been selected in- 
 stead of a less interested party. 
 
 Nevertheless, while the laying of this corner-stone was very 
 properly regarded as the inauguration of the work, the true 
 corner-stone of the monument, upon which the structure rests, 
 was laid by Mr. Willard, in a workman-like manner, at a sub- 
 sequent period. 
 
 13 
 
98 
 
 MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 CHAPTER XIII. 
 
 ELECTION AS ARCHITECT AND SUPERINTENDENT. 
 
 Next in importance to the selection of a design for the mon- 
 ument, if not in fact first in importance, was the election of an 
 Architect and Superintendent of the work. Great responsi- 
 bility, — to the contributors and to posterity, — would rest upon 
 this officer for the faithful and skilful performance of his work, 
 and upon the Building Committee for his appointment. They 
 were not long, however, in making a selection, for at their first 
 meeting, October 31st, 1825, Mr. Solomon Willard was chosen 
 without a division. It is not too much to say that, notwith- 
 standing what had been done four months previously, the Board 
 of Directors and the public were prepared for this result ; the 
 skill and judgment, the fidelity and perseverance of Mr. Willard, 
 and the final completion of the work under his careful superin- 
 tendence, confirm the propriety of the choice and attest the 
 faithfulness with which he discharged the trust. 
 
 On the 2d of November, Mr. Willard received the following 
 notice of his appointment from the chairman : 
 
 “Mr. Solomon Willard, — Sir, I beg leave to inform you 
 that you have been chosen Architect and Superintendent of the 
 Monument to he erected on Bunker Hill. You will please to 
 inform me whether you would accept this office, and on what 
 terms, for a year. The duty will he to prepare the requisite 
 
MEMOIR OE SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 99 
 
 plans, to make contracts, and to do such other duties as be 
 required for this construction under the direction of the Build- 
 ing Committee. 
 
 John C. Warren, Chairman.” 
 
 To which Mr. Willard, on the succeeding day, sent the fol- 
 lowing reply : 
 
 “Dear Sir, — In reply to your note of the 2d instant, I 
 should be willing to render any service in my power to forward 
 the views of the committee ; and as respects compensation, it 
 must depend on the portion of time requmed. If my whole time 
 should be thought necessary, the pay ought to be about three 
 dollars per day. For many reasons, however, I think that the 
 interests of the association would be best served by having the 
 services gratuitous, and if it should be thought so by the com- 
 mittee, I will agree to it. 
 
 “ I should like to have a few minutes’ conversation with you, 
 when other engagements will permit. 
 
 “Yours, respectfully, 
 
 Solomon Willard.” 
 
 “ John C. Warren, M. D., Chairman.” 
 
 At the time of this appointment, Mr. Willard, by reason of 
 his skill and connection with works already accomplished or in 
 progress ; from his acknowledged soundness of judgment and 
 constructive talent ; his eminent reliability of character, origi- 
 nality of thought and mechanical ingenuity, in some respects, to 
 say the least, was at the head of his profession, and had fairly 
 earned his position. His appointment, therefore, as architect of 
 the monument and superintendent of the work, was wise and 
 judicious, and as the result has shown, a fortunate selection on 
 the part of the Building Committee. We do not absolutely 
 know the fact, but as no other architect seems to have competed 
 with him for the office, we have reason to believe that his ap- 
 pointment was made with the*concui-rence of the ablest and best 
 
100 
 
 MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 artists and ai’chitects in Boston. All things considered no one 
 of them, had they been disposed to seek the position and respon- 
 sibility, could have served the association more faithfully, more 
 successfully or more skilfully, than did Mr. Willard. 
 
 That Mr. Willard had an honorable ambition to do this work is 
 undoubtedly true, and he thought the honor of the office a suffi- 
 cient reward for the services required. It was national in its 
 character and in its purposes. It was an undertaking which, 
 at this time in his experience, he would desire, on account of its 
 novelty and for the reason that it might make new and profound 
 demands upon his mechanical as well as artistic skill. It was 
 the kind of excitement that he wanted, germane to his taste and 
 genius, consonant with his ambition, and afforded an opportunity 
 for that experience in the use of a building material, which he 
 desired to possess. If ever a man entered upon such a piece of 
 work, con amore^ with his time, money and heart in it, it was 
 Mr. Willard upon this work — and he pursued it with a quiet 
 greatness of skill and interest worthy of a noble record and the 
 remembrance of every patriotic and generous heart. His soul 
 was in the work : it lived in his thoughts, journeyed with him, 
 and tarried wherever he tarried. During the progress of it, 
 he was at the quarry, the railway, the site of the monument, 
 ready with hand to help or word to direct ; and while working 
 without pay and employing the best mechanics at liberal wages, 
 he exerted himself to avoid every unnecessary expense. The 
 reader of his letters, estimates and calculations, would infer that 
 his leading purpose was to see how cheaply stone could he got 
 out and worked, and with how little expense the monument 
 could be built. 
 
 On the 9th instant, the following contract was drawn up and 
 signed by the parties, and by an understanding between them, 
 was to continue in force for one year : 
 
 “ Memorandum of an agreement made by Solomon Willard, 
 on the one part, and John C. Warren, in the capacity of Chair- 
 
MEMOIR OE SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 101 
 
 man of the Building Committee of the Bunker Hill Monument, 
 on the other part, — Witnesseth, That the said Willard agrees 
 to prepare the requisite models and drawings for an Obelisk, to 
 he erected on Bunker Hill ; to aid in making the contracts, and 
 to superintend the completion of the same ; and also to do such 
 other duties as may be required — In consideration of five hun- 
 di’ed dollars per year, to be paid for such services by the said 
 Warren. 
 
 “ In testimony whereof, the parties have hereunto set their 
 hands this ninth day of November, eighteen hundred and 
 twenty-five. 
 
 John C. Warren. 
 
 Solomon Willard.” 
 
 Previously to his election, in June, 1825, after the committee 
 had decided upon the form of the monument, Mr. Willard 
 addressed a letter of which the following is the substance,* to 
 Mr. Ticknor, giving his views as to the best manner of carrying 
 forward the work : 
 
 “ I have seen by the papers that the committee have adopted 
 the obelisk for the monument, and as I have more than a com- 
 mon interest in its being carried into effect in a spirited and 
 economical manner, I hope that a few hints, respecting the best 
 course, will not be considered impertinent. 
 
 “ A Building Committee should be chosen, who are favorably 
 disposed to the design, and who will unite heartily in carrying 
 it into execution. An agent may be employed to assist in mak- 
 ing the contracts, and an architect, if his services are considered 
 necessary. The services of the committee and agents should be 
 gratuitous, as the honor of the employment will be a sufficient 
 compensation. The committee should mature the designs in all 
 
 This is the letter referred to on page 59, ante. 
 
102 
 
 MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD, 
 
 their details. The form, dimension and tonnage of every block 
 of stone in the structure, should be known, and the manage- 
 ment of the contracts should be the same as would be employed 
 in an individual concern. 
 
 “ After the dimensions, the quantity and quality of the stock 
 wanted, is known, it might be well to advertise for proposals for 
 supplying it. I do not apprehend much difficulty in procuring 
 any of the stone at a fair price, except the blocks for the outside, 
 w'hich being of considerable dimensions, and required to be of 
 stock which is very valuable to those who have it, will prob- 
 ably be held very high. Should this be the case, it might be 
 better for the association to buy the quarry and to employ a 
 skilful superintendent to see the stone quarried. An experiment 
 might also be made to ascertain the cost of dressing the stone 
 per foot, that the committee may judge of the economy of having 
 them done at the Prison — and also to determine the probable 
 cost of the work. 
 
 “It is estimated that the stock quarried would be worth 
 twelve and a half cents per foot cubic measure, at the quarry ; 
 dressing for twenty-five cents per foot superficial, including cost 
 of tools, and twelve and a half cents for the beds. The transpor- 
 tation may cost two dollars per ton, delivered at the Hill or 
 State Prison. 
 
 “ Taking a block of stone of mean dimensions, of ten feet long, 
 three feet wide, and one foot six inches thick, it will contain 
 forty-five cubic feet, which at tivelve and a half cents per foot. 
 
 will amount to $5 62^ 
 
 30 feet of face dressing, at 25 cents, 7 50 
 
 30 feet of beds, at 12 ^ cents, 3 75 
 
 Transportation of 3J tons, at $2, 6 50 
 
 Total cost per block, $23 37|- 
 
 “ A stone of the given dimensions, according to the foregoing 
 estimate, will cost twenty-three dollars thirty-seven and a half 
 
MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 103 
 
 cents, if it be transported in the usual way ; but should a rail- 
 way be constructed, as has been suggested, it may save much 
 expense in so large an undertaking. 
 
 “ I should like to have the work commenced skilfully and in 
 a spirited manner, and to see it finished before the public become 
 tired and disgusted as is usually the case. I feel some solicita- 
 tion for the good management, having given estimates and know- 
 ing from experience that false steps at the outset are with difii- 
 culty corrected, and not generally perceived until too late for a 
 remedy. 
 
 “ The quarry which I mentioned the other day, has been 
 purchased expressly for the work ; but if on examination, the 
 Directors should not think it the most eligible, it will be no loss. 
 
 Yours, respectfully, &c. 
 
 Solomon Willard. 
 
 These suggestions were favorably considered and acted upon 
 in each distinct particular by the Directors, but they were not 
 permitted to see the work finished as speedily as desired by Mr. 
 Willard. Of his election the Building Committee, in their first 
 report, June 17th, 1826, speak as follows : — 
 
 “No sooner was the Building Committee organized than they 
 proceeded to the election of an architect and superintendent, and 
 chose Mr. Solomon Willard, a gentleman whose talents and per- 
 severance had ah’eady called forth in his favor a distinct expres- 
 sion of the opinion that he was well qualified to execute a new 
 and difficult structure. Mr. Willard readily undertook the office, 
 but he was desirous of making it a condition of his acceptance 
 that his services should be gratuitously rendered to a work origi- 
 nating from sentiments of patriotism. To this proposal, however, 
 the committee did not feel justified in acceding. They knew 
 that the Superintendent would be called upon to devote a large 
 part of his time to the objects connected with so great a work. 
 They therefore, felt bound to provide him with a proper salary 
 
104 
 
 MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 for his support, and with tliis, though much less than what his 
 merits might have demanded, Mr. Willard declared himself 
 perfectly satisfied.” 
 
 Notwithstanding these remarks of the committee, readers of 
 the present day will be inclined to the opinion that they did, in 
 point of fact, accede to Mr. Willard’s proposition, for in no just 
 sense, either then or now, can a compensation of five hundred 
 dollars per annum, be regarded as a “proper salary for his sup- 
 port.” A really proper salary for such services as were to be 
 rendered by Mr. Willard, would be as many thousands as the 
 committee adjudged him hundreds ; and from first to last, his 
 services were gratuitously rendered, he receiving, as Mr. Amos 
 Lawrence says, “merely his necessary expenses, which were 
 very small.” 
 
 It seems fitting to pause here for a moment, to consider the 
 position which Mr. Willard had gained to himself and the means 
 and appliances by which he had gained it. The honorable char- 
 acter of the position ivill readily be admitted. As to the means, 
 they were such, and such only, as every young man, in our 
 favored country, has within himself His advantages of reading 
 and education, adequate as these have proved to be in so many 
 instances, by prompting to higher eSbrts, were quite inferior to 
 those enjoyed by the young men of the present day. In the 
 latter he had no other opportunities than those afforded by the 
 public schools of his native town, probably open only a portion 
 of each year, and his attendance was doubtless interrupted by 
 his labors in the field and the shop. Without public libraries, 
 few books were to be obtained in a country town seventy or 
 eighty years ago ; and these few most likely unsuited to his taste 
 or desires, and not the best calculated to engage his attention or 
 develope his mind. As in the case of Hr. Franklin, whose first 
 books were on matters of “ polemic divinity,” they answered the 
 purpose of the moment and created the desire for more congenial 
 reading and study. Men in humble life, who have shown any 
 
MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 105 
 
 remai’kable qualities or become celebrated in the world’s history, 
 have generally been devourers of books, reading all which they 
 were able to obtain, almost without regard to their contents. 
 
 Mr. Willard’s mind in youth, turned naturally to mechanics, 
 and probably there were not half a dozen books in his native 
 town, on any branch of science or art, of a character calculated 
 to aflbrd him any instruction which he could make available to 
 his taste or inclinations. It was not, therefore, until he came 
 to Boston, master of his own time and thereafter to be the 
 “ architect of his own fortunes,” that he could reach higher and 
 better means of self-culture, then and now open to young men 
 of studious and exemplary habits in the metropolitan city. How 
 he availed himself of these — economized his earnings and im- 
 proved his time — is shown by his life and the position to which 
 he had now been chosen. Wisely spending his money for books 
 and such instruction as he desired, he acquired information very 
 rapidly, and in one of his favorite pursuits, soon ceased to 
 be a pupil, though always a learner, and became a teacher. Not 
 only did he seek his own improvement, but took an interest in 
 alfording the means of improvement to others. He was early 
 interested in the “ Social Architectural Library of Boston,” 
 (November, 1809,) the “Associated Housewrights’ Society,” 
 the “Boston Mechanics’ Institution,” the “ Scientific Library,” 
 and other similar associations, and for a number of years was a 
 subscriber to the Athemeum. In his efforts to educate himself 
 and popularize knowledge, he was associated with such men as 
 Bowditch, Claxton, Moody, Treadwell and others, — men who 
 were willing to assist in a good cause and contribute their share 
 to the mutual improvement and social elevation of the commu- 
 nity. Especially did the mechanic interests of Boston profit by 
 their generous efforts. 
 
 With means of his own and the appliances of his industry, 
 Mr. Willard became preeminently qualified for the position to 
 which he was elected. So well known was this that the public 
 judgment pointed him out as the man to be entrusted with such 
 14 
 
106 
 
 MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 an enterprise. In the commencement of the work, he entered 
 at once into plans for its speedy and economical accomplishment ; 
 made suggestions to the Directors and Building Committee, and 
 responded readily to any suggestions they had to make to him. 
 He felt at all times the responsibility of his position and the 
 necessity thei*e was for certainty and accuracy in his calcula- 
 tions, — and he looked forward with ardent desire for the ac- 
 complishment of his designs and the attainment of a just reward 
 for his labors. 
 
 At the time of his election, Mr. Willard was forty- two years 
 of age, having been twenty-one years, almost to a day, in the 
 city, (with the exception of his visits to the south,) working 
 and pursuing his education. 
 
 
MEMOIB OF SOLOMON WILLAKD, 
 
 107 , 
 
 CHAPTER XIV. 
 
 PURCHASE OP THE BUNKER HILL QUARRY. 
 
 While the Board of Directors was engaged in devising plans 
 to obtain the means wherewith to build the monument, Mr. Wil- 
 lard was seeking for a suitable material of which to construct it. 
 He took care to inform himself on the subject of monuments 
 generally, and especially of their peculiar characteristics, the 
 nature of the material used and the manner of construction. — 
 His idea, — though not at all peculiar to himself, but held in 
 common with the whole community, — was that the work should 
 be of extraordinary magnitude and built of durable and massive 
 materials. His taste and experience were opposed to outside- 
 show as a quality in architecture, and especially against every- 
 thing of that nature in construction. No brick-and-mortar 
 work, however grand the proportions, would have met his views, 
 not even were the outside to be of a durable and unexceptionable 
 material. An occasion so well worthy of a monument, com- 
 mended itself to all as worthy of one which should be massive, 
 solid and durable ; something bolder, nobler and grander, than 
 art had yet furnished ; something more adequate to’ the com- 
 memoration — not of a man, or a battle-field merely, but of a 
 code of great principles, and of the gratitude of a whole 
 people. Everybody felt what was wanted, but time and labor 
 were required for its attainment — much more of each, before 
 
108 
 
 MEMOIR OE SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 the end, than was contemplated, or peradventure the work would 
 hardly have been undertaken. 
 
 Interesting as this question of material was to the commu- 
 munity, it was much more so to Mr. Willard and called forth 
 exertions as extraordinary as they were necessary and success- 
 ful. As already intimated, before the design of the monument 
 had been decided, he had been actively occupied in exploring the 
 country in pursuit of a quarry from which could be obtained 
 blocks of sufficient size for the purpose, and in a location to be 
 made available with existing means of transportation. This 
 was one of the most laborious undertakings of Mr. Willard in 
 connection with the monument, and he Avas indefatigable in its 
 accomplishment. We have no means, from any record of his 
 own, of ascertaining the extent or cost of these explorations, but 
 they Avere in both respects very considerable. The only refer- 
 ence to them which Ave have found is the following note, in the 
 hand-writing of Mr. Lawrence, on a blank leaf preceding the 
 records of the Building Committee, of which he was for three 
 years, (from June, 1827, to June, 1830,) the Secretary : 
 
 Solomon Willard walked three hundred miles to examine 
 “ granite quarries, (HalloAvell and other places,) gave a thous- 
 “ and dollars to the monument association, and Avorked like a 
 “ dog for the association for years, for merely his necessaiy ex- 
 “ penses, (which were very small,) and is now at work at 
 “ Quincy. Boston, August, 1849. 
 
 (Signed,) Amos Lawrence.” 
 
 The result of these journeyings was the selection of what was 
 subsequently known as the “ Bunker Hill Quarry,” in Quincy, 
 — a most fortunate selection and one manifestly made with a 
 wise judgment. A quarry was also purchased by a member of 
 the Building Committee, (Mr. LaAvrence,) at Bockport, Cape 
 Ann, where it was supposed peculiar facilities Avould be secured 
 in shipping the blocks to CharlestOAvn ; but this Avas not 
 
MEMOIR OP SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 109 
 
 considered as desirable as the quarry at Quincy, and was never 
 owned by the association. 
 
 The quarry discovered by Mr. Willard, was purchased in 
 June, 1825, by Mr. Gridley Bryant, of Frederick Hardwick, 
 and conveyed to him by deed, dated the 9th of that month. The 
 conveyance was of “ all the rocks or stones, on and in a certain 
 piece of woodland, lying in the town of Quincy aforesaid, in the 
 — lot, so called, and was part of the estate of Nathaniel Savil, 
 containing four acres, more or less, and is bounded and butted 
 as follows, viz : southerly on woodland formerly owned by Cap- 
 tain John Hall, deceased, now owned by said Hardwick, Ebene- 
 zer Crane and George Nightingale ; westerly, northwardly and 
 eastwardly, on woodland of Hon. John Quincy Adams, and 
 however bounded, or reputed to be bounded, together with the 
 privilege of taking away or removing said rocks or stones, at 
 any time hereafter, to suit said Bryant’s convenience — and 
 further it being understood by the parties, that the said Bryant 
 shall have a right to cut, clear off any of the wood, or remove 
 any other obstacle that may hinder or prevent the said Bryant 
 from taking and carting off the rocks or stone, whenever he 
 pleases, on or in said lot — and it is hereby agreed between said 
 parties, that all the wood that said Bryant shall cut on said lot, 
 shall belong to said Frederick Hardwick.” The consideration 
 paid by Mr. Bryant was two hundred and fifty dollars. [This 
 is the quarry referred to in the letter to Mr. Ticknor in the 
 preceding chapter.] 
 
 In November, immediately after the election of Mr. Willard, 
 and upon his recommendation, the quarry was purchased, and 
 Mr. Bryant conveyed to the Bunker Hill Monument Associa- 
 tion “the privilege of quarrying any quantity of stone which 
 may be wanted in erecting said monument, from a quarry which 
 said Bryant purchased of Frederick Hardwick, in June last, the 
 same lying in Quincy — in consideration of the sum of three 
 hundred and twenty-five dollars,” Mr. Bryant, like most other 
 
110 
 
 MEMOIR OP SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 men, regarding it as an ordinary business transaction and 
 taking a handsome profit. 
 
 On the sixteenth of this month, the committee published an 
 advertisement for proposals for furnishing the stone required for 
 the monument ; but it is presumed, fi’om what had abeady been 
 suggested by Mr. Willard, that no proposals which the committee 
 could accept, Avere looked for, — at any rate, however this might 
 be, the committee deemed it prudent to secure the ledge while 
 it Avas at their option. 
 
 , The location of the “ Bunker Hill Ledge” is described above 
 in the A\'ords of the deed of conveyance ; its distance from the 
 site of the monument, by the land route through Boston, was 
 measured under the direction of Mr. Alexander Wadsworth, who 
 reported as follows : — 
 
 “ Boston, November 10th, 1834. 
 
 “ Solomon Willard, Esq., — Sir, The measures reported by 
 my chainman, who measured for me the distance by the road, 
 from the Bunker Hill Ledge, in Quincy, to the monument on 
 Bunker Hill, are as follows, to wit ; 
 
 )M Bunker Hill Ledge to — miles. 
 
 QRS. 
 
 RODS. 
 
 HoAvard’s Corner, .... 
 
 0 
 
 3 
 
 40 
 
 Raihvay House, .... 
 
 2 
 
 2 
 
 58 
 
 Stone marked “ 8 M. to Boston,” 
 
 • 2 
 
 3 
 
 0 
 
 Commencement of loAver road, at mills, 
 
 4 
 
 2 
 
 0 
 
 Road leading to Neponset Bridge, 
 
 5 
 
 2 
 
 40 
 
 Turnpike, ..... 
 
 6 
 
 0 
 
 44 
 
 Glover’s Corner, .... 
 
 7 
 
 1 
 
 40 
 
 DraAV of Free Bridge [to South Boston,] 
 
 10 
 
 0 
 
 16 
 
 Church, head of Sea street. 
 
 10 
 
 2 
 
 4 
 
 Hanover st., through Federal and Marshall, 
 
 11 
 
 0 
 
 72 
 
 Bunker Hill Monument, . 
 
 12 
 
 1 
 
 29 
 
 ” Very truly, yours, 
 
 Alexander Wadsavorth.” 
 
MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 Ill 
 
 The Building Committee, in their first report, speak of the 
 purchase of this quarry as follows : — 
 
 “ On the recommendation of the Superintendent, they then 
 proceeded to examine a ledge of rocks discovered by him in the 
 town of Quincy, and found there a magnificent range of granite 
 containing materials inexhaustible, the use of which they imme- 
 diately, for a trifling sum, secured for the benefit of this cor- 
 poration. 
 
 “ The design of the committee in making this pui’chase was 
 to quarry the stone on account of the corporation, instead of 
 buying it ; and this mode they have the strongest reason to be- 
 lieve, will put it in their power to make a great saving of ex- 
 pense. Their intention at the time of the purchase was to have 
 begun the cutting of the stone immediately ; and they expected 
 to have been able to convey it by land, a distance of two miles 
 only, with greatest economy in the winter season, so that by 
 spring a sufficient quantity might be ready at the water’s edge, 
 in Quincy, to be transported by water to Charlestown, and 
 afibrd materials for beginning the work and carrying it forward 
 with rapidity. The quarry was accordingly opened, and its 
 excellence fully answered the expectations which had been 
 formed.”* 
 
 It appears by later records and papers that Mr. Willard still 
 retained an interest in this quarry. When it was proposed to 
 take the stone wanted, fi’om Pine Hill Ledge, in order to save 
 distance and expense in the building of the railway, one of the 
 conditions of the change requii’ed by Mr. Willard, was the fol- 
 lowing : “ 1st, It will be requisite that the railway company 
 should refund the money which has been expended at the 
 
 Report of Building Committee, June, 1826. 
 
112 
 
 MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 Bunker Hill Ledge, and pay me the fair value of my right in 
 that ledge.” 
 
 The change was not made. The quarry was opened and 
 worked, and at the end of six months, with all the preliminary 
 preparations, the committee say, “ Under the eye of the indefat- 
 igable Superintendent, more than three thousand tons of stone 
 have been split from the beds in form, and lie ready to roll down 
 the railway as soon as it is opened to them.” A little reflection 
 will suggest to the intelligent reader how much labor, in 
 preparation, opening and working the ledge, is included in this 
 statement. 
 
 Mr. Willard’s estimate of the importance of a good quarry 
 for the work to he done, may be seen in the following sentence 
 from a report written by him in November, 1827 : “ The most 
 important object of attention in erecting a work of the magnitude 
 and construction of the one in progress, is a good quarry — as 
 the getting out of the stone required is an arduous and expensive 
 undertaking, and indeed, I consider a good ledge in such a case 
 as not only the first requisite to success, but (as has been said 
 in another case,) the second and the third also.” 
 
 The Directors, however, seem to have had a diflerent view 
 of this matter, for in their address to the public, in 1830, they 
 express themselves as follows : “ The Directors thought that the 
 chief precaution to be observed was to engage the services of an 
 architect of acknowledged taste and skill, (and such an one they 
 were so fortunate as to find in Mr. Willard,) and to take all 
 practicable means to ensure economy in the expenditures made 
 necessary in the progress of the work.” 
 
 The purchase of this Cjuarry, according to Mr. Willard’s cal- 
 culation, fixed the cost of the material for the monument in the 
 ledge, at about a quarter of a cent per cubic foot. 
 
MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARL. 
 
 113 
 
 CHAPTER XV. 
 
 THE RAILWAY ENTERPRISE AND CONTRACT. 
 
 The circumstance has been noticed that the proposition to 
 build the Bunker Hill Monument was the immediate suggestion 
 and reason for introducing the Railroad into this country : and 
 it is true that the first work of the kind on this continent was 
 built and used for the transportation of the material to erect 
 that monument. Insignificant as this now seems, it was an 
 enterprise of considerable importance, and probably would not 
 have been undertaken, at the time, but for the patriotic motive 
 connected with it in the minds of the'- builders : it is therefore 
 right to say we should not as early as 1825, have adopted this 
 species of “ internal improvements,” regarded even at a later 
 period as an experiment, excepting for the intention of building 
 Bunker Hill Monument — and might have had to-day, instead 
 of that magnificent line of railroads which crosses the State, 
 Colonel Baldwin’s gigantic canal flowing through the “Hoosac 
 tunnel” and meandering along the vallies either side of it, be- 
 tween the Hudson River and Boston Harbor. 
 
 Tramways and Railways had been in operation in England, 
 at the coal mines, for several years — the result of a gradual 
 progress towards the great achievements of the present day. — 
 The success which had attended the use of these m the transpor- 
 tation of heavy burdens to tide-water, naturally led to the belief 
 that they would be found equally advantageous and economical 
 15 
 
114 
 
 MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 at the granite quarries in Quincy, and a considerable saving of 
 expense was expected by the monument association from their 
 introduction. It was therefore determined to await the con- 
 struction of the railway before the removal of the stone for the 
 work should be commenced. 
 
 In January, 1826,* a petition was presented to the Massachu- 
 setts Legislature for an act of incorporation to construct a rail- 
 way, in the following form : — 
 
 “ The undersigned petitioners represent that it would be of 
 great public utility to establish a Eailway from certain quarries 
 in the town of Quincy to the tide-waters, for the carrying of 
 stone to be used in building ; that your petitioners are disposed 
 to establish the same, or to aid in effecting it ; but that it will 
 require a voluntary subscription and employment of a large sum 
 of money, and that such sum can only be obtained by extending 
 the subscription among many persons, and that it would greatly 
 facilitate the enterprise if those who engage in it should act un- 
 der corporate powers.” 
 
 This petition was signed by Thomas H. Perkins, William 
 Sullivan, Amos Lawrence*, Solomon Willard, David Moody and 
 Gridley Bryant. An act of incorporation was granted by the 
 legislature, and was approved on the fourth of March, 1826. — 
 The company was immediately organized and Colonel Thomas 
 II. Perkins chosen President. The route was surveyed and the 
 railway built during the year, but not without the most tedious 
 
 * The “ Report of the Commissioners of the State of Massachusetts, on 
 the routes of Canals from Boston Harbor to Connecticut and Hudson Rivers,” 
 (including Colonel Baldwin’s various surveys,) was sent to the Legislature, by 
 Governor Lincoln, on the 11th of Januai-y 1826, the very day on which an 
 “ order of notice” was issued on the petition for the railway. It is understood 
 that Colonel Baldwin declmed to serve on the Building Committee of the Mon- 
 ument Association, partly for the reason that he was engaged on these surveys 
 and expected to be occupied in carrying forward the great public work then 
 contemplated. 
 
MEMOIR OF SOLOBION WILLARD. 
 
 115 
 
 delays ; and on the twenty-seventh of March, 1827, a contract 
 was made with the Building Committee for the transportation of 
 the stone from the quarry to the wharf in Charlestown. By 
 this contract the railway company agrees “ to receive on the 
 said company’s railway, during the year eighteen hundred and 
 twenty-seven, three thousand tons of hewn stone, to be used in 
 building the monument aforesaid, at such times during the said 
 year as the said John C. Warren, or the Superintendent, shall 
 offer to be carried, and not exceeding thu'ty tons in any one 
 day — _and that said company will carry the same hewn stone 
 from the place where the same shall be delivered on the railway 
 to the wharf of the said company, and thence by water to 
 Devens’s wharf in the town of Charlestown, and there deliver 
 the same, .... and the said company hereby promise 
 to do the said carrying with all reasonable care and fidelity and 
 without doing any injury to the stone which can be avoided with 
 due care and reasonable diligence.” . . 
 
 Like those in England, until the successful experiments 
 of Blackett and Stephenson, in the invention of the locomotive 
 and the application of steam, this railway was operated by 
 horse-power, and as it has not been extended, has required 
 no other motor. The first proposition of the railway company 
 was to transport the stone from the quarry to the tide-water, at 
 fifty cents per ton, and from thence by lighters to the wharf at 
 Charlestown, at forty cents ; but the contract, which was negotiat- 
 ed by Greneral Dearborn and Mr. Lawrence, on the part of the 
 association, fixed the price at seventy-five cents per ton for the 
 whole distance. For some reason not now apparent, hir. Wil- 
 lard, a part of whose duty it was to assist in making contracts 
 for the work, declined to take part in this negotiation, and seems 
 to have become early dissatisfied with the contract and the “ de- 
 linquencies,” as he calls them, of the company. 
 
 Two months after the completion of the contract, in May, 
 1827, Mr. Willard had become impatient of the delays which 
 
116 
 
 MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 annoyed him, asked for a copy of the contract, and suggested 
 to the Building Committee the propriety of discharging the 
 Avorkmen at the hill. He Avrote to the chairman. Dr. Warren, 
 as folloAvs : — 
 
 ‘‘ The RailAvay Company, through mismanagement, have been 
 rather unfortunate, and there is little prospect of our stone AAdiich 
 are first Avanted. being carried very soon. Mr. Savage called on 
 me at Quincy for direction, and suggested the idea of discharging 
 the men at the hill for the present. . . .We have been in 
 
 readiness to commence the mason Avork for a month and have 
 been Avaiting ever since for the stone to be carried. As I never 
 had any confidence in the contract being fulfilled, on the part of 
 the railAvay company, and as the agreement Avas made by the 
 committee contrary to my A\'ishes, I consider myself free from 
 responsibility for any hindrance or loss Avhich may be sustained 
 in consecpience of this contract.” 
 
 Mr. Willard, hoAvever, had recommended that a contract Avith 
 the railAvay company should be made, only a month before it 
 Avas completed, and the ground of his complaint seems to have 
 been that it Avas “unskilfully made.” On the fifteenth of May, 
 Mr. LaAvrence informed Mr. Willard of a modification of the 
 contract, by Avhich Mr. Gridley Bryant, the agent of the railway 
 company, had agreed “for you to load the stone upon the rail- 
 way carriages at five cents per ton.” But the trouble was a 
 continuous annoyance ; and on the tAventy-third of September, 
 Mr. Willard writes sharply to Mr. Bryant, “ As Ave have nearly 
 a hunch’ed tons of stone ready to move, we wish to see your 
 carriages at our shed to-morrow morning. Our work will close 
 for the season in about eight Aveeks, and we shall prepare a 
 freight of seventy tons each Aveek, if no accident occurs. It 
 will be. important that we shall be kejit clear.” 
 
 In a letter of the next year addressed to General Dearborn, 
 as one of the committee on accounts, Mr. Willard explains this 
 
 y 
 
MEMOIR OP SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 117 
 
 matter and endeavors to show that as a means of facilitating 
 or cheapening the work on the monument, the railway had failed 
 of its purpose : — 
 
 “ Quincy, [date left blank,] 1828. 
 
 “Dear Sir, — I have enclosed a copy of the instructions 
 which I received from the Building Committee a year ago. It 
 will be seen by these instructions that the committee had author- 
 ized me to make all the contracts Avhich were required in the 
 prosecution of the work of erecting the monument for the season 
 past. In one case, however, courtesy induced me to refer back 
 the power given me, and I allowed the committee to make a 
 contract which I considered injurious to the interests of our 
 employers. I refer to that made with the Railway Company. 
 This appeared to me unskilfully made in two respects : the 
 Railway Company were neither accountable for the fracture of 
 the stone, nor bound to fulfil their agreement. And this con- 
 tract has not only proved an expensive thing to the association, 
 but a source of infinite trouble to me. 
 
 “ There has been a strange misapprehension respecting the 
 importance of the railway to us. The following statement, I 
 think, will illustrate this point : The whole quantity of stone 
 carried from our ledge to the water, is 2287 tons, which at 35 
 cents per ton, comes to $800 45. The price offered by a re- 
 spectable company for hauling in the common way, was 50 cents 
 per ton, — so that, all the gain that was ever expected, provided 
 they had fulfilled their agreement, was only the difference 
 between 35 and 50 cents, on 2287 tons, $343 05, in a work 
 where $28,000 had been expended. 
 
 “ On the other side of the account we must reckon the loss of 
 two years in waiting for this company to perform a job which 
 amounts to little more than $800. For loss in time no estimate 
 in money can be made. It has been, however, an injury which 
 is irreparable. The loss in cash paid to men with their hands 
 tied in consequence of the delinquency of the railway company, 
 
118 
 
 MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 (I should say, to speak within hounds,) was ten times the whole 
 cost of carrying 2287 tons to the water, to which must be added 
 the sacrifice of an invaluable quarry. 
 
 “ It would have been much better for my own interest and 
 reputation, had I paid the $343 and carried the stone in the 
 common way, and it Avould also have saved thousands to the 
 association. 
 
 “ It Avill be seen by the above statements that the railway 
 has been of little consequence to us, nor can it be, provided the 
 company ivere ivell disposed, as it costs them to carry our stone 
 twice what we give them for it.” 
 
 This last statement, repeated on the authority of Mr. Bry- 
 ant, probably accounts for, if it does not excuse, some portion 
 of the neglect or mismanagement alleged against the railway 
 company, which appears to have been so vexatious and trouble- 
 some to Mr. Willard, who undoubtedly, we think, is somewhat 
 to blame in this matter : he encouraged the building of the road 
 and making of the contract, and while he asserts that “ the 
 agreement was made by the committee contrary to his wishes,” 
 he also says “ I allowed the committee to make a contract which 
 I considered injurious to the interests of our employers.” On 
 this statement he was blamable — though possibly he “allowed” 
 what he could not prevent in the hope that his apprehensions 
 might prove groundless. Mr. Willard lyas probably ivrong also 
 in supposing the railway company not well disposed towards the 
 monument association, as the President was one of its earliest 
 and firmest friends. 
 
 As the use of this raihvay was continued for many years after 
 the date of these transactions, by Mr. Willard himself, and is 
 still used, it is probable that its services were found to be 
 valuable and its earnings remunerative to the proprietors, 
 especially after they became the mvners of the quarry. 
 
MEMOIR OE SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 119 
 
 CHAPTER XVI. 
 
 I 
 
 PRELIMINARY WORK ON THE MONUMENT. 
 
 The first year of Mr. Willard’s service, from Xovember, 
 1825, to November, 1826, was mostly devoted to preliminary 
 matters, under a general vote of the committee, “ authorising 
 and empowering the chairman to take measures for proceeding 
 in the construction of the monument, with all expedition, and 
 that whenever he may think necessary he call a meeting of this 
 committee.” The purchase of the quarry had been effected, as 
 ah-eady stated, and the supply of stone secured. The railway 
 act had been obtained and the work began. The old foundation of 
 the monument had been taken up and preparations for the new 
 foundation made. It was soon after practically decided to do the 
 hammering of the stone at the ledge, and a boarding-house and 
 other buildings were erected thei’e to accommodate the workmen. 
 A contract was also made for the transportation of the stone. 
 
 In reporting upon the work done in thirteen months, Mr. 
 Willard says, ‘‘ From a recent examination of the accounts kept 
 at the ledge, it is ascertained that the whole sum paid out of the 
 funds of the association, fr’om the 15th of November, 1825, to 
 the 15th of December, 1826, little exceeds ten thousand dollars, 
 of which $348 has been paid for digging out the foundation on 
 Bunker Hill ; $195 for four acres of land near the quarry, and 
 $712 for building a boarding-house for the workmen. The 
 quarrying apparatus has cost $2000, and is now on hand, partly 
 
120 
 
 BIEMOIR OP SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 worn, but is probably worth two-thirds its first cost. It consists 
 of machinery, lumber, iron, steel, hammers, bars, wedges, &c. 
 The house and land are probably worth what they cost. If we 
 deduct the above from the sum stated, there would be left $Q,~ 
 745, total expended in opening the quarry, making roads, quar- 
 rying and rough dressing 20,000 feet of foundation stone and 
 10,000 feet of fine hammering — to which must be added the 
 cost of transporting 125 tons of stone to Charlestown. 
 
 ‘ ‘ Much time has been necessarily spent in clearing and open- 
 ing the ledge, making roads, and much unnecessarily wasted by 
 the delinquency of the railway company. The 20,000 feet of 
 foundation, although but a small part of the work executed with- 
 in the thirteen months, would come to more, at the prices charged 
 for similar work at the prison, than the whole sum paid out.” 
 
 The experiments instituted by Mr. Willard at this time, to 
 ascertain the cost of dressing the different blocks of stone, net 
 measure, whether circular or straight, and allowing two feet of 
 coarse dressing for one of fine dressing, resulted as follows : — 
 433 feet quoins and hollow cone, 36 cents per foot ; 81 feet 
 platform and steps, 39 cents ; steps jobbed out in winter, 26 
 cents ; large quantity of hollow cone by sundry persons, 30 
 cents — average 32| cents per foot, to which six cents per foot 
 may be added for tools. 
 
