— — I .,HE PRKSKNTATION BY THF PF.OPLE OF VI R- •; . of a Copy of HO V- DON'S STATUE OF GEORGE WASHINGTON to the PEOPLE OF THE REPUBLIC OF FRANCE ^ Report of the ( OaVJS POT" ,-.n.r'-—^ I iiimaaw «>»aMii««— MSiribri # George Wasliington Thv 1xfonz<^ ropy of Ilowlon's Statiir vliio}, va.t prefinHed to France \ HE PRESENTATION BY THE PEOPLE OF VIR- GINIA of a Copy of HOU- DON'S STATUE OF GEORGE WASHINGTON to the PEOPLE OF THE REPUBLIC OF FRANCE Report of the Commissioners wmmmi^mmmamimBfBim^Bsimmamm^^mmvim^t^ Utvimi FlUIIUSt RICHMOND: DAVIS BOTTOM, SUPEEINTENUENT OF PUBLIC PBINTINQ 1912 /a- I'^'b rH, !»F ?«=' JUN 30 <912 E^n H5- 4 Governor's Message COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, Governob's Office, Richmond, Va., February 19, 1912. To the General Assembly of Virginia: I beg to transmit herewith the report of the Commission appointed by me, pursuant to an act approved March 17, 1910, charged with the duty of causing to be made a copy of Houdon's Statue of Washington, and pre- senting the same on behalf of the people of Virginia to the people of the Republic of France. Inasmuch as the report contains a great deal of historical information and deals with an incident of much interest to all of the people of the Com- monwealth, I respectfully recommend that the same be printed with appro- priate illustrations, to the end that the history of the presentation of this statue and the information in the report contained may be preserved as a constant reminder of the cordial and friendly relations which have existed between the people of Virginia and the people of France. WILLIAM HODGES MANN, Oovemor. Report of the Commissioners To His Excellency, William Hodges Mann, Governor of Virginia. The commissioners, appointed by your Excellency pursuant to an act of the General Assembly of Virginia approved March 17, 1910, beg to report that they have performed the pleasant duty with which they were charged of causing to be made a bronze copy of Houdon's Statue of George Washing- ton, and of presenting the same "to the Republic of France as an expression of Virginia's cordial admiration and loving regard." Immediately upon their appointment, the chairman and Senator Halsey (Senator King being unable to accompany them) proceeded to Washington and informed the Secretary of State of the act which had been passed by the General Assembly of Virginia, asking his advice as to the procedure which should be followed. Secretary Knox displayed great interest in the proposed presentation of the copy of this famous statue to the people of France, and tendered the good offices of the Department of State, which he assured us would take pleasure in facilitating our plans in every way possible. He re- quested us to address a formal letter to him informing him of the commis- sion's wishes in the premises. The Secretary said that while he would com- municate to the Government of France the desire of Virginia to make this gift, he thought it would be eminently proper for us to take up the matter in person with the French Ambassador to the United States, who expected to leave Washington on the following day to spend several months in France. Accordingly, the members of the commission, accompanied by Hon. James Hay, member of Congress from Virginia, called at the French Embassy, where they were most graciously and cordially received by Ambassador Jus- serand. The chairman informed him of the desire of the people of Virginia to give to the people of France this evidence of their lasting appreciation of the great part taken by France in the War for American Independence, and of the feeling of affection the people of Virginia have always had for the peo- ple of France. He said further that no better way of giving expression to this feeling could be found than to present to France a statue of George Washington, the greatest man America has ever produced, the friend of La Fayette and of Rochambeau; a man so greatly admired in France that he was commissioned a Lieutenant General in the French Army and made an Admiral of France. He recalled, too, that the original of this statue was from the chisel of Jean Antoine Houdon, the great French artist, and foremost sculptor of his time. M. Jusserand had not heard before of the action of the General Assembly, and he expressed his personal pleasure at the news the commission brought Presentation of a Copy of Houdons Stctwe him. He spoke of several visits he had made to Virginia and especially of one he had made to Richmond several years before to see this statue of Wash- ington, whom he greatly admired. He recalled that not only had Washington been accorded the high military honors to which the chairman had referred, but that during the First Consulate he