 In view of the work which had been done and the plans to be 
 pursued for the coming year, Mr. Willard addressed to the 
 chairman the following letter : — 
 
 “ Quincy, November 6th, 1826. 
 
 “Dear Sir: — As my engagement expires on the 9th of 
 November, a new agreement becomes necessary. I should like 
 to engage for another year, if past services have met the appro- 
 bation of the committee ; and as a compensation, I would engage 
 on the condition that the necessary expenses of living should be 
 paid by the association. 
 
 “ The past month having been an important one to us, it has 
 
MEMOIR OP SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 121 
 
 been thought expedient to employ an extra number of workmen, 
 and the monthly expenditure has increased pi'oportionately. — 
 On the 4th of November, there was due from the association to 
 various persons, the sum of nineteen hundred dollars. It might 
 be well to have these bills all paid before the ninth of the pre- 
 sent month. 
 
 “ If the committee should consider it for their interest to give 
 me charge of the work another year, I should like to have the 
 plan in all its details for prosecuting the work agreed on by 
 them, with written instructions to me. The experience of the 
 last year induces me to suggest the following for their consid- 
 eration : — 
 
 “ I should not think it for the interest of the association to 
 attempt the transportation of any of the stock to Bunker Hill 
 this fall, as it is late and the carriages for transporting on the 
 railway and machinery for loading, are not in readiness at 
 Quincy. 
 
 “ For unloading in Charlestown it will require an apparatus 
 of considerable expense, which would be exposed through the 
 winter, and the loss would over-balance any advantage which 
 could be derived from it. I would rather spend the time, be- 
 tween this and March, in making the necessary preparations for 
 a rapid movement in the spring. Should the hammering be 
 done at the ledge, a shed should be erected to shelter the work- 
 men. A large space should be levelled in and about the shed. 
 The rough and the hammered stone should be removed out of 
 the way, and the ledge should also be cleared of every incum- 
 brance. 
 
 “ The timber-run fi'om the ledge should be repaired and all the 
 quarrying apparatus put in the best order. The winter would 
 be a favorable time to finish the drawings and models which are 
 requisite, and experiments may be made in order to ascertain the 
 exact value [cost] of hammering each of the blocks of the stone 
 used in the construction of the monument. This is indispensable 
 16 
 
122 
 
 MEMOIR OP SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 whether the stone are hammered at the prison or not, as the 
 experiment will enable us to detect any overcharge in their bills, 
 and if the work is done at the ledge, the fair value per foot will 
 be determined. 
 
 “ For the alDove service a small number of men will be suffi- 
 cient. For the building of the sheds, clearing and levelling, it 
 might require six men, including the master quarryman. The 
 experiment might require four hammerers, and it would be 
 necessary to have two blacksmiths to make new hammers, sledges, 
 jacks and other quarrying apparatus wanted. The winter mouths 
 are profitable for doing the blacksmith’s work, and the only loss 
 in doing it at this season is the interest of the money on the 
 stock for a few months, whicli Avould be greatly over-balanced 
 by the convenience of having the tools ready. 
 
 “ In commencing the Avork next season, I suppose the railway 
 company Avill deliver the stone at the Avharf and furnish appa- 
 ratus for loading, and they intend to furnish vessels to transport 
 the stone, Avhich are to be tOAved by a steamboat. Should these 
 vessels not be ready by the time the ice leaves the river, Ave can 
 employ lighters. 
 
 “ At the landing in CharlestOAvn, (at Devens’s wharf,) it may 
 become necessary to erect a kind of crane to unload the stone. 
 From the wharf the stone Avill be carried to the hill on a Avagon 
 already constructed, and by the persons who have agreed to do 
 it. I should recommend that a rigger should be employed by 
 the day to fit up the macliinery, and to do the hoisting, and a 
 good mason, to see to the laying of the stone under my direc- 
 tion. The lime, sand, and iron for cramps, may be bought by 
 the quantity as they are Avanted. 
 
 “ Bunker Hill, on the south side, where the road will pass, is 
 rather steep and springy, and it has been suggested that it might 
 be economy for us to lay flags of granite for the wheels to run 
 on in the manner of an Italian railway, [?] Avhich would proba- 
 l)ly make a difference in the draft of a common load of one yoke 
 of oxen. These flags may be got out this winter, and laid in 
 
MEMOIR OE SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 123 
 
 the spring, and when the work is completed, may be taken up 
 and sold. 
 
 “ The work requires the aid of all its friends, to forward it with 
 the desired expedition, and if I should he engaged another year, 
 I should like to have the Chairman of the Committee give more 
 attention to it than in the past, or if this is inconvenient, to 
 authorize some other person. If it becomes a necessary part of 
 my duty to receive and pay out money, I should like to have 
 such an arrangement made as that I could receive it by calling 
 on a single individual. 
 
 “ Yours, respectfully, 
 
 Solomon Willard.” 
 
 “John C. Warren, Chairman of Committee.” 
 
 On the 7th of September, 1826, the Building Committee held 
 a meeting at Qumcy, when there were present, the Chairman, 
 (Or. Warren,) George Blake, H. A. S. Dearborn, and Amos 
 Lawrence. There were present also Edward Everett, Nathaniel 
 P. Russell, and Nathan Appleton, of the Board of Directors. — 
 After examining the Railway, which was tlien in progress, “the 
 Committee next examined the Bunker Hill Ledge, and were 
 fully satisfied with the progress made in getting out stone, and 
 at the economy and dexterity of the processes employed for the 
 purpose.”* 
 
 * Records of the BuildiBg Committee, 1826. 
 
124 
 
 MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 CHAPTER XVII. 
 
 xNBW CONTRACT AND INSTRUCTIONS. 
 
 In November, 1826, the contract with Mr. Willard expired, 
 of course with an understanding that it would be renewed ; and 
 on the 7th of December, the Chairman forwarded to him copies 
 of a new contract, which were signed and executed as follows : 
 
 “ Contract between John C. Warren, as chairman, etc., on the 
 one part, and Solomon Willard, architect, on the other part, 
 Witnesseth, The said Willard having been appomted Architect 
 and Superintendent of the Bunker Hill Monument, doth agree 
 to prepare the requisite models and drawings ; to aid in making 
 the contracts ; to superintend the completion of the same ; and 
 to do such other duties as may be required to facilitate the erec- 
 tion of said monument : In consideration of five hundred dollars 
 a year, so long as he may perform the above duties, to be paid 
 by said Warren in behalf of the above-named corporation. 
 
 “ And this contract is to remain in force until the monument 
 is erected ; or the funds of the corporation are exhausted ; unless 
 revoked by consent of the two contracting parties. 
 
 John C. Warren. 
 
 Solomon Willard.” 
 
 “ Boston, December 7, 1826.” 
 
 This contract difiered materially from the former one but was 
 still not what Mr. Willard wanted. It made the appointment 
 
MEMOIR OE SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 125 
 
 permanent, but continued a fixed nominal salary which was dis- 
 agreeable to him. The original copy of this contract, found 
 among Mr. Lawi’ence’s papers, bears the following endorsement, 
 in his hand- writing : “ Mem. Mr. Willard’s intention was not 
 to have a salary, but a support, which up to the period of Jan- 
 uary, 1829, has not exceeded the sum named as a salary.” 
 
 The instructions given to Mr. Willard, in accordance with his 
 own request, were the following : 
 
 “ The Building Committee of the Bunker Hill Monument Asso- 
 ciation, in the name and behalf of the corporation for erecting 
 a monument on Bunker Hull, to Solomon Willard, Esq., 
 
 “ Whereas this Committee, having special confidence in youi’ 
 abilities and integrity, do hereby appoint you Architect for the 
 construction of said monument, and furthermore they do also 
 . appoint you Superintendent of the execution of the same, in all 
 its . details ; and also commit these important trusts to your 
 charge in full confidence that you will employ your best ability 
 to complete the same Avith all the economy and despatch so 
 great a work will permit. 
 
 “ In the execution of the monument, you will take for your 
 guide a plan di-aAvn by yourself and accepted by the Dmectors of 
 the Bunker Hill Monument Association, which plan is now in 
 your hands — • and all the models and plans are to be formed on 
 the ground of the above plan, and you are requested to have all 
 plans, models and all parts of the work under your care, so ar- 
 ranged that in case of any accident befalling to you, (which may 
 a good Providence avert,) the plans, models and other works 
 may be delivered over to your successor, so that the great work 
 which you have conducted thus far, may be contmued without 
 impediment. 
 
 “ As a considerable quantity of material for the construction 
 of the monument is ah’eady got out, and as your experience on 
 this subject will guide you as to the quantities and times of 
 
126 
 
 MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 preparing them, it is not necessary to give any instructions on 
 this head. Our wish is that a sufficient quantity of stone should 
 be got ready to begin the construction of the monument as early 
 in the spring as the weather will allow ; and to carry it on with^ 
 out delay through the following season. 
 
 “ We do not consider it best to transport any stone to Charles- 
 town this season, except a small quantity, as an experiment 
 made to gratify the public curiosity. But we should ivish that 
 contracts should be made for the transportation of the stone to 
 Charlestown, in season to open the spring without delay. It 
 would be best also to make all other contracts in season to pre- 
 vent loss of time ; and therefore we authorize you to make such 
 contracts for the sand, lime and other materials, and also for 
 masons’ and carpenters’ and blacksmiths’ work, as far forward 
 as you can see the necessity of employing such workmen. 
 
 “ In order to determine whether it will he best to have the 
 stone hammered at the quarry, or in Chailestown, Ave wish you 
 to make an experiment of the cost of hammering stone of the 
 various forms you may require ; and this being done, to apply 
 to the Superintendent of the State Prison to ascertain what the 
 hammering of similar stones would cost at the prison. In case 
 Ave should decide to have the hammering done at the quarry, Ave 
 authorize you to erect the necessary buildings, procure the 
 requisite apparatus, and to employ as many hands as may be 
 required for such work — and the sooner this is done after 
 the principal point is settled the better. 
 
 “You AAull no doubt employ this winter in making such plans 
 and models as may be wanted ; in getting all machinery in good 
 order, and placing it in the most convenient situation, and for 
 these purposes you are authorized to employ suitable artificers. 
 It Avill be best to see that a proper wharf or place for landing 
 the stone at Charlestown, is secured for the benefit of our ope- 
 rations, as long as may be required, provided the expense thereof 
 be not great. Also that the wharf thus procured be in a projier 
 condition to receive the material, and all necessary Avorks be 
 
MEMOIR OP SOLOMON AVILLABD. 
 
 127 
 
 erected there in good time. We also authorize you to lay flag- 
 stones of granite on that part of Bunker Hill rrhere you deter- 
 mine to carry up the stone. 
 
 “ In case of any deficiency in your instructions or the occur- 
 rence of any new question, you will refer to the committee 
 through the Chaii’man, and whenever the case is important this 
 should be done in writing. 
 
 “You will be provided with such monies as you may require 
 by applying to the Chairman, giving him sufficient notice, so 
 that he may have time to draw the money from the Treasury ; 
 and you will exhibit the state of your accounts monthly, or as 
 nearly so as your duties permit, to Amos Lawrence, Esq., who 
 with the Chairman, constitute the Committee of Accounts. 
 
 “ Should you find it necessary, in order that you may devote 
 your time to more important objects, officers will be appointed 
 under you, for writing, payment of monies, and the performance 
 of other duties which might interfere with higher concerns. 
 
 “ By order of the Building Committee of the Bunker Hill 
 Monument Association. 
 
 John C. Warren, Chairman.” 
 
 “ Boston, December 1, 1826.” 
 
128 
 
 MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 CHAPTER XVm. 
 
 MISUNDBRSTANDma AND RECONCILIATION. 
 
 It is no purpose of this memoir to revive or publish any per- 
 sonal misunderstandings, which may, perhaps very naturally, 
 have arisen between the parties having a duty to perform or an 
 interest in the progress of the work on the monument. Xor 
 must it be inferred from this remark that anything of a serious 
 character as to persons, or of importance as regards the public, 
 ever occurred to disturb the harmony which existed in the Board 
 of Directors and the Building Committee, and characterized the 
 relations between these bodies and the Superintendent. On the 
 contrary, in all the discussions in relation to the adoption of a 
 design for the monument, in the selection of an architect, in the 
 initiation of measures for the advancement of the enterprise, in 
 the suggestion of a lottery for the same purpose, in the proposi- 
 tion for the sale of the land comprising the battle-field, and in 
 other matters, where there might arise differences of opinion, all 
 feelings were consulted, the great interests of tlie work consid- 
 ered, and unity of action as of purpose, generally obtained. In 
 some of these cases, personal opinions and preferences were 
 readily yielded to promote the paramount purposes of the 
 association. 
 
 Ifi the early part of 1827, there grew up from various causes ' 
 and influences, some dissatisfaction on the part of the Superin- 
 tendent ; which, as soon as expressed by him, was promptly ex- 
 
MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 129 
 
 plained and adjusted in a manner especially honorable to the 
 Building Committee, the Railway Company and the Architect. 
 Annoyed as Mr. W illard had been by the delays in the progress 
 of the railway and the operations of the company, and probably 
 a little restless under the suggestion made to change the design 
 of the monument, to which he refers in a letter of February, 
 1827, as follows : “ A vote of the Directors at the last meeting 
 - to adhere to the plan first adopted, settles the question as 
 respects any change in the form, ” — he was perhaps too sensi- 
 tive to some action of the Directors or the Building Committee, 
 which he alleges took place on the 17th of June. The follow- 
 ing note suddenly opened the correspondence and the difficulty : 
 
 “ Wednesday morning, June 20th, 1827. 
 
 “ Dear Sir, — The vote of the Association [?] on the 17th, 
 leaves me but one course to pursue : I shall remove whatever 
 
 belongs to me in Quincy, this day, and shall give no farther 
 direction to the workmen. Your interests there may require 
 attention. I should have given you earlier notice had you called 
 on me yesterday. 
 
 “ Yours, respectfully, 
 
 Solomon Willard. 
 
 “Amos Lawrence, Esq.” 
 
 How far this letter was censurable or justifiable, — and it cer- 
 tainly seems to have been somewhat hasty, — we have now no 
 means of deciding, as both mystery and confusion envelop the 
 subject. We have two copies of Mr. Willard’s note, each in 
 his hand-writing and precisely alike, — yet, according to its 
 own date, the 17th must have been Sunday, on which day a 
 meeting of the Association, or of the Directors, would not have 
 been held. Nor are there any proceedings on record, at this 
 time, having a particular or even a general reference to Mr. 
 Willard. The only action recorded that might be displeasing 
 to him, was the choice at a meeting of the Building Committee, 
 on the 18th, of the President of the Railway company. Colonel 
 17 
 
130 
 
 MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 Perkins, to be chairman of the Committee, in the place of 
 Dr. Warren, who had declined a reelection. Mr. Willard’s 
 displeasure with the Railway company would very naturally 
 extend to its President. 
 
 Mr. Lawrence’s reply to Mr. Willard is as follows ; — 
 
 “ June 23d, 1827. 
 
 “ My Dear Sir, — I called at your office this morning, and 
 not finding you, wish you to inform me what your wishes are, 
 that will obviate your objections to remaining in the superinten- 
 dence of the great work thus far so favorably prosecuted by 
 you. The inference you gathered from the late doings of the 
 Directors, having in them anything intended to be disrespectful 
 to yourself, I do most solemnly assure you is without founda- 
 tion. I need not again assure you how much I desire the work 
 to go on under your care. 
 
 Amos Law^rence. 
 
 “ Solomon Willard, Superintendent.” 
 
 The reply of Mr- Willard to this assurance of respect and 
 to the personal desire of his friend, — who, from the be- 
 ginning of the enterprise to the end, had manifested the highest 
 appreciation of his services, his disinterested patriotism and his 
 devotion to the work, — is out-spoken, characteristic and decided. 
 He calls it “ Copy of a letter from the e.-r-Superintendent to 
 Amos Lawrence, Esq., in answ'er to the foregoing,” and it is 
 dated on the same day ; — 
 
 “Dear Sir, — The thought of returifing to take charge of 
 the work in Quincy, never occurred to me until this morning, 
 and although money will not induce me to return, there are 
 other considerations which might have some weight, were certain 
 objections removed, which may be easily done by the committee 
 if they choose. 
 
 “ First. I should want a new agreement with the association, 
 wherein the condition shall read thus : and the said Superin- 
 tendent shall have for his services the necessary expenses of 
 
ifEMOm OE SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 131 
 
 living paid by the Association, — this being one of the original 
 terms of the agreement, but altered to the specific sum of five 
 huncbed dollars per year, by the Chairman, when the contract 
 was executed, which sum is something more than is required for 
 the purpose. 
 
 “ Without reflection this may seem trifling. As it stands, I 
 perform the service without money or credit ; altered, I should 
 have due credit for what I do, viz : of rendering my services 
 gratuitously. The practice of the [late] Chamman, [Dr. War- 
 ren,] in certain cases, will illustrate the case, who frequently 
 performs his services gratis rather than degrade his profession 
 by accepting a low charge. 
 
 “ Second. I should also wish the Committee to agree to fur- 
 nish the means requisite to finish the work as speedily as a due 
 regard to economy will permit, as the sum wanted is trifling 
 and it is for the credit of all concerned to terminate the work in 
 a rapid and masterly manner. 
 
 “ Tours, respectfully, 
 
 Solomon Willard. 
 
 “ Amos Lawrence, Esq., one of the Committee.” 
 
 On the 25th, Greneral Dearborn addi’essed to Mr. Willard a 
 note, which he transcribed under this heading — “ Copy of a 
 letter from General Dearborn, one of the Building Committee, 
 to the ea7-Superintendent,” — as follows : — 
 
 “ My Dear Sir, — \t a meeting of the Building Committee 
 of the Bunker Hill Monument Association, I was appointed a 
 committee to wait on you to state the results of their delibera- 
 tions ; but not finding you in your room, ■ must communicate 
 by letter. 
 
 “ The Railway company will appropriate to your use, or 
 to the Bunker Hill Monument Association, as you may think 
 proper, one thousand dollars, for the right you had in the 
 
132 
 
 MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARt). 
 
 quarry. Colonel Perkins entertains the highest opinion of your 
 integrity, talents and uniform efforts for the accomplishment of 
 the great undertaking -which you have so zealously undertaken, 
 and you can rely upon his harmonious support in the prosecu- 
 tion of the -work. You -will go on pleasantly beyond all doubt.* 
 
 “ As to your compensation, a vote -was taken as you desired, 
 altering the former vote so that it now stands that your expenses 
 are to be paid instead of an annual compensation of live hun- 
 dred dollars. Thus, I trust, every difficulty is removed, and 
 that you will return to the works as soon as possible, as much 
 depends on your presence there. 
 
 • “ If you can call out to my house, [in Roxbury,] this even- 
 ing, I shall be glad to see you. As I am obliged to leave town 
 in the morning, in the steamboat, at 5 o’clock, for Maine, and 
 shall be absent eight or ten days, I have no other means of 
 communicating with you than this, unless you can spare time 
 to call at my house this evening. 
 
 “ But, at all events, let me entreat you to return to the 
 works, which we all most ardently desire. 
 
 “ With great esteem, your obedient servant, 
 
 H. A. S. Dearborn. 
 
 “ Solomon Willard, Architect.” 
 
 The arrangement proposed, it appears, was deemed or made 
 satisfactory, and was immediately carried into effect, to the honor 
 of all the parties. The thousand dollars was justly due to Mr. 
 Willard, who had probably expended nearly as large a sum in 
 his explorations for a quarry ; but, regarding it from his stand- 
 point as a profit gained by reason of his connection with the 
 monument, he promptly rejected the idea — suggested by friends 
 who knew what sacrifices he had made — of appropriating the 
 
 * A note from Colonel Perkins to Mr. Lawrence, three clays after the date 
 of this note, .June 28th, says, “I was at Bunker Hill Quarry yesterday, and 
 found Willard very pleasant.” 
 
MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 133 
 
 amount to his own use,* and in the same month prepared and 
 signed the following subscription paper. Mr. Lawrence thought 
 the pleasure of contributing this large sum to the great patriotic 
 enterprise of the day, was the chief inducement with Mr. 
 Willard to return to the work. He also induced most of his 
 workmen to make themselves memliers of the association by 
 contributing the requisite sum to its funds : — 
 
 “ Copy of a subscription pa])er originated at the Bunker Hill 
 Quarry, in Quincy, June, 1827 : — 
 
 “ The subscribers, having been engaged in the executive de- 
 partment of the work of erecting a Monument on Bunker Hill, 
 and wishing to contribute our share towards the means for 
 prosecuting a work so successfully begun, and also wishing to 
 become proprietors in the work, and sharers in the honor of 
 erecting an appropriate monument to commemorate an inqiortant 
 event, will cheerfully pay for this purpose the sums annexed to 
 our several names. The aid also of every citizen is respectfully 
 requested, that means sufficient may be obtained to terminate 
 the work in a spirit and manner worthy of the heroic deeds 
 which it is intended to commemorate. 
 
 “ Note. The whole sum expended on the work to the sev- 
 enteenth of June, 1827, is ^15,000. The work has been in 
 progress nineteen montlis, in which time a new quarry has been 
 opened, the foundation of the monument quarried, dressed and 
 laid. The quantity in the foundation has been estimated at 
 1500 tons, (1167 measured on the work,) on which there has 
 been more than 30,000 feet of rough dressing. There is also a 
 
 * “ A friend proposed to him to lay aside that sum for a time of need ; but 
 he decisively rejected the proposal with the remark : ‘ Do, you suppose I would 
 soil my hands by making money out of the Bimker Hill Monument. ’ H.ad 
 other men, with much larger means, possessed the same spu-it, the monument 
 would have been completed at a much earlier period, and without the embar- 
 rassments and delays which caused the best friends of the project so much 
 mortification and discomfort.” History of the Bunker Hill Monument, by 
 Professor Packard, of Bowdoin College. 
 
134 
 
 MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD 
 
 quantity of stone finely dressed for quoins, steps and hollow 
 cone, to the amount of 6,000 feet, and every preparation has 
 been made for prosecuting the work with facility and economy. 
 
 Najies Subsckibed. 
 
 Amoukts. 
 
 Solomon Willard, 
 
 $1,000 00 
 
 Ezra Badger, 
 
 20 00 
 
 Hazen Abbott, 
 
 5 00 
 
 Theodore Rogers, 
 
 5 00 
 
 John White, 
 
 5 00 
 
 Joseph French, 
 
 5 00 
 
 Daniel Leonard, 
 
 5 00 
 
 Jacob B. Collins, 
 
 5 00 
 
 William Frederic, 
 
 5 00 
 
 D. M. C. Knox, 
 
 , ' . 5 00 
 
 Samuel Ames, 
 
 5 00 
 
 Andrew Bunten, 
 
 5 00 
 
 John Adams, 
 
 5 00 
 
 John C. Knox, 
 
 5 00 
 
 John Frederic, 
 
 5 00 
 
 George Frederic, jr. . 
 
 5 00 
 
 John Robertson, . 
 
 5 00 
 
 Samuel Fla, . 
 
 5.00 
 
 Eli Stebbins, 
 
 5 00 
 
 Eleazer Frederic, 
 
 5 00 
 
 Daniel Fla, 
 
 . 5 00 
 
 Almoran Holmes, 
 
 50 00 
 
 Total, . , . $1,165 00* 
 
 The receipt of the above amount is properly acknowledged by 
 N. P. Russell, Treasurer of the Monument Association, under 
 date of December 13th, 1827. 
 
 * A copy of tliis document among Mr. Lawrence’s papers, contains several 
 other names, as follows : Luther Marble, John Devanny, and Thomas Pike, jr. 
 five doUars each, and James S. Savage, fifty dollars, making the aggregate 
 $1,230 ; but Mr. Russell’s receipt is for $1,165, as above. 
 
MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 135 
 
 CHAPTER XIX. 
 
 LEGISLATIVE AID TO THE MONUMENT. 
 
 Two years after the incorporation of the association, in Jan- 
 uary, 1825, the attention of the legislature was called to the 
 contemplated monument, by Governor Eustis, in his annual 
 message of that year. He suggested that the model should be 
 submitted for approval to the legislature — a body much less 
 competent at any time to decide upon the merits of such a ivork 
 than the then Board of Directors — and commended the under- 
 taking in the following language : — • 
 
 “ Should the funds prove insulScient for the completion of 
 such a work as is worthy of the occasion and becoming the 
 character of the State, I do not permit myself to doubt, that 
 aid will be afforded by an enlightened legislature. 
 
 “ To commemorate one of the principal events of the Revo- 
 lution, to consecrate the field in Massachusetts on which in the 
 first stages of the war, our heroes and statesmen sealed with 
 their blood the principles they had sworn to maintain, when a 
 disciplined enemy received from untutored yeomanry a lesson 
 which produced the most beneficial consequences through the 
 whole of the revolutionary Avar, is worthy of the care of the 
 patriot and statesman. The splendid column^ on Bunker Hill 
 will unite principle Avith history, and patriotism with glory. It 
 will be read by all ; its moral aagII strike deep into the heart, 
 and leave an indelible impression on the mind.” 
 
136 
 
 MEMOIE OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 With a liberal disposition to assist in the erection of the pro- 
 posed monument, the legislature passed a law, which was ap- 
 proved on the 26th of February, 1825, authorizing the associa- 
 tion “ to have the stone of which their intended monument may 
 ^ be constructed, hammered and prepared to be used, at the State 
 Prison, in Charlestown,” . . . “ Provided, that the ham- 
 
 mering of stone under the provisions of this section, shall never 
 exceed in value the sum of ten thousand dollars,” and also that 
 no existing contract shall be interfered with or retarded. The 
 same act authorized the association to receive “ the two cannon 
 called the Hancock and Adams, to adorn the intended monument, 
 and to be preserved, as the' earliest of the relics of the revolu- 
 tionary struggle, and also for the same purpose two other can- 
 non, used in the revolutionary war, and now belonging to the 
 State, as to the Governor and Council may seem proper.”* 
 
 The same act gave to the Directors authority to “ take and 
 appropriate to the legal uses of said association any land on 
 Breed’s hill, in Charlestown, which said Directors may find 
 to be necessary in the design of erecting a monument and laying- 
 out the surrounding ground in the appropriate manner, not 
 exceeding five acres.” The necessity which called for the 
 grant of this high prerogative of government — the right of 
 eminent domain — affords a remarkable contrast to the conduct 
 of Mr. Willard and an instance of cupidity and avariciousness 
 almost too gross to be believed. While Mr. Willard declined to 
 accept the slightest profit or commission for any service rendered 
 to the association, or any compensation for his many years of 
 labor, from high patriotic considerations, there was found a man 
 willing to sacrifice his integrity, degrade his very nature and 
 
 * The two cannons here mentioned as the “ Hancock” and “ Adams,” are 
 now in the chamber in the top of the Monument. The inscriptions upon them 
 say they originally belonged “to a number of citizens of Boston, and were 
 used in many engagements during the war.” No others have ever been re- 
 ceived by the Association. 
 
MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 137 
 
 soil his own conscience, to gain by a trick,* an advance in the 
 price of his land beyond that at which he had agreed to dispose 
 of it to the association. Although he succeeded in this instance, 
 it is a satisfaction to be able to believe that, if men who act 
 from as high motives as those which governed Mr. Willard, are 
 rare, those who act from such sordid and unmanly impulses are 
 still more rare. 
 
 There had always been some doubt as to the availability of 
 this grant by the legislature ; Mr. Willard certainly never had 
 much confidence in it ; and in 1827, the Directors petitioned the 
 legislature, praying that “the ten thousand dollars granted by 
 a law of this Commonwealth to said association, to be paid in the 
 labor of hammering stone at the State Prison, may be paid to 
 said association in money.” A hearing of the parties was had 
 before a committee of the legislature, in January, when it was 
 made apparent that the proposed change would be advantageous 
 to both parties, and especially to the Commonwealth. 
 
 For the purpose of this hearing Mr. Willard estimated the 
 rough blocks to weigh twenty-five per cent, more than when 
 di’essed : the delay in passing the draws of two bridges at five 
 per cent. ; allowed considerable expense for extra apparatus for 
 handling and loading the large blocks at the prison, and con- 
 cluded his statement with the following Recapitulation” ; — 
 
 “ The first and second items make the extra expense of trans- 
 portation thirty per cent, and the third, fourth and fifth, cannot 
 amount to less than five, makmg the aggregate extra expense of 
 
 * The proprietors of the lands on Breed’s Hill had consented to have then- 
 valuation fixed by appraisers and entered into bonds to abide by then- decision. 
 One of the owners, after the other proprietors had conveyed then- portions, 
 “deliberately paid over the forfeiture agreed upon, five hundred dollars, and 
 demanded five thousand dollars for his land. The Committee were struck 
 
 dumb but, reflecting that a contention at that time might delay 
 
 the whole enterprise for an indefinite period, they reluctantly paid the imgen- 
 erous and exorbitant exaction.” Prof Packard. 
 
 We are sorry to say we have never heard this story contradicted. 
 
 18 
 
138 
 
 MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 transportation at least thirty-five per cent. ; besides the great 
 delay in the prosecution of the work which must inevitably 
 ensue from this mode of carrying it on. From items six and 
 seven it appears that the difference of cost in hammering the 
 blocks at the quarry and at the State Prison, taking thirty* 
 cents as the mean price per square foot a^ the former, is as 30 
 to 210. or as 1 to 7.’’ 
 
 The results of Mr. Willard’s experiments and his calculation 
 of the extra cost of transportation, were so deal' a demonstration 
 that the work of dressing the blocks at the ledge could be done 
 much more economically than at the State Prison as to put 
 at rest that question in the minds of the directors. But the 
 testimony of Mr. Harris, Warden of the State Prison, was much 
 more to the purpose, so far as the Commonwealth was concern- 
 ed, for he testified that the work could not be done at the State 
 Prison, irrespective of the price, without great pecuniary disad- 
 vantages to the institution ; The work of its regular customers 
 would be delayed and finally lost ; the convicts “could earn 
 thirteen thousand dollars, in the usual mode of doing business, 
 with less inconvenience, than they could hammer ten thousand 
 dollars’ worth of stone for the monument,” and in addition to 
 these conclusions, the Warden testified that if they did the work 
 they would have to draw from the Treasury ten thousand 
 dollars extra for the work on the new prison. In short, Mr. 
 Willard’s evidence decided the question of economy as regarded 
 the association, and Mr. Harris’s testimony decided the question 
 of profit as regarded the Commonwealth. 
 
 With such evidence presented to them, the committee could 
 do no otherwise than report a resolve according to the wishes of 
 the petitioners. Good policy, prudence and economy, on the 
 part of the State, demanded the measure, and good taste — vio- 
 lated in the original act — approved of it. It was shown quite 
 conclusively that a loss of not less than three thousand dollars, 
 — ^ not to mention the cost of various alterations and additions 
 
MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 139 
 
 at the prison, and the pi’obable injury to its business — would 
 accrue to the Commonwealth, in the effort to fulfil the contract 
 with the association. But the legislature — at the suggestion 
 of some member more prudent and less patriotic than the rest — 
 'did not think ten thousand dollars’ worth of convict labor quite 
 equal to that sum in money, notwithstanding it was shown that 
 it would bring thirteen thousand in the mai’ket. Ready to make 
 a saving for the. Commonwealth, in what no doubt was supposed 
 to be an honorable way, the legislature readily adopted the 
 suggestion of its prudent member and amended the resolution 
 of the committee by reducing the sum named in it to seven 
 thousand dollars, as the equivalent of the grant of their predeces- 
 sors — thus effecting an actual saving to the Commonwealth of 
 six thousand dollars and a probable saving of a much larger 
 sum. The proceeding was no doubt regarded at the time as ad- 
 vantageous to the Commonwealth, and was a better arrangement 
 for the association than that for which it was substituted : which 
 would have proved troublesome and unsatisfactory, if not abso- 
 lutely impracticable. It would have been almost impossible 
 to adjust the prices to be charged for the work in a way 
 which would have been satisfactory to both parties, as Mr. 
 Willard, in the example quoted by him, made the charges at 
 the prison six or seven times greater than the cost of similar 
 work at the quarry. Besides the objection to having the work 
 done by convicts, in wdiich Mr. Willard participated, (for he 
 wished all his workmen to be members of the association,) the 
 cost would have been greater and the actual result less advanta- 
 geous fhan the reduced grant in money. 
 
 The “Resolve,” as finally passed by the legislature, on the 
 second of March, authorized the payment of seven thousand 
 dollars in money, in annual payments in three years. This was 
 accepted by the directors, and the stone used in the construc- 
 tion of the monument was hammered at the ledge in Quincy. — 
 It is a satisfaction to every member of the association be able to 
 say that none of it was done at the State Prison. 
 
140 
 
 MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 This seven thousand dollars is the whole amount of aid ever 
 received from the public authorities towards the monument — a 
 sum probably not equal to the interest-account against the 
 association — and, with this exception, it may be said that the 
 entire cost of the monument, the land, fences, &c. was raised byr 
 voluntary contributions and efforts. Subsequently, in 1829, a 
 petition was prepared for presentation to the legislature, at the 
 instance of a majority of the directors, praying for the grant of 
 a “ Lottery” to raise fifty thousand dollars for the completion 
 of the monument ; but it was ascertained that the general sen- 
 timent of the members was opposed to such a grant and it was 
 abandoned — notwithstanding only four years before, Lottei’y 
 Tickets were allowed to be sold in aid of the monument.* A 
 later application for State aid was ineffectual. 
 
 * Some amusement was indulged in among the dealers in Lottery Tickets, 
 in Boston, in 1825, (when the subject of suppressing their sale ep^ged 
 the public attention,) in connection with the proposed monument. Mr. John 
 Jay Jerome had advertised to sell lottery tickets for the benefit of the Bunker 
 HUl Monument Association, whereupon Messrs. Gilbert & Sons made the follow- 
 ing announcement ; “ For our own Benefit ! Several of our brother venders 
 have set apart particular days to sell lottery tickets for the benefit of a particu- 
 lar institution, &c. such, as ‘ for the benefit of the Bunker Hill Monument 
 ‘ in aid of the Greeks,’ &o. &c. Now we frankly confess that we cannot afford 
 to sell tickets except for oiu-own benefit,” &o. 
 
 To this gentle innuendo Mr. .Jerome replied : “ My neighbors in Exchange 
 street are very fecetious in their advertisement of yesterday relative to the Bun- 
 ker Hill Monument, &c. They say they cannot afford to sell tickets for the ben- 
 efit of the Monument, in aid of the Greeks, &c. Fie on such patriotism ! Gen- 
 tlemen Sirs, would ye not afford the members of the Legislatui'e another oppor- 
 tunity of contributing something towards so praiseworthy an object as the Bun- 
 ker Hill Monument ! N. B. On the 22d inst. [Washington’s Birth-day,] the 
 profits on the sale of Lottery Tickets will be appropriated towards the Erection 
 of a monument on Bunker Hill.” 
 
 Messrs. Dean & Hooper, referring to these cross-firings of their neighbors, 
 concluded their announcement as follows : “Now we are willing to sell them 
 for the benefit of the purchaser ; and those who wish to be benefitted are re- 
 quested to call at the Old Stand and obtain some of the following prizes.” 
 
 We think the monument was not benefitted much by any of these propositions. 
 
MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 141 
 
 CHAPTER XX. 
 
 CONTRACTS AND WORK ON THE MONUMENT — 1827 — 1828. 
 
 The making of the contracts for carrying forward the work 
 on the monument was a part of the duty of the Superintendent ; 
 but these were not necessary until the actual commencement 
 of the construction in 1827. It seems but justice to the 
 contractors that them connection with the work under Mr. Wil- 
 lard should be mentioned. Besides the contract with the Rail- 
 way company already mentioned, there were three others, made 
 by Mr. Willard in the name of the chairman : 1. Contract with 
 James Sullivan Savage, of Boston, m which he agreed to take 
 charge of the Mason's Department and “ perform any other duty 
 which the interest of the association may require, and to do the 
 same as if it were his individual concern.” 2. Contract with 
 Ahnoran Holmes, of Boston, “ to take the charge and duty of 
 hoisting the stone to build the said monument,’" and to “ super- 
 intend this department in all its details and employ competent 
 and faithful men to perform the service, without profit on their 
 work.” 3. Conti’act with Thomas 0. Nichols and John Peirce, 
 of Charlestown, to “ take at Devens’s wharf, . . and carry 
 
 thence to the site of the intended monument, three thousand 
 tons of stone, at forty thi-ee cents per ton,” &c. 
 
 These contracts completed iMr. Willard’s arrangements for the 
 progress of the work. He was to prepare every block of stone 
 according to the position it was to occupy, ready to be laid when 
 
142 
 
 MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 delivered upon the hill. The machinery, mechanical and human 
 agencies, were arranged and only required to he put in operation 
 and kept in operation by the oversight of one master mind, for 
 the regular, systematic and rapid advancement of the work. — 
 All the operations were, designed and all the forces directed to 
 this end, and they were so nicely adjusted as to constitute a 
 single machine, by which had the means been supplied, the 
 stone would have been quarried and the monument erected 
 without delay or impediment. This was Mr. Willard’s hope 
 and expectation, and it is not possible to estimate the disappoint- 
 ment and chagrin he suffered in consequence of its failure. He 
 knew the means were no|, in possession of the association, but he 
 believed they would be furnished. The failure had an effect 
 upon his whole after life, affecting his spirits and ambition, 
 changing his plans, purposes and hopes. 
 
 Progeess on the Monument in 1827. 
 
 The contracts were performed in a satisfactory and exemplary 
 manner by the parties named, during the years the work was 
 in progress, though before the monument was completed an 
 entire change in the methods of proceeding took place. 
 