had been by public decree declared a citizen of France; and that upon his death public meetings were held and the same high honors were shown to his memory that would have been ac- corded upon the death of a distinguished officer and citizen of France. M. Jusserand assured the commission that it would give him great pleasure upon his arrival in Paris to communicate to his government the desire of Virginia to present this gift, and that upon its acceptance, we would be advised of the time and place of its reception and inauguration, appropriate arrangements for which would be made. He was especially requested to have designated some day on which he could be present and participate in the ceremonies. Pursuant to the request of Secretary Knox that a formal communication be addressed to him, the chairman, upon his return home, sent the following letter: NoEFOLK, Va., April 9, 1910. To the Honorable, The Secbetaet of State, Washington, D. C. Sib: I have the honor to inform you that at the recent session of the General Assembly of Virginia a bill was unanimously passed setting forth the historic friendship and the cordial relations which have existed for more than a century between the people of Virginia and the people of France, and directing that a reproduction in bronze be made of Houdon's famous statue of Washington, and that the same be presented to the people of France "as an expression of Virginia's cordial admira- tion and loving regard." It was further provided that a commission of three be appointed by the Governor of Virginia to present the said reproduction of said statue, on behalf of the people of Virginia, to the people of France. Pursuant to this enactment the Governor appointed as commissioners, James Mann, Don P. Halsey and F. W. King, and directed that they proceed to France and make the presentation in the name of the State of Vir- ginia. The original statue was made by Jean Antoine Houdon, of whom Jefferson wrote: "He is without rivalship, the first statuary of this age." Houdon came to America to see and study Washington, and in October, 1785, spent two weeks as his guest at Mt. Vernon. While there, he took a mould of Washington's face and exact measurements of his person. He returned to Paris and there created in marble this statue^ which was pronounced by LaFayette "a fac simile of Washington's per- son." It stands in the place of honor in the center of the rotunda of the Capitol at Richmond, and is regarded by our people as a priceless of Washington to the People of France possession. By artists and historians it is accepted as the standard likeness of Washington; and it is regarded not only as a true portrait of the most illustrious of all Americans, but as a great and beautiful work of art. A copy in bronze, pronounced to be a perfect copy of the original, has been placed by Virginia in Statuary Hall in the Capitol at Wash- ington, and the reproduction which it is now proposed to present to the people of France will be cast in the same moulds. We can have the statue ready and in position at any time after the 10th day of August, 1910; and the commission will proceed to France and present the same at such time after said date, and at such place, as may be designated by the French Government upon its acceptance. The commission respectfully requests that you communicate to the Government of the Republic of France, through the proper channels, the desire of the people of Virginia to present this statue to the people of France; and that our Ambassador at Paris represent us in making the necessary arrangements for its presentation. It is perhaps well to add that after our conference with you on Monday last, we called on the French Ambassador for the purpose of presenting our compliments and of acquainting him with the action of the Virginia General Assembly. He received us most cordially, and was enthusiastic in assuring us that his Government would be much pleased to accept the gift on behalf of the people of France. I wrote Senator Martin an account of our visit to Ambassador Jusserand with the request that he communicate the same to you. Thanking you on behalf of my associates and myself, I have the honor to remain. Very respectfully, JAMES MANN, Chairman. The State Department thereupon communicated to the Government of the French Republic the desire of the people of Virginia to present this statue, and every facility and assistance were afforded to the commissioners by the State Department and by the American Ambassador at Paris, Hon. Robert Bacon, and the members of the Embassy, especially Mr. A. Bailly- Blanchard and Mr. Franklin Mott Gunther. Letters of Acceptance The following formal letters of acceptance were received from the rep- representatives of