 When they were made, Mr. Willard expected to go on with the 
 work, as he expressed it, “in a spirited and masterly manner.” 
 He had long waited for the opportunity to show to the people, 
 and to the “combination” which hoped to see his plan of 
 construction fail, what could really be done with that compara- 
 tively new building material, the “gray Quincy granite,” in 
 massive structures. In February, he spoke of the “ dif- 
 ficulties which had so long hindered the work,” as likely to 
 be soon removed ; but in May, he complained that he “ had 
 been in readiness to commence the mason work for a month, 
 waiti)ig for stone to be carried.” The work, however, was be- 
 gan at this time, and up to the seventeenth of June, twenty-four 
 thousand two hundred and sixty-three dollars had been expended 
 by the association — only fifteen thousand dollars of which was 
 
MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 143 
 
 considered as directly for the monument. The committee ap- 
 pointed to audit the accounts of the Superintendent, on the 
 eighteenth of J uly reported as follows : — 
 
 “The work is now in a favorable course of prosecution : the 
 daily expenses at the quarry are for twenty-seven men, ^42 98 ; 
 for tools, including the steel, coal and time of the blacksmith, 
 $8 33 ; together ^51 31. This gang of men will get out one 
 course of the monument m twelve days. The first course of 
 stone will contain one hundred and twenty-four tons four feet 
 and four inches, in which are sixteen hundred and nineteen feet 
 three inches of hammering, including the hollow cone. The 
 average contents of the first eight courses is one hundred and 
 twenty tons, and the expense of a course may be calculated thus ; 
 
 Say for twelve days’ work at the quarry, 
 at ^51 31, per day, is . . . $615 72 
 
 Transportation to Devens’s wharf, at 75 cts. 90 00 
 Do. from wharf to the hill, at 48 cents,* 57 60 
 Expense of laying including everything, at 
 
 66 and 2-8ds cents per ton, , . 80 00 
 
 $843 32 
 
 “ But we suppose it may amount to near nine hundred dollars. 
 . . . . Mr. Willard, our disinterested Superintendent, has 
 
 been paid his expenses fi’om the ninth of November, 1825, to 
 the seventeenth of June last, eight hundred and two dollars, in 
 full satisfaction of his services, and has also subscribed to the 
 funds of the association one thousand dollars in addition to his 
 time thus given.” Signed by H. A. S. Dearborn and Amos 
 Lawrence, as a sub-committee, July 18th, 1827. 
 
 In November, 1827, at the close of the work for that year. 
 
 * The contract price was forty-three cents per ton. 
 
144 
 
 MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 which appears not to have equalled the desires of the Directors, 
 Mr. Willard made a report to the committee in which he gives 
 an account of one of his “ experiments,” from which we extract 
 the following paragraphs : — 
 
 “ It may be seen by the roll, which I wish the committee to 
 examine, that the number of working days, from the 16th of 
 July to the 17th of November, inclusive, amounts to 108. The 
 whole number of days’ labor, done in the hammerers’ depart- 
 ment at the ledge, during that time, is 2257 — equal to 20 and 
 97-108 days’ work each day. If the time spent in fitting the 
 stone on Bunker Hill, viz. 181 days be taken into the account, 
 it will increase the average per day to 22 and 62-108. 
 
 “ By the roll also it will be seen that the average labor on 
 the ledge, during the same period of time has been only 6 and 
 38-108 days’ work, having been performed by three splitters 
 and three capstan men. In the one hundred and eight days 
 referred to, these six men have spht and run down one hundred 
 and eleven blocks of stone, which will average over six tons each 
 after being dressed ; and they have also split and run down one 
 hundred and eighty blocks for skirting and hollow cone, which 
 will average two-thirds of a ton each, besides clearing away the 
 cellar and wharf stone, which though valuable to those who come 
 after, is waste to us. In the description of work which has been 
 quarried at our ledge, there is much greater difference in the 
 tonnage, before and after being dressed, than usual : I should 
 think that the difference, including the cellar stone, would 
 amount to one-third of the whole. 
 
 “ The large and small blocks together amount to seven hun- 
 di-ed and eighty-seven tons, to wliich if we add three hundred 
 and ninety-three for loss of tonnage in dressing and for cellar 
 stone, the whole number of tons will be eleven hundred and 
 ninety, quarried and delivered by six men in one hundred and 
 eight days : equal to eleven tons per day for one hundred and 
 eight days in succession. The expenses of the six men to the 
 association were $10 45 per day, which sum divided by eleven. 
 
MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 145 
 
 the number of tons got out daily, gives ninety-five cents per ton. 
 Then the cost per ton divided by thirteen, the number of cubic 
 feet in a ton, gives seven cents and three mills for the cost per 
 cubic foot for the rough stone.” 
 
 “ Our stock, according to the last e.vperiment, costs us ten 
 cents per cubic foot, measured after it is dressed. Then, if we 
 add nine and a half cents for carrying, it will amount to nineteen 
 and a half cents per cubic foot delivered on Bunker Hill. - — 
 I do not believe that stock as good could now be obtained at 
 any other place, within twenty miles of Boston, for four times 
 this sum. The original estimate was sixteen and a quarter 
 cents, and with the facilities anticipated, I have no doubt the 
 actual expense would have corresponded with the first estimate.” 
 
 The following extracts from the same report will exhibit in 
 their proper light the high spirit and patriotic feeling which 
 influenced Mr. Willard in undertaking and conducting this 
 great work : — 
 
 “ For executing the work I have thought it the best policy to 
 hire good men, to pay them fair wages, and to see that their 
 labor is well directed. In this way you can obtain good men 
 and keep them, and by using the proper means to excite emula- 
 tion, they will not only be faithful but the work will go on with 
 a spirit and economy which cannot be attained in any other 
 way. No graduate fi’om our penitentiary or foreigner has been 
 employed. The workmen are Americans < natives of neighbor- 
 ing States ; some are relatives of those who fought on Bunker 
 Hill and inherit a genuine spirit for the work. Thus far there 
 has been an uncommon degree of harmony among them. In a 
 few instances I have discovered a disposition in some to tyrannize 
 which I have thought proper to discountenance. It seems to 
 me an improper place to act the Bashaw, the slave or the syco- 
 phant. The work which we are engaged in is a work of patri- 
 otism, where all should be on equal terms. 
 
 19 
 
146 
 
 MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD 
 
 “ In the prosecution of the work there is nothing required, 
 (as I conceive,) but to follow the original plan. Provision 
 should be made immediately for the carrying of the stone. This 
 although a trifling part of the expense, is important, as a failure 
 subjects us to hindrance and heavy loss. I do not see any 
 propriety in having it in the power of any evil disposed person 
 to stop our work at his pleasure. If my written instructions 
 from the Building Committee, given a year ago, do not authorize 
 me to provide for the carrying of the stone, I wish them to 
 make such amendments as to make that a part of my duty. 
 
 “It is noAV two years since we commenced quarrying at our 
 ledge. Time has already elapsed sufficient to have built two 
 such monuments, if the work had been prosecuted with a spirit 
 worthy the occasion. What has been done thus far, has been 
 done with our hands tied, and the way we are going on it will 
 require another year to finish the work. To me the sacrifice 
 of three years of my life, together with the labor and vexation 
 which has attended every movement since the commencement of 
 the work, is trifling compared with the mortification occasioned 
 by its tardy progress.” 
 
 This was Mr. Willard’s feeling at the end of two year’s 
 labor, “ under difficulties,” if not with his “hands tied.” He 
 little dreamed that fifteen years more would elapse before he 
 should see the work fully completed. 
 
 Progress on the Monument in 1828. 
 
 The work for the season of 1827, having closed, the com- 
 mittee to audit Mr. Willard’s accounts reported the amount of 
 expenditures through him, fi’om June 17th to December 17th, at 
 thirteen thousand four hundred and forty-two dollars. Now 
 that the monument was rising above the surface, the committee 
 looked forward to a more rapid progress in the coming season. 
 At a meeting on the 10th of December, it was “ Voted, that 
 the committee entertain and think it due to Mr. Solomon Wil- 
 
MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 147 
 
 lard, to express to him their very high sense and respect for his 
 able and faithful services and unwearied assiduity in accomplish- 
 ing the patriotic object of the association, and that a copy of this 
 vote be presented to him.” Another vote was passed authoriz- 
 ing him to employ a suitable number of hands, at such times 
 as he thinks best, to complete twenty courses of the monument.” 
 
 In communicating the above vote, Mr. Lawrence, Secretary 
 of the committee, wi’ote to Mr. Willard as follows : — 
 
 “ January 9th, 1828. 
 
 “ Dear Sir, — Permit me to hand you a vote of the Building- 
 Committee of the Bunker Hill Monument, passed at their last 
 meeting, (which gives me the more pleasure in communicating, 
 as the expression of every individual of the committee,) with the 
 assurance of the ardent’ wish I feel that the great work you 
 have so long been so faithfully and earnestly engaged in accom- 
 plishing, may be completed in a style worthy the conception of 
 its author, and that your name and fame may go down with the 
 Bunker Hill Monument to the latest posterity, which I deem 
 next in honor to sharing the glory of the event this monument 
 is intended to commemorate. 
 
 “•With great sincerity, yours, &c. 
 
 Amos Lawrence.” 
 
 The committee were very anxious to complete twenty courses 
 of the monument, as expressed in their vote, the present season : 
 and the chairman, General Dearborn, addressed a letter with 
 interrogatories to Mr. Willard directly upon this point ; In reply 
 to the fifth question, — “ What will be the expense of complet- 
 ing twenty courses, and what will be the daily expenses?” — 
 Mr. Willard stated the cost at about one hundi-ed dollars per 
 day, or ten thousand dollars to accomplish the work by the 4th 
 of July, in one hundred days ; but, taught by the experience 
 of the past, he added in a note, “No allowance is made in the 
 above estimate for unnecessary hindrance which may be occa- 
 
148 
 
 MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 sioned by the stone remaining in our way after they are dressed.” 
 — The work was commenced at Charlestown, about the middle 
 of April. Mr. Lawrence previously wrote to Mr. Willard, 
 
 ‘ ‘ I have come to the conclusion that you had better have enough 
 stone on the ground for five or six courses before beginning, as 
 the stone can be laid up faster than they can be got out with 
 our fifty men ; and we have the advantage of making an im- 
 pression at once upon the public mind, which last thing is 
 essential to our obtaining the needful for carrying it on.” 
 
 The directors and architect were zealous and active — the 
 former giving the work much of theii' attention and encouraging 
 by their frequent visits the labors of the latter. During the 
 two years, Mr. Lawrence was almost a daily visiter to the 
 hill, and has left the remark that however early in the morning 
 he arrived there, he was sure to find Mr. Willard on the ground. 
 He was devoted to the work, and the success of his plan for 
 carrying it on seems to have been complete and satisfactory. — 
 It could not have been otherwise with the system which he had 
 inaugurated. Superior workmanship was obtained at the cost 
 of half the price of ordinary material and work, and had the 
 means not failed, the whole would have been accomplished 
 on the same terms. 
 
 With respect to the ivork done up to this time, the amount of 
 stone quarried and required, together with the cost of the same 
 per foot, the committee placed on record the following : — 
 
 “ By a statement furnished by the architect, it appears that 
 the quantity of stone actually laid, is, in the foundation eleven 
 hundred and sixty-seven tons ; in the fourteen courses complet- 
 ed, fifteen hundred and eighty-two tons ; and that there is now 
 lying on Bunker Hill, hammered, four hundred and ninety-four 
 tons, (and one hundred tons of flag-stone not wanted for the 
 monument,) together for the monument, three thousand two 
 hundred and forty-three tons. The whole quantity required 
 
MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 149 
 
 [dressed] is six thousand six hundred and eighty-six tons : — 
 There is quarried at Quincy, twelve hundred and thirty-two 
 tons ; a very small part of this is also hammered ; and to com- 
 plete the monument, twenty-two hundred and ten tons more are 
 required to be quarried. The south-eastern section of the ledge 
 is now prepared and in the best possible order to take out this 
 whole quantity, the expense of which, at the rate we have paid, 
 will fall a little short of three thousand dollar’s. The price paid 
 for quarrying is seven and a half cents per cubic foot, in the 
 rough state, which is equal to ten cents in a finished state, or 
 one dollar and thirty cents per ton finished.” 
 
 The following ‘ ‘ account of the original plan of carrying on 
 the work, with the success which has attended it,” was prepared 
 by Mr. Willard, for the Committee in 1828, and is a history of 
 the commencement and progress of the work almost wholly 
 unknown to the public : — 
 
 “Gentlemen — In consequence of the state of the finances 
 of the Bunker Hill Monument Association, being such as to 
 require the best possible management in the future prosecution 
 of the work, Mr. Lawrence has been induced to suggest some 
 improvements in the mode of conducting it, which may be wor- 
 thy of consideration by the committee ; but previously to acting 
 on them, it might be well for the committee to take a brief 
 review of the original plan which occurred to me more than 
 three years ago, on my first discovery of the quarry, and which 
 plan has been followed, so far as circumstances would permit. 
 
 “ The outline of the plan may be seen in a correspondence with 
 a member of the Committee on the Design, before the Building 
 Committee were chosen. It was there recommended to choose a 
 Building Committee of members who were fi’iendly to the design 
 adopted ; to employ agents to conduct the work, who would 
 manage it with the economy of an individual concern, and the 
 
150 
 
 MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 services of the committee and agents to be gratuitous. It was 
 also recommended that the design should be matured, the form 
 and construction determined, and after the dimensions, quantity 
 and quality of the stock required were settled, to advertise for 
 proposals for furnishing it. In case of the proposals coming too 
 high, it was recommended to the association to purchase a quarry 
 and to employ men by the day to get out the stock, and also to 
 make experiments to ascertain the cost of dressing it. 
 
 “ A quarry had been purchased and. kept in reserve expressly 
 for the work, for a year previous to this time, and all the 
 estimates for the different designs were based on the supposition 
 that the stock might be obtained there with great facility and 
 economy. This may be seen by the following estimate made at 
 the time : the whole quantity required was estimated at about 
 nine thousand tons, equal to 117,000 cubic feet. The right to 
 quarry the stock required for the monument cost $325, equal 
 to one-quarter of a cent per foot, - - i 
 
 Cost of quarrying, - - - - 6 
 
 Cost of transportation to the hill, - 10 
 
 Total cost per foot, - - 16J cents. 
 
 “ The Building Committee were chosen — the agent appoint- 
 ed — the Plan matured, and the following advertisement was 
 inserted in the Columbian Centinel, of November 16, 1825, by 
 the Chairman : — 
 
 “ ‘ Proposals will be received for furnishing the granite for an 
 obelisk to be erected on Bunker Hill. The quantity required 
 will be about 9000 tons, and must be delivered at the prison in 
 Charlestown, or at a wharf near the navy yard, as may be re- 
 quired. The dimensions of the blocks to be about two feet six 
 inches wide and twelve feet long. The granite for the founda- 
 tion may be of a coarse kind, and it will require about 1400 
 tons. The outside courses of the obelisk must be of the best 
 Quincy granite, of uniform coloi’. of which about 2600 tons 
 
MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 151 
 
 will be required. Proposals will be received for Chelmsford 
 granite for the outer courses. Those who estimate may furnish 
 any quantity to suit them convenience. 
 
 u £ Proposals are to be handed to S. Willard, Architect and 
 Superintendent of the Monument, next to St. Paul’s Church, 
 Boston. Mr. Willard will furnish all necessary information on 
 the subject. As the work will begin immediately, it is desirable 
 that the proposals should be sent in as soon as possible.’ 
 
 “ Most of the persons whc furnish stone in this vicinty exam- 
 ined the designs accordingly, but offered no proposals. All 
 wished to have the construction so altered as to use small stones. 
 One offered verbally to furnish a part at sixty-two cents per 
 cubic foot. The majority, however, entered into a combination 
 to compel the association to change the construction, and to come 
 to them terms, as respects the price, (as I was informed at the 
 time, by one who had been initiated into the mysteries of the 
 combination.) 
 
 “ The object of advertising was to give every one an oppor- 
 tunity to furnish the stock, and had their proposals been lower 
 than the estimates according to our original plan, the association 
 would have accepted their terms, and abandoned the project of 
 quarrying their own stock. [There was no possibility of this, for 
 as we have already seen, Mr. Willard found his own estimate 
 less than the actual cost.] 
 
 •‘We commenced opening the quarry on the 16th November. 
 1825. A wharf was hired in Quincy, and it was intended that 
 a part of the foundation should have been transported on sleds 
 during the ivinter. Severe weather, however, put a stoji to our 
 quarrying in a few weeks, and the remainder of the winter was 
 spent in clearing the earth and rubbish from the ledge, and 
 digging out the foundation on Bunker Hill. 
 
 [During the winter, Mr. Willard states, the Railway company 
 was projected, but it “ was of no service to us until the last of 
 September, 1826.”] 
 
152 
 
 MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 “ According to the general plan referred to, the work was 
 divided into five departments, viz ; the Quarrying, Hammering, 
 Carrying, Hoisting and Masons’ Departments. The number 
 and cost of the men, who filled the various departments, were as 
 follows : — 
 
 “ Q,uarrymen^ s Depai'tment. 1 master at f 2 ; 5 common 
 hands at - : 3 capstan men at - ; 1 blacksmith at 1.67. 
 
 “ Hammerer'' s Department. 30 hammerers at $1.73 ; 2 
 blacksmiths at 1.67 ; 1 pattern maker at 1.19. 
 
 “ Hoister's Department. 1 rigger 1 master at .$2 ; 1 
 foreman at 1.67 ; 3 common hands. 4.50. 
 
 “ Department. 1 master mason at $2.50 ; 3 jour- 
 
 neymen at 1.67 ; 1 apprentice 1.00 ; 1 blacksmith ; 1 tender. 
 
 “ The whole was intended to move with the regularity of a 
 time-piece. A due proportion of strength was assigned to each 
 department and provision made by a reserve in case of a defi- 
 ciency in any particular part. The number of men to be em- 
 ployed to vary as circumstances might require. The agent of 
 the association was to be authorized to make all the contracts, 
 to keep the roll, and to receive and pay out the money. It was 
 to be his duty to employ the masters in the quarrying, hoisting 
 and mason’s departments, who were to have the liberty to choose 
 their own assistants, in order to insure unity of effort. The 
 variety of form required for the stone, and number of men em- 
 ployed in the hammerer’s department, rendered it necessary that 
 it should be under the immediate direction of the agent, and 
 means were proposed to excite a proper emulation among those 
 employed, and also to insure a faithful performance of duty. 
 
 “ The value of the quarry has exceeded our highest expecta- 
 tions, and although the stone delivered in the hammerer’s shed 
 costs us more than was first estimated, viz. 7^ cents per foot, 
 [instead of 6J,] it must be recollected that in the experiments 
 made in order to ascertain the cost, the quarrymen labored un- 
 der disadvantages, which are not likely to occur again. In the 
 course of the 108-days experiment, the timber run gave way, 
 
MEMOIR OP SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 153 
 
 and it became necessary to rebuild it. The run was fii’st con- 
 structed to carry from five to six tons weight — this being the 
 heaviest required for the foundation, or for the obelisk on the 
 original construction ; but the blocks being doubled in size, the 
 run was found to be insufficient to carry them, although it had 
 answered its first intention for more than a year. There was 
 also an unusual share of rainy weather during the experiment 
 when nothing could be done on the ledge. The quarrymen 
 suffered also in common with the rest, for want of room, in 
 consequence of the delinquency of the railway company. 
 
 “ The dressing of the stock in the hammerer’s department, 
 has been executed in a superior style of workmanship to what 
 was first intended, and has consequently cost more per foot. — 
 The rough dressing of the beds of the foundation, about twenty 
 thousand feet, was contracted for at ten cents per foot, and 
 would have been profitable to the undertakers, if there had been 
 sufficient room, or had the railway company fulfilled their 
 agreement. By four experiments of some hundred days, on 
 blocks of stone of every form required, the cost of fine cbessing 
 has been ascertained to be about forty-three cents per foot 
 superficial, net measure. A considerable proportion of our 
 work, however, is circular which has commonly been measured 
 double : this mode of measuring would reduce the price per foot 
 about one-third, or say to thirty cents.” 
 
 “ The economy with which our stock has been dressed, I 
 think, must give satisfaction. Notwithstanding the superiority 
 of the ‘workmanship, and disadvantages under which we have 
 labored, it costs but about half what has been given by others 
 for inferior work the season past. 
 
 ‘•The first course of the Tremont Theatre cost, as I have 
 been informed by the architect, $1 25 per foot. If we deduct 
 twenty cents per foot for the stock, it will leave $1 05 for the 
 di'essing. Mr. Webster’s underpinning cost one dollar per foot, 
 deducting twenty cents leaves eighty cents for the dressing. — 
 20 
 
154 
 
 MEMOIK OF SOLOMON WILLAED. 
 
 This is gratifying to me, as some of our particular friends have 
 been very industrious in attempting to impress on the public 
 mind, (and I think probably on the minds of the committee,) 
 that work so well done, and done by the day, (an expensive 
 mode,) by high-priced hands, must necessarily be very expen- 
 sive. Further on many cu’cumstances will unite to make it 
 come lower. The workmen will become more experienced and 
 the fineness of the execution may graduate as the monument 
 rises. And if the proper room is given to the workmen by 
 removing the stone when finished, I think it will make a dif- 
 ference of half in the expense of. dressing.” 
 
MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARL. 
 
 155 
 
 CHAPTER XXI. 
 
 SUSPENSION OF THE WORK — DISCHARGE OF MR. WILLARD — 
 PROPOSED SALE OF THE LAND — 1829. 
 
 Fourteen courses of the monument above the foundation, — 
 or about forty feet in height, — were completed with the close 
 of the season of 1828 ; and the result clearly demonstrated 
 the fact that a work of this magnitude and character could 
 not be put forward as rapidly as the committee and the architect 
 desired, nor yet as cheaply as they had calculated, the quality 
 of the work considered. No dissatisfaction is anywhere ex- 
 pressed at the result, nor is any explanation of it recorded ; but 
 it seems certain that the expenditure was larger and the pro- 
 gress of the work less than the committee expected at the end 
 of the season. Yet there was no ground of complaint : Colonel 
 Perkins had frequently visited the quarry, and Mr. Lawrence, 
 as we have said, was a daily visiter at Bunker Hill. Of Mr. 
 Willard and his workmen, Mr. Lawrence wrote : “Mr. Willard 
 is engaged in the work with all his soul, . . . and the 
 quarrymen have as much zeal in performing their duty as their 
 fathers had in seventy-five.” In such hands as these the work 
 had gone steadily on ; but the committee had worked under 
 the disadvantage of inadequate means, and were very early 
 compelled to borrow money to continue them labors. Mr. 
 Willard had exerted himself to meet the expressed wishes 
 of the directors and so far succeeded as to have the stone for 
 
156 
 
 MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 twenty courses nearly completed and on the ground before the 
 close of the season, as will be seen by the following statement : 
 The fourteen courses laid required 4582 tons ; the six next 
 courses required 580 tons ; there were upon the hill ready for 
 use 494 tons and more at the quarry. 
 
 As early as the 16th of June, 1828, the Building Committee 
 appear to have become disheartened and passed an order “that 
 as the means of the corporation are so nearly exhausted, no 
 further expense he incurred beyond present engagements and 
 on the next day another order “that the W'ork going on at the 
 Bunker Hill quarry be forthwith suspended.” The Secretary, 
 Mr. Lawrence, appends a note to this last order : “ It is expect- 
 ed that all the stone to complete sixteen courses of the monu- 
 ment will be made ready first.” It was stated at a meeting of 
 the committee, on the sixteenth of September, “ that the monu- 
 ment had now attained a height of about forty feet ; that the 
 quantity of stone prepared and on Bunker Hill is equal to car- 
 rying the monument about fifty-eight feet, and that the quar- 
 rying is still continued at Quincy, the committee feeling un- 
 willing to relin(|uish that part of the work so long as there 
 appears strong expectations of raising more funds.” 
 
 In partial explanation of the above result, Mr. Lawrence, in 
 an incidental letter to Dr. Warren, made the following state- 
 ments : “ The committtee caused the stone for forty feet of the 
 monument to be completed ; in getting which, owing to former 
 arrangements at the quarry, there has been a quantity equal to 
 fifty-eight feet prepared, although not in the regular order in 
 which it will be laid. . . . The outlay of money has been 
 
 greater than was contemplated, owing to the increased quantity 
 of stone which it was necessary to prepare to complete the forty 
 feet. The only loss to the association is the advance of the 
 money for work that cannot be immediately completed.” 
 
 But the inevitable moment had come and could no longer be 
 postponed. The funds of the association were exhausted and 
 its landed property, as well as the balance of the seven thousand 
 
MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 157 
 
 dollars clue from the Commonwealth, had been hypothecated, — 
 there was no possibility, therefore, of being able to continue the 
 work. The directors thought they had done all that the public 
 could require of them. The mortgaging of the land they had 
 most unwillingly consented to, under the belief that it would 
 soon be redeemed. The feeling of the committee on this subject 
 is very well shown" in a note appended to the record of the 
 meeting, (July the 10th, 1828,) at which the loan of sixteen 
 thousand dollars was authorized: '■’■Mem: It is contemplated 
 making an appeal to the public after the monument shall have 
 been raised forty three feet, for the means to pay off this loan, 
 and to preserve the land, (to be conveyed as security for the 
 above loan, ) forever from occupation for buildings ; that the 
 Battle-field of Bunker Hill may remain to posterity a stimulant 
 to patriotism, a corrective to anarchy.” With this loan the 
 sum of five thousand dollars previously borrowed, was paid off, 
 and there ‘‘now was no lien upon the land excepting this one 
 of sixteen thousand dollars.” Subsequently, however, October 
 third, a further loan of five thousand dollars was made ; and 
 again on the twenty-third of January, 1829, another loan of 
 fourteen hundred dollars was rec^uired, making altogether a lien 
 of twenty-two thousand four hundred dollars upon the land. — 
 This amount was further increased by the accruing interest. 
 
 At the meeting of the Building Committee, on the twenty- 
 third of January, 1829, “after considerable conversation was 
 had upon the present condition and prospects of the association,” 
 the following vote was passed : — 
 
 “Voted, That all the work at Quincy, or elsewhere, attended 
 with any expense to the association, be wholly suspended, the 
 committee having in their opinion gone to the full extent of the 
 value of all the disposable property of the association, and as 
 far as public opinion would require of them, until further means 
 are provided for carrying on the work ; and this committee give 
 it as their unanimous opinion, that a subscription in some form. 
 
158 
 
 MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 should be immediately circulated for obtaining the requisite 
 funds for carrying forward the work.” 
 
 The work had all been suspended previously to this vote : at 
 the hill on the first of September, and at the quarry on the 
 seventeenth of January following, — as stated in an “address” 
 prepared by a committee appointed in September and printed 
 in February. This address was “ never circulated on account 
 of the depression of the times.” 
 
 At the annual meeting of the association, June 17th, 1829, 
 an almost entirely new government was chosen, with ex-Gover- 
 nor Levi Lincoln as President. At this meeting, after consid- 
 ering the condition and prospects of the association and referring 
 to what had been done, it was formally declared that a sale of 
 the land had become necessary, and a resolution was passed, 
 authorizing the President, with the consent and approbation of 
 the Directors, “ to make and sign any deed or deeds to convey 
 all or any part of the land, except an area of six hundred feet 
 by four hundred feet around the monument, noiv owned by this 
 association, and situate in Charlestown, in fee simple, and to 
 acknowledge any deed or deeds by him executed, and to cause 
 the seal of this corporation to be thereunto affixed — whenever 
 and so soon as it shall be deemed expedient and proper by him, 
 with consent and approbation aforesaid, so to do.” 
 
 At the next director’s meeting, a new Building Committee was 
 chosen. General Dearborn chairman, and at their first meeting, 
 Auo-ust 8th, 1829, the subject of laying off the land of the 
 association into lots, was considered, and the record proceeds — 
 “ The prospect of Mr. Willard’s services being further required, 
 (in the present state of the affairs,) being so distant, it was 
 voted, that the chairman give Mr. Willard his discharge from 
 the service of the association, with such expressions of respect 
 for his services as their nature and character require : the 
 committee only regret that they have not the control of means 
 sufficient to authorize him to go on and finish the great work 
 for which he has sacrificed so much.” 
 
MEMOIK OP SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 159 
 
 The following is the note sent to Mr. Willard in accordance 
 with the above proceedings : — 
 
 “ Brinley Place, August 18, 1829. 
 
 “ My Dear Sir, — It having been found necessary to suspend 
 our labors on the Bunker Hill Monument until the funds have 
 been augmented, your valuable services in the meantime will not 
 be required ; but we shall rely upon them the moment it may 
 be in our power to prosecute that glorious work. 
 
 “ It affords me sincere pleasure to assure you, that the ardu- 
 ous and very responsible duties which devolved upon you as 
 Superintendent and Architect, have been discharged in the most 
 faithful and efficient manner, giving unqualified satisfaction to 
 the Building Committee, and entitling you to the gratitude of 
 the Association. Science, genius and taste have been so con- 
 spicuously evinced in the plan and execution of the whole work, 
 as cannot fail to exalt your reputation as an artist, and secure 
 for you the confidence and patronage of your fellow-citizens. 
 
 “ With the best wishes for your prosperity and happiness and 
 assurances of my great respect and esteem, I am, dear sir, your 
 most obedient servant, 
 
 H. A. S. Dearborn, Chairman, &c. 
 
 “ S. Willard, Esquire, Architect.” 
 
 Notwithstanding these proceedings, Mr. Willard was immedi- 
 ately employed in accordance with the vote of the association in 
 relation to a sale of the land, in laying it out into streets and 
 lots, with the reserved square around the monument ; and on 
 the 28th of November, the whole committee being present, • it 
 was determined to recommend to the directors the adoption of 
 the following vote ; “That the plan herewith submitted, drawn 
 by Solomon Willard, the architect, for laying off the land, be 
 adopted, and secondly, that it is inexpedient to sell any part of 
 the land owned by the association at present.” These votes 
 were reported to and adopted by the directors, and together 
 
160 
 
 MEMOIR or SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 with another relative to a lottery, concluded the proceedings of 
 the directors for the year 1829. 
 
 There was great reluctance on the part of some of the direc- 
 tors to disposing of any portion of the land, and they were very 
 unwilling to do anything with that end in view. They were 
 encouraged at this time by the lottery scheme, and subsequently 
 by the hope of gaining the aid of the Commonwealth. Mr. 
 Willard was probably willing to dispose of the land with a view 
 to the completion of the monument, but Mr. Lawrence was 
 earnestly opposed to the lottery and as earnestly desirous of 
 preserving the battle-field intact. The following views on this 
 subject are from his pen* : — 
 
 “ It is probable that Boston and the country around, taking 
 in a distance of three miles from the State House, will contain 
 a population of more than two hundred thousand within thirty 
 years, which will of course fill up the most eligible building 
 lots within that distance ; among the best is the land on and 
 about Bunker Hill ; all that part of Charlestown within the 
 neck will either be joined to Boston, or will be so intimately 
 connected with it as to be practically nearly the same thing to 
 the city. When our present worthy Mayorf, built his house on 
 Beacon street, he was as much out of town as he would be now 
 on Bunker Hill, and the land on and around Beacon Hill to 
 Charles street, was of little more value then, than the land on 
 and around Bunker Hill is now. Fifty years ago [i. e. eighty 
 years ago,] Boston Common could not have been sold for a 
 thousand dollars an acre ; at this time it is above price ; and 
 had our fathers allowed it to be sold for what seemed then a 
 great sum, we should now say they were not so provident for 
 
 * “ ]\Iarch, 1846. I find this among my Bunker Hill papers, which I 
 prepai’ed, and the substance was issued in 1832 or ’33, without a name. Amos 
 Lawrence.” 
 
 t Hon. Harrison Gray Otis, Mayor in 1829, 1830 and 1831 ; but the 
 house was built some years before. 
 
MEMOIK OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 161 
 
 US as they ought to have been. The whole Bunker Hill field 
 is perhaps the most beautiful open space in Charlestown ; and 
 besides the interest in it, growing out of its connection with a 
 new era in the history of man, it will have the charm of adding 
 directly to the comfort of the people who reside in its neighbor- 
 hood, or who use it for a promenade. This beautiful field, 
 (except a space of six hundred by four hundred feet,) is mort- 
 gaged and must be sold unless the means can bo raised to save 
 it. The Bunker Hill Monument Association owe about twenty- 
 five thousand dollars. It may be said perhaps that six hundred 
 by four hundred feet is space enough for a Monument Square. 
 It would be enough, if you had no more, and could get no 
 more ; but would one fourth part of Boston Common be enough 
 for the citizens if they could sell the other three-fourths for 
 enough to pay the city debt, and save two millions of dollars 
 besides ? The Bunker Hill field is above price ; the time will 
 come if it is left open, when it will be, the most interesting spot 
 in this country, perhaps the most interesting in any country, 
 and will exert a high moral and political influence upon pos- 
 terity. Can we of the present day in any other way appropriate 
 twenty-five thousand dollars so much to their advantage ? What 
 man in this city, who received an inheritance from his fathers, 
 wishes his money had been increased by the sale fifty years ago 
 of our beautiful Common ? Is not his inheritance increased in 
 value by its being left open a hundred times the amount it 
 would have sold for ? . . . Whatever adds to the comforts 
 
 of our city, adds to its property ; and every citizen has an 
 interest in making the residence of every other citizen as com- 
 fortable as possible. In this way we secure the best population 
 and keep alive a home attachment, a self-respect, of more worth 
 than all the coin of this Union.” 
 
 21 
 
162 
 
 MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 CHAPTER XXII. 
 
 DIFFICULTIES IN ENTERPRISES PLANS FOR THE PROSECUTION 
 
 OF THE WORK — 1830. 
 
 It has often been remarked that if the difficulties and obsta- 
 cles, to say nothing of disasters and accidents, which are sure to 
 attend the progress of every considerable enterprise, public or 
 private, could be fore-known, very few of those successfully 
 accomplished would be undertaken, unless prompted by some 
 imperative necessity. Fortunately it is not so — fortunately, 
 perhaps, the reverse is more nearly true : the best view of con- 
 tingencies, the easy side of obstacles, the plausibility of theories, 
 the friendly circumstances, the ease with which difficulties are 
 to be surmounted and means to be commanded — all these are 
 contemplated and weighed, — and with an assured reliance 
 upon our own judgment and energies, no undertaking within 
 the scope of man’s capacity to plan is supposed to be beyond 
 his ability to execute ; and reasoning from what has been accom- 
 plished, in ancient time and in our own time, the conclusion is 
 neither illogical or without substantial basis. 
 
 The Directors of the Bunker Hill Monument Association 
 were too intelligent to be misled by any mere plausibility ; but 
 were liable, from the warmth of their own patriotic and generous 
 impulses, to over-estimate the weight of these upon the public 
 mind and the readiness with which they would be responded to 
 by the people at large. This mistake, it is thought, they did 
 
MEMOIR OP SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 163 
 
 make — honorable to them as showing their confidence in the 
 patriotism and ability of the people, — but productive of the re- 
 sult which ensued. They believed that all the means, however 
 considerable, required for the work which they proposed to do, 
 would be ready for them asking : In the addi-ess of August, 
 1830, the Directors say, “ The funds on hand were adequate 
 to a considerable progress in the structure, and reliance was 
 placed on the public spirit, liberality and patriotism of the com- 
 munity to furnish the means which should be eventually 
 wanting to complete it and Mr. Willard, whose interest 
 and ardor were equal to their own, placed entme confidence 
 in their judgment in this matter, and in their ability in any 
 event to forward the noble work which they had undertaken. — 
 He was very much averse to “begging,” as he called it, and 
 hoped as the directors did, that the worthiness of the object 
 would command the means. They appear to have thought, in 
 the fii’st place, that the conti’ibutions would be so general that 
 a small sum fi'om each individual would be sufiBcient to accom- 
 plish the object ; but it was a mistake to suppose that all would 
 or could give the same sum : the least able in hundreds of in- 
 stances, gave the amount apparently desired, and the wealthy, 
 in other hundi’eds of instances, contented themselves with sub- 
 scribing the same amount. The records of the association show 
 that in the towns and cities of the Commonwealth, the sums 
 subscribed by the rich were almost invariably of the small 
 amount requmed for membership, — as if membership and a 
 diploma and not the monument were the object; — those who 
 could not give that sum did not give at all — so that the lowest 
 amount was obtained from the rich, and the same or nothing, 
 from all other classes. 
 
 The work having been suspended, the dmectors earnestly 
 engaged in plans and efforts to provide means for its prosecution, 
 when the next season opened. The proposed lottery scheme 
 having been abandoned, the committee charged with the prose- 
 cution of that measure were instructed to petition the legislature 
 
164 
 
 MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD 
 
 for “ a grant in money or land, or aid in such other manner as 
 the general court might deem most expedient.” But the gen- 
 eral court had no idea of aiding the work, and never did so ex- 
 cepting as already stated. Mr. W illard was opposed to these re- 
 peated applications and preferred to rely on the people. Upon 
 being repulsed again at the door of the State House, the com- 
 mittee on the sixth of April, reported as follows : “ We are thus 
 thrown back upon public patronage for obtaining the requisite 
 funds for completing the monument ; and have no doubt of 
 ultimate success ; for the cause is honorable, patriotic and 
 sacied, and the people will assuredly go on with a work which 
 they have commenced with ardor, and will glory in prosecuting 
 until it towers aloft in completed magnificence.” This was 
 entirely in accordance with Mr. Willard’s hopes and feelings. 
 
 The proposition of Mrs. Sarah J. Hale to inaugurate an effort 
 to raise funds to complete the monument by an appeal to the 
 Ladies of New England, made to the Building Committee in 
 January, was laid before the Directors in April, 1830. It was 
 accepted with avidity, and it was voted “that this commendable 
 effort . . . merits the grateful acknowledgments of the 
 
 Directors, . . . and that whatever sum of money may be 
 
 obtained shall be considered sacred and applied for the sole 
 purpose of completing the monument.” This effort produced 
 something over twenty-two hundred dollars, which was deposited 
 with the Massachusetts Hospital Life Insurance Company, and 
 w'hen applied to the work amounted to about three thousand 
 dollars. 
 
 Notivithstanding the confident language of the committee 
 above quoted, at the annual meeting in June, the Directors 
 were instructed to petition the legislature again for a grant of 
 money from the amount at that time expected from the general 
 government “on account of the militia services rendered by the 
 State during the last war.” They were also instructed to pre- 
 pare an address to the people explanatory of the views of the 
 association, of its operations and condition, and to distribute the 
 
MEMOIR OE SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 165 
 
 same in every town in the Commonwealth. The address, from 
 the pen of Mr. Everett, was submitted on the thirteenth day of 
 August, and was an earnest, argumentative and eloquent appeal 
 to the people and the legislature for aid in the completion of 
 their patriotic undertaking. In confirmation, as it would seem, 
 of the remarks in the opening of this chapter, the committee 
 speak of their labors as follows : “In short, the Directors ask 
 
 permission to observe that their labors have been arduous be- 
 yond what would be thought by those unacquainted from expe- 
 rience with similar undertakings ; that they are conscious of 
 having been actuated by no motives but those of public duty ; 
 that with a single eye to the completion of this great public 
 work, many of them have bestowed more time, attention and 
 labor upon it, than can often he spared from private avocations ; 
 and that they have done this without the hope of any other re- 
 ward than that of being regarded as faithful agents of an im- 
 portant public trust.” 
 
 Referring to the history of the debt due to the State and as- 
 sumed by the general government, the address says, “ In the 
 debate on the assumption [of this debt] in the first Congress, it 
 was particularly stated (as we are informed by Chief Justice 
 Marshall,) ‘ that the ammunition which repulsed the enemy at 
 Bunker Hill was purchased by Massachusetts and formed a part 
 of the debt of that State.’ In the war of 1812, this fund was 
 again expended by Massachusetts in active preparation to repel 
 an anticipated invasion. Being a second time returned by the 
 general government to the coffers of the State, what more ap- 
 propriate use could be made of a small portion of it than to 
 grant it for the completion of this grand and interesting memo- 
 rial of that ever memorable achievement of the militia of Mas- 
 sachusetts and her sister New England States which will render 
 this portion of our soil sacred and famous to the end of time. — 
 
 . . . The fund originally bestowed in providing warlike sup- 
 plies of the seventeenth of June, 1775, will then, as it were, be 
 visibly embodied and preserved upon the field of that day’s un- 
 
166 
 
 MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 dying glory. There it will exist for the admiration of posterity, 
 ages after every vestige of the ordinary disbursements of the 
 State shall have passed away ; teaching the children of America, 
 who from every portion of the Republic will make their pilgrim- 
 age to this sacred spot, while they behold the majestic structure 
 that crowns it, that the people of Massachusetts of this genera- 
 tion are resolved that the gallant deeds of their fathers shall not 
 pass uncommemorated.” 
 
 This appeal of reason and eloquence was lost upon the legis- 
 lature, the petition never receiving its attention. 
 
 Mr. Willard thought to aid these efforts of the directors by 
 preparing a pamphlet for the press, containing the act of incor- 
 poration and by-laws, a list of contributors and the amount 
 subscribed by each, a statement showing the magnitude and 
 purpose of the work and the original estimate of its cost. The 
 manuscript copy of this pamphlet, now among the papers in 
 possession of the association, is an evidence of the industry and 
 application of Mr. Willard in whatever he undertook. It com- 
 prises nearly one hundred pages of copying, including several 
 thousand names, arranged under the headings of the counties 
 and towns in which the contributors resided. At the meeting 
 on the seventeenth of June, the association voted to pay the cost 
 of printing the pamphlet and ordered copies to be distributed 
 among the members. 
 
 The last meeting of the Building Committee was held bn the 
 the sixteenth of June, 1830. The report of the Treasurer, at 
 this time, shew a balance of $2025 34, in his hands, nearly one 
 half of which had been received from the ladies. 
 
MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 167 
 
 CHAPTER XXm. 
 
 INTERRUPTION IN THE GOVERNMENT EFFORTS OF THE 
 
 mechanics’ association — 1831 — 1833. 
 
 The application to the legislature and the appeal to the 
 people, eloquent and forcible as these were, and sustained in the 
 one case by a most respectable committee and in the other by 
 the entire government of the association, may have made an 
 impression on the pubhc mind, but produced no direct results in 
 the prosecution of the work. Other measures, inaugurated to- 
 wards the end of the last year, were not prosecuted during the 
 winter, and the recurrence of the annual meeting in June, 1831, 
 found the monument covered in, and all the work in statu quo. 
 Only forty persons attended the meeting of the association, and 
 a majority of these were prominent among the leaders of a 
 newly-formed pohtical party,* who were violently opposed to 
 those proceedings of the association which admitted the IMasonic 
 fraternity to a participation in the service of laying the corner- 
 stone in 1825 ; and they succeeded in electing themselves and 
 their friends to office — a measure preliminary, it was said but 
 since denied, to changes of a more objectionable character on 
 the work itself. At this meeting the President was elected by 
 twenty-eight votes, being a majority of seven. The offices, 
 heretofore filled by the projectors and early friends of the mon- 
 
 TLis party wae known as the “ Anti-Masonic party ” 
 
168 
 
 MEMOIR OP SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 ument, were thus taken possession of by those who had other 
 purposes, to subserve than the completion of the work which they 
 proposed to assume. The designs of this party, however, what- 
 ever they were, were thwarted by their failure to elect a full 
 board of directors and by measures which were adopted at an 
 adjournment of the meeting when the existing vacancies were 
 filled. The meeting for this purpose was held in Faneuil Hall, 
 when jive hundred and eighty-two members of the association 
 were present and voted. The remainder of the directors were 
 elected by a nearly unanimous vote, no one of them having less 
 than five hundred and seventy-nine votes. Not only the mem- 
 bers of the association but the whole community condemned 
 the proceedings which rendered a second meeting necessary. 
 
 The new party held numerous meetings, — generally without 
 a quorum, — during their year of service, but did not attempt 
 to organize a Building Committee, nor succeed in inaugurating 
 any measures to forward the work. In a “report,” printed but 
 never presented to the association, the President and his con- 
 freres attempted to justify their proceedings, establish the hon- 
 esty and disinterestedness of their motives, and throw blame and 
 odium upon the honorable, patriotic and devoted gentlemen who 
 both preceded and succeeded them in office. The conclusion, 
 however, to which they came very early in their “report,” was 
 that “ They found the monument incompleted, . . . and 
 
 they left as they found it.” This was precisely what it was 
 feared they would not do ; but they were held in subjection by 
 their associates and the still stronger bias of public sentiment. 
 It may be said of their “report” that “ what there is true in it 
 is not new, and what is new is not true.” The true portions 
 are admitted ; the untrue it has never been deemed necessary 
 to answer. Among the truths which form the exceptions to its 
 general character, are the Avords bestOAved upon the patriotic 
 architect, Avhom they accurately describe as “the indefatigable 
 and extraordinarily disinterested architect.” The argument 
 intended to demonstrate the fact that Mr. Willard was the true 
 
MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 169 
 
 architect of the monument, was wholly uncalled-for fi’om them 
 and only necessary for a sinister purpose, — that of casting 
 odium upon the masonic fraternity and the proceedings in -wliich 
 they took part. 
 
 At the annual meeting in June, 1832, the association re- 
 deemed itself and restored the government to those to whom it 
 rightfully belonged. Mr. William Prescott, who had been so 
 unceremoniously displaced, was again elected President by over 
 four hundred votes. Nothing was done towards the completion 
 of the monument during the year. In December a committee 
 was appointed “ to consider what measures it will be expedient 
 to adopt with reference to raising funds for the completion of 
 . the work but its services were never made available. 
 
 In May, 1833, the Massachusetts Charitable Mechanic Asso- 
 ciation, “ not less in accordance with their own feelings than in 
 compliance with the desire of others,” undertook the inaugura- 
 tion of measures for the immediate completion of the monument. 
 They adopted resolutions, published an address to the people, 
 held a great public meeting in Faneuil Hall, and in other ways 
 entered earnestly upon the undertaking. In all their measures 
 they had the consent, the sympathy and the cooperation of the 
 Monument Association, the Directors having promptly voted, 
 “ That this Board are highly gratified by this manifestation of 
 interest in a great national work on the part of the Massachu- 
 setts Charitable Mechanic Association ; that this Board respect- 
 fully recommend to all the members of the Bunker Hill Monu- 
 ment Association to render all the aid and support in their 
 power in this highly acceptable and praiseworthy interposition 
 to do honor to the past and to the present age, and to deserve 
 the gi’atitude of ages to come.” 
 
 The public meeting in Faneuil Hall, was held on the 28th of 
 May ; the Directors determined to attend in a body and invited 
 the members of the association to be present “in testimony of 
 their accordance in the honorable and patriotic feelings which 
 have influenced the Mechanic Association to take these meas- 
 
 22 
 
170 
 
 MEMOIR OF SOLOMON IVILLARD. 
 
 ures.” The principal address oil this occasion -was by Mr. 
 Edward Everett, whose heart had been interested in the suliject 
 from the first suggestion of the work. This speech, Mr. Law- 
 rence Avrote, was “the most eloquent he ever made.” It was 
 “ touching and beautiful, and was considered at the time as deci- 
 sive and that the money would be subscribed for finishing the 
 monument and saving the whole field, at once.” Mr. Lawrence 
 was sick, could do nothing himself and became impressed with 
 the idea that the mechanics had failed in this instance, “to 
 strike while the iron was hot.” “ If I had been in health,” he 
 Avrote on a copy of this address, “ I would have had the Avhole 
 thing done, so far as collecting fifty thousand dollars would have 
 done it, in forty-eight hours after the adjournment of this meet- 
 ing.” We feel justified in quoting a brief passage from the 
 address of Mr. Everett, as the argument may be almost as ne- 
 cessary with some persons today as Avhen first delivered : — 
 
 “ But I am met with the great objection. What good will 
 the Monument do 7 I beg leave, sir, to exercise my birth- 
 right as a Yankee, and answer this question by asking tAvo or 
 three more, to Avhich I believe it will be quite as difficult to 
 furnish a satisfactory reply. I am asked. What good Avill the 
 Monument do ? And I ask. What good does anything do ? 
 What is good ? Does anything do any good ? The persons who 
 suggest this objection, of course, think that there are some pro- 
 jects and undertakings that do good ; and I should therefore 
 like to have the idea of good explained and analyzed, and run 
 out to its elements. When this is done, if I do not demonstrate 
 in about tAvo minutes, that the Monument does the same kind of 
 good that anything else does, I Avill consent that the huge blocks 
 of granite already laid, should be reduced to gravel, and carted 
 off to fill up the mill-pond ; for that I suppose is one of the 
 good things. Does a railroad or canal do good ? Answer, Yes. 
 And hoAV ? It facilitates intercourse, opens markets and in- 
 creases the Avealth of the country. But Avhat is this good for ? 
 
MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 in 
 
 Why, individuals prosper and get rich. And what good does 
 that do ? Is mere wealth, as an ultimate end, — gold and silver 
 without an inquiry as to their use, — are these a good ? Cer- 
 tainly not. I should insult this audience by attempting to prove 
 that a rich man, as such, was neither better nor happier, than a 
 poor one. But as men grow rich, they live better. Is there 
 any good in this, stopping here ? Is mere animal life, — feed- 
 ing, working, and sleeping like an ox, entitled to be called good ? 
 Certainly not. But these improvements increase the population. 
 And what good does that do ? Where is the good in counting 
 twelve millions instead of six of mere feeding, working, sleeping 
 animals ? There is then no good in the mere animal life, ex- 
 cept that it is the basis of that higher moral existence which 
 resides in the soul, the heart, the mind, the conscience ; in good 
 principles, good feelings, and the good actions, (and the more 
 disinterested, the better entitled to be called good,) which flow 
 from them. Now, sir, I say that generous and patriotic senti- 
 ments ; sentiments which prepare us to serve our country, to 
 live for our country, to die for our country, — feelings like those 
 which carried Prescott, and Warren, and Putnam, to the battle- 
 field, are good ; — good, humanly speaking, of the highest order. 
 It is good to have them, good to encourage them, good to honor 
 them, good to commemorate them ; and whatever tends to cher- 
 ish, animate and strencfthen such feelings, does as much right 
 down practical good as filling up flats and building railroads. 
 This is my demonstration.” 
 
 This eloquent and beautiful address, and especially the en- 
 nobling lesson we have quoted, as well as the celebrated orations 
 by Mr. Webster, is to be counted among the “good things” 
 which the erection of the monument has produced. 
 
 That the Directors of the Monument Association fully appre- 
 ciated the “interposition” of the Mechanic Association has al- 
 ready been shown. As a further acknowledgment of the inter- 
 est manifested and the service proposed to be rendered, the by- 
 
172 
 
 MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. ' 
 
 aws were altered so as to enlarge the Board of Directors, and 
 the office of first Vice President was made inherent in the per- 
 son holding the office of President of the Mechanic Association. 
 At the annual meeting in June, in accordance with these pur- 
 poses, Mr. J. T. Buckingham was elected first Vice President, 
 and a number of gentlemen in the same interest chosen on the 
 Board of Directors. 
 
 Thus were the different classes of society, as represented by 
 the various occupations and professions, again united as in rev- 
 olutionary times, in a common object of public interest. Then, 
 the merchants, the lawyers, the doctors and the clergy, united 
 with the mechanics ; now, the mechanics had come to the aid 
 of the professions, in a cause of much less magnitude, but one 
 entirely worthy of an united effort. 
 
 As a means of promoting subscriptions, a new certificate of 
 membership was prepared in the name of the two associations ; 
 and this, while it afforded a slight encouragement to art, requir- 
 ed the expenditure of a thousand dollars, which of course, was 
 added to the amount to be raised for the monument. The design 
 of this diploma included a view of the battle-field, and one of the 
 completed monument with the city in the back ground. 
 
 In July, at a meeting of the Directors, an Executive Com- 
 mittee of nine was appointed, with Mr. Buckingham as chair- 
 man. They were instructed to inquire into various matters 
 pertaining to the progress and completion of the work and 
 state of the subscriptions, and to report their opinion as to the 
 best mode of future proceedings. Two other meetings were held 
 this year, but the committee were not then prepared to report. 
 
MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 173 
 
 CHAPTER XXIV. 
 
 REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE — MR. WILLARD’S REVIEW OF IT. 
 
 The year 1834, it was hoped and believed, would see the 
 monument re-commenced and completed. It had been for ten 
 years before the public, and nearly nine years had elapsed since 
 the ceremony of laying the corner-stone was performed — at 
 which time no one supposed it would require more than a year 
 or two to complete the work. When the Mechanic Association 
 inaugurated the present movement, public confidence revived 
 and there was a general desire to see the roofing removed from 
 the monument and the work begun. 
 
 In January, Mr. Buckingham reported that the Mechanic 
 Association had obtained subscriptions to the amount of about 
 thirty thousand dollars, mostly on the condition that fifty thous- 
 and dollars should be subscribed. In May, the same gentleman 
 presented the report of the Executive Committee in detail. — 
 The following extract is from this report : — 
 
 “ The report [of a sub-committee] is herewith submitted, and 
 it will be seen therefrom that the work already done under the 
 direction of the architect, Mr. Solomon Willard, is well and 
 faithfully done, and at less cost than it could have been done by 
 any person but Solomon Willard, who has devoted himself to 
 the monument with extraordinary enthusiasm. 
 
 “ The sub-committee estimate the future work at one dollar 
 and thirty cents per cubic foot. Mr. Willard estimates it at 
 eighty-nine and a half cents. The former estimate is assumed 
 
174 
 
 MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 for the present purpose as the safest, and on that basis the sub- 
 committee report that it will cost — 
 
 “ To raise the monument 121 feet, $28,967 36 
 
 “ “ “ 159 feet 6 inches, 42,922 40 
 
 “ “ “ 220 feet, 55,576 40 
 
 “ The Committee are of opinion that the present effort should 
 be limited to raising the monument [to the height of ] one hun- 
 dred and fifty-nine feet six inches. 
 
 “ The corporation owes $30,000. This debt arose from the 
 purchase of the battle-ground in the hope that it might be kept 
 
 open and sacred forever Assuming two things for 
 
 the present purpose, viz : 1st, That the battle-ground must go 
 to common uses. 2d, That the monument shall be considered 
 completed, as to the present effort, when raised to the elevation 
 of one hundred and fifty-nine feet six inches, — Can means be 
 found to complete it ? 
 
 “ The Massachusetts Charitable Mechanic Association have 
 subscriptions for about thirty thousand dollars, on condition 
 that the whole amount subscribed rise to fifty thousand dollars 
 by the first of June, 1834. Supposing that this condition can 
 be complied with, then the case would stand thus ; — 
 
 “ Cost of building 159 feet 6 in., - - $42,922 40 
 
 “ Present debt, _ _ _ _ _ 30,000 00 
 
 Total, . - - - $72,922 40 
 
 “ It is hoped that a company can be formed to take the land 
 of the corporation in shares of five hundred dollars each, leaving 
 a four hundred feet Square and streets on each side fifty feet 
 wide. If so, there would be raised — 
 
 Towards the debt, _ . _ 
 
 $25,000 
 
 Present subscriptions. 
 
 - 30,000 
 
 Expected subscriptions. 
 
 20,000 
 
 Sale of machinery, (cost $10,000) 
 
 - 2,000 
 
 Ladies’ fund, . _ . 
 
 3,000 
 
 “ Total, - - - - 
 
 $80,000 ' 
 
MEMOIK OF SOLOMON WILLARL. 
 
 175 
 
 In view of this state of affairs, the Monument Association 
 consented that the Mechanic Association should “ forthwith 
 proceed with what means they have and can collect, to raise the 
 monument one hundred and fifty-nine feet six inches,” and that 
 the “ Ladies’ Fund” and the new Certificates of Membership, 
 should be placed at their disposal — and votes w'ere passed ac- 
 cordingly at the same meeting, on the 5th of JNIay. 
 
 ]\Ir. Willard was a member of the Mechanic Association, and 
 of course was cognizant of all these proceedings. Although 
 discharged from the work, he was constantly consulted by the 
 Executive Committee, both in relation to the laying out and 
 sale of the land and the work on the monument, done and to be 
 done. Mr. Peres Loring was employed by the committee to 
 make a survey of the whole work and estimates of the amount 
 of stone already in the monument or prepared for use, and of 
 the amount required to complete the work. 
 
 The condition of things at this time, as now briefly stated, 
 and especially the report of the sub-committee, drew from Mr. 
 Willard the following characteristic letter ; 
 
 “ Boston, May, 1834. 
 
 “ Dear Sir, — After reviewing the report of the committee, 
 Avhich was the subject of a conversation at your office the other 
 day, I still think that there are parts of it which may be con- 
 sidered by some as wanting in accuracy. I apprehend that there 
 are those who may be disposed to question the truth of the asser- 
 tion that the work has been done “at a less cost than it could 
 have been done by any” other. Indeed it is quite obvious that 
 this could not have been known to be true ; and, admitting it to 
 be so, it gives no definite idea of the value of the services ren- 
 dered by the one who conducted the work, Avhich appeal’s to 
 have been the principal object in making the statement. The 
 services referred to had undoubtedly a value of a substantial 
 kind, — a value in dollars and cents, — a mode of estimatino- 
 things with Avhich Bostonians are known to be competent judges. 
 
176 
 
 MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 And the exact sum might have been shown by merely stating 
 the market value of tlie work done and deducting therefrom the 
 sum expended. 
 
 “ I have always felt solicitous to have this point settled, and 
 it appears now to be a favorable time ; One of the principal 
 objects of my engaging in the enterprize was to ascertain by 
 actual experiment the prime cost of a building material which 
 was much wanted, and the design of erecting the monument 
 presented a favorable opportunity. 
 
 “ The plan for prosecuting the work was suggested by myself, 
 and adopted by the Building Committee who then had charge 
 of the work, and who are about to resign the trust into other 
 hands. I think, therefore, at the conclusion of their labors, it 
 Avould be satisfactory to all concerned to know the result of the 
 experiment which has been made, whether favorably or not, and 
 I think also that it is a duty which the committee owe to them- 
 selves to make a proper statement, as those who are about to 
 take their places will not be backward in assuming whatever 
 credit may fiiirly belong to them. I think also that a true and 
 faithful account of their stewardship is due from the committee 
 to those who have contributed to the funds, as by satisfying 
 them that their money has been Avell expended is the most likely 
 way to obtain more. A clamor has been kept up from the 
 commencement of the work to the present time, in relation to 
 the expenditure of the funds, and should it be found on exami- 
 nation that the work has actually cost more than has been paid 
 for corresponding work at other places, it will undoubtedly be a 
 proof of injudicious planning, and show conclusively that the 
 services of their committee and agent have been of no advantage 
 to the association, whatever their endeavor may have been to 
 render them so. On the contrary, if it be found that the work 
 has cost less than others have paid for similar work, there will 
 be a credit due for skilful management, and its exact value will 
 be indicated by the balance found. 
 
 “ The quantities of stone and dressing that have been delivered 
 
MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 177 
 
 are already known by actual survey. According to Loring’s 
 measurement, there are 57,802 feet of stone, cubic measure, 
 already split out and a larger part delivered on Breed’s Hill. 
 The market value of such a lot of stone, I shall estimate at 75 
 cents per cubic foot, and the whole would amount to f43, 351.50 
 at that price. The number of feet of dressing, according to the 
 same survey and measured in the customary way, is 52,569 
 feet, superficial measure. The average price of first rate work, 
 for fifteen years past, is assumed to be 50 cents, and the whole 
 will amount at that price to f 26,284 50. The number of cubic 
 feet laid up, according to the same survey, is 35,878, and the 
 market price per foot, is assumed to be 30 cents, including the 
 fitting, hoisting, laying, mortar, iron cramps, and scafiblding, 
 with the wear on the machinery, and every other expense con- 
 nected, and would amount at the above price to ^10,763 40, — 
 and the total amount of the three items at the assumed prices, 
 would be |)80,399 40. 
 
 “ The question to be settled is whether the assumed prices 
 are an average of those paid for similar work for the last fifteen 
 years, or wdiether they are above or below the current prices. 
 
 “ In order to ascertain this it will be necessary to refer to the 
 bills paid for similar work at different places. And in relation 
 to the cost of the stone, of the dimensions of those used at the 
 monument, we may refer to the bills paid at the General Hos- 
 pital, for the blocks which compose the columns, and to those 
 paid at the Branch Bank for the architrave pieces, and the 
 blocks for the columns which were originally intended to have 
 been in five pieces, and for which contracts were made. We 
 may also refer to the bills paid at the Tremont House, for the 
 blocks for the columns to the portico and in the cornice ; and to 
 those paid at the Washington Bank for the footings to the col- 
 umns, and at the Arcade in Providence, for similar pieces. We 
 may also refer to the bills paid at the Dry Docks in Charles- 
 town and Norfolk, for a large number of blocks of a correspond- 
 ing size ; and to those paid at the new Bank now' erecting in 
 23 
 
178 
 
 MEMOIR OF SOLOMON AVILLARD. 
 
 State street, for the piers that support the columns. And also 
 to those that are to be paid at the New Court House for a large 
 quantity of work about to be contracted for, and to any bills 
 Avhich may have been paid for blocks of four tons weight, sold 
 in the market within the time specified. 
 
 “ In order to ascertain the value of the dressing, of first rate 
 work, we have only to refer to the prices paid at some of the 
 principal buildings that have been erected, viz ; to those paid at 
 Mr. Sears’s house, for straight and circular Avork ; to those paid 
 at the Tremont House, at the Theatre, at Mr. Webster’s house, 
 at Mr. Cushing’s house, at the Noav Court House, at the new 
 Bank, at Aster’s Hotel, &c. The market value of the mason 
 work may be found in a similar manner, and a bill in the form 
 of an account current, including the three items above-named at 
 the prices found, would probably stand as follows : 
 
 [We omit the form of account mentioned as being simply a 
 recajritulation of the above statements.] 
 
 “ AlloAving the prices assumed to be the market prices, the 
 above bill shows that the Avork already done Avould have cost the 
 association the sum of eighty thousand three Iiundred and ninety- 
 nine dollars, had they paid the current price, — a sum far ex- 
 ceeding the one actually paid out. 
 
 “ But the advantages already derived are not all that are 
 possessed by the association, in consequence of the labors and 
 good planning of those who commenced the AVork. ' There are 
 still nearly thirty-four thousand feet of stone required to carry 
 the monument to the height proposed, for Avhich the association 
 would have to pay the market price Avere they excluded from 
 the quarry they noAV possess, and from other advantages derived 
 from the exertions of those who have been early engaged. 
 
 “ The current prices may be found as in other cases, namely, 
 by collecting an account of sales for the time specified. With 
 respect to ascertaining the prices which have been paid for the 
 dressing and mason’s Avork, there Avill be little difficulty. The 
 
MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 179 
 
 prices paid for blocks of granite, of the dimensions used at the 
 monument, will not be so easily ascertained, as care has gener- 
 ally been taken to conceal the amount paid. This has been 
 accomplished either by a secret contract or evasive answers, or 
 by “ lumping” the high and low priced stone together. The 
 prices which have been paid per cubic foot at the different places 
 referred to, are supposed to be nearly as follows : 
 
 Per Cubic foot. 
 
 At the General Hospital, for columns, . . 1 00 
 
 At the Branch Bank, for architrave, . . 2 00 
 
 Which were to have been paid for columns, . 1 00 
 
 At the Tremont House, for columns, . . 1 00 
 
 “ “ “ blocks for cornice, • . 60 
 
 At the Washington Bank, for footing, . . 1 00 
 
 At the Arcade in Providence, for do., . . 1 00 
 
 At the Dry Dock in Charlestown, . . . 60 
 
 At Norfolk for Dry Dock, . . . . 70 
 
 At the New Bank in State street, for piers, . 1 00 
 
 For the New Court House, . . . . 1 00 
 
 Average price of these sales, 99 cents. 
 
 ‘‘ It will be observed that the average of the above sales is 
 higher than the one assumed in the account. 
 
 Nothing appears to be necessary in order to show the value 
 of the plan that has been pursued, and the credit due to the 
 managers than to settle the market value per foot of the three 
 items of the foreo-oina: bill. .... 
 
 “ In relation to the estimate made by the sub-committee of the 
 expense of the work to be done, there is something that I do not 
 understand. It is stated in the report that ‘ the sub-committee 
 estimate the future work at one dollar and thirty cents the cubic 
 foot ; Mr. Willard estimates it at eighty-nine and a half cents. 
 The former price is assumed for the present purpose as the safest, 
 and on that basis the committee report.’ That one hundred and 
 thirty cents per foot woukl be considered more safe than eighty- 
 nine and a half cents, I think is quite probable ; and that two 
 
180 
 
 MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 dollars per foot -would be considered still more safe ; but it 
 strikes me that it would have been much more ingenuous for 
 the sub-committee to have stated the exact sum that the work 
 had cost per foot, and if they perceived any reason why the work 
 to be done should cost more, to have given their reasons and the 
 estimated amount. An actual experiment is a practical demon- 
 stration, and to oppose the opinion of any one who never saw a 
 stone quarried to the best possible wisdom, is exceedingly absurd. 
 I think also that it is presuming quite too much on the gulli- 
 bility of the public to present so loose an estimate. 
 
 “ The expenses connected with any great enterprise, it is well 
 known, consist of the outlay required in making the necessary 
 preparations for commencing it ; and the cost of the labor and 
 Avear of apparatus in prosecuting the work. The preparations 
 for commencing the work of building the monument required a 
 considerable expenditure. At Breed’s Hill, the preparation 
 consisted in sinking a foundation nearly fifty feet square and 
 twelve feet deep, and laying an inclined plane of flag-stone from 
 the road to the monument, to facilitate the drawing up of the 
 large blocks of granite which it would have been difficult to do 
 on the soft ground. The prosecution of the work required also 
 an expensive hoisting apparatus, with substantial guy-posts, 
 planted deep in the earth and ballasted. A capstan-house was 
 also necessary, with sheds and blacksmiths’ shops, and various 
 sets of tools, jacks and other apparatus. A hoisting apparatus 
 Avas also found necessary at the Avharf where the stone was 
 landed. 
 
 “ The preparations at Quincy consisted in clearing and open- 
 ing the quarry ; making roads, erecting a boarding-house, black- 
 smiths’ shop, stone cutters’ sheds and other Imildings ; a timber 
 run and machinery for loAvering the stone, &c. And there Avas 
 also a large quantity of quarrying apparatus wanted, consisting 
 of jacks, iron bars, sledges, hammers, &c., the greater part of 
 Avhicli are noAV on hand. 
 
MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 181 
 
 “ The expense of all this apparatus, with the time lost ; cost 
 of superintendence, and various other expenses, have been car- 
 ried to the contingent account, Avhere they properly belong. The 
 total amount of this contingent bill is about J|1 7,400, and this 
 sum being divided by the Avhole number of feet of stone reejuired 
 at the outset, namely, 87,000, would give twenty cents, as the 
 cost per foot for the contingent expenses in making the necessary 
 preparation for commencing the work, &c. 
 
 “ The cost of labor and Avear of apparatus per foot, for the 
 work already performed, have been found by experiment to be 
 seventy-three cents, namely, cost of quarrying per foot measured 
 after the blocks are brought to form, ten cents ; cost of trans- 
 porting from the quarry to the site of the monument, nine and 
 a half cents per foot ; the cost of dressing one foot and one-fiftieth 
 of a foot, (being the quantity on each foot cubic measure,) Avas 
 about thirty-seven cents ; and the cost of fitting, hoisting, ma- 
 son Avork, mortar, iron cramps, scaffolding, &c., per foot, has 
 been sixteen and a half cents. This has been ascertained by 
 dividing the whole sum paid out by the whole number of cubic 
 feet laid up, according to Loring’s survey. And all the details 
 of the expense of a foot will be as folloAvs, viz : 
 
 Cost of quarrying, per foot. 
 
 10 
 
 Cost of dressing one and one-fiftieth at 36, . 
 
 37 
 
 Cost of transportation, . . . . 
 
 09.5 
 
 Cost of fitting, hoisting, masonry, &c. 
 
 16.5 
 
 Total for labor and wear. 
 
 . 73 
 
 Contingent expense per foot paid. 
 
 . 20 
 
 Total expense laid in the AVork, 
 
 93 cents. 
 
 “ It must be obvious that had the Avork been completed Avith- 
 out interruption, there Avould have been but little further occa- 
 sion for the kind of expense Avhich has been carried to the con- 
 tingent account, as all the necessary preparation had been made. 
 The quarry Avas considered in perfect order for finisbing the 
 
182 
 
 MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 Avoi’k without any further expense in clearing. The roads were 
 all made and in good repair, and most of the apparatus was in 
 perfect order, and consequently all the expense that could have 
 attended the completion of the work, was the cost of the labor 
 and the wear on the apparatus, which has been proved by actual 
 experiment to have amounted to only seventy-three cents per 
 cubic foot, laid in the Avork. And the thirty-two thousand feet 
 required to carry the work to the height proposed at seventy- 
 three cents per foot, Avould amount to only twenty-three thous- 
 and three hundred and sixty dollars, (f 23,360.) 
 
 “ But in consequence of the suspension of the work for several 
 years, and the decay of various parts of the apparatus, and 
 other cii'cumstances connected, there are parts of the AVork which 
 I think Avill cost more than similar parts that have been already 
 done. The quantity of dressing in proportion to the cubic foot, 
 is found to increase as Ave rise in height. The average of the 
 part Avhich remains to be done is about one and a quarter feet 
 of dressing to each cubic foot of stone ; Avhereas in that Avhich 
 has been already finished there is only one and one-fiftieth to 
 each cubic foot. But having in view all the important bearings, 
 I shall estimate the cost of the Avork to bo done at the folloAving 
 rates, provided it be under the direction of competent managers : 
 [This estimate differs from the preceding in putting the trans- 
 portation at 12 cents per foot, making the cost for labor and 
 wear of machinery 76 cents; and reducing the contingent ex- 
 penses to 6 cents, making the total cost per foot laid in the work, 
 82 cents.] 32,000 feet, the quantity required to carry the 
 AVork one hundred and sixty feet high, at 82 cents, $26,240 ; 
 deduct for the value of the apparatus to be sold at the end, es- 
 timated by the sub-committee, $2,500 ; balance required to be 
 raised, $23,740. Balance required to be raised as estimated by 
 sub-committee, ‘in order to be safe,’ $42,922 40. 
 
 “ The committee appear to have made ([uite a mistake in say- 
 ing that ‘ Mr. Willard estimates [the future AvorkJ at eighty- 
 nine and a half cents.’ If tlie committee Avill turn to the pamph- 
 
MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 183 
 
 let published some years ago, they •will, see that eighty-nine 
 and a half eents is estimated as the mean average cost of the 
 whole work, and consequently it should have been inferred that 
 part of the work had cost more than that sum and that a part 
 would cost less. This sum of eighty-nine and a half cents covers 
 the expense not only of the labor and wear on the apparatus, but 
 also a contingent expense which has already been paid on the 
 work to be done as well as on that finished. If the committee 
 will examine my last estimate, they will see that the Avhole work 
 was estimated at eighty-five thousand seven lumdred and five 
 dollars thii'ty-four cents. This sum divided by eighty-seven 
 thousand and thirty- five, the whole number of feet, gives ninety- 
 seven cents and seven mills, as the estimated eost laid in tlie 
 work. This estimate they will observe, is accompanied by a 
 proviso, namely, that ‘ the above sum is undoubtedly greater 
 than would have been required to have completed the wovk with 
 the advantages possessed at the time the work was suspended, 
 and will probably effect it now, provided men are employed who 
 possess equal tact and zeal with those who commenced the work , 
 and who will render their service for the same compensation.’ 
 
 “ The ninety-seven cents seven mills includes the contingent 
 expense of twenty cents per foot, which is already paid and 
 should be deducted, which will leave seventy-seven cents seven 
 mills for the cost of labor and wear of apparatus per foot, in the 
 future work according to that estimate ; but since that estimate 
 was made I have examined the state of things and think it 
 expedient to estimate the cost per foot as high as eighty-two 
 cents per foot for reasons before stated. 
 
 “ I have not been able to satisfy myself what the true motives 
 of the committee were in estimating the cost of the work so high. 
 It has already been shown that the expense of the work to be 
 done, at the cost of that which is already executed, Avould 
 amount to less than ^24,000. The committee estimate the sum 
 required to do the same work at $42,922, without giving any 
 reasons, except that they consider it a more safe estimate. — 
 
184 
 
 MEMOIR. OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 Now if these crentlemen-mechanics consider it dano-erous to at- 
 
 O O 
 
 tempt to execute a piece of work as low as it has already been 
 done, by ‘ lawyers and doctors,’ they had better let the old com- 
 mittee finish the work, as it would be an immense saving to the 
 public of whom they beg the money. 
 
 “ If the committee want the money for any other purpose 
 than the one assigned, it discovers a duplicity which, I appre- 
 hend, will not be wholly agreeable to the public. For my own 
 part I dislike the appearance of trick and deception anywhere, 
 and in the present case in particular, I think a strait forward 
 and manly course Avould be the best policy. To represent that 
 more money is wanted than is actually required to finish the 
 work, I think is bad policy, as it has a tendency to discourage 
 the people from contributing, — and to leave them in ignorance 
 of the merits of the transaction is still worse. I apprehend that 
 not one in ten thousand of the subscribers to the funds is ac- 
 (juainted ivith the merits of the case. It is generally thought 
 that much has been spent and little done. The reverse is actu- 
 ally the truth, and ought to have been explained to the people 
 before they were solicited a second time for money. Had this 
 been done, I have not a shadow of doubt they would have con- 
 tributed freely and to any amount which might have been 
 wanted to complete the ivork. 
 
 The people should have been shown what is actually true, 
 that little had been expended and much performed, and that 
 little more ivas required ; that the proposed monument ivas 
 comparatively a small work ; that the association possessed at 
 the outset every natural advantage for conducting the ivork with 
 economy Avhich the world ever afforded and that these advantages 
 had been improved ; that the executive parts had been in the 
 hands of competent managers, who Avere zealous, a fact Avhich is 
 further shoAvn by their perfonning the service gratuitously, and 
 by the value of the Avork delivered for the sum expended. 
 
 “ I have ahvays disliked the plan of sending to foreign places 
 to beg subscriptions. Everybody knoAVS that Ave are abundantly 
 
MBMOIE OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 185 
 
 able to complete the work without their aid were we so disposed. 
 To send to France, to England, and to the Southern cities, when 
 so little is wanted, seems to be making a great parade about a 
 comparatively small matter, and appears to me to be boring our 
 friends in those places unnecessarily ; exposing our own mean- 
 ness and disgracing the work on which w'e are engaged.”* 
 
 Anxious as Mr. Willard was to have the monument complet- 
 ed, he was averse to anything which might be distorted or ex- 
 aggerated into the appearance of deception, and was equally 
 unwilling to have the reputation of the people compromised by 
 asking for assistance in a work that ought to have been promptly 
 and ungrudgingly done, — as he had done his share, — by a truly 
 grateful people. Some of the free remarks in the preceding 
 letter may appear to need the extenuation of Mr. Willard’s 
 peculiar views and feelings on the subject to justify the ut- 
 terance of them. They are so indicative of his character for 
 independence, self-reliance, and confidence in the justice of the 
 people, that we have not thought it expedient to omit or 
 modify them. 
 
 * This letter was addressed to Mr. William Sullivan, who was a member 
 of the Executive Committee, first appointed on the movement of the Mechanic 
 Association, in .July, 1833. The Executive Committee was the lineal descend- 
 ant of the Building Committee, as that was of the Standing Committee of 1824. 
 
 24 
 
186 
 
 MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 CHAPTER XXV. 
 
 EFFORT OF THE MECHANIC ASSOCIATION — SALE OF THE LAND; 
 
 1834 TO 1839. 
 
 The vote of the Directors of the 5th of May, 1834, already 
 mentioned, authorized the Mechanic Association “to proceed, 
 under the supervision of the Executive Committee of this corpo- 
 ration, to apply any money which they have collected, or may 
 collect, to the completion of the monument, by raising the same 
 to the elevation of 159 feet 6 inches ; and that they commence 
 the work on the seventeenth of June next, and proceed there- 
 with as speedily as may be done.” In accordance with this 
 specific authority, the work both at the quarry and on the hill, 
 was commenced without any public formality, under the direc- 
 tion of Mr. Willard, as Superintendent.* 
 
 * The anniversary was observed as customary in Charlestown ; but on the 
 previous year, — notwithstanding the unfinished state of the structure, — on the 
 24tli of June, 1833, a Military Review took place on the hUI, intended in honor 
 of the visit of Gen. Jackson, President of the United States, who was expected 
 on the 17th. The Review took place in presence of Governor Lincoln, Secretar j 
 Woodbury and other official personages. The distinguished gentlemen present 
 ascended to the top of the monument, which was decorated with the flags of 
 different nations, and enjoyed a fine view of town and city and the sur- 
 rounding country. The President did not arrive in season for the seventeenth 
 and was not able to be present on the twenty-fourth on account of indisposition. 
 On Wednesday, 26th, the expected visit of the President, accompanied by 
 Secretary Cass and other distinguished gentlemen, was made, and they were 
 
MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 187 
 
 At the annual meeting of the Monument Association, 17th 
 of June, after the presentation of the usual reports, the subject 
 of the sale of the land was introduced, and as all measures for 
 its preservation for the purposes of the corporation had failed, 
 the Directors were again authorized “ to convey in fee simple 
 so much of the land under and near the monument, on Bunker 
 Hill, in Charlestown, as a majority of them shall deem 
 expedient.” The land had already been partially plotted out 
 by Mr. Willard, with the streets as then proposed. 
 
 Mr. William Prescott was I’e-elected President ; J. T. Buck- 
 ingham, President of the Mechanic Association, first Vice Pre- 
 sident ; and at the first meeting of the Board, thereafter, the 
 following gentlemen were named as . the Executive Committee : 
 J. T. Buckingham, William Sullivan, Geo. Darracott, Nathaniel 
 Hammond, John Skinner, Ebenezer Breed, William W. Stone, 
 J. P. Thorndike, and Joseph Jenkins. Votes were passed em- 
 powering this Committee to sell and convey the land with or 
 without conditions of reconveyance, and to mortgage “all the 
 machinery, tools, implements and personal property belonging to 
 this corporation,” in security for the payment of a note or notes 
 to be signed by the Treasurer, for $5,133 68, being the amount 
 of interest 'due on the debt of the corporation, — provided that 
 
 received in an enthusiastic manner by the people and the military of the town. 
 A brief and beautiful address of welcome was made to him by Mr. Edward 
 Everett, then a resident of Charlestown, who referred to the monument in the 
 following language : “ To designate in all coming time, the place of the first of 
 these eventful contests, the gratitude of this generation is raising a majestic 
 monument on the sacred sjoot. We invite you, sir, to ascend it, and behold 
 from its elevation, a lovely scene of town and country, — a specimen not unfa- 
 vorable of this portion of the great Republic whose interests have been confided 
 to your care, as Chief Magistrate of the United States.” The accounts in the 
 papers of the day say “ The President expressed a desire to ascend the monu- 
 ment and could not be dissuaded from the gratification of his wish. ’ ’ 
 
 In November, the same year, Hem’y Clay, the distinguished Statesman of 
 Kentucky, visited the monument, which had already become an object of public 
 interest, and it fell happily, to the fortune of Mr. Everett to welcome him also 
 to the ‘ ‘ sacred spot. ’ ’ 
 
188 
 
 MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 the Mechanic Association shall have the free use of said prop- 
 erty so long as they continue in the building of the monument. 
 This was a distasteful proceeding to Mr. AVillard ; but it should 
 be stated that the debt was paid without any resort to- the 
 power contained in the mortgage. 
 
 On the 11th of June, the Mechanic Association appointed as 
 a Building Committee, the following gentlemen, viz. ; Charles 
 Wells, John P. Thorndike, George Darracott, Charles Leigh- 
 ton and . This blank is left by Mr. Buckingham. * 
 
 On the 4th of November, 1840, when the contract for finishing 
 the monument was made, the above-named gentlemen were ap- 
 pointed the Building Committee on the part of the Monument 
 Association, and they were continued in office until the whole 
 work was completed in 1845. 
 
 “ The Building Committee, immediately after their appoint- 
 ment, engaged Solomon Willard, whosa devotedness to the mon- 
 ument for several years, had been well known, to superintend 
 the work. Under his dmection workmen were engaged in quar- 
 rying and dressing stone. The amount drawn from the treasury 
 for quarrying, hammering and transporting stone from Quincy 
 to the monument, for new implements and repair of old ones, 
 for lumber, and for the superintendent’s salary, from June 17, 
 when the work was begun, to December 31, was $4,379. ”f 
 
 The whole amount collected at the end of this year, by the 
 Mechanic Association, was .$13,978 04. The amount of fifty 
 thousand dollars not having been subscribed, a large portion 
 of the subscriptions failed by reason of non-performance of that 
 condition. As some additions were afterwards made to the 
 fund, the whole amount contributed was ,$19,073 03 ; to 
 which the “ Ladies’ Fund” was added, making the aggregate, 
 ,$22,010 93. According to Mr. Willard’s statement the sum of 
 
 * Anaais of the Massachusetts Charitable Mechanic Association, f Ibid. 
 
MEMOIR OF SOLOMOX WILLARD. 
 
 189 
 
 ^20,421 77, was expended upon the work, up to January, 
 1836 — of the balance the sum of f 852 66 was applied to con- 
 tingent expenses, and ^736 50 invested in stocks. The result, 
 like the preceding effort of the ladies, was declared to be “ not 
 equal to justifiable expectation.” 
 
 In 1835, Mr. Prescott was re-elected President ; Stephen 
 Fairbanks, President of the Mechanic Association, first Vice 
 President ; and the Executive Committee of the last year, with 
 only one change, was re-appointed. Li 1836 and the following 
 years to 1839, J. T. Buckingham was elected President, and 
 various proceedings were had relative to the land and the debt, 
 and various suggestions made for raising the money to complete 
 the monument, but nothing was accomplished, in respect to 
 either matter, until September of the last named year, when the 
 land was finally sold. 
 
 In September, 1838, on motion of Mr. Nathan Hale, a com- 
 mittee was appomted “ to visit Bunker Hill and after an exami- 
 nation of the ground, to report to the Directors whether in their 
 opinion it is expedient to attempt to raise the money for the 
 re-purchase of the whole of the land formerly belonging to the 
 association, or any part thereof, and in case they should recom- 
 mend a re-purchase of the whole, or any part of said land, to 
 propose what measures shall be adopted by the Directors for 
 raising the money for the purpose and for completing the build- 
 ing of the monument.” 
 
 Quite promptly, on the 24th of the same month, Mr. Hale 
 made his report to the Directors. After rehearsing the state- 
 ment of the original purchase of the land, its hypothecation and 
 sale, the reservation of the square and streets, the committee 
 “ recommend that the proprietors of the land be notified that no 
 further effort will be made to re-purchase it. . . . They 
 
 further recommend that an effort be made without delay to raise 
 by subscription a sufiicient sum to complete the monument. — 
 The charge of the work still remains entrusted to 
 the Mechanic Association, who are ready again to lend their 
 
190 MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 efficient aid to its advancement ; the attention of the public has 
 been frequently called to the importance of putting a finishing 
 hand to the undertaking ; a comparatively small portion of the 
 work remains to be completed ; the massive foundations of the 
 stately obelisk are laid and it is already raised to the height of 
 eighty- tivo feet from the surface of the ground — its size and 
 consequently its cost diminishes as its height advances.. It is 
 computed by the architect that, exclusive of the cost of the land 
 and of other preparatory expenses, the part of the w'ork already 
 completed, including stone quarried and not laid, is equal to 
 two-thirds of the building the whole monument to the height 
 originally proposed of two hundred and twenty feet. One third 
 therefore of the monument remains to be completed, supposing 
 it to be carried to the greatest proposed height.” 
 
 This report having been accepted by the Directors, at their 
 meeting on the twenty-fourth of September, settled the question 
 of the disposition of the land. It also fixed definitely the height 
 to w'hich the monument had been carried by the architect, with 
 the aid of the Mechanic Association. The Directors immediately 
 determined to make a new effort to complete the monument, by 
 soliciting subscriptions from individuals and societies for the 
 purpose — but nothing was accomplished. The plan of the 
 square and streets, suggested by Mr. Willard, was adopted : — 
 One hundred and fifteen building lots were laid out around the 
 square, on a reduced grade, comprising 317,654 feet, and the 
 following year, September 25, 1839, were sold by public auc- 
 tion, producing in the aggregate the sum of ^48,435 06. The 
 Trustees,* under whose direction the land was sold, subsequently 
 contributed five hundred dollars each towards the completion of 
 the monument. 
 
 ♦ Thomaa B. Wales, TVilliain W. Stone, and N. I. Bowditch. 
 
MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 191 
 
 CHAPTER XXVI. 
 
 NEW EFFORTS FOR COMPLETING THE MONUMENT — THE 
 
 ladies’ fair — 1840 to 1843. 
 
 Five years had elapsed since the solicitations of the Mechanic 
 Association in behalf of the monument, and it began to be felt 
 that the unfinished condition of the work might compromise the 
 character of the people who had commenced it, fifteen years be- 
 fore. with such an outburst of popular enthusiasm. Their sin- 
 cerity, their sense of justice and their appreciation of the services 
 of the fathers of the revolution, might be called in question ; 
 and the gratitude which had been professed, the expression of 
 which it was proposed to make permanent, was almost sure to 
 be misunderstood. The whole community w'as in a false posi- 
 tion, and it became absolutely necessary that the work should 
 be finished. The delays which had occurred, — erroneously 
 explained or injuriously accounted for, — had given rise to a 
 prejudice against the work or the managers, and had cooled the 
 interest and checked the zeal of some of its friends. Appeals 
 that were made in its behalf, however eloquent or forcible, 
 seemed to fall unheeded to the ground. 
 
 Mr. Willard, — who was personally as well as publicly inter- 
 ested in the completion of the monument, — some years before 
 made an attempt to disabuse the general mind in regard to the 
 cost of the work, in the hope of promoting subscriptions to it, — 
 but the public at this time were not to be moved by reason or 
 
192 
 
 MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 rhetoric, and his effort was unavailing. During the delay, Mr. 
 Willard had engaged in other work, and one of the objects 
 long had in view by him, — the introduction of granite as a 
 building material, — was partially accomplished ; but he was 
 ready to make any sacrifice, or give up any other thing, in 
 order to the completion of that which had occupied so much 
 of his attention and for which he had labored so assiduously, 
 always in the hope of seeing it finished. He promptly answered 
 all inquiries made of him and furnished estimates of cost on 
 various plans, fixvoring with his own approval only those which 
 looked to a completion of the obelisk according to his original 
 design. As an artist, and especially as architect, he could favor 
 no other plan, and would not regard the work as finished until 
 that was accomplished. 
 
 jMr. Amos Lawrence, who was alvt'ays so desirous to retain 
 the whole field, and at one time provided for it in his Will, 
 was very anxious that an effort should be made to complete the 
 monument, and ofiered ten thousand dollars to the association 
 towards that purpose. A similar sum was also offered by Mr. 
 Judah Touro. of New Orleans. 
 
 At the annual meeting, seventeenth, of June, 1840, a vote 
 was passed authorizing the President, J. T. Buckingham, and 
 the Secretary, G. Washington Warren, “with such other mem- 
 bers of the corporation as may be willing to cooperate with 
 them in the effort, ... to solicit and receive subscriptions 
 and obtain sums by Fairs or other projects, in aid of the com- 
 pletion of the great object of the corporation, and that these 
 gentlemen have power to adopt such measures as they may deem 
 expedient in making this final appeal to the public.” 
 
 In five weeks from this time, on the twenty-fifth of July, the 
 President “ reported to the Board that under the authority of 
 the vote passed at the last meeting of the Board, a large com- 
 mittee had associated themselves with him and the Secretary, 
 and that extensive arrangements were made to hold a ‘ Fair’ 
 
MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 193 
 
 during the second week in September next, and to adopt other 
 necessary measures for the completion of the monument.” 
 
 At this meeting also, a vote was passed ignoring the proposi- 
 tion brought forward by the Mechanic Association, of reducing 
 the height of the monument to 159 feet 6 inches, as follows : — 
 “That Messrs. Charles Wells, George Darracott and John P. 
 Thorndike, be a committee authorized to receive proposals for 
 finishing the Monument on Bunker Hill, agreeably to the plan 
 adopted by the corporation.” Subsequently the vote of the 5th 
 of May, 1834, on this subject, was formally reconsidered, in 
 order that the original vote might be restored, and Mr. Charles 
 Leighton was added to the above committee. 
 
 On the seventh of September, Mr. Wells reported several 
 propositions for the completion of the monument, but upon open- 
 ing them it appeared that they “ were given on different bases 
 and data,” and it was thereupon voted, “ that the several pro- 
 posals for finishing the monument be again referred to the same 
 committee, who are hereby requested to obtain of Mr. Solomon 
 Willard a plan for finishing the top of the monument, and to 
 receive estimates for finishing the top according to the plan 
 which may be adopted by them.” On the ninth of October, 
 Mr. Wells submitted the plan of the top of the monument, as 
 drawn by Mr. Willard and approved by the committee. The 
 proposals were then opened and read, and it was found that the 
 offer made by Mr. James S. Savage, was by far the lowest. He 
 proposed to complete the monument according to the original 
 design, to cover it according to the plan presented, to protect it 
 with suitable lightning conductors, and to pay Mr. Willard for 
 superintending the work, for the sum of forty-three thousand 
 eight hundred dollars. Mr. Savage, who was first employed by 
 Mr. Willard, under a special contract, had been engaged on the 
 work all the time during its progress, and was altogether the 
 most suitable person, next to Mr. Willard, to continue and 
 complete it. The same committee were thereupon authorized 
 ‘ ‘ to contract with Mr. Savage on the basis of his offer, . . . 
 
 25 
 
194 
 
 MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 whenever they shall have ascertained that the corporation have 
 the means to enable them to fulfil the contract.” A vote was 
 also passed in reference to an iron fence around the monument 
 and the grading of the square, under the direction of the archi- 
 tect. On the fourth of November, the contract with Mr. Sav- 
 age was completed, although the Directors were not officially 
 informed of the result of the Fair which had been held. 
 
 It is known that Mr. Willard was not in favor of this method 
 of completing the work on the monument, but preferred that 
 which had been pursued under his superintendence, and which 
 as the result showed, ivould have cost much less money. In this, 
 however, as in matters similarly situated, Mr. Willard content- 
 ed himself with the expression of his opinion when it was re- 
 quested. After the contract was made with Mr. Savage he had 
 nothing further to say, whatever his feelings may have been ; 
 his great desire was to have the monument completed, and no 
 objections to any particular plan which he might have, would 
 induce him to throw any obstacles in the way of that paramount 
 object. Mr. Willard w’as urged by some of his most influential 
 friends to contract for the work himself, as a profitable enter- 
 prise, (and so it proved to be,) but with his views and feelings 
 as to the character of the work, no such considerations could 
 ever have induced him to undertake it, — and we believe he did 
 not appropriate to his own use any portion of the pay received 
 from Mr. Savage, beyond his personal expenses. The truth 
 unquestionably is that Mr. Willard should have been allowed to 
 complete his work in his own way, when that way had proved 
 undeniably advantageous. He felt this but would not ask it — 
 he was mistaken in supposing that Right would be done with- 
 out any effort on his part. 
 
 On the nineteenth of November, at a meeting of the Board 
 of Directors, the report of Catharine G. Prescott, Sarah J. 
 Hale, Lucinda Chapman, Susan P. Warren, Sarah Darracott, 
 and Abby L. Wales, Executive Committee of the Ladies’ Fair, 
 and the report of Mary Otis, Treasurer, were received and read. 
 
MEMOIR OF SOLOMOX WILLARD. 
 
 195 
 
 The net proceeds of the Fair amounted to ^30,035 53. In 
 concluding their report the ladies say, “ Having done what we 
 could, it only remains for us to hope that our days may yet see 
 the completion of the monument which shall stand to tell of 
 our fathers to coming generations.’’ Suitable resolutions of 
 acknowledgment and thanks to the ladies were passed by the 
 Directors, one of which we copy, as a comprehensive and well- 
 deserved compliment to the sex : 
 
 “ Resolved, That while as Directors of a corporate body we 
 thus in a formal manner express our gratitude, we cannot with- 
 hold the declaration that in our opinion all those who are living 
 in the enjoyment of the blessings of a free government, and of 
 its civil, literary and religious institutions ; all who cherish the 
 sentiments of the heroes and patriots of the revolution ; all who 
 reverence the memories of those that suffered in defence of the 
 principles of liberty ; all, in fine, who admire patriotism in its 
 most attractive form, and love virtue in its holiest and most 
 beautiful manifestation,- — will admire, will applaud, and will 
 reverence the deed herein recorded, the motive by which it was 
 dictated and the agents by whom it was accomplished.” 
 
 At the meeting of the Directors, on the fourteenth of Janu- 
 ary, 1841, suitable resolutions of thanks and respect were passed 
 to Messrs. Amos Lawrence and Judah Touro, for their liberal 
 donations for the completion of the monument. During the 
 progress of the work, in July, 1842, a meeting of the Directors 
 was called “at the suggestion of several members, in conse- 
 quence of a desire expressed by many individuals that an alter- 
 ation should be made in the mode of finishing the top of the 
 monument, so that visitors might ascend to the top of the roof, 
 or covering, by means of a balustrade. After a full discussion 
 it was voted unanimously, as the sense of this Board, that 
 the monument be finished in accordance with the plan of Mr. 
 Willard, the architect.” One of the most satisfactory features 
 
196 
 
 MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 in the history of this great work is the consistent adherence of 
 the Building Committee and Directors to the design made by 
 Mr. Willard and deliberately adopted. 
 
 On the twenty-third day of the same month, the cap-stone 
 was placed upon the monument. The occasion is mentioned in 
 the records briefly as follows : “ On Saturday, July 23d, 1842, 
 at six o’clock in the morning, pursuant to public notice, the 
 Directors and several hundred citizens assembled on Bunker 
 Hill to witness the laying on of the top stone upon the monu- 
 ment. As the clock struck six, a signal-gun was fired by the 
 members of the Charlestown Artillery, and the cap-stone, which 
 had been previously adjusted to the hoisting apparatus connect- 
 ed with the steam-engine, began to ascend. It was surmounted 
 by the American flag. In sixteen minutes the cap-stone reach- 
 ed the place of its destination on the top of the monument. At 
 half past six it was embedded in cement and a national salute, 
 fired by the Charlestown Artillery, announced the complete 
 erection of the monument.” The weight of this single stone 
 was stated to be about two and a half tons. 
 
MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD, 
 
 19T 
 
 CHAPTEE XXVII. 
 
 CELEBRATION OF THE COMPLETION OF THE MONUMENT — 1843. 
 
 The celebration of the completion of the monument was 
 deferred to the anniversary of the battle in 1843, when Mr. 
 Webster delivered his second great oration on the same inspiring 
 spot, and to some extent before the same audience. It was 
 eighteen years from the commencement of the work, and sixty- 
 eight years from the day of the battle and the burning of the 
 town. A new town had arisen from the ashes of the old, and 
 the majestic monument now towered over a compact, thriving 
 and intelligent population. Many of the heroes of that dark 
 day, who had lived to see the commencement of the monument, 
 had since then paid the debt of nature and fallen into peaceful 
 and honored graves. There was no Lafayette now to call forth, 
 by his living presence, the gratitude and patriotism of the people. 
 He had died in May, 1834 ; but a few of his compatriots in 
 arms still lived as the connecting link between the past and 
 present times, and were again at the national altar of liberty to 
 dignify and honor the occasion. The patriotic feelings of the 
 people were awakened anew, and as a mei’e display, the occasion 
 excelled the great demonstration of 1825. Owing to the facili- 
 ties afforded for travel by the recent introduction of railroads, 
 many thousands of people were present, some of whom came 
 long distances. The newspapers of New York urged the patri- 
 otic sons of New England, in that city, to attend the celebra- 
 
198 
 
 MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 tion by informing them that they could leave the city on the 
 evening of the sixteenth, attend the celebration on the seven- 
 teenth, and be in that city again the next morning, — thus 
 losing only one day from business. The same facilities were 
 afforded in other directions. 
 
 Among the many distinguished persons present by invitation 
 of the government of the Monument Association, were the Pre- 
 sident of the United States, John Tyler, and his Secretaries 
 and Post Master General.* The Military Escort consisted of 
 four brigades of the volunteer militia, (including four companies 
 of the New York National Guards,) under Major General Ap- 
 pleton Howe, and the Civic Procession was formed in four grand 
 divisions. There were in carriages one hundred and ten of the 
 survivors of the revolutionary war, one of whom was at Lexing- 
 ton and Concord, on the nineteenth of April, 1775, and at Bun- 
 ker Hill, on the seventeenth of June.f The Mechanic Associa- 
 tion, King Solomon’s Lodge of Charlestown and the Masonic 
 fraternity generally, and numerous other bodies and associations, 
 joined in the procession. 
 
 The various bodies assembled at an early hour in the forenoon 
 on and near the Common, and taking up the honored guests of 
 the association at the State House, moved from that point at 
 eleven o’clock to the hill. Such crowds of people as lined the 
 streets and filled the houses, on the route of the procession, have 
 rarely been seen in Boston. The arrangements w'ere admirable, 
 
 * Hon. Hugh S. Legare, of South Carolina, Attorney General and Secre- 
 tary of State, ad interim, was unable to attend the celebration, although in 
 Boston for that purpose, by reason of sickness of which he died on the morning 
 of the 20th. He was buried at Mount Auburn. 
 
 t Phineas Johnson, aged 97 years, the oldest man present. Captain Josiah 
 Cleaveland, who came from Owego, N. Y., to attend the celebration, died at 
 Charlestown, on the 30th of June, aged 89 years. He was a native of Canter- 
 bury, Conn., and a volunteer under Colonel Putnam. He continued in service 
 through the war and was in several great battles and at the capture of Corn- 
 wallis. He was buried at Mount Auburn, with military honors, and a monu- 
 ment was erected over his grave. 
 
MEMOIR OE SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 199 
 
 and so well conducted that, on reaching the hill, no dilSculty 
 was experienced in establishing the whole body of the procession 
 on the easterly slope around the orator’s stand ; and the great 
 audience, disposed in the form of an amphitheatre, was hemmed- 
 in on all sides by the vast multitude, who had come up, as it 
 Avere, to this Mecca of American Liberty, in patriotic ivorship. 
 The President of the United States and his Secretaries, the ven- 
 erable survivors of the Revolution, the many distinguished per- 
 sons present, and the government of the association, were seated 
 around the orator on the platform, and inspired while they 
 listened to the thrilling eloquence which fell in such Doric 
 beauty from the speaker’s lips. 
 
 Mr. Webster commenced his oration in the most stately man- 
 ner, cool and unimpassioned as a statue: “ A duty has been 
 performed. A work of gratitude and patriotism is completed.” 
 Stating the peculiar circumstance that the projectors 
 of the work had relied upon voluntary contributions for its con- 
 struction and had not been disappointed, he next referred to 
 the labors of the directors and committees of the association, and 
 spoke of the architect as follows : “ The architect, equally enti- 
 tled to our thanks and commendation, will find other reivard 
 also, for his labor and skill, in the beauty and elegance of the 
 obelisk itself, and the distinction, which, as a work of art, it 
 confers on him.” After mentioning the efibrt and services of the 
 Mechanic Association towards the completion of the work, he 
 spoke of the crowning labors of the ladies as follows : — 
 
 “The last effort and the last contribution ivere from a differ- 
 ent source. Garlands of grace and elegance were destined to 
 crown a work which had its commencement in manly patriotism. 
 The winning power of the sex addressed itself to the public, and 
 all that was needed to carry the monument to its proposed 
 height, and give to it its finish, was promptly supplied. The 
 mothers and the daughters of the land contributed thus, most 
 successfully to whatever of beauty is in the obelisk itself, or 
 
200 
 
 MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 whatever of utility and public benefit and gratification in its 
 completion.” 
 
 We quote some further portions of this splendid oration, 
 although it is accessible to the reader in other forms. These 
 relate so distinctly to the monument itself and its high purposes, 
 that they will not be deemed out of place in this connection, and 
 the oftener they are presented to the people, read and pondered 
 by them, the better will it be for the country and ‘’'all succeed- 
 ing generations” : — 
 
 “ The Bunker Hill Monument is finished. Here it stands. 
 Fortunate in the natural eminence on which it is placed — 
 higher, infinitely higher in its objects and purpose, it rises over 
 the land, and over the sea, and visible, at their homes, to three 
 hundred thousand citizens of Massachusetts — it stands a memo- 
 rial of the last, and a monitor to the present and all succeeding 
 generations. I have spoken of the loftiness of it purpose : If it 
 had been without any other design than the creation of a work 
 of art, the granite of which it is composed, would have slept in 
 its native bed. It has a purpose ; and that jiurpose gives it 
 character. That purpose enrobes it with dignity and moral 
 grandeur. That well-known purpose it is, which causes us to 
 look up to it with a feeling of awe. It is itself the orator of this 
 occasion ; it is not from my lips, it is not from any human lips, 
 that that strain of eloquence is this day to flow, most competent 
 to move and excite the vast multitudes around. The potent 
 speaker stands motionless before them. It is a plain shaft. It 
 bears no inscriptions, fronting to the rising sun, from which the 
 future antiquarian shall wipe the dust. Nor does the rising 
 sun cause tones of music to issue from its summit. But at the 
 rising of the sun, and at the setting of the sun, in the blaze of 
 noonday, and beneath the milder efiulgence of lunar light, it 
 looks, it speaks, it acts, to the full comprehension of every 
 American mind, and the awakening of glowing enthusiasm in 
 
MEMOIR OE SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 201 
 
 every American heart. Its silent, but awful utterance ; its deep 
 pathos, as it brings to our contemplation the seventeenth of June, 
 1775, and the consequences which have resulted to us, to our 
 country, and to the world, from the events of that day, and 
 which we know must continue to rain influence on the destinies 
 of mankind, to the end of time ; the elevation with which it 
 raises us high above the ordinary feelings of life, surpasses all 
 that the study of the closet, or even the inspiration of genius 
 can produce. To-day it speaks to us. Its future auditories 
 will be through successive generations of men, as they rise up 
 before it, and gather round it. Its speech will be of patriotism 
 and courage ; of civil and religious liberty ; of free govern- 
 ment ; of the moral improvement and elevation of mankind ; 
 and of the immortal memory of those who, with heroic devotion, 
 have sacrificed their lives for their country.” 
 
 There seems to be something more than mere foresight in 
 the following burst of eloquence upon the theme of the “Union,” 
 in which is included that voluminous sentence, so often quoted, 
 which we have put in italics : — 
 
 “ Woe betide the man who brings to this day’s worship feel- 
 ing less than wholly American ! Woe betide the man who can 
 stand here Avith the fires 'of local resentments burning, or the 
 purpose of fomenting local jealousies, and the strifes of local 
 interests festering and rankling in his heart. Union, founded 
 injustice, in patriotism, and the most plain and obvious common 
 interest; Union, founded on the same love of liberty, cemented 
 by blood shed in the same cause ; Union has been the source of 
 all our glory and greatness thus far, and is the ground of all 
 our highest hopes. This Column stands on Union. I know 
 not that it might not keep its position, if the American Union, 
 in the mad conflict of human passions, and in the strife of par- 
 ties and factions, should be broken up and destroyed. I know 
 not that it would totter and fall to the earth, and mingle its 
 26 
 
202 
 
 MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 fragments with the fragments of Liberty and the Constitution, 
 when State should be separated from State, and faction and 
 dismemberment obliterate forever all the hopes of the founders 
 of our Republic, and the great inheritance of their children. — 
 It might stand. But who, from beneath the weight of mortifi- 
 cation and shame, that would oppress him, could look up to 
 behold it ? For my part, should I live to such a time, I shall 
 avert my eyes from it forever.” 
 
 Happily the noble-hearted orator did not live to witness that 
 attempted dismemberment which he so feelingly deprecated ! 
 
 Tins profound and patriotic oration will live as long as the 
 language in which it is written, and will form a prominent 
 chapter in the history of the growth of races and nations. — 
 It seems tame to turn from its study and the contemplation of 
 thoughts which its perusal inspires to other incidents of the day, 
 however pleasant these may be. The celebration was concluded 
 by a grand festival in Faneuil Hall, at which were present all 
 the distinguished guests of the association, except its modest 
 and retiring architect, whose absence was regretted by all who 
 knew him. His unwillingness to be noticed or made prominent 
 in such an assemblage, we have no doubt, kept him from 
 participating in the general joy of the occasion. He never 
 submitted to the trial of hearing himself or his works com- 
 mended before the public ; and probably did not hear the com- 
 plimentary words of the orator upon his fiuished work. 
 
 The President and the members of his Cabinet were present 
 at the festival, and responded to the calls of the chairman. The 
 occasion, of course, was not political, and patriotic toasts only 
 were proposed. The President gave “The Union: Union of 
 purpose ; Union of feeling ; the Union established by our fath- 
 ers.” The States of Virginia and Massachusetts were coupled 
 in a toast by the Secretary of the Navy, and the States of South 
 Carolina and Massachusetts in another by a gentleman of Bos- 
 ton. The Monument, the Orator, and the Ladies, were the 
 
MEMOIR OP SOLOBION WILLARD. 
 
 203 
 
 subjects of other sentiments. That referring to the Monument 
 was as follows; “ The Bunker Hill Monument — It bears no 
 inscription, and it needs none, since the lessons of patriotism it 
 is designed to commemorate, can only be inscribed upon the 
 hearts of those who behold it.” 
 
 Excepting the reference made to the architect by Mr. Web- 
 ster, we are not aware that any allusion was made to him or his 
 valuable and elEcient services, during the day ; but this was not 
 a thing to disturb him. He felt sure that justice would be 
 done to him in the future, and within thi’ee years from this time, 
 one who knew him better than any of his associates and more of 
 his devotion and labor in behalf of the monument, penned a 
 brief record of his judgment in the following words : — 
 
 “ But the loork is done^ and posterity ought to know that 
 they are more indebted to Solo. Willard than to any other 
 person., for the monument.* It was by his labors and taste that 
 the plan was adopted and the stone quarry secured ; the work 
 done in a style that will be approved by generations to come. 
 Let us render, then, to Mr. Willard, the honor that belongs 
 to him. Amos Lawrence.” 
 
 “ Boston, March 18, 1846.” 
 
 If it was a happy day to anybody, that was a happy day to 
 Mr. Willard which saw the monument completed. 
 
 * The italics are printed as marked by IMr. Lawi’ence in the manuscript. 
 
204 
 
 MEMOIR OE SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 CHAPTER XXVIII. 
 
 COST OP THE BUNKER HILL MONUMENT. 
 
 The cost of the Bunker Hill Monument has always been a 
 question of peculiar interest, not merely as a matter of curiosity, 
 but as having some relation to the proper and judicious expen- 
 diture of the funds voluntarily contributed by the community 
 at large and the specific donations of individuals. It was un- 
 derstood at the time of the commencement of the work, that its 
 size and character were to be in some degree dependent upon 
 the amount of the means at the disposition of the directors, and 
 this matter was ostensibly considered in deciding upon the de- 
 sign. In the advertisement offering a premium of one hundred 
 dollars for the design “ which shall appear to merit the prefer- 
 ence,” no limitation in regard to cost is contained ; but Mr. 
 Willard says, “it will be perceived, therefore, that the size of 
 the obelisk had necessarily to conform to the means available ; 
 and it was so decided by the committee on designs.” Most of 
 the sketches and plans made by Mr. Willard, at the request of 
 the committee, were made under a limitation unknown to other 
 artists and apparently disregarded in the end. At the time the 
 design was decided upon, Mr. Willard was requested to pre- 
 pare three separate sketches, in order “ to test the question of 
 cost,” and Colonel Baldwin, in his final report, says the com- 
 mittee took “ into consideration the funds already provided, or 
 probably attainable?"' Nevertheless, with an estimate of cost 
 
MEMOIR OE SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 205 
 
 for the design proposed, amounting to one hundred thousand 
 dollars, and funds on hand amounting to only about one-third 
 of this sum, the directors determined to proceed with the work. 
 This estimate, made by Colonel Baldwin, has been published 
 by Mr. Willard and shown by him to be an estimate for small 
 blocks and the cheapest kind of work ; the inner walls to be 
 left in a rough state, and a large part of the work to be done at 
 the price, whatever the quality, of common cellar stone. We 
 quote a portion of Mr. Willard’s remarks upon this estimate, in 
 order that the subject may be properly understood and his ser- 
 vices in the construction of the work properly appreciated : 
 
 “ According to the estimate, there were to have been one hun- 
 dred and forty-seven courses in the obelisk,* of eighteen inches 
 rise and eighteen inches thick ; and, as no drawing accompanied 
 the estimate, it is to be presumed that they were to have been 
 from six to eight feet long, and consequently would have been 
 about equal to posts and caps of the same dimensions. This lot 
 of stone is estimated at twenty cents per cubic foot, delivered at 
 the site of the monument. It will be seen at once, by those 
 acquainted with the business, that twenty cents per cubic foot, 
 for stone of that quality, is a low estimate ; that it would barely 
 pay the prime cost, under the best management. The transpor- 
 tation alone has generally cost about twelve cents per foot, leav- 
 ing only eight cents per foot, for the quarrying, loading, bank- 
 age and tools. The average price paid at the State Prison for 
 such stone, for the last seventeen years, where competition has 
 been allowed, and consequently, the stone has been obtained at 
 the lowest market price, is about thirty-four cents per foot. 
 
 “ The next item in the estimate, is for twenty-three hundred 
 and forty-nine and two-thirds perches of stone for the interior. 
 
 * There are seventy-eight courses in the shaft of the monument, and sis in 
 the “ pointed pyramid.” 
 
206 
 
 MEMOIR OP SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 These are estimated at three dollars per perch, or at twelve cents 
 per cubic foot ; which was the price of common cellar stone at 
 the time. . It must be obvious, therefore, that the price was low, 
 or that a very ordinary material was estimated for. 
 
 “ The hammering, on the outside, appears to be estimated' at 
 about a fair rate. It should be noticed, however, that the inner 
 walls were to have been left in a rough state ; and in the design 
 which has been executed, the fine dressing on the inner walls is 
 about equal to the fine dressing on the outside ; and consequent- 
 ly, there is nearly double the number of feet of fine dressing on 
 the design which has been executed, that there was to have been 
 on the one estimated for. 
 
 “ The hammering of the beds and builds, amounting to one 
 hundred and forty-seven thousand seven hundred and thirty-five 
 feet, is estimated at six cents per foot. This again, it will be 
 seen, is a very low estimate for decent work, including tools ; 
 and it will be obvious to every one acquainted with the business, 
 that anything that could be done for six cents per foot, must 
 necessarily be ordinary work ; the lowest work of the kind in 
 the Custom House bill of prices being twenty-five cents. The 
 laying of three thousand five hundred and thirty-eight perches 
 of stone, at five dollars per perch, including scaffolding and 
 rigging, amounting for the whole mason work above ground, to 
 seventeen thousand six hundred and ninety dollars, seems to be 
 a moderate estimate ; as it is understood that a sum of nearly 
 the amount was carried in for the last contract alone, which 
 was only about one-third part of the work. 
 
 “Of the remaining items no particular notice seems to be 
 necessary. It must be obvious, however, that the foregoing es- 
 timate was intended for a cheap kind of work, in order to adapt 
 it as far as possible, to the low state of the finances ; and, not- 
 withstanding the low rate, it amounts to the sum of one hundred 
 thousand dollars.” 
 
 Without any disparagement of the estimate made by Colonel 
 
MEMOIR OE SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 207 
 
 Baldwin for the work proposed, we have no hesitation in saying 
 that no such ivork as that indicated by the prices fixed for it, 
 would ever have been done under Mr. Willard’s superintend- 
 ence, or if done, ivould have been satisfactory to him. Colonel 
 Baldwin’s estimate was for the kind of work which the dealers 
 and workers in granite wished Mr. Willard to adopt and which 
 they were prepared to execute, namely, “small blocks,” such 
 as they were using for “postsand caps.” Such blocks might 
 make a “grand and striking object,” when thrown together in 
 “the form of an obelisk,” but they would not constitute that 
 character of “natural, inherent, durable greatness,” of which 
 Mr. Webster very early spoke and which the Directors always 
 desired. 
 
 Mr. Willard’s views as to what the proposed work should 
 be, and his efibrts to secure a suitable quarry for the purpose, 
 have already been stated in the preceding pages. The plan 
 which he suggested and which was adopted for carrying on the 
 work, and the details of some of the experiments instituted by 
 him to ascertain the cost of quarrying, dressing and laying the 
 stone, have also been given, — not so much for the purpose of 
 establishing these definitively or applying the results obtained 
 to the whole work, as to show the system employed and methods 
 adopted under Mr. Willard’s superintendence. That the system 
 was successful was demonstrated at the time : the work was done 
 in the best manner, by the best workmen, and at much less cost 
 than any similar work. 
 
 We cannot but esteem it as fortunate that the monument was 
 not built under Colonel Baldwin’s estimate. As it now stands 
 complete in its massive grandeur, it is a very different work, in 
 material and finish, externally and internally, and in all respects 
 of much higher character, than it would have been under that 
 cheap estimate. 
 
 The actual cost of the monument, as stated by Mr. Willard, 
 is based upon the results of the “three experiments” conducted 
 by him during the progress of the work. In these are included 
 
208 
 
 MEMOIE OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 the actual payments on account of the work, and they are as 
 follows : — 
 
 1. Expenses from November 17, *1825, to Febru- 
 ary 28, 1859, - . - . - $56,525 19 
 
 2. Expenses from June 17, 1834, to January, 
 
 1836, 20,421 77 
 
 3. Expenses paid by the Contractor, - - 27,016 72 
 
 Aggregate, $103,963 68 
 
 Deduct for apparatus, - - 1,400 
 
 “ house burnt, - - 800 
 
 “ overcharge in transportation, 800 
 
 8,000 00 
 
 Total, - . _ - . $101,963 68 
 
 Some other items of expense for iron work, lightning conduc- 
 tors and bankage, increase the above to the sum of one hundred 
 and one thousand six hundred and eighty-eight dollars, ($101,- 
 688.) In the above, the cost of the third experiment is not 
 the amount paid by the association to the contractor, but the 
 amount paid by the contractor for material, labor and superin- 
 tendence, irrespective of profits. 
 
 Mr. Willard, in the publication by him already referred to, 
 makes several comparisons between the cost of material and 
 work in the monument and in other structures of the same 
 material in Boston. The average size of the blocks in the mon- 
 ument is a little less than five tons, and at the cost paid for 
 similar blocks at the Branch Bank, in State street, “ eighty- 
 seven thousand feet at five hundred cents per foot,” for the 
 gi’anite alone, Mr. Willard very justly concluded, ‘‘would have 
 amounted to an enormous sum.” The market price, at this 
 time, however, Mr. Willard admits, was about one dollar per 
 cubic foot for blocks of fifty -four feet ; or, taking the Railway 
 
MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 209 
 
 price, at one hundred and one cents, and the Custom House 
 price, seventy-nine cents, gives an average of ninety cents per 
 cubic foot. At this price, the cost of the granite blocks would 
 have amounted to over seventy-eight thousand dollars, and the 
 whole cost of the monument over two hundred and fifty thous- 
 and dollars ; and this sum, we presume, would have been a 
 reasonable estimate for the work at the time, considering the 
 condition of the granite business and state of the market. 
 
 There was at one time in the community an impression that 
 in some way, or by somebody, the funds subscribed for the 
 erection of the monument had been wasted or misused ; and this 
 matter assumed a somewhat tangible shape in a so-called report, 
 printed in 1832, by the party which the year previous attempt- 
 ed to assume control of the corporation, but we believe no 
 answer or explanation of the charge from that source was deemed 
 expedient. Mr. Willard, however, referred to it, in 1835, in 
 a letter from which we make the following extract : — 
 
 “ The work commenced by the directors required one hun- 
 dred and fifty thousand feet of granite to complete it, the mar- 
 ket value of which was more than seventy cents, and conse- 
 quently the stone alone, delivered at the site of the monument, 
 would have cost the sum of ^105,000, had we paid the market 
 price of ordinary stone. The fitting, hoisting and setting, in- 
 cluding the mortar, iron- work, &c., would probably have come 
 to something more than $15,000, which with the cost of the 
 stone, would have amounted to more than $120,000. The cash 
 in the Treasury at the commencement of the work, with $7,000 
 obtained from the State, amounting to about $33,000, was all 
 that could have been safely relied on by those who commenced 
 it. It must be obvious, therefore, that a work was begun on a 
 scale and magnitude out of all proportion to the means at the 
 disposal of those who had the charge at the time, and could not 
 have been prosecuted had it been necessary to pay the customary 
 prices for the stone. It must also be obvious that the reports 
 
210 
 
 MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 of a waste of the funds, which have been current these ten years 
 past, are wholly unfounded, for nothing can be more self-evident 
 than that the managers could not have wasted what they never 
 had. These reports have undoubtedly ailsen either from gross 
 ignorance of the state of the frets, or an intention to deceive ; 
 and have probably been circulated by those who had contributed 
 little or nothing to their amount. 
 
 “ It should be observed, however, that the sum of $4,720 85, 
 spent according to the Treasurer’s Report for 1830, in laying 
 the corner-stone, and which appears to have given the only 
 ground of complaint of a waste of funds, had it been appro- 
 priated to the work, would have increased the whole sum to 
 only $38,000, which is less than one-third part of what was 
 required to complete it, had we paid the market prices. It 
 must be clear, tlierefore, that the whole sum available, with or 
 without that spent in laying the corner-stone, was wholly inade- 
 quate to the purpose intended, had we pursued the usual course 
 in carrying our work into execution. 
 
 “ All the important bearings, however, were well understood 
 at the time. It was well known that the granite business was 
 then in the hands of men of mercenary views, without science, 
 and was consequently conducted in an unskilful manner. It 
 was proposed, therefore, to keep the work in our own hands, 
 and after going through the usual course of advertising for pro- 
 posals without receiving any that were satisfactory, the work 
 was commenced under my superintendence about the fifteenth 
 of November, 1825.” 
 
 We copy the following statements and remarks, upon the sub- 
 ject of this chapter, from Mr. Willard’s printed book, and com- 
 mend the conclusion arrived at to the consideration of his 
 friends, the members of the Monument Association and the 
 contributors to the work : — 
 
 “ It has been shown. that the actual cost of the obelisk was 
 about one hundred thousand dollars ; this being the total cost. 
 
MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 211 
 
 notwithstanding all the impediments that have attended the 
 work. Had it been well sustained, and completed in the course 
 of about three years — which would have been a reasonable 
 time — it would have made a great dilference in the final cost. 
 It must be obvious, however, that whatever the difference might 
 have been, it cannot be accurately ascertained ; but is estimated 
 at twenty thousand dollars, leaving eighty thousand dollars as 
 the probable cost of the obelisk, had the work gone on without 
 interrujition or embarrassment. 
 
 “ The suspensions at different times were disadvantageous to 
 
 the economy of the work But notwithstanding the 
 
 unfavorable circumstances that have attended the work, it is 
 presumed that, in regard to economy in the execution, it will 
 not suffer in a comparison with any work whatever, that has 
 been executed in modern times. And such a comparison would 
 probably exhibit its merits more clearly than could be done in 
 any other way. 
 
 “ It is found by comparison, that the Washington Monument, 
 in Baltimore, contains but about half the number of cubic feet 
 of material that are in this obelisk. It consists of a column of 
 about nineteen feet diameter at the base, set on a pedestal, and 
 altogether about one hundred and sixty feet high. It is well 
 executed, but of cheap construction. The foundation is of slaty 
 granite, in small pieces, and the body of the work is of bricks, 
 faced with limestone, and in ashlar courses of about one foot 
 rise. And, notwithstanding, has cost, as stated on good author- 
 ity, about two hundred and twenty thousand dollars. And, 
 consequently, has cost twenty thousand dollars more than twice 
 as much as the obelisk. 
 
 “ It will be seen also that the obelisk will compare still more 
 favorably with the work now going on at the Custom House, in 
 Boston. It appears by the debate in Congress, that this Cus- 
 tom House, which it is presumed contains about an equal quan- 
 tity of granite with the obelisk, has already cost the sum of 
 seven hundred thousand dollars, and requires three hundred 
 
212 
 
 MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 thousand more to complete the work. The whole amounting to 
 a million of dollars, and consequently equal in cost to ten such 
 obelisks as that on Bunker Hill. And it is presumed, that 
 the columns and pilasters alone, which are attached to the body 
 of the Avork, have cost as much as two such obelisks. 
 
 “ It must be obvious, therefore, that if these works have been 
 executed at fair rates, the obelisk has been built at a very low 
 rate ; and could not have been executed at such a price had not 
 the work been skilfully planned, and had not the plan been well 
 sustained by close attention and hard labor. 
 
 “ It has already been shown, that the work done on the obe- 
 lisk, had the association paid its full value, would have cost 
 them the round sum of two hundred thousand dollars ; Avhereas, 
 the actual sum paid out for the work is but about half that 
 amount ; and, consequently, there has been a clear saving of 
 one hundred thousand dollars, by the course taken in carrying 
 it on. And as the saving of that amount is equivalent to con- 
 tributing the same amount in cash, it follows, that those who 
 have planned and conducted the executive parts of the work, 
 have in effect, borne half of the expense, by contributing to that 
 amount in cash or its equivalent.” 
 
 These statements and remarks, Avhich have been before the 
 public under Mr. Willard’s authority, since 1843, have never 
 been disputed, questioned or even criticised, and are believed to 
 be entirely accurate. By the lowest terms of the market value 
 of material and labor, had the association purchased in the usual 
 way the one, and paid the customary profit on the other, — 
 instead of owning the quarry and employing their own work- 
 men, — it is not possible to make the cost of the monument 
 less than two hundred thousand dollars ; and there is, therefore, 
 today, (to say nothing of Mr. Willard’s unpaid work on the 
 design, his time and expenses in finding a suitable quarry, &c.) 
 not less than one hundred thousand dollars, chiefly represented 
 by his thought, skill and labor, in the grand structure that now 
 
MEMOIR OE SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 213 
 
 crowns the glorious battle-ground of Bunker Hill : and the 
 truthfulness of Mr. Lawrence’s record, “ that posterity . . 
 
 are more indebted to Solomon Willard than to any other man 
 for the monument,” must be considered as demonstrated. 
 
 In stating the actual cost of the monument at about one 
 hundred and one thousand dollars, ($101,688,) or even its 
 contingent cost, had a different course been pursued, at double 
 that sum, it is to be considered, that no allowance is made 
 for compensation of services rendered by the respective com- 
 rnittees who had the work in charge, or Tor superintendence, 
 beyond the necessary expenses, nor any profit^ as such, other 
 than the ordinary day-wages or piece-pay of the workmen 
 allowed to them. It is not too much to say, that the work 
 actually done in behalf of the monument, — by the long and 
 patriotic services of its devoted Treasurer, by its diligent and 
 talented Secretaries, its influential and eminent Presidents, its 
 able and intelligent Committees and its distinguished Boards of 
 Directors, — and not paid for in any way, was many times 
 larger than the real work of building the monument, which, 
 excepting the profits gained by the last contractor, is all that 
 was ever compensated for at a money valuation. 
 
 The whole am.ount of money which was collected or received 
 and expended by the association and its auxiliaries in the 
 work, — for expenses of organization, meetings, ceremonies and 
 celebrations, printing and publication, interest on loans and 
 debt, and various other charges, — it would be almost impossi- 
 ble now to ascertain ; but probably all these, together with the 
 actual cost of the work itself, will hardly amount to a greater 
 sum than the cost as reported of the Washington Monument, at 
 Baltimore, (nearly a quarter of a million dollars,) and less than 
 one quarter part of the probable cost of the Custom House 
 at Boston. 
 
214 
 
 MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 CHAPTER XXIX. 
 
 LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION OF BUNKER HILL MONUMENT. 
 
 The toAvn of Charlestown, and by inheritance the city of 
 Charlestown, is made historical by the Battle of Bunker Hill, in 
 the opening of the American Revolution. Like Boston, it 
 was originally a “ trimountaine” peninsula, having most promi- 
 nent in its outline three distinct elevations ; the Town Hill, 
 upon which Governor Winthrop’s company built their stockade 
 houses and buried their dead ; Breed’s Hill, upon which the 
 battle was mainly fought, and Bunker’s Hill, the highest of tho 
 three and nearest the neck of the peninsula. It seems to be 
 conceded that the order of General Ward, Avhich brought on the 
 battle, was intended to apply to Bunker’s Hill, (norv generally 
 written Bunker Hill.) and that Breed’s Hill, being much nearer 
 to Boston, Avas taken possession of as the preferable position, or 
 by a mistake, the consequences of which have proved so momen- 
 tous in the history of the country. The anomaly in history that 
 the Battle of Bunker Hill Avas fought upon Breed’s Hill, is 
 probably not very remarkable at this day, and the attempt 
 made some years ago, on a local map, to change the names of 
 the tAVO hills, Avas simply ludicrous. 
 
 The summit of the hill is about fifty feet above the level of 
 tide-water. The first address of the Monument Association to 
 the public, speaks of it as “ the most interesting spot in our 
 country.” The “ Circular” of 1824, gives a more elaborate 
 
MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 215 
 
 description of the spot and its suitableness for the purposes then 
 in contemplation.* The views from the hill are briefly indicated 
 by Mr. Everett, in his Faneuil Hall speech, of May, 1833, 
 in which he called upon his listener “ to place himself, in 
 imagination, on the summit of the beautiful hill where the battle 
 was fought ; look out upon the prospect of unsurpassed loveli- 
 ness that spreads before him, by land and by sea ; the united 
 features of town and country ; the long rows of buildings and 
 stores in the city, rising one above another upon the sides of her 
 triple hills ; the surrounding sweep of country, checked with 
 prosperous villages ; on one side the towers of the city churches, 
 on the other the long succession of rural spires ; the rivers that 
 flow on either side to the sea ; the broad expanse of harbor 
 and bay, spotted with verdant islands, — with a hundred ships 
 dancing in every direction over the waves ; the vessels of war, 
 keeping guard with their sleeping thunders, at the foot of the 
 hill ; and on its top, within the shade of venerable trees, over 
 the ashes of the great and good, the noble obelisk, rising to the 
 heavens and crowning the magnificent scene.” 
 
 From its prominence in the landscape and its position at the 
 head of Massachusetts Bay, it was always regarded as an emi- 
 nently suitable spot for the erection of the proposed monument. 
 That the engagement which here took place, — the first in the 
 war which may be properly called a battle, — and the conse- 
 quences which flowed from it upon the future relations of the 
 colonies, made it of all others, the place for the erection of such 
 a memorial, was abundantly shown at the time of its com- 
 mencement. That the time for its erection was fitly chosen, — 
 after the war of independence had been confirmed by a war 
 for national consideration, — recent unhappy events have only 
 too plainly demonstrated. 
 
 The ma,jestic structure which now rises from this renowned 
 
 Ante, p. 64. 
 
2i6 
 
 MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 hill, and by its massive proportions gives grace and grandeur 
 to the scene, is variously spoken of as simple, grand or sublime, 
 according to the taste or sentiment of the beholder. But as a 
 work of art, or as a mechanical creation, it is very rarely that 
 its excellencies are appreciated, or the skill and labor which it 
 embodies understood. It is called both by Mr. Webster and Mr. 
 Willard, an “ Obelisk,” but in the words of the vote adopting 
 the design, it is more accurately spoken of as “ in the form of 
 an Obelisk f being composed of sections, or courses, built up 
 as masonry, instead of a single block or shaft. The numerous 
 Egyptian obelisks which ornament modern Rome ; those of 
 Heliopolis, Luxor and Carnac, all come within the authorized 
 definition of the term, each being “a lofty monolithic quadran-, 
 gular shaft, tapering gradually from the base to the summit, 
 which terminates in a pointed pyramid.” These almost without 
 exception, are covered with inscriptions in, hieroglyphic charac- 
 ters, and are variously regarded as religious, historical or merely 
 ornamental structures, and by some have been even supposed to 
 be for scientific purposes. It is highly probable that they were 
 personal monuments, erected by kings or rulers to commemorate 
 their reigns, and thus to some extent historical ; and as they 
 were all erected many centuries B. 0., may have been dedicated 
 to some of the heathen gods and regarded as sacred. Some of 
 those now standing in Rome have been surmounted with globes, 
 crosses or statuary. 
 
 The object and purposes of the Bunker Hill Monument are 
 fully set forth in history ; but should the material of this struc- 
 ture prove more durable than history, the time may come, 
 centuries hence, when its purpose will be as obscure as that of 
 the Egyptian obelisks and pyramids are today. But of this we 
 may be quite sure : it will never be removed from the place it 
 now occupies to adorn some future Rome, or bear down to times 
 more remote the effigy of some temporary ectjlesiastic. 
 
 The monument differs from an Obelisk externally ^ only in 
 the fact that it is not a monolith ; but internally, as in the 
 
MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 217 
 
 arrangement of space, there is no similarity, and no compari- 
 son between the two can be made. As a work of art, the 
 merit of the monument does not consist in its form, or external 
 appearance, but rather in its planning, scientific construction 
 and impressiveness as a whole. The formation of an obelisk, 
 fi’om a single block of granite, the height, dimensions of base and 
 apex being furnished, would seem to be, in the earliest times, a 
 comparatively easy task, involving but few of the scientific 
 principles which are to be found impressed on nearly every block 
 of stone in the Bunker Hill Monument. To erect an Egyptian 
 obelisk in sections, or courses of masonry, without interior 
 apartments, would be a much more difficult w'ork and require 
 ^vastly more skill and labor, than would be re(j[uired to hew it 
 out of a single block of whatever size. Such a work would be 
 equal, supposing the structure to be of the same magnitude, 
 only to the external walls of the present monument. 
 
 There are instead of one. as in a monolith, fotu' wrought 
 surfaces in this great work, extending to the whole height of its 
 ]iarts, and each differing in its diminishing line from all the 
 others ; and, in addition to these, there is a lofty flight of cir- 
 cular stairs, between the inner wall of the monument and the 
 outer wall of the cone, extending to the domed chamber, nearly 
 the whole height of the structure. Of the four wrought sur- 
 faces, the three inside of the work are circular — two of them 
 fine hammered — ■ the height of the courses and the degree of 
 the angles being different in the cone and the main work. The 
 monument, therefore, is far from being a simple obelisk, or 
 even two obelisks, one within the other. In its exterior form it 
 is a quadrangular structure, 221 feet 5, in height, terminating 
 at the top in a pointed pyramid. The sides of the square at 
 the base, are 30 feet, diminishing to 15 feet at the base of the 
 pyramid. Were it not for the hollow cone in the interior and 
 the elaborate stairway winding around it, there would be within 
 a circular chamber, conical in form, about 215 feet high, dimin- 
 ishing in diameter from 17 feet at the base to 11 feet at the 
 
 28 
 
218 
 
 MEMOIR OF SOLOMON AVILLARL. 
 
 spring of the arch of the dome. But the architect, to whom 
 the details of the construction were entrusted, determined to 
 provide for a commodious stairway by the erection of a hollow 
 cone in the centre of the work, the proportions of Avhich would 
 be such as to alford between it and the monument proper, the 
 desired space. This has been accomplished in a most successful 
 manner, rendering the ascent of the monument perfectly easy, 
 safe and convenient. 
 
 A sectional vicAV of the monument, drawn and published by 
 Mr. Willard,* more clearly than any words can do, shows the 
 manner of building and some of the peculiarities in the con- 
 struction. The Foundation consists of six courses of heavy 
 blocks of granite, laid alternately as headers and stretchers,^ 
 the sides of the first course being fifty feet, covering the 
 whole square excepting the corners. The second course falls 
 back three feet ; the other courses fall back in the same man- 
 ner to a square of thirty feet, and the seventh course is the 
 first of the monument. Inserted in the stone at the northeast 
 corner of this course, marked with an asterisk (*) in the 
 engraving, on its under side, is the deposit Avhich was placed 
 in one of the tempoi’ary foundation stones in the presence of 
 General Lafayette, on the 17th of June, 1825. 
 
 The outer and inner courses of the monument are each 2 feet 
 8 inches rise, and 78 in number, to the base of the pyramid. — 
 The inclination in the outer Avail, on each side of the structure, 
 is 7 feet 6 inches from the perpendicular, equal to 2^ inches 
 diminution in each course — so that each side of the monument is 
 built on an angle of less than two degrees inclination. The inte- 
 rior surface has a lesser diminishing line, in order to maintain 
 the largest practicable Avidth for the stairway. 
 
 The Pyramid Avhich forms the top and apex of the monument 
 is composed of six courses of stone, including the cap-stone, and 
 
 * “ Plans and Sections of the Obelisk,” &c. 
 
MEMOIR OP SOLOMON WILLARL. 
 
 219 
 
 its vertical section forms an equilateral triangle of fifteen feet, 
 its base being fifteen feet square. Its perpendicular height from 
 the base line to the apex is thirteen feet. The two courses 
 below the cap-stone are composed of two blocks each, laid trans- 
 versely to each other. 
 
 The Cone, or hollow column, in the centre of the monument, 
 at the base, is 10 feet in diameter from outside to outside, 6 
 feet 8 inches in the clear, and the wall 20 inches in thickness. 
 At the top the diameter is 6 ft. 2 inches outside, 4 ft. 2 inches 
 in the clear, and the wall 12 inches in thickness. The varia- 
 tion from the perpendicular in the line of the outer wall is about 
 one foot eleven inches in the whole height — equal to one-eighth 
 of an inch to a foot ; and owing to the diminution in the thick- 
 ness of the wall, the angle of its inner side is still smaller, 
 not exceeding one-twelfth of an inch to a foot in height. — 
 There are one hundred and forty-seven courses of stone in 
 the cone, of 1 foot 4 inches each. Thus this portion of the 
 structure is a series of conic sections, each block being of difler- 
 ent angles on the sides, bevelled at the ends and forming the 
 section of a circle. There is not, therefore, in the cone, a sin- 
 gle block of stone having any right angles ; and the only blocks 
 in the structure that are of similar dimensions, or that could be 
 used in duplicate, are those which occupy corresponding positions 
 in the same course. 
 
 If this cone could be seen separated from the monument, 
 which encloses it, it would present the form of a regular dimin- 
 ishing column of 10 feet diameter at its base and 6 ft. 2, at its 
 top, hollow in its full height, flat at the top and smooth ham- 
 mered on its exterior surface. Alone, it would constitute a 
 monument of gigantic dimensions, towering far above all sur- 
 rounding objects, filling the eye with its proportions, and ex- 
 celling in height any similar monument in the tvorld. But, as 
 built, there winds around this cone a flight of stairs, conceived 
 with judgment and executed with skill, extending from the base 
 
220 
 
 MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 to its top, enclosed by the grand and massive structure, “ in the 
 form of an Obelisk,” of dimensions excelled only in the pyra- 
 mids of Egypt. As there was originally a long discussion 
 whether the monument should be in the obelisk form or a 
 column, it is singular that as built it should unite the two — one 
 within the other. 
 
 The Steps in the circular stairway are 204 in number, and of 
 course, owing to the gradual hatter of the walls in which they 
 rest, each step must vary in dimensions from every other step, 
 excepting in their height. The rise of the steps is 8 inches, 
 doubling in the w*alls of the cone, and the latter doubling 
 in the walls of the monument. The narrow openings on 
 the north side of the monument for light and ventilation, occur 
 in each circle of the steps around the cone, at the broad stair, 
 and are seven in number. Thirty-nine steps are required to 
 complete the first circle, and forty for the second. The third 
 circle has thirty-eight steps; the fourth, thirty-seven ; the fifth, 
 thirty-five ; the sixth, thirty-three ; the seventh, thirty-two ; 
 the eighth, forty. Now, if in our mind’s eye Ave Surround 
 this lofty stairway with a quadrangular structure, of the 
 dimensions already stated, as the monument proper, and com- 
 prehend at a glance its gigantic proportions, its large interior 
 spaces and its exterior surface on each side of the quadrangle, 
 with a height perfectly dizzying to the sight, we shall have a 
 clear general conception of the Bunker Hill Monument, Avith 
 an idea, hoAvever imperfect, of its extraordinary character, which 
 it is not easy for a mere beholder of the work to realize. 
 
 The monument proper of course is its external form, irrespec- 
 tive of its internal arrangement or construction. The character 
 as well as the purpose of the Avork is expressed in this, and by 
 this its excellence is to be estimated. The interior may be ever 
 so complex and successful, it Avould weigh but little against a 
 failure externally. To this test the Bunker Hill Monument 
 
MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 221 
 
 has been subjected, in its proportions and details, and it stands 
 today, not only the loftiest, but the most sublime and impressive 
 monument in the world. The blocks of which it is composed, 
 so great in number and in variety of form, were all quarried 
 and hewn to size and shape, in the wild crags of Mount Wol- 
 laston, so that comparatively speaking, scarcely was the sound 
 of maul or chisel heard upon the hill in its erection. There 
 are in the monument more than six thousand six hundred tons 
 of stone, and not a single block, excepting those in the foun- 
 dation below the surface of the ground, which is rectangular 
 in its form. 
 
 “ In the construction, the courses are alike, except diminish- 
 ing as they recede from the base upward. In order to preserve 
 the bond, Iiowever, the headers are shifted to opposite sides in 
 each succeeding course, namely : in the first course, the headers 
 show on the east and west sides, and in the second on the south, 
 and so on.”* 
 
 The base of the monument is surrounded by a solid granite 
 platform, just above the surface of the ground, and supporting 
 on its outer edge a handsome iron fence, with appropriate granite 
 posts at the corners. 
 
 We have been somewhat particular in describing the monu- 
 ment in order to show that it has claims as a work of art, not 
 generally understood or conceded to the architect. To those 
 “ architects and engineers” to whom Mr. Willard especially 
 dedicated his printed volume, much that we have said may be 
 deemed superfluous and unnecessary : to others it may prove 
 to be more suggestive. As compared with the Egyptian obe- 
 lisks, in respect to the skill and labor required in the work, it 
 must be equal, irrespective of inscriptions, to a large number of 
 them ; and in the more scientific work of preparation, planning, 
 drawing, modelling, &c., the difference is still more appreciable. 
 
 * “ Plans and Sections of the Obelisk,” &c 
 
2 
 
 MEMOIIi OF SOLOMON WILLAED. 
 
 It is no part of our purpose, in this way, to institute a compari-- 
 son between ancient and modern art, but simply to show the 
 large excess of work in the Bunker Hill Monument, the skill 
 and judgment manifested in its conception and exercised in its 
 erection, and its title to consideration in art. 
 
 As a whole the completed monument has fully equalled the 
 expectations of its builders and the public — and probably, of 
 a more exacting party, the Architect. But from the latter, not 
 one word do the public or private records afford, expressive of 
 any opinion, or indicative of any claim to consideration in con- 
 nection with this crowning work of his life. That he was satis- 
 fied with the design for the work, as finally drawn by him and 
 adopted by the committee, and gratified beyond expression at its 
 completion, there is every reason to believe. His extraordinary 
 interest in the work is sufficient evidence of this ; and he felt, 
 or had a right to feel, that the monument was an enduring 
 memorial of his own merit as an artist, and of his skill,, genius 
 and perseverance as a mechanic. He never spoke or wrote of 
 this, and the feeling, though it may have dignified him as a 
 man, never otherwise escaped him. His native modesty forbade 
 him to make any claim in his own behalf, and in his printed 
 volume, as in his letters and reports, he invariably spoke of 
 ‘ ‘ those who have planned and conducted the executive parts of 
 the work.” He always had fiiith that justice would be done 
 to him. For the credit of the Bunker Hill Monument Asso- 
 ciation, for the encouragement of a laudable ambition in men, 
 his merit should be rewarded, his faith and constancy duly 
 honored. We must cherish the faith of man in men, for the _ 
 benefit of those it may inspire. 
 
 The completed monument realized to the directors their first 
 conception of the work, announced long before any design had 
 been decided upon, and before the question had been discussed. 
 Their first remark was that “ it would be distinguished by sim- 
 plicity and grandeur, rather than by elaborate or elegant orna- 
 ments,” and this remark quite perfectly describes the finished 
 
MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 223 
 
 structure. Mr. Everett, in speaking of the monument before it 
 was finished, said, “ What is abeady done is as substantial as 
 the great pyramid of Egypt. The foundations have been laid 
 with such depth and solidity that nothing but an earthquake 
 can shake them. The part already constructed will last to the 
 end of time.” 
 
 The Executive Committee, in 1834, spoke of the monument 
 as follows : “It may hereafter be said of this monument, with 
 more propriety and more feeling than the Greeks were accus- 
 tomed to speak of the Statue of Olympian Jupiter, that ‘ to 
 have lived, and to have died, without having seen it, was to 
 have lived in vain.’ ” 
 
 The monument is without any inscription ; the following elo- 
 quent exposition of its purpose, and the lesson it is intended to 
 teach, is the language of the certificate of membership issued in 
 the joint names of the Bunker Hill Monument and Mechanic 
 Associations, in 1833 : — 
 
 “ The Law of Nature ordains equality among men in political 
 rights and duties. The American Kevolution established the 
 dominion of this law, but at the cost of Valiant Patriots, who 
 devoted their lives that future generations might rise to the 
 dignity of Free Citizens, qualified to make their own rules in 
 social and political order. The People of this day, in the full 
 enjoyment of the benefits for which these Patriots fought and 
 died, and humbly acknowledging their dependence on Divine 
 Providence, for all the good that has been gained and secured 
 to them, unite in raising a monument on the field of ■ battle, to 
 commemorate the events of the 
 
 SEVENTEENTH OF JUNE, 1775, 
 
 as the most eminent of the early achievements in the cause of 
 rational fi-eedom. If in the delusions of prosperity, or the gloom 
 of adversity, or in the tendency to change which is stamped on 
 all human purpose, the spirit of that day should be perishing, 
 let this MONUMENT renew it with all its glorious and dutiful 
 associations.” 
 
224 
 
 MEMOIR OP SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 MEASUREMENTS OF BUNKER HILL MONUMENT. 
 By Chables L. Stevenson, Civil Engineer. 
 
 Dimensions of the Obelisk. 
 
 Height of obelisk to base of pyramid, 
 
 208 ft. 5 
 
 Height of the monument to the apex, 
 
 221 ft. 5 
 
 Sides of the square, first course. 
 
 30 feet. 
 
 Sides of the square at base of pyramid. 
 
 15 “ 
 
 Thickness of wall at the base, one-fifth. 
 
 6 “ 
 
 Thickness of wall at the top, . 
 
 9 . it 
 
 Circumference of chamber in the top. 
 
 36 “ 
 
 Height of chamber, .... 
 
 18 “ 
 
 Diameter of chamber, . . . ' . 
 
 11 ft. 6 
 
 Height of each course in the monument, 
 
 2 ft. 8 
 
 Diminish in each course. 
 
 2J inches. 
 
 Number of courses to base of pyramid. 
 
 78 
 
 Number of steps in the circular stairs. 
 
 294 
 
 Height of riser, ..... 
 
 8 inches. 
 
 Foundation 50 ft. square, 6 courses, 2 ft. each. 
 
 12 ft. deep. 
 
 Dimensions of the Cone. 
 
 Height of the cone, from the fiooring. 
 
 . 196 ft. 9 
 
 Diameter of the first course. 
 
 10 feet. 
 
 Diameter of the top course, . 
 
 6 ft. 2 
 
 Thickness of wall, at base, one-sixth. 
 
 1 ft. 8 
 
 Thickness of wall at the top, . 
 
 1 foot. 
 
 Height of each course. 
 
 1 ft. 4 
 
 Number of courses, .... 
 
 147 
 
 Diminish in each course, . . 6-lOths of an inch. 
 
 Dimensions of the Pyramid. 
 
 Vertical height from base line to apex. 
 
 13 feet. 
 
 Number of courses in the pyramid. 
 
 6 
 
 Sides of the base, ..... 
 
 15 feet. 
 
 From the base line to apex. 
 
 15 “ 
 
MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 225 
 
 CHAPTER XXX. 
 
 MR. WILLARD AS ARCHITECT AND BUILDER — 1824- — 1835. 
 
 While the work upon the monument was going forward, 
 Mr. Willard’s duties at the quarry and on the hill were such 
 as to allow him little time for any other service, or the progres- 
 sive self-culture, which he always desired. In addition to his 
 general superintendence and oversight of the various processes, 
 new contrivances for facilitating the work, w’orking-models and 
 plans for the hammerers, were often required, wRile questions 
 as to the quality of the stock, the difficulties of transportation, 
 the employment, payment and discharge of the men, made fre- 
 quent demands upon his time. He w^as almost daily at the site 
 of the monument, or at the quarry, and had little time to 
 perform the necessary office-work. He was, however, very 
 frequently called upon for information and advice by architects, 
 builders and individuals, and it was always given, generally 
 without fee or subsequent employment. Designs and plans were 
 furnished in the same way. During the suspensions of the 
 work on the monument, Mr. Willard was variously engaged as 
 architect, builder and quarryman. 
 
 The United States Branch Bank, on State street, which was 
 designed and built by him, was completed before the work on 
 the monument was commenced. The corner-stone of the Bank 
 was formally laid on the fifth day of July, 1824. The heavy 
 columns in the portico of this building, were cut from a huge 
 29 
 
226 
 
 MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 boulder of granite in the town of Westford, Massaehusetts, 
 known as the Chelmsford granite. They were twenty-four feet in 
 height, including the cap, and four feet in diameter at the base, 
 being six-diameter columns. The building was very much 
 admired for its pure style of architecture, and a professor in 
 Harvard College requested of Mr. Willard a statement of its 
 proportions to be used “ in an exercise in perspective.” This 
 building has since been remodelled, in order to enlarge its ac- 
 commodations, and its claims at this day to architectural merit 
 may well be questioned. 
 
 The plan of the monument at Concord, in commemoration of 
 the fight at the “old North bridge,” was furnished at the 
 request of Mr. Everett, in 1825, but on account of the inde- 
 cision as to its location, was not completed until 1836. It is a 
 plain obelisk, elevated upon a pedestal, but unfortunately is 
 in several pieces. The plan made by Mr. Willard, was at once 
 adopted by the Building Committee, of which fact Mr. Evei’ett 
 informed him, and requested to know the fee for preparing it. 
 To this note Mr. Willard replied — “I did not think of 
 making any charge, and am sorry you should give yourself any 
 trouble about it.” This little circumstance is quite character- 
 istic of both gentlemen — Mr. Everett would have freely paid 
 the fee out of his own pocket ; Mr. Willard did not desire it of 
 anybody. In the same note he wrote to Mr. Everett, “many 
 of my friends are in a habit of adding an Esq.^ to my name in 
 the superscriptions of their letters, supposing me possessed of 
 the little vanity which it would gratify ; but as I have no claim 
 to such distinction, it would be more pleasing to have it omit- 
 ted.” In a subsequent note from Mr. Everett he scrupulously 
 complied with Mr. Willard’s request. 
 
 The inscription upon the Concord monument, is cut on a mar- 
 ble slab. It was written by Kev. I)r. Ripley, of that town, one 
 of the energetic and authoritative clergymen of the old school, 
 whose faith in God was not simply that He ruled the universe 
 by all-wise laws, but, in temporal matters, by special acts of 
 
MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 227 
 
 Divine government, rewarded the just and upheld the right. — 
 His thorough belief in an over-rulina: Providence was as real 
 as his own existence. The spirit of this old Christian Patriot 
 is manifested in the terse and emphatic inscription on the 
 Concord monument, which stands upon land given by him and 
 formerly a part of his farm. 
 
 The Norfolk County Court House, at Dedham, was designed 
 by Mr. Willard, and erected in 1826. It was then and still 
 is a really beautiful building, constructed of granite found in 
 the immediate neighborhood, with light Doric porticos having 
 four columns in each front. Its dimensions were 48 by 98 feet, 
 with projections. It was universally regarded as one of the 
 truest and best specimens of architecture in the country. In 
 February, 1827, when it was formally opened for public use, 
 Mr. Samuel P. Loud wrote to Mr. Willard, inviting and urging 
 him to be present on the occasion, casually remarking, — “The 
 Dedham people and people generally, I believe, are delighted 
 with this building.” It has since been enlarged and altered- — 
 often a fatal process upon any work of real merit — but is yet 
 regarded, next to the monument, as Mr. Willard’s most success- 
 ful work in architecture. 
 
 The Franklin Monument, in the Granary Burying-ground, 
 was erected by a few citizens of Boston, in 1827. It is of 
 pyramidal form, composed of several blocks taken from the Bun- 
 ker Hill quarry. The design was furnished by Mr. Willard. 
 The inscription is upon a copper tablet let into the shaft. Its 
 height is twenty-five feet. 
 
 The Harvard Monument, in the old Burying-ground, in 
 Charlestown, designed by Mr. Willard, was erected by the 
 alumni of Harvard, in 1828. It is an obelisk, strictly conform- 
 ing to the legitimate definition of the term, fifteen feet high to 
 the pyramid. The base of the shaft is four feet six inches, 
 diminishing one half in the height, and its weight ’about fourteen 
 tons, (or about 180 feet cubic measurement.) The inscription 
 upon this monument is on a marble slab, set into the shaft. — 
 
228 
 
 MEMOIR OP SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 The block was taken from the Bunker Hill quarry, and at the 
 price paid for the monument stone, cost about forty-five cents 
 in the ledge — one quarter of a cent per cubic foot. 
 
 Upon the suspension of the work on the monument, in 1829, 
 Mr. Willard gave his time and attention, not merely to the 
 furnishing of designs, but to the business of quarrying stone; 
 introducing it, in fact, as a building material, and taking con- 
 tracts himself In a letter to Mr. Joseph Grennell, of New 
 Bedford, with whom he had just completed a contract, in 
 November, 1831, he wrote as follows : — 
 
 “ The high price demanded for granite for fifteen years past, 
 and particularly for l^locks of large dimensions, has had a ten- 
 dency to discourage the use of it ; and my object in engaging 
 in the stone business was not to make money, but to make 
 experiments in order to remove the obstructions to the extensive 
 use of granite as a building material, and to ascertain the lowest 
 price at which it could be afforded \vith the eommon facilities 
 for doing business. I left the profession of architect, which I 
 had followed ten years in Boston, and took charge of a corps of 
 quarrymen. at the Bunker Hill quarry, in Quincy, six years 
 ago the fifteenth of the present November. The committee of 
 that work had previously advertised for proposals for furnishing 
 the stone required, and received but one, and that was sixty-two 
 cents per cubic foot, for the raw material delivered in Charles- 
 town. A combination had taken place among the dealers in 
 stone to keep up the prices, as is usually the case. The quar- 
 rying of four thousand tons was finally done by the day, by 
 men under my charge, and cost the association but thirteen 
 cents and three mills per cubic foot, delivered on a wharf in 
 Charlestown. Since the work has been discontinued, I have 
 been making experiments at my own expense. While I con- 
 ducted the public work, my services were gratuitous, and since 
 doing business on my own account, I have merely charged my 
 employers for their Avork what I supposed would be the prime 
 
MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 229 
 
 cost, well managed, taking all risks on myself, without any 
 compensation for the excessive labor and anxiety that I have 
 had on their account.” 
 
 Mr. Willard furnished at different times, many designs for 
 churches, hospitals, dwelhng houses, stores, &c., and plans for 
 remodelling churches and other edifices. In July, 1829, he was 
 consulted concerning the monument to the memory of Thomas 
 Addis Emmet, the Wish patriot and distinguished barrister, 
 which was afterwards erected in Saint Paul’s Church yard, in 
 New York; and in the fall of the same year was employed by 
 Mr. Andrew J. Allen, in reconnoitering the route of the Fitch- 
 burg railroad — a road which was built fifteen or sixteen years 
 later by other parties. In December, of the same year, he 
 drew outlines of several different routes, extending them as far 
 as Brattleborough, in Vermont. In 1830, he made several 
 designs for churches, including one at Bangor, Maine, and 
 the Bowdoin street church, in Boston, which last he contracted 
 for and built of rough granite at very low rates. The style and 
 architecture of the edifice, although heavy and sombre, the more 
 so from beino’ of rouo'h stone, was much commended for its good 
 proportions. The next year, Mr. Willard examined the route 
 for a railroad from Boston to Taunton and Somerset. 
 
 In 1831, application was made to him to furnish stone for 
 two houses in New Bedford, and he proposed to deliver it on a 
 wharf in Quincy, in 8-inch ashlars, at fifteen cents a foot, and 
 he made up the account of cost as follows: For bankage one- 
 quarter of a cent ; quarrying, fomr cents ; dressing edges, seven 
 cents ; transportation, two and three-quarter cents ; profit, one 
 cent ; total, fifteen cents. The cost of stone-cornices, with three 
 cubic feet of stone and seven feet of di'essing, he stated at one 
 dollar and seventy-four cents per running foot. These prices 
 were scarcely up to the prime cost of the article at that time ; 
 were manifestly too low to be a safe guide to other dealers, and 
 however intended, were in some degree unjust towards them. ■ — 
 Large contracts were made with Mr. Joseph Grennell, and Mr. 
 
230 
 
 MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 Joseph R. Anthony, of New Bedford, and the stone supplied, 
 as well as the prices charged, gave great satisfaction to those 
 gentlemen. At the same time, Mr. Willard fulfilled a contract 
 with Mr. Martin Brimmer, of Boston, and supplied the stone for 
 the fence and gate-way of the Granary Burying-ground, one 
 block of which, — that nearest the Tremont House, — is about 
 thirty-five feet long. The work on the gate-way, (the winged 
 globe and inverted torches,) and on the corner-posts, (winged 
 hour-glass,) was executed at Quincy, under the general super- 
 intendence of Mr. Willard, and is still among the best granite 
 sculpture in the city. 
 
 The new Court House for Suffolk County, in Boston, which 
 has been since enlarged, was designed and built by Mr. Willard, 
 and completed in 1835. There were eight granite columns 
 in the two finely-proportioned Doric porticos, — only one of 
 which now remains, — four in each ; they were twenty-five feet 
 six inches in height, four feet six inches in diameter, and 
 measured aliout fifty tons each. They were among the first 
 of these heavy columns, after those of the Branch Bank and 
 Quincy mai’ket, brought into the city. A team of sixty- 
 five yoke of oxen and twelve horses was required to draw them 
 from the railway in Quincy to Boston. 
 
MBMOIB, OP SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 231 
 
 CHAPTER XXXI. 
 
 NEW YORK merchants’ EXCHANGE — 1836 — 1841. 
 
 In June, 1836, a contract was made by Mr. Willard with the 
 New' York Merchants’ Exchange Company, to furnish the stone 
 for their new building, and the contract continued for over five 
 years. Mr. Isaiah Rogers was the aichitect, and the company, 
 by Mr. Willard’s suggestion, purchased the right to take the 
 stone required from the Wigwam Quarry. During the progress 
 of this work a voluminous correspondence became necessary in 
 relation to the plans, transmission of the stone, payment of the 
 workmen, &c., and lastly pertaining to tbe final settlement 
 of the accounts, amounting to nearly four hundred thousand 
 dollars. Of course in a large portion of this correspondence 
 there is nothing of general interest concerning Mr. Willard, or 
 illustrative of his character; but in the lesser portion, there 
 are a few passages of interest which may properly be referred 
 to or quoted. 
 
 The contract was dated the 22d of June, and the considera- 
 tion to be paid to Mr. Willard for all his services was five dol- 
 lars a day. He assumed the agency of working the quarry, 
 employing the men, shipping the stone, &c., and the company 
 paid the expenses of his necessary visits to New York. In a 
 letter of January, 1837, Mr. Willard refers to some difficulty 
 experienced in the progress of the work by the masons waiting 
 for material. “ It must he quite obvious,” he says, “ that if the 
 
232 
 
 MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 masons wait, there are too many of them employed ; or too few 
 employed in prepai’ing the material at the quarry. We found 
 in building the monument that about four-fifths of the money 
 was expended in preparing and getting the materials to the site 
 of the building, and one-fifth in fitting, -hoisting and setting the 
 stone : the fitters were employed in working off” the quoin-heads, 
 facing the headers, matching-in the steps, &c., and the black- 
 smith’s work, coal, &c., was also included. Those who did the 
 hoisting were a distinct gang, and were employed in adjusting 
 the machinery, getting the blocks of stone to a convenient place 
 for hoisting and in raising them. Under the head of mason’s 
 work was included the cost of the mortar, setting of the stone, 
 adjusting the scafiblding, &c. The three gangs were about 
 equal, and the expense of the three amounted to about one-fifth 
 of the whole sum paid out, and consequently each of the gangs 
 to one-fifteenth. The relative proportions may vary in differ- 
 ent buildings. In a building partly of bricks and rough stone, 
 the cost of the mason’s work to the whole cost may be greater 
 than in the experiment noticed. This experiment, however, 
 goes to show that the mason’s work is comparatively a small 
 part of the whole. . . . No waiting ever occurred at the 
 
 monument in consequence of a want of proportion in the different 
 gangs, and as the expense of the mason’s part was found to be 
 about one-fifteenth of the whole, a useful rule may be drawn 
 for proportioning the gangs in other places : if for every effec- 
 tive mason that is employed, there be fourteen other men en- 
 gaged in pi’eparing the material, there will be no waiting. 
 
 I do not think it good policy to crowd on more men than can 
 work to advantage, as it defeats the purpose it is intended to 
 advance. Idle men are a dead weight, and worse than useless, 
 — whether they be idle from want of material or room to work — 
 as they increase the expense without forwarding the work. It 
 may be easily shown that the wages of thirty idle men at three 
 dollars per day would amount to more than the interest on half 
 a million of dollars at six per cent, per annum.” 
 
MEMOIR OE SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 233 
 
 Mr. Rogers, in a letter of March 30, 1837, says, he un- 
 derstands the arrangements at the quarry are superior to any 
 other in Quincy, and this from “ a Quincy man is saying much.” 
 “ I feel very much gratified,” he added, “to see the narrow 
 feeling giving way to liberal and just views of your services ; 
 and I hope before the stone for the Exchange is finished, if your 
 health is spared to you, those contracted beings who have been 
 so prone to throw false impressions upon your exertions and 
 valuable experiments, will be willing to appreciate some of your 
 past services.” 
 
 Mr. Willard’s exForts to extend the use of granite as a build- 
 ing material, by putting it at prime cost, — tending to reduce 
 the profits of others engaged in the same business, had the effect 
 to prejudice them against him, especially as they were too im- 
 mediately interested to be able to appreciate his purpose. 
 
 Mr. John A. Stevens, president of the Exchange Company, 
 visited the quarry in August, 1838, and expressed himself as 
 follows respecting the work in progress : “I was pleased ex- 
 ceedingly Avith things there. I do not believe granite has been 
 worked so extensively and beautifully in such masses since the 
 times of the Egyptians. The bases, consoles, flutings and caps 
 are equally admirable.” We do not know where the Egyptians 
 have left any ivork at all comparable to that to be found in the 
 New York Merchants’ Exchange. 
 
 Up to January, 1840, Mr. Willard had employed at the 
 quarry from forty to ninety men, engaged exclusively on the 
 work for the Merchants’ Exchange, and had received from the 
 company and paid to them, and for contingent expenses, the sum 
 of $255,794 91, — more than double the amount expended on 
 the monument. During this period of three and a half years, 
 Mr. Willard had devoted himself to his Avork and workmen, 
 Avith such assiduity and kindness as to command the entire con- 
 fidence and respect of employer and employed. 
 
 A very large amount of stone was required for this building, 
 including eighteen fluted columns, of over thirty tons each, 
 30 
 
234 
 
 MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 (similar to those in the Court House and Tremont House, in 
 Boston,) and more than fifty other blocks of twelve to sixteen 
 tons measurement. The finished columns were thirty-two feet 
 eight inches in height, and are superb specimens of work. — 
 After the first column had been successfully obtained, Mr. Wil- 
 lard wrote, “I do not apprehend much difiiculty in getting the 
 whole out, although our neighbors in the stone business appear 
 to be much concerned about it. I presume we can get them if 
 anybody can and at less than half the cost to them.” 
 
 In July, 1840, Mr. Willard wrote as folloAVS : “We are now 
 drilling a line of holes eighty-four feet long, and have a fair 
 chance of getting two columns at the next split.” On the fifth of 
 August, he wrote, “ our long split is wedged off about an inch, 
 and I think will make what was intended. Our quarrymen 
 have had to proceed with great caution on account of the great 
 length.” This block must have measured from one hundred to 
 one hundred and fifty tons. Another block was partly got out 
 which it was expected would make four columns, but it was 
 not successful. One year from this time, during which much 
 of the stone for the Exchange and Custom House, in Boston, 
 had been got out and forwarded, Mr. Willard wrote, July 8th, 
 1841, as follows : “ We expect to get through shortly and to 
 have the greatest hoorah and throwing up of caps that ever was 
 in Quincy ! We have saved three cartridges for the Yankee, 
 to be fired off when the last column is loaded.” Four months 
 later he wrote: “We are about getting the seventeenth col- 
 umn to the Avharf. The eighteenth we expect to get finished on 
 Tuesday next, and the whole, column and architrave, afloat in 
 the course of next week.” 
 
 Two years time, after most of the other work was done, was 
 required to get out and finish up these columns. The cost 
 of them is stated in an estimate of work remaining to be done 
 in June, 1839, at $1,500 each ; but in a later statement made 
 in October, 1841, two of them, upon which extra work was or- 
 dered by Mr Stevens, are put down at $4,000, and Mr. Willard 
 
MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 235 
 
 in one of his letters said, “ The prime cost of getting out one of 
 these shafts is as much as the prime cost of a Doric column 
 with its capital, for which $5,200 is paid at the Custom House.” 
 The estimated work upon each was equal to four men for forty- 
 five days. There were great risks in getting them out, and no 
 less than five blocks which -were split ofi" failed to answer for 
 column, and one was rejected after it was rounded. 
 
 Mr. Willard wrote on the fifth of November, “ Our unsettled 
 accounts are of long standing and I should like to have them 
 settled in the shortest possible time. How would it do for you 
 to spend a feiv days in Quincy, in helping to count up? We 
 have to work hard and live poor, and sleep on a board, and have 
 no accommodations to brag of near the quarry ; but there are 
 two houses about a mile off where they keep all the good things 
 necessary to make life comfortable, where I presume you can 
 be accommodated.” 
 
 The work at this time was nearly completed and the splendid 
 edifice, -wrought out of the rocky ledges of Quincy and shipped 
 to New York, stone by stone, stood in symmetrical beauty as 
 the Merchants’ Exchange, in the great commercial metropolis of 
 the nation. “ So far as regards the architectural taste of the 
 building and its execution,” Mr. Willard most submissively 
 wrote to Mr. Stevens, “ I never doubted that they would be 
 considered respectable.” Mr. Rogers, if he ever saw this letter, 
 would hardly consider the remark very flattering to himself. — 
 The building, however, still attests the taste and genius of the 
 architect as well as the skill of the superintendent of the 
 quarry and the industry of the men. 
 
 During the whole time of the work on the Merchants’ Ex- 
 change, Mr. Willard was particularly careful of the interests 
 and welfare of the men employed and many of them became 
 very much attached to him. Much of his correspondence 
 was in their behalf, seeking prompt and seasonable payment of 
 their wages, and urging in particular cases, their claims to con- 
 sideration. At different times, owing to the somewhat stringent 
 
236 
 
 MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 circumstances of the company, although he himself remained 
 unpaid to the last, he advanced out of his own pocket hundreds 
 of dollars to the workmen, to relieve them from pressing neces- 
 sities or embarrassment. Some of the men were disposed to be 
 troublesome, notwithstanding Mr. Willard thought the “advan- 
 tage was entirely on their side, as they had been employed at 
 high prices through the dullest of times.” Two of them went 
 to New York to obtain the balances due to them and there made 
 false reports about the Avork, which reached Mr. Willard. He 
 thought the men were “too ignorant and simple to be very dan- 
 gerous to anybody. For young men they have both appeared 
 to be uncommonly craven and avaricious.” After alluding to 
 the jealousies existing in Quincy, in regard to the work, he 
 suggested to Mr. McCormick that it was “ descending too much 
 for you to ask them anything about the work, as it only flatters 
 their vanity to be taken notice of, and you must perceive that 
 you would not get a favorable opinion at any rate. Our affairs 
 are always open to examination and if there is anything wrong, 
 it might be easily found out by the personal inspection of the 
 president, yourself or Mr. Rogers.” In allusion to this matter, 
 Mr. Stevens immediately wrote him, “ You need give yourself 
 ho uneasiness as to the effect of any impression made by. what 
 discharged men say about your work. We leave the manage- 
 ment of the quarry with great confldence to you — at all times.” 
 
 The Avork Avas completed in December, 1841, having been in 
 progress five years and four months. It was a great and very 
 costly enterprise, and owing to the depression in mercantile 
 affairs which occurred during the progress of the work, the 
 company became greatly embarrassed. When the affairs were 
 finally settled, a considerable amount was found to be due to 
 Mr. Willard and his Avorkmen, but all were finally paid, Mr. 
 Willard and others, receiving for their claims the neAv five per 
 cent, bonds issued by the company. 
 
 Mr. Willard made seven or eight visits to New York while 
 the Avork Avas going on, and no doubt gave Mr. Rogers much 
 
MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 237 
 
 valuable assistance in his plans. His memorandum of personal 
 expenses at this time affords an insight to his methods and an 
 idea of the cost of travel and the expense of commodities, as 
 compared with the present time. The cost of a journey to and 
 from New York, in 1837, in his prudent way, was twenty-five 
 dollars. In 1842, the items of expense for the same journey 
 are recorded as follows : Fare from Quincy to Boston, 37 ; din- 
 ner, 33 ; fare to New Y'^ork, 2.50 ; supper, 50 ; breakfast, 50 ; 
 blacking boots, 12; board at Holt’s, 1.50; fare back, 3.00; 
 supper, 50 ; lunch and fare to Quincy, 90- — -total, ^10.22. — 
 Personal expenses of most kinds were about half what they have 
 been for same years past, while the expenses of travelling have 
 been in most cases largely reduced and the facilities propor- 
 tionably increased. 
 
 The following is a specimen of charges among his entries : — 
 
 Paid for -, court fees 25 ; justice fees 90 ; lent him $ 5 . — 
 
 Among the other items are subscriptions for several new roads, 
 for the public library, contributions to various individuals and 
 to various laudable purposes — all showing his interest in public 
 and charitable objects and his readiness to contribute some- 
 thing to each. 
 
238 
 
 MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 CHAPTER XXXIII. 
 
 THE STONE BUSINESS — MR. WILLARD AS A FARMER. 
 
 The objects and purposes for which Mr. Willard avowedly 
 engaged in the stone business, naturally excited the opposition 
 and ill-will of all who were previously in it, and it is not 
 strange that they should endeavor to keep up the prices of their 
 work to a profit standard; not by any direct “combination,” 
 as he supposed, but by a common personal interest. They 
 looked upon his course with jealousy and suspicion, and his 
 proceedings as inimical to them, and no doubt said harsh things 
 about him. Yet he did nothing but what he believed he had a 
 clear right to do and would be justified in doing. He was 
 honest almost “ to a fault,” and did not consider that a wrong 
 done to himself might be an injury to another. Moralists may 
 say no man has a right to do work for another without reason- 
 able compensation, for thereby he enriches the party for whom 
 he labors at the expense of those who obtain their living in the 
 particular branch of business to which the work performed per- 
 tains. It probably never occurred to Mr. Willard that in fur- 
 nishing granite to builders at the prime cost, derived from an 
 average, he was doing a wrong to those engaged in the same 
 business who were dependent upon a reasonable profit on their 
 labor ; yet it might have been so. 
 
 Not seeing the matter in this light, Mr. Willard continued 
 his efforts to increase the demand for granite, expecting that all 
 
MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 239 
 
 parties would find their interest ultimately in small profits upon 
 large sales, and in this view doubtless his proceedings were jus- 
 tifiable. The success of his eiForts, — his almost alone, — in 
 introducing the free use of granite as a building material, as 
 seen in the public buildings of Boston, New York, Philadelphia, 
 and other cities ; in the dry docks of Charlestown and Norfolk ; 
 in churches, cemeteries and other large public structures — all 
 subsequent to the commencement of the monument — is the in- 
 contestible evidence of his sagacity and foresight. The opening 
 of the Bunker Hill quarry led to the discovery and opening of 
 other quarries, caused the building of the first raikoad in the 
 country, and gave an impulse to business which has adorned our 
 cities with a class of splendid and substantial buildings, both 
 public and private, which for durability and beauty, are wholly 
 unsurpassed. In no part of the world, we believe, is a more 
 excellent material to be found ; and hard and heavy as the 
 blocks are, they are new worked and handled with a facility 
 which Mr. Willard foresaw, and by his inventions did so much 
 to attain. 
 
 In 1841, commencing before the New York Exchange was 
 completed, he furnished the stone for the Merchants’ Exchange 
 in Boston, which was also the work of Mr. Rogers. The tall 
 plain and fluted pilasters in the front of this building are much 
 the largest in Boston, and were raised into position by means 
 of screws. The corner pilasters are forty-one feet eight inches 
 in height, six feet wide and weigh about fifty-five tons. The 
 emblem of commerce and navigation, forming the centre-piece 
 in the front elevation, — an engaged globe, showing parallels, 
 meridians and ecliptic, surmounted by the American eagle, with 
 cornucopias of productions and coin resting upon bales below, 
 and projecting from behind the globe, at the sides, a ship’s mast, 
 trident, anchor, and caduceus — although wrought by a stone-cut- 
 ter nearly a quarter of a century ago, is still the most elaborate 
 piece of granite sculpture in the city, and though it has been 
 harshly criticised, was considered to be well done for the time 
 
240 
 
 MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 and the material. The art was in its infancy, and it is but re- 
 cently that higher achievements have been accomplished. 
 
 In 1841-2, and more or less subsequently, Mr. Willard 
 was occupied in the superintendence of the work on the> 
 monument, as already related in these pages. During this time 
 the work on the “ two Exchanges” was completed. 
 
 But Mr. Willard began to feel that he had completed his 
 experiments and was satisfied with the results, and he did not 
 care to continue any longer in the business, — not even now to 
 make money, Avhich, in his mode of life, ivithout a family, he 
 did not need. Applications to him were therefore declined, or 
 turned over to other parties. In February, 1842, he wrote, — 
 “ I have never intended to remain permanently in Quincy. The 
 principal Avork, — the monument, — that led me to this place 
 sixteen years ago, is nearly finished, besides the tAvo Exchanges, 
 Avhich have incidentally come in. I have made no further ar- 
 rangements ; but, as the times are unfavorable for disposing 
 of what I have in Quincy, I may be detained for some time 
 to come.” Notwithstanding these remarks, it appears that Mr. 
 Willard and Mr. Rogers, only a month previous took a lease of 
 the Wigwam Quarry of Mr. Belknap, for five years. We pre- 
 sume that this Avas mainly Mr. Rogers’s transaction, as Mr. 
 Willard enters the payment of the tax upon the quarry in this 
 wise; “Paid Mr. Rogers’s tax for ledge, $16, made out to 
 A. E. Belknap.” 
 
 He interested • himself, however, in the afiairs of the toAvn, 
 of which he had been a citizen since 1825, and superin- 
 tended the erection of a School House, in 1842, giving the 
 land to the toAvn, and of a Town House, in 1844, both neat and 
 substantial buildings of native granite. 
 
 Mr. Willard also laid out and publicly opened the Hall Cem- 
 etery, in the neighborhood of the quarry, doing much of the 
 work with “ his OAvn hands, without money and Avithout price.” 
 In this cemetery, a few years later, he raised the Rejected 
 Column, above-mentioned, intended for the Neiv York Exchange. 
 
MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 241 
 
 It was removed by himself and four men, with the aid of his 
 machinery, a distance of more than forty rods, and erected in 
 the centre of the cemetery, as a monument, and it forms a most 
 conspicuous and impressive object in the grounds. A suitable 
 foundation was prepared for this remarkable shaft, which was 
 erected as left by the workmen, and Mr. Willard deposited 
 in its top a complete set of stone cutter’s tools. It is about the 
 same height and somewhat heavier than the finished columns. 
 It is still a matter of surprise that he was able to move 
 and raise a column of over thirty tons weight with the small 
 force he had. The land for the cemetery was given by Mr. 
 James Hall, at Mr. Willard’s solicitation. Mr. Hall was a 
 very wealthy man, — a bachelor, — and had unbounded faith in 
 ]\Ir. Willard. After the cemetery was laid out, Mr. Willard 
 suggested to him that an iron fence for the front was needed. 
 He inquired what it would cost. Mr. Willard replied, “about 
 a thousand dollars,” and Mr. Hall, jocosely remarking, “you 
 have got the land and now you want money,” gave him the 
 desired amount. 
 
 Harboring, it would seem, some vague ideas of change of 
 place, or possibly of resuming his profession, j\Ir. Willard still 
 continued a citizen of Quincy, although simply a boarder in a 
 private family. Without the slightest ambition for position, and 
 no desire for wealth, or taste for display, he did not engage in 
 any business or professional pursuit for either purpose. What 
 property he had, besides some notes and bonds, was located in 
 Quincy, capable of use and improvement and requiring his at- 
 tention. Haturally enough, — for he could not be an idler any- 
 where, — he gradually fell into the pursuit of an amateur far- 
 mer and occupied himself in the cultivation and improvement of 
 his land. He bought agricultural books, subscribed for agri- 
 cultural newspapers, became, somewhat later, a member of the 
 Norfolk County Agricultural Society, and went very system- 
 atically into the study and practice of the art. The occupation 
 was not entirely new to him : he had worked in his early years 
 31 
 
242 
 
 MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 upon his father’s farm in Petersham, and had “dabbled” a little 
 in agriculture while engaged in working the quarry. In 1839, 
 as if the matter had been already talked about, Mr. McCormick 
 sent him the famous new potatoe of that time, the “ Rohan,” — 
 one of which, he said, “will produce a barrel,” — a feat in 
 agriculture which coopers or grammarians must regard as mar- 
 vellous. The “ Red Dutch” and “Pine Apple,” though new, 
 Avere thought to be inferior, as they cost only half the price, — 
 fifteen dollars per bushel, — of the “ Rohans.” Mr. Willard 
 Avrote to his correspondent that “oAving to previous engagements 
 in other directions, his experiments in the farming line Avould be 
 necessarily fcAV this season. I intend, hoAvever, to take partic- 
 ular care of the ‘ murphys’ sent, in order to give a good account 
 of them at the end of the year.” It is just possible that this 
 “ good account of them” may be found in the proceedings of the 
 Norfolk County Society, but we doubt if he ever sent any such 
 account to his correspondent. 
 
 It is not probable that either Mr. Willard’s speculations or 
 experiments in agriculture, at this time, Avere of any particular 
 value ; and Ave have not found among his papers any statement 
 of their results, or any account of sales of produce. We pre- 
 sume his operations Avere not very extensive, though they 
 served to occupy his mind and engage his interest. Pie may 
 have entered more zealously into the business in later years, 
 Avhen he sought to interest others, and especially the young, in 
 the art, by appropriating small portions of his land to their 
 use and encouraging them to cultivate it for their own benefit, 
 Avhile he in fact Avas desirous of cultivating in them hal)its of 
 labor and industry — buying off the rude and indolent boys that 
 they should not molest the Avorkers. 
 
MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 243 
 
 CHAPTER XXXIV. 
 
 INTRODUCTION OF GRANITE AND MACHINERY. 
 
 We have only incidentally mentioned, or briefly spoken of, 
 Mr. Willard’s efforts to introduce granite as a building material 
 and at the same time to improve the prevailing style of archi- 
 tecture. Mr. Willard felt persuaded that an improvement in 
 the material for building purposes, so decided as that which he, 
 in fact, had introduced, would gradually effect a change in the 
 style of building and in the general architecture of the times. 
 Granite, as a building material, excepting in a few instances 
 and those mostly under Mr. Willard’s superintendence, had 
 been used in small pieces, or blocks of moderate size, for cellar 
 walls, underpinning, posts, lintels, &c. ; and his first measure 
 was to introduce the material in large blocks, such as were in 
 themselves massive and durable — which, as he saw at once, 
 would absolutely necessitate changes in the style of architecture 
 and in the character of public buildings, stores and other sub- 
 stantial structures.* A good deal of feeling was manifested when 
 he determined that such blocks should be provided for the 
 Bunker Hill Monument, because no one of the dealers in stone 
 was prepared to furnish them — neither to quarry them, to 
 
 * A sample of the small blocks may be seen in the front of Saint Paul’s 
 Church, Boston, and of larger ones in the United States’ Court House, (foi-- 
 merly the Masonic Temple,) on the adjoining premises ; and'both together, the 
 large above the small, make an awkward appearance in the Navy Yard wall, 
 on Chelsea street, in Charlestown. 
 
244 
 
 JUEMOIll OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 manipulate or to transport them. The means to do these things 
 had to be created, and in consequence of his unchangeable de- 
 termination, his enterprise and inventive genius, the}'’ were cre- 
 ated and his purpose fully accomplished. It was found to be 
 practicable to get such blocks out of the new quarry, as Avell as 
 out of boulders, and they were got out, wrought and transport- 
 ed to Charlestown, by means prepared for the purpose. The 
 effect was just what Mr. Willard supposed it would be upon 
 the style of buildings required in the city, and finally in other 
 cities, and in distant parts of the country, where our superb 
 granite at this day finds a market. Evidence is not wanting — 
 and is, in fact, so abundant in Avbat we every day witness as not 
 to need suggestion — of Mr. Willard’s foresight and skill in this 
 matter. As the civil engineer under whose superintendence the 
 government dry docks of Norfolk and Charlestown were built, 
 proposed to construct Bunker Hill Monument of small blocks, 
 it is probable that similar material Avould have been used for 
 those Avorks except for the success Avhich attended Mr. Willard’s 
 efforts in introducing large blocks for the monument. 
 
 The following are the remarks of Mr. Willard on this subject, 
 published by him after the completion of the monument : — 
 
 “ There are other important considerations, connected with 
 these experiments, however, and advantages groAving out of 
 them — only secondary to the main purpose ; namely, the effect 
 they have had in improving the style of building, and the taste 
 in architecture, by the introduction of a building material not 
 before in use ; and showing that it can be Avorked into any 
 moulded or ornamental form required, for the exterior of the 
 best structures, and at a reasonable rate. And thereby having 
 supplied a desideratum which had always existed, until the com- 
 mencement of these experiments. 
 
 “ A strongly marked improvement in taste, and in construc- 
 tion, immediately folloAved the commencement of this Avork ; as 
 will be obvious on vieAving the public structures Avhich have 
 
MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 245 
 
 been erected since that time. Improvement in construction may 
 be noticed in the Dry Docks in Charlestown and Norfolk, exe- 
 cuted soon after the commencement of our work. And many of 
 the buildings recently erected in Boston and New York, will 
 show improvement in architectural taste, and mechanical execu- 
 tion. And particularly the Astor House and Exchange, in 
 New York, and the Tremont House,* Exchange, and Custom 
 House, in Boston. A change for the better may also be seen 
 in the recent blocks of stores of which the same material forms 
 an essential part. 
 
 “ In a pecuniary point of view these experiments have also 
 been advantageous. In estabhshing the credit of a new build- 
 ing material it created a new demand ; and consequently, a 
 business has grown out of them since the work was commenced ; 
 and, in a space of a few square miles, amounting, as estimated, 
 to three millions of dollars, which would not otherwise have 
 been done at these quarries, and of which the work on the 
 obelisk is but about one- thirtieth part.” 
 
 Mr. Dearborn, in his “ Boston Notions,” mentions thirty or 
 forty new blocks of stores and single buildings, all of granite or 
 of granite fronts, one of which (the store of the late Benjamin 
 Boring, on State street,) was erected in 1823 ; another, (of the 
 late Andrew J. Allen, on State street,) erected in 1827 ; the 
 Masonic Temple, (U. S. Court House,) and a granite block on 
 
 * The Tremont House was built in 1828 — the corner-stone having been 
 laid on the 4th of July, by Samuel T. Armstrong, President of the Massachu- 
 setts Charitable Mechanic Association. The stone was hammered at the State 
 Prison, under the direction of Mr. Samuel Lawrence. The ornamental pai’ts of 
 the entablature, the facade and the portico, were executed by Mr. Samuel R. 
 Johnson, of Charlestown. The Tremont House was one of the earliest of the 
 first class hotels in the country. The inscription under the corner-stone says — 
 “ A desire to promote the welfiire and to contribute to the embellishment of 
 their native city led the Proprietors, Thomas Handasyde Perkins, James Per- 
 kins, Andrew Eliot Belknap, William Harvard Eliot, and Samuel Atkins Eliot 
 to undertake this work.” 
 
246 
 
 MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 Washington street, erected in 1831 ; a block on Washington 
 street, in 1832 ; Ainorj Hall Block, 1835 ; Lawrence Block, 
 Milk street, 1844 ; the Cruft, Oregon, Quincy, and Brooks 
 Blocks, in Pearl street, in 1845-6 and 1847 ; Bowdoin and 
 Morton Blocks, Milk street, 1845 ; Old South Block, 1845 ; 
 Horticultural Hall, on the site of the present Parker House, in 
 School street, 1844 ; Sewall Block, Milk street, and Sanford 
 Block, Franklin street, 1846 ; and many more during the last 
 twenty years, — all, excepting the first mentioned, were erected 
 subsequently to the commencement of the work on the monu- 
 ment, and most of them after its completion. 
 
 After the blocks were split off from the ledge, means were 
 required to raise them and to transport them, and these, as we 
 have said, had to be invented and constructed, as no machinery 
 equal to the purpose and otherwise reliable, was then in use. — 
 The hoisting apparatus, which w’as first required, was provided 
 by Mr. Almoran Holmes, and respecting it and him Ave may 
 safely adopt the honest, generous and feeling language of Mr. 
 Willard, who knew and appreciated him : 
 
 “ Holmes’s Hoisting Apparatus. This was used for setting 
 the first fifty-five thousand feet of the gi’anite in the obelisk.* 
 This apparatus, with various modifications to adapt it to differ- 
 ent purposes, appears to have been the original invention of IMr. 
 Almoran Holmes, of Boston. He was a practical seaman, and 
 a bold and skilful hand in this department of engineering. He 
 had recently given his attention to the different kinds of ma- 
 chinery required for the hoisting of heavy weights, and, from 
 his early training, Avas well prepared to direct in all difficult 
 cases, and particularly where rope purchases were required. — 
 He finally lost his life by a casualty Avhich occurred at Long 
 
 * All the remaining stone were hoisted by steam power ; and tlie same 
 power was used, for more than a year after the completion of the monument, to 
 carry visitors to tlie top, passing up througli the cone. 
 
MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 247 
 
 Wharf, in Boston, in lowering a diving-bell. He had the entire 
 charge of contriving the apparatus and hoisting the first thirty- 
 six thousand feet of granite iir the obelisk ; but, previous to 
 the recommencement of the work in 1834, the fatal accident 
 occurred, which deprived the association and the public of his 
 invaluable services. 
 
 “ This hoisting apparatus is remarkable for its compass, and 
 the ease and grace with which it performs its work. With a 
 gafiF or arm, of fifty feet, it will command a circle of one hun- 
 dred feet in diameter. It will take a weight at the point of the 
 gaff and land the same at any part of the outer circle ; or on 
 any point of a concentric circle, until it arrives at the foot of the 
 derrick, and vice versa. It is consequently well adapted to 
 buildings of magnitude, in setting the stone work ; and for 
 wharves, and other places of deposit, in stowing the materials in 
 • the most compact manner; and reloading them when wanted. — 
 This apparatus, with some variations, has come into general 
 use, and is so well contrived for the purpose intended, as to 
 leave little to be wished for, in regard to apparatus for hoisting. 
 
 “ Something of the kind is said to have been used at the Bell- 
 Rock light-house, for setting the stone work; and it is quite 
 possible that this apparatus, and indeed every other modern in- 
 vention for the purpose of hoisting, may have been in use before. 
 The great works of the ancients that have come down to us, 
 prove that they must have had an apparatus of great power of 
 some kind ; and it seems quite probable that this, as well as 
 other inventions of modern times, may have been repeatedly 
 invented and lost, within the last four thousand years.”* 
 
 Other machinery was required for the handling, lifting and 
 hauling of the large blocks of granite from the Bunker Hill 
 ledge, for the monument, and the still heavier blocks which were 
 
 * A part of this apparatus is seen in the engraving representing the first 
 course and corner-stone of the monument. 
 
248 
 
 MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 subsequently required, from ten tons to a hundred tons, or even 
 to one hundred and fifty tons measurement. This machinery 
 was furnished by Mr. Willard, and we copy his brief and un- 
 pretending account of it, with the illustrations and e.xplanations 
 given by him : — 
 
 “ The Lifting .Jack has been found to be a useful machine 
 for turning heavy blocks of stone. It is a compact and power- 
 ful machine, calculated for hard service, and, for some purposes, 
 seems to be better adapted than any other power. It consists of 
 a rack, and one or more wheels and pinions, according to the 
 power required. 
 
 “ Something of the kind has been in use from the earliest 
 times ; but was not used in the granite business until the work 
 on the monument was commenced. Those in use were con- 
 structed for other purposes, and not adapted to hard service. — 
 They were generally made of thin plates of iron, bolted to a 
 large stock of wood, having a feeble rack, and without proper 
 boxes for gudgeons. They were also weak and of I'ude work- 
 manship, and, when put to hard service, either broke or wore 
 down and out of gear in a short time. 
 
 “ In order to adapt it to hard service, thicker plates were 
 used, and these plates were screwed to a hoop of iron. This 
 iron hoop extended to the foot of the jack, and the foot was 
 bolted on, giving the whole a firm hearing on the ground ; a 
 piece of wood was bolted between the sides, leaving a groove for 
 the sliding of the rack. 
 
 “ It Avas considered important that the best of materials should 
 be used, in order to obtain the greatest strength, with the least 
 weight. And, consequently, the whole was made of the best of 
 Avrought iron and cast steel, except the boxes, wdiich were 
 of bronze, or composition. The rack and the Avheels were of 
 Avrought iron, and the pinions of cast steel. 
 
 “ The Pulling Jack. This jack is constructed much like 
 that for lifting ; but is always in a horizontal position. The 
 
MEMOIR OF SOLOMON AFILLARD. 
 
 249 
 
 crank pinion is extended two or three feet, and turned by four 
 arras about three feet long. The rack has a claw at the end to 
 receive a chain, which may be led to places which are inaccessi- 
 ble, and dangerous for using the common jack. It is a power- 
 ful and convenient purchase for canting and hauling out heavy 
 blocks of stone. 
 
 The power of the one used is about ten tons ; but, by the 
 addition of a shieve, the power is nearly doubled — amounting 
 to twenty tons. If more is necessary, it is obtained by adding 
 another jack. This machine was contrived and first used at 
 the Bunker Hill quarry. 
 
 “ The Hoisting Apparatus was contrived at the Bunker Hill 
 quarry and first used in loading a large mass of the granite 
 for the obelisk. It is calculated for raising weights too heavy 
 for shears, or derricks, and has been found convenient for loading 
 any stone from five to fifty, or even sixty tons in weight. A 
 horse, or timber frame, is set over the stone to be raised, sup- 
 porting a screw and nut. A chain from the weight, leads to a 
 shackle, which is connected with the screw. The nut is then 
 turned round by long arms, and the weight raised to a proper 
 height for the carriage to pass under it, and ivhen properly ad- 
 justed, the weight is lowered to its bearings. 
 
 “ For blocks of granite of great length, such as columns and 
 pilasters, &c., two horses and screws were used. In unloading 
 the same, the apparatus ivas placed over them, and the weight 
 raised sufficiently to clear the carriage. The carriage Avas then 
 draAvn out, and the Aveight loAvered to the ground. Many hun- 
 dreds of loads have been raised in this Avay Avithout accident, 
 and with facility and economy.” 
 
 These several machines are still in use at the quarries, gigan- 
 tic specimens of Holmes’s derrick, towering over the ledges, 
 being the most conspicuous objects in West Quincy. 
 
 32 
 
250 
 
 .MEMOIll OF SOLOJION WILLAllD. 
 
 CHAPTER XXXV. 
 
 CLOSINC LAIJOIIS OF BIR. WILLARO’s LIFE — HIS DEATH. 
 
 Mr. Willard continued to reside in Quincy, and gradually 
 gave up all idea of leaving the neigliborliood. It can hardly be 
 said that he continued to do business as heretofore, or if so, it 
 was only for a short time. His book concerning the monument, 
 was published in 1843, and that had occupied some of his time, 
 and gave much satisfaction to his friends. 
 
 He had furnished the first granite paving stones ever used in 
 Boston, laid in front of the Tremont House : they have been 
 since a good deal used and are still made in quantities at the 
 ledges in Quincy. He had also furnished the working plans 
 and stone, for the astronomical observatory at Cambridge, de- 
 signed by Mr. Rogers. Mr. Willard's method of planning the 
 foundation and support for the great refractor, of heavy granite 
 blocks, in the form of an inverted cone, was thought to be a 
 very ingenious and successful piece of work. In 1848-4, he 
 attended Mr. Glidden’s lectures, at the Lowell Institute, and 
 studied Egyptian antiquities. In ’44, he furnished the stone 
 for a Savings’ Bank building, in New York, and superintended 
 the erection of the Town House, in Quincy — and these were 
 among the last of his engagements. He sold his tools and pur- 
 chased farming inqdements ; sold his lot at Mount Auburn and 
 took one in the Hall Cemetery ; sold some of his real estate. 
 
MEMOIR OF SOLOMON MILLARD. 
 
 2,51 
 
 and, (after the interest on his Exchange Bonds failed.) support- 
 ed himself on the proceeds. 
 
 For a year or two after the building of the Town House, he 
 Avas interested and enD-aged in the erection of a School House, 
 in the village Avhich he had done so much to create. It is in 
 the centre of the population, on a broad plain almost hemmcd-in 
 by the ledges ; is a neat and handsome building, and the 
 remarkable circumstance about it is, that it is not constructed 
 of the substantial material so abundant in the vicinity. A good 
 deal of the Avork inside of the building Avas not only planned 
 but performed by Mr. Willard Avith great care and nicety, at his 
 OAvn expense. The Selectmen did him the justice to confer his 
 name upon the School. The Hall Cemetery and the Willard 
 School are in proximity to each other, Avhile the men Avhose 
 memories they are intended to perpetuate, long united in 
 friendly bands here, noAV rest side by side, and after a brief 
 separation, are again united in heaven. Mr. Willard died a 
 year or tAvo before his friend, although the youngest, and 
 Avas deposited in his tomb. 
 
 Before commencing the School House, IMr. Willard seems 
 to have been indisjiosed to undertake any Avork for money. 
 Unfortunately, perhaps, for a proper understanding of his life 
 at this time and subsequently, the papers Avhich he left at his 
 death, Avere scattered, and a portion of them destroyed by fire, 
 so that none of them hac'e been aA'ailable in Avritimr this memoir. 
 He Avas now about sixty years of age, Avithout a family to look 
 after, without any ambition to gratify, with no desire for office 
 or position, Avith no “entangling alliances,” and only himself 
 to support. He sometimes remarked that he could be rich 
 if he Avished to be, but he did not Avant money. He might 
 have left a “ lai-ge fortune, but he had no aspirations for Avealth.’’ 
 With regard to resuming his profession, he undoubtedly felt 
 that he Avas now too fiir advanced in life to put himself into 
 competition AA’ith younger men. He was not inclined to be idle, 
 but rather disposed to do something Avhich nobody else Avould 
 
252 
 
 MEMOIR OP SOLOMON AVILLARD. 
 
 think of or venture upon. He had already laid out and oj en^ 
 od upon his ovn land two or three new roads or streets, Avithout 
 any cost to the town, and his attention Avas again turned in that 
 direction. The enterprise Avhich he began, and Avorked upon 
 almost up to the hour of his death, Avas the building of a road 
 from the village, near the ledges, to the “ neAv state,” tOAvards 
 Milton. This road Avould open to easy access several hundred 
 acres of valuable Avoodland, belonging to the Adams and the 
 Qubicy estates, and, as Mr. Willard thought, Avould at once 
 double the value of the Avood. It may Avell be supposed that 
 the i)roprietors of those extensive lands Avere Avilling that Mr. 
 Willard should build a road into them. 
 
 This Avas the last labor in AA'hich he eimaned. He undertook 
 it alone, and AVorked alone, Avithout the expectation or hope of 
 rcAvard, Avithout tlie stimulant of fame, present or to come, but 
 simply from the habit of industry and the desire to accomplish 
 something useful, no matter hoAV much labor Avas required to do 
 it. The road Avas to be tAvo or three miles in length, Avhen 
 completed, ranging through the Avoods, over hills and Amllies, 
 crags and ledges, across SAvamps and meadoAVS, and amongst 
 entanglements almost insurmountable by buman effort. One of 
 the head quarrymen, accustomed to rugged Avork in a rough 
 country, Avent over the route Avith the bold explorer, on one oc- 
 casion, and declares the undertaking the severest experience 
 of the kind in his life. Nothing Avovlld induce him to at- 
 tempt the same route back, and he still considers it Avonderful 
 that they esca,ped Avithout breaking any of their limbs. 
 
 Mr. Willard labored upon this Avork unflinchingly, as if he 
 meant to accomplish it, and he Avould haAm accomplished it, had 
 his life been spared. He felt so confident of this, though it 
 AA’ould have occupied him for scA'cral years, that he had actu- 
 ally projected and partially surveyed another similar road of 
 a’reater length in a different direction. He Avas devoted to his 
 AVork, manifesting the same indomitable spirit he had displayed 
 in the building of the monument ; and for the first time, in the 
 
MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 253 
 
 hearing of his fi'iencls, at the end of his last day’s labor, ad- 
 mitted that he was tired. When the scene of his woi’k was 
 visited, after his death, great surprise ivas expressed at the ex- 
 tent and severe character of the labor he had performed during 
 the day. It was considered almost incredible that some of the 
 rocks moved by him could have been moved by one man. No 
 further progress has been made on the road. 
 
 Mr. Willard’s habits were very regular, and it had been for 
 years his custom to rise early in the morning and retire at the 
 unfashionable hour of nine o’clock in the evening. Although 
 considerably fatigued with his day’s work, . on the twenty- 
 sixth of February, 1861, he retired apparently in his usual 
 state of health, and not the slightest apprehension was felt in 
 the family concerning him. The only remark made during the 
 evening relating to himself was, that “he did not feel very well 
 and had probably worked too hard.” He arose and came from 
 his room at about the usual hour, the next morning, Wednesday 
 the twenty-seventh, and while Avaiting for breakfast, talked of 
 the state of the country and the then impending Avar. Six of 
 the States had at this time passed the ordinance of secession ; 
 forts, arsenals, mints and navy yards had been seized, and the 
 confederate convention Avas engaged in preparing a constitution 
 in the interest of rebellion and slavery. Mr. Willard, at this 
 early time, seems to have feared the success of the rebels, and 
 Avas apprehensive that tlie Bunker Hill Monument, to complete 
 A\liich he had sacrificed so much, AA'Ould be destrojmd by them. 
 Those Avho Avere Avith him declare that he Avas so much afiected 
 by this thought that he shed tears as he spoke. Mr. Samuel 
 Ela, AAuth AA'hom iMr. Willard boarded, and Avho Avas one of his 
 reliable men in the Monument and Exchange Avork, told him he 
 thought it Avould all come out right m the end, and that he need 
 not trouble himself about it at present. 
 
 Soon after this conversation, breakfast Avas announced to be 
 ready and Mr. Willard, Mr. Ela and an jther Avho was present, 
 proceeded to the brcakfast-i-oom ; but as iMr. Willard Avas mov- 
 
254 
 
 xMEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 ing his chair and about to sit down at the table, he fell sideways 
 upon the lloor, in apople.x;3^, and never spoke again. A physic- 
 ian was sent for, Imt before he reached the house, Mr. Willard 
 had breatlied Ids last, living only about twenty minutes after he 
 was placed upon his bed. 
 
 ]\Ir. Willard’s sudden death, without any previous sickness in 
 his life, produced a deep sensation in the town, and the whole 
 community felt that they had lost a friend and one of their most 
 estimable citizens. He was known by everybody as an earnest, 
 public spirited, unselfish man, and in various ways a benefactor 
 to the town. The death of no other man in Quincy would have 
 more generally or more deeply stirred the hearts of the people. 
 Their love and respect for him was manifested on the occasion 
 of his funeral : all the work at the various ledges was suspend- 
 ed ; the bells of the town were tolled ; the schools dismissed and 
 the children formed in procession ; a band of music was present 
 on the occasion and every mark of consideration and respect 
 Avhich was practicable with the town authorities and the people, 
 was bestowed upon him. Ilis name was given to one of the 
 ledges, and his memory will ever be green among the people 
 who have been benefitted by his labors. One of his townsmen* 
 says of him, “ he combined as many virtues in his character as 
 often falls to the lot of one man. If ‘ an honest man’ is ‘ the 
 noblest work of God,’ he Avas that man. His conscientiousness 
 Avas remarkable, but his benevolence knew no bounds. His de- 
 sire to do good to all around him Avas the theme of his Avhole 
 life. He had not an enemy in Quincy — all Avho kneAV him 
 honored and loved him. The name of Solomon Willard Avill 
 never be forgotten here. Like all men of good deeds, he Avas 
 diligent in every good Avork to the last. 
 
 “ It may be said of him that he daily Avent about doing good. 
 I never knew a more disinterested man than he Avas ; selfishness 
 
 * Dr. AV. B. Duggan. 
 
MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 25d 
 
 formed no part of his character. lie had a fine mind and was 
 a devoted lover of science. His conversational powers were 
 pleasing and instructive. He was well read in Geology, and 
 latterly, in agricultural science. But the prominent business 
 ti'ait in his character was mechanical genius. 
 
 “ He Avas a donor to the toivn in many instances. The gran- 
 ite engine-house lot, a part of the school-house lot, and many 
 neiv avenues through his land, Avere public gifts from Mr. Wil- 
 lard. At the first mention of any public improvement, he Avas 
 the first to offer his counsel and services. 
 
 “ In all the relations of life, he was just, pleasing in man- 
 ners and divested of all ostentation, havino; a good Avord for 
 every person he met. His society Avas ahvays attractive and he 
 left a good impression on the hearts of all who knew him. 
 
 The brightest gem in his character Avas charity and good Avill 
 to men. 
 
 “I never kneAV his theological views. His life aaws one so 
 virtuous and good, he AA'as certainly a practical Christian. Ma- 
 ny years before his death, he selected a piece of land, covered 
 by a beautiful grove, through Avhich coursed a silver stream of 
 brook-water, designing to erect on this lovely retreat a chapel 
 for the Avorship of God. He gave it the name of Chapel Lot. 
 
 “ The little children of his neighborhood loA^ed him as a 
 father. In their pastimes, he Avhose head Avas covered Avith the 
 snoAvs of nearly four score years, advised and counselled Avith 
 them. On the return of each vernal period, he Avould select 
 small sites of his land as garden lots, for any little boys to cul- 
 ti\'ate as they might choose, often assisting them in their labors.” 
 
256 
 
 lAIEMOIR OF SOLOMON ’WILLARD. 
 
 CHAPTER XXXAH. 
 
 PERSONAL APPEARANCE AND CHARACTER OF MR. ’\YILLARD. 
 
 From wliat has been already said in these pages of Mr. Wil- 
 lard’s life and labors, a toleral)ly accurate idea of his character 
 as a man is readily to be inferred. He ’\vas ever thoughtful, 
 studious and industrious ; thinking about matters which other 
 people overlooked or neglected, and seeking to fill his mind with 
 knowledge that could at some time be made available. From 
 his habit of thinking, and his making a practical use of the 
 knowledge he obtained, he e.xcmplified the truth of Cowper’s 
 Avell-known lines : — 
 
 “ Knowledge and Wisdom, far from bein gone 
 Have ofttimes no couuectiou. Knowdedge dwells 
 In heads replete wdth thoughts of other men ; 
 
 AVisdom in minds attentive to their own. 
 
 Knowledge — a rude unprofitable mass, 
 
 The mere materials with which AA^isdom builds, 
 
 ’Till smoothed and squared and fitted to its place, 
 
 Does but encumber whom it seems to enrich. 
 
 Knowdedge is proud that he has learned so much ; 
 
 AVisdom is humble that he knows no more.” 
 
 Mr. AVillard had learned much and was humble. 
 
 As boy and man, rvorkman and pupil, he was always seeking 
 improvement and endeavoring to qualify himself for some higher 
 service. Wdule ’with his father he served him dutifully and 
 
MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 257 
 
 faithfully up to the day of his freedom, using his leisure time 
 in his own improvement. The superfluities and luxuries of life, 
 and what others esteem as the luxury of idleness, had no at- 
 tractions for him. He was little disposed to “ recreate” for the 
 sake of recreation, or “indulge” merely for the pleasure of the 
 indulgence. He “ patronized” nothing that did not bring with 
 it some other advantage than mere gratification of passion or 
 desire. “ Dulce et utile,” was a rule ivith him, but utility was 
 his more general practice. Perhaps he carried his reserve and 
 self-restraint too far, but not to indulge in what others appeared 
 to enjoy was no deprivation to him. Abstinence was natural or 
 the result of preference : contemporary young men might prefer 
 to spend their evenings in amusement or gaming, while he made 
 use of his to gain admission to the Athenaeum, where he could 
 hold communion with the wise and learned of past and present 
 times, and make himself acquainted with the history of man 
 and his achievements. It might be supposed that his retired 
 and studious habits would lead to moroseness or perhaps to 
 misanthropy, but it did not do either in his case. He was 
 genial, cordial, and cheerful, in his way. 
 
 As a carpenter, carver, designer, architect, builder, and as a 
 teacher, Mr. Willard was among the first and best, and in some 
 of these pursuits was rather in advance of his time, The opin- 
 ions of those who knew him most intimately, and among these 
 some of the professional master mechanics and builders of the 
 present day, are all to the effect of that expressed by ]Mr. Carey, 
 in 1861, already quoted, who says, “ I haVe been acquainted 
 with nearly all of the principal artists and mechanics who have 
 resided in Boston, for the last fifty years, and I think I have 
 never known a man of greater original powers of mind, combin- 
 ed with uncommon practical skill in exequting, than Solomon 
 Willard.” 
 
 Mr. Willard’s habits were exemplary ; his indulgences, even 
 in innocent enjoyments, were very few. He did not find his 
 pleasure in what are considered the “ smaller vices,” and was no 
 33 
 
258 
 
 MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 “ faster” in his daily habits than in his daily ivalk. He seldom 
 visited places of amusement or recreation, and his invitations, 
 unless to lectures or where instruction was combined with enter- 
 tainment, were unaccepted. He appears to have been rigid in 
 tliese things, — not in the hope of reward, not in the austerity 
 of the bigot, not from any vain show or pretence of goodness, 
 but from principle, because he could find better employment, 
 more profitable to his thoughts, more congenial with his tastes, 
 more consonant with his reason and judgment. He preferred to 
 cultivate his higher nature, as a sentient being, without any 
 stringent theological notions, whatever he might have thought of 
 these. He followed the emphatic injunctions of Solomon, builder 
 and king, and sought wisdom as the highest good, ■ — as more 
 precious than gold, for he readily parted with his first earnings 
 for books and instruction. He sought at all times the develop- 
 ment and cultivation of his intellectual nature; and his life 
 shows that his moral and physical capacities were not neglected. 
 He desired to know and understand whatever pertained to his 
 profession or pursuits, and spared no effort, labor or cost, in the 
 accomplishment of that purpose. 
 
 Intellectually, therefore, though not an educated man, Mr. 
 Willard was a well developed man. He was a deep thinker and 
 careful reasoner upon subjects which he understood ; although, 
 of course, his writings lacked the finish of scholarly composi- 
 tions. It is a matter of regret, perhaps, that he allowed him- 
 self to become interested in so many pursuits instead of limiting 
 his efforts to some one of them. He did, in fact, for some years 
 previously to engaging in the erection of the monument and be- 
 coming interested in the stone business, confine himself .to archi- 
 tecture and considered that his profession. Had he persevered in 
 this pursuit, he would undoubtedly have excelled in some of its 
 branches, and especially in construction. He had good taste in 
 design, but both genius and skill in execution. Nevertheless, if 
 he made a mistake in leaving a profitable profession for a pur- 
 suit more onerous and undistinguished, the advantage has been 
 
MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 259 
 
 gained to the public in the introduction and use of a valuable 
 building material at reasonable cost. 
 
 Erom an examination of the papers and letters of Mr. Willard, 
 the conclusion is inevitable that he was not only an original, 
 scientific and skilful mechanic and artist, but that he was emi- 
 nently practical in the various departments of labor, improve- 
 ment and progress. His mind was ever active in suggestion and 
 invention — never yielding to obstacles or at a loss for means 
 and contrivances to overcome them. He was not only fertile in 
 originating ideas of improvement, but quick to adopt and follow 
 out the suggestions of others, and free to give praise or credit 
 where either was due. He was tenacious of his own claims and 
 modest in the presentation of them. 
 
 Mr. Willard was a man that could not be frivolous ; nonsense, 
 however essential it may be to some lives, or however necessary 
 to the equilibrium of things, was never a current coin with him. 
 There is a difference of natures in this respect — in what may 
 be called the unbending of the mind. Frivolity and nonsense, 
 where not constitutional, is one method, (sometimes it becomes 
 chronic) ; a meditative, perhaps we may say, a ruminating 
 habit, is another method ; others are found in any rational rec- 
 reation in which the mind is not kept at tension. Mr. Willard’s 
 mind, we should say, Avas rather meditative than speculative ; 
 thoughts and ideas could never be said to strike him — they 
 planted themselves in his mind by a process, as it were, and 
 grew there. On passing him in the street, instead of saying 
 he is thinking of something, you would be almost sure to say 
 he is going somewhere — so slow and inconspicuous were his 
 thoughts. When he did think, his ideas were practical, care- 
 fully considered and mature, and were not to be killed like 
 some other things which grow, by the first fi’ost. 
 
 In personal appearance, Mr. Willard was sedate, — almost 
 grave. This was his constant bearing, the garb in which he was 
 habited, the air in which he moved. The mantle of thoughtful- 
 ness seemed always to cover him, and this was manifest in his 
 
260 
 
 MEMOIR OF SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 gait as in his countenance. Physically he was a large man, tall 
 and stout and slow of movement. He never spoke quickly or 
 hastily but moderately, and knew well the advantage that des- 
 patch has over hurry. There is no record that on any occasion, 
 or for any purpose, he ever moved faster than his accustomed 
 walk ; but he moved steadily forward, and would probably walk 
 farther in the course of a day than most other men. One 
 thing was pretty certain, he would accomplish whatever he 
 intended to do, be it much or little. He was a moderatist in 
 all things, never doing extreme things or holding extreme opin- 
 ions ; yet strong in his feelings, firm in his convictions, probably 
 a little prejudiced, and very likely often dogmatical. Human 
 nature, however bestowed, is entitled to its weaknesses, and no 
 doubt Mr. Willard had his full share of these. He did much 
 in the way of intellectual discipline, — more or less required of 
 every man, — and kept his thoughts and passions subordinate 
 to his sense and judgment. He was one whose better nature 
 was always most apparent. 
 
 Mr. Willard can hardly be said to have been widely known. 
 He was known, when in the profession, by architects and artists, 
 and subsequently by quarrymen, stone-cutters and builders ; but 
 was little knoAvn personally to the public. In fact, in the latter 
 years of his life, he was in Boston only on occasions of especial 
 interest to himself The last time he was seen by the writer was 
 in September, 1860, at the Ninth Exhibition of the Mechanic 
 Association held that year. He spent his time in the quiet 
 hamlet of West Quincy, and latterly in a spot almost unvisited 
 by other men, and sought neither publicity or popularity. He 
 had qualified himself for a work and had accomplished it. 
 
 Some persons thought Mr. Willard was eccentric ; but Mr. 
 Everett said the only thing he knew of him that was eccentric 
 was his readiness to do anything for anybody for nothing. This 
 was his trait through life, and his later years, in a quiet and 
 unostentatious way, were almost entirely dedicated to the pub- 
 lic. The little village, in a retired part of which he lived, was 
 
MEMOIR OE SOLOMON WILLARD. 
 
 261 
 
 his field of labor, and its improvement and prosperity, his per- 
 sonal care. It is said that Washington was made childless that 
 he might be the “Father of his Country:” Mr. Willard, in 
 the same sense, having no family of his own, was father of the 
 village which had grown up fi:om the impulse which he had 
 given to the stone business. It was now his home, his pride 
 and his care. 
 
 It is a living and throbbing memorial of him, and his mem- 
 ory, within sound of the hammer and drill in its inexhaustible 
 quarries, can hardly be forgotten. The children of the town, 
 and their children’s children, will become familiar with his 
 name in the school house; the workmen will be reminded of 
 him by the machines which they use and the ledge which bears 
 his name, and all will recognize his work and his benevolence 
 in the Cemetery, where the “Rejected Column” rises with so 
 much massive grandeur, and is, in so many ways, significant of 
 him who placed it there. 
 
 Such was Solomon Willard, and such the service he rendered 
 to the public in his day and generation. He has left prominent 
 evidences of his ability and skill in invention and execution ; 
 of his industry, perseverance and public spirit ; of his generos- 
 ity, magnanimity and benevolence, and his name and memory 
 remain registered and enshrined in the hearts of the people 
 among whom he lived. One record more, in justice to him, 
 remains to be made : the duty of making that belongs to the 
 Bunker Hill Monument Association ; and it is to inscribe upon 
 one the blocks of granite in their monument, the name of 
 “ Solomon Willard, Architect.” 
 
APPENDIX — BEACON HILL MONUMENT. 
 
 263 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 BEACON HILL MONUMENT. 
 
 A Brief notice and description of Beacon Hill Monument will be 
 found on pages 31 and 32 of the present volume. The suggestion 
 there made respecting the rebuilding of this early historical memo- 
 rial of the Eevolution, has attained to practical importance by the 
 ready action of the Bunker Hill Monument Association. At its 
 annual meeting on the seventeenth of June, 1864, at which the 
 suggestion was presented, a committee was appointed to consider 
 the subject.* It is due to a member of that committee, Mr. Eobert 
 C. Winthrop, to say that, had the suggestion so distinctly made by 
 him in his classical and patriotic oration in aid of the Washington 
 Equestrian Statue, f been known to the writer, he would have taken 
 great pleasure in the previous pages in awarding to him the honor, 
 so justly his due, of first suggesting the rebuilding of this beau- 
 tiful column. As it is, simply claiming to have made the same 
 suggestion from a conviction of its propriety, we yield to him the 
 precedence, with the high satisfaction of knowing that we were 
 seconding the thought of a gentleman of so much intelligence in 
 history, so much fervor in patriotic feeling and so much taste and 
 appreciation in art. 
 
 The Beacon Hill Monument was erected “ by the voluntary con- 
 
 * William W. Wheildon, Eobert C. Winthrop, Frederic W. Lincoln, Wins- 
 low Lewis and J. Huntington Wolcott, Committee. 
 
 t “ An Address delivered in aid of the fund for Ball’s Equestrian Statue 
 of Washington, 13 May, 1859.” 
 
264 
 
 APPENDIX — WILLARD MEMOIR. 
 
 tributions of tbe citizens of Boston,” in 1790 ; and was undoubt- 
 edly the earliest public memorial intended “ to commemorate that 
 train of events which led to the American Eevolution, and finally 
 secured Liberty and Independence to the United States,” if not, in 
 fact, the first public monument erected in the country. The monu- 
 ment on Bunker Hill in memory of Gen. Warren, was erected in 
 1794; the monument in memory of the slain at Lexington, was 
 erected in 1799, at the expense of the Commonwealth. 
 
 Upon the application of the committee above mentioned, the 
 legislature has passed an act, April, 1865, authorizing the Bunker 
 Hill Monument Association to rebuild the Beacon Hill Monument, 
 on some suitable site to be selected and provided by them ; and 
 also to receive from the Commonwealth the original tablets or in- 
 scriptions, now in the doric hall of the State House, to be used in 
 the reconstruction of said monument. Under the auspices of this 
 patriotic association, it is to be hoped the Beacon Hill column will 
 be restored to the public in its original proportions. 
 
 WILLARD MEMOIR — LETTER TO THE PRESIDENT OE 
 THE MONUMENT ASSOCIATION. 
 
 Charlestown, July 10, 1861. 
 
 Dear Sir : The Committee appointed at the meeting of the Bun- 
 ker Hill Monument Association, on the 17th ult., to “prepare a 
 suitable notice of the late Solomon Willard,” find it impracticable 
 to prepare any sketch of his life and connection with the Bunker 
 Hill Monument which would be worthy of him, or creditable to the 
 Association, in season to be included in the pamphlet report of the 
 proceedings of the day, as contemplated by the vote of the Asso- 
 ciation. Mr. Willard was one of those men so common in the his- 
 tory of this country, and generally included in the term “ self-made 
 
APPENDIX — WILLARD MEJIDIR. 2G5 
 
 men,” haying hy his own industry and genius risen from the 
 mechanical profession in which he was bred, to prominence as an 
 artizan and architect ; and his life is an example of industry, per- 
 severance, self-instruction and skill. He was eminently careful, 
 cautious and reliable ; intelligent, ingenious, and devoted to what- 
 ever he undertook- to accomplish. His zeal and ardor and energy, 
 in connection with the commencement and progress of the Bunker 
 Hill Monument, were such as to constitute a marked feature of his 
 life, and lead the Committee to believe that it is due to his memory 
 and to the honor of the Association, that a more complete sketch of 
 his services, so liberally and earnestly rendered, than they arc now 
 able to present, should be iireserved among its memorials. To him 
 not less than to the noble, patriotic and generous men of his time, 
 who first and last engaged themselves in this great national enter- 
 prise, many of whom have passed to that future state of hopefulness 
 and reward promised to the faithful, is the country indebted today 
 for the monument which marks forever the first gaeat battle-field 
 of Liberty and Independence. Long may it stand, a proud memo- 
 rial, as it is, of patriotism and gratitude, indicating the spot, and 
 perpetuating the remembrance of deeds, upon which and through 
 which a nation was born and the rights of the people justified. 
 
 Very respectfully, 
 
 In behalf of the Committee, 
 
 AVM. AV. AVHEILDOH. 
 
 Hon. G. AVashingtox AA’ahrex, 
 
 President Bunker Hill Alonument A,ssociation. 
 
 34 
 
266 
 
 APPENDIX — FIRST REPORT OF COMMITTEE. 
 
 flEST EEPOKT OF THE COMMITTEE ON THE MEMOIE 
 OF SOLOMON MTLLAED. • 
 
 COMMITTEE : 
 
 MTLLIAM W. ■\VHFILDON, NATHANIEL COTTON, 
 
 FRED. II. STIMPSON, URIEL CROCKER, 
 
 AMOS A. LAWRENCE. 
 
 'JTie Committee, appointed on the seventeenth of June last, to 
 prepare a Memoir of the late Solomon Willard, Architect and 
 Superintendent of the Bunker Hill Monument, respectfully Ee- 
 PORT, in part, — 
 
 That they were wholly unable to prepare such Memoir in season 
 for publication in the pamphlet report of the ceremonies and 'pro- 
 ceedings of that day, as intended by the association, and accord-, 
 ingly so infonned the President, in a note of the 10th of July, 
 which is contained in the pamphlet referred to. 
 
 The Committee have had several meetings, and the members 
 have given such jiortious of time to the collection and prepa- 
 ration of material as they have been able to spare from other en- 
 gagements. In this service they have succeeded beyond their ex- 
 pectations, and find reasons, from the documents and facts which 
 have come to their knowledge, which not only justify the associa- 
 tion in the measure proposed, but seem to demand the service at 
 their hands. 
 
 The Committee believe that the purpose of biography, toward 
 eminent or prominent men, is not merely to do honor to the dead — 
 a cheap reward to them — but to afford examples of encouragement, 
 hopefulness, and character, to the youth of our country, who are so 
 frequently and so early in life compelled to rely upon their own 
 exertions for advancement anel success ; and, at the same time, to 
 give assurance that those efforts and that success, when attained 
 and resulting in benefits to the community, shall be properly 
 appreciated and duly honored. 
 
APPE>TDrX — FIRST REPORT OF COMMITTEE. 
 
 267 
 
 The- Committee are led to believe that in nothing which has yet 
 been given to the public, has reasonable justice been done to Mr. 
 Willard, and especially in relation to the great national structure 
 of which he was architect and patron, and to which he devoted, 
 with a zeal and interest which knew no fatigue or flagging, some of 
 the best years of his life, the only adequate compensation for which, 
 in lieu of any other reward, is to be found in the work itself. Nor 
 have his character and services, — the latter variously rendered in 
 this city and elsewhere, — ■ nor the means, self-inspired and self- 
 created, by which he was enabled to secure the one and perform 
 the other, ever been presented as they ought to be to the youth of 
 the country and to the consideration of the public judgment. Such 
 an example as his life affords, cordially attested by those who knew 
 him best, of untiring industry, unyielding faith and unimpeachable 
 integrity, in word and deed, — raising himself from the laborer to 
 the artist, — ought not to be lost ; and the Committee will feel it 
 to be their duty, if further time be allowed to them, with such 
 authentic materials as they may possess, to do some degree of jus- 
 tice and honor to his memory, and make some suitable record of 
 the valuable services so freely rendered by him to this association. 
 
 In behalf of the Committee, 
 
 WM. W. WHEI'LDON. 
 
 Boston, 17th June, 1862. 
 
 The Eeport was read and accepted, and the following vote passed 
 by the Association : — 
 
 Voted, That the Committee, appointed June 17, 1861, to pre- 
 pare a Memoir of the late Solomon Willard, be authorized to 
 publish said Memoir, when completed, in such form as they may 
 deem suitable ; and that it be printed with the approbation of the 
 Standing Committee. 
 
I 
 
 "2G8 APPENDIX — MONUMENTS IN MASSACHUSETTS. 
 
 HISTORICAL MONUMENTS IN MASSACHUSETTS. 
 
 Acton Monument, at Acton, in memory of Davis, Hosmcr, and 
 Hayward, who were killed at Concord, 19tli April, 1775. Built 
 hy the State Legislature, 1852. Granite, in obelisk form. 
 
 Beacon Hill jMonument, erected in 1790 ; taken down in 1811. — 
 Its tablets are preserved and it will probably be rebuilt on Bos- 
 ton Common, on a spur of the original hill. 
 
 Bunker Hill Monument, at Charlestown, 1825-’1:3. Built of gran- 
 ite, 221 feet 5 inches in height.^ 
 
 Concord Monument, at Concord, to commemorate the fight at the 
 North Bridge, April 19, 1775. Granite obelisk. 1826 — 1836. 
 
 Cushman Monument, in the cemetery at Blymouth, in memory of 
 the Pilgrim Fathers, erected in 1858, of Quincy granite, in the 
 obelisk form. 
 
 Danvers Monument, at Danvers, in memory of seven citizens of 
 that town, killed at West Cambridge, April 19th, 1775. Gran- 
 ite in the obelisk form. 
 
 Duston Monument, at Haverhill, in memory of Plannah Duston, on 
 the site of the house from which she was taken by the Indians. 
 Authorized by act of legislature, 1856. 
 
 Forefather’s Monument, proposed to be erected at Blymouth — on 
 an elaborate and costly design. Corner-stone laid in 1859. 
 
 •Harvard Monnmeut, in the old burying-grouud at Charlestorvn, in 
 memory of Rev. John Harvard, founder of Harvard College, 
 
 erected in 1838, by the alumni. Granite obelisk. 
 
 * Height of the column of Alexander, at St. Petersburg, (including pede.s- 
 tal, capital, bronze dome, .angel and cross,) 150 feet ; of the Monument of 
 London, stated to be “the loftiest coZirw in the world,” 202 feet ; of the 
 Arcli of Triumphe, at Paris, 152 feet ; of the Column of Napoleon, Place Ven- 
 dome, 135 feet and the statue 11 feet ; Colonne de Juillet, 154 feet ; of the 
 Trajan Cclumn, at Rome, 125 ; of Antoninus, 12.3 ; of Pompey’s Pillar, at 
 Alexandria, 100 ; of Cleopatra’s Needle, about 70 feet. 
 
APPEN'DIX — MOXUMEXTS IN MASSACHUSETTS. 269 
 
 Lexington Monument, at Lexington, in memory of seven citizens 
 of that town and one of AYohurn, killed on the 19th of April. 
 1775. Erected by the State Legislature in 1799. In 1850, a 
 corporation was established for the erection of ■ a new and larger 
 monument at Lexington. 
 
 Ladd and M’hitney Monument, in Merrimack Sc^uare, Lowell, in 
 memory of two soldiers killed in the streets of Baltimore, on 
 April 19, 1861. Concord granite. Dedicated, June 17, 1865. 
 
 Monument at Bloody Brook, Deerfield, erected in 1838, in memory 
 of Capt. Thomas Lothrop and seventy-six men, out of eighty un- 
 der his command, who were killed by 700 Indians, at Bloody 
 Brook, September 18, 1675, old style. 
 
 Monument at Somerville, in memory of citizens of that town killed 
 in the war of the Eebellion. Built by the Somerville LiMit In- 
 fantry, of marble, 1865. 
 
 Monument at Mount Auburn, in memory of Lieut. Underwood and 
 Midshipmen Henry, Pieid and Bacon, of the U. S. Exploring Ex- 
 pedition, erected by their associate officers and scientific corps. 
 
 AVadsworth Monument, at Sudbury, iu memory of Capt. AAffidsworth, 
 killed by the Indians, iu King Philip’s war, m 1676. Completed 
 and dedicated in Kovember, 1852. 
 
 AAMrreu Monument, on Bunker Hill, erected in 1794 ; taken down 
 iu 1825, to give jdace to the present structure. A miniature 
 model, iu white marble, is deposited in the present monument. 
 
 AA’est Cambridge Alonuiuent, iu memory of twelve persons who fell 
 iu that town, on the 19th of April, 1775, on the return of the 
 British troops from Concord. Erected 1847. Granite obelisk. 
 
APPENDIX 
 
 MONUMENTS IN MASSACHUSETTS. 
 
 •?70 
 
 NOTE. 
 
 There are many monuments, of a more or less public character, 
 erected by private munificence, in our cemeteries and in every city 
 and almost every town in the Commonwealth, in memory of promi- 
 nent and eminent citizens. One of the most conspicuous and 
 beautiful of these is that ei-ected a few years ago, by Mr. T. Bige- 
 low Law'rence, at Worcester, in memory of liis great-grandfather. 
 Colonel Timothy Bigelow, of revolutionary renown. This monu- 
 ment was publicly dedicated on the 19th of April, 1801, the 86th 
 anniversary of the day on which he rallied his company of minute- 
 men and started for Concord.^ 
 
 The Monumental Urn, generally regarded as a memorial of Dr. 
 Benjamin Franklin, which for more than half a century stood 
 in the centre of the enclosure in Franklin Place, in Boston, 
 was erected about 1793, and was removed when that beautiful 
 place was surrendered for the erection of warehouses in 1858-9. 
 It was pui’chased at Bath, England, whence the plan of Franklin 
 Place, in its elliptical form, was derived, and in wdiich city 
 such ornaments were common. It is made of oolite, or white free 
 stone of w’hich the ancient fashionable city which rejoices in the 
 possession of a statue of “ Beau Nash,” is mostly built. It is 
 now over the grave of Mr. Charles Bulfinch, Mr. Willard’s earnest 
 friend, at Mount Auburn. 
 
 * An account of the “ Ceremonies at the Dedication of tlie Bigelow Mon- 
 ument,” was published by Mr. Lawrence, in 1861. 
 
APPENDIX — STATUARY IN MASSACHUSETTS. 
 
 271 
 
 STATUAKY IN MASSACHUSETTS. 
 
 The Savior, a copy from Thorivaldsen, on the apex of the pediment 
 of the church of the Immaculate Conception, Boston, marble. 
 
 A'irgix Mary, in a niche in front of the same church. 
 
 AN'ashington, by Sir Erancis Chantrey, in the Doric Hall of the 
 State House, in marble. 
 
 AVashington, by Houdon, in the Boston Athenaeum, a copy in plas- 
 ter of that belonging to the State of AArginia, at Eichmond. 
 
 I’l’anklin, by Horatio Greenough, in front of the City Hall, Boston, 
 cast in bronze at Chicopee. 
 
 John AATnthrop, by Horatio Greenough, in the Chapel at Alount 
 Auburn, in marble. 
 
 John Adams, by Randolph Rogers, at Alount Auburn, in marble. 
 
 James Otis, by Thomas G. Crawford, at Alount Auburn, in 
 marble. 
 
 Joseph AA^arren, by Henry Dexter, at Bunker Hill, in marble. 
 
 Alexander Hamilton, by Dr. Rimmer, of Chelsea, Commonwealth 
 Avenue, Boston. Presented to the city by Air. Thomas Lee. — 
 Cut in white granite, probably the first in that material in the 
 country. 
 
 Joseph Story, by AA". AA^. Story, at Alount Auburn, in marble. 
 
 Nathaniel Bowditch, by Ball Hughes, at Alount Auburn, cast in 
 bronze at Boston. The model is in the Boston Athenaeum. 
 
 Daniel AA'ebster, by Hiram Powers, in front of the State House, 
 cast in bronze at Alunich. 
 
 Horace Alann, by Aliss Stebbins, in front of the State House,- cast 
 in bronze at Alunich. 
 
 Hosea Ballou, by Edw. A. Brackett, at Alount xAuburn, in marble. 
 
 Josiah Quincy, by Story, yet at Rome, ordered by the alumni of 
 Harvard College, and is to come to Boston. 
 
 Aristides, in Louisburg Square, Boston, imported by Air. Josej h 
 lasigi, and owned by the residents on the Square ; in marble. 
 
 Columbus (lifting the veil from the Earth,) in Louisburg Square, 
 imported by Air. lasigi, and owned by the residents ; in marble. 
 
272 
 
 APPENDIX — STATUARY IN MASSACHUSETTS. 
 
 Beethoven, by Thomas G. Crawford, in Music Hall, cast in bronze 
 at Munich, the gift of Mr. Charles C. Perkins, of Boston. 
 'Wounded Indian, by P. Stephenson, in the hall of the Mercantile 
 Library Association, Boston, in marble. 
 
 Venus de Milo, (armless,) heroic size, in the Beading Boom of the 
 same association. A copy of the original found in the island of 
 Milo, in 1820, and now in the Louvre. 
 
 The Arcadian Shepherd Boy, by W. W. Story, in the Public Libra- 
 ry, Boston, presented by several citizens. 
 
 Madonna and Infant, St. Mary’s Institute, Boston, in plaster. 
 Guardian Angel, a group, at the House of the Guardian Angel, in 
 Boxbury, carved in umod. 
 
 Charity, two groups, on Octagon Hall, in Boxbury, formerly on 
 the old Boston alms house. 
 
 Note. There are many others in the Commonwealth, but we have 
 not thought it expedient to extend the list. Those named are of 
 life or heroic size, and are open to public inspection. Of ancient 
 and classical statuary there is a large collection in the Boston 
 Athenaeum, and more or less in private possession. There are also 
 at Mount Auburn, besides numerous monuments which are superb 
 and costly works of art, many elaborate specimens of sculpture 
 and statuary in addition to those already mentioned. The same 
 may be said of Forest Hill and other cemeteries. 
 
 The Equestrian Statue of IVashington, by Thomas Ball, has 
 been moulded by that artist and exhibited to the public in Boston. 
 It is to be cast in bronze, but has not yet been placed in the hands 
 of the founders. 
 
 Statues of Ceres, Flora and Pomona, which have been modelled 
 by Martin Milmore, of Boston, are to be erected in the front of 
 the new Horticultural Hall, Tremont street, Boston. Ceres will be 
 eleven feet high ; Flora and Pomona, eight feet. In fine granite. 
 
 A statue of the late Edward Everett, whose services have been 
 so frequently mentioned in the preceding pages, is soon to be pro- 
 vided for the city of Boston, the necessary funds liaving already 
 been raised by voluntary subscriptions for the purpose. 
 
First Course and Corner Stone (*) of Bunker Hill Monument. 
 
Sectional View of the Monument. 
 
SIDE VIEW. INTERIOR. FRO 
 
HOISTING APPARATUS. 
 

 
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