the French (Government, addressed respectively to the Gov- ernor of Virginia, the chairman of the commission, and the American Charge d'Affaires at Paris: Presentation of a Copy of Houdons Statue Washington, le 11 Mai 1910. Monsieur le Gouveeneur: J'ai I'honneur d'informer Votre Excellence qu'a la suite de la visite qui lui a 6te faite au commencement du mois dernier par la Commission chargee d'offrir a la R6publique Francgaise une rgplique de la statue de WashingtoDi par Houdon, M. Jusserand s'est empress6 de porter a la connaissance de M. le Ministre des Affaires Etrang6res la demarche si touchante qui avait 6t6 faite aupres de lui, ainsi que la noble pensee qui avait donn6 lieu a cette d-marche. En m'accusant reception de la lettre de I'Ambassadeur, avec qui il doit, pendant le sejour de ce dernier en France, s'entre-tenir de cette affaire et prendre une decision relative il la date qui conviendrait le mieux pour inauguration du monument dont il s'agit, M. le Ministre des Affaires Etrangeres me prie de transmettre sans retard a Votre Excellence ses plus sincSres remerciements. Le (Jouvernement de la Republique Francaise a ete extrOmement sensible a cette marque d'estime des habitants de la Virginie, qui est une nouvelle preuve de I'amitie traditionnelle unissant les Etats-Unis et la France. II tient a faire savoir a Votre Excellence tout le prix qu'il attache au temoignage ainsi rendu par I'Assemblee G6nerale de I'Etat de Vir- ginie aux sentiments de mutuelle sympathie qui animent les deux peuples et qui ne se sont jamais dementis. Veuillez agreer, Monsier le Gouverneur, I'assurance de ma con- sideration la plus distinguge. PIERRE LEFEVRE-PONTALIS, Charge d' Affaires. Son Excellence, L'HoN. Wm. Hodges Mann, Gouverneur de la Virginie, Richmond, Ta. (translation.) Washington, D. C, May 11, 1910. Monsieur ie Gouverneur: I have the honor to inform your Excellency that following the visit which was made to him at the commencement of last month by the commission charged with offering to the French Republic a replica of the Statue of Washington by Houdon, M. Jusserand has hastened to bring to the knowledge of the Minister of Foreign Affairs this gift which has been so touchingly laid before him, also the noble thought which has given birth to this gift. Acknowledging receipt of the letter of the Ambassador, with whom he will endeavor, during the stay of the latter in France, to take up this matter and reach a decision relative to the date that will be most con- venient for the inauguration of the monument above mentioned, the Minister of Foreign Affairs begs me to transmit without delay to your Excellency his most sincere thanks. of Washington to the People of France The government of the Republic of France is extremely sensible of this mark of esteem of the people of Virginia, which is a new proof of the traditional friendship uniting the United States and France. It remains to make known to your Excellency the great value which attaches to the testimony thus rendered by the General Assembly of the State of Virginia to the sentiments of mutual esteem which animate the two people, and which have never been doubted. Permit me to extend, M. le Gouverneur, the assurances of my most distinguished consideration. PIERRE LEFEVRE-PONTALIS, Charge d" Affaires To His Excellency, Wm. Hodges Mann, Governor of Virginia. Richmond, Va. Washington, June 7, 1910. Col. James Mann, Chairman Virginia Commission, Norfolk, Va. Deae Sib: I have been instructed by my government to inform you that the French Republic accepts with gratitude the replica of Houdon's Statue of Washington, so graciously offered by the State of Virginia. The statue will be placed at Versailles on a suitable pedestal or base, which will be put in position before the erection of the statue. You will therefore not have to take any trouble about a base for the statue, which will be provided for. The presenting of the statue and inauguration thereof could take place in August next, if that time is convenient. The French govern- ment will be represented at the ceremonies, and if they take place in August, the French Ambassador to the United States, M. Jusserand, would be present. I would be much obliged to you to kindly acknowledge receipt of this communication and let me know if the above suggestions meet with the approval of the Virginia commission appointed to present the Statue of Washington to the Republic of France. I have the honor to be, dear Sir, Very truly yours, PIERRE LEFEVRE-PONTALIS. REPUBLIQUE FRANCAISE, Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Paris, July 4, 1910. Mb. Bailly-Blan chard. Charge d'Affaires of the United States, Paris. Mb. Charge d'affaires: In reply to your communication of June 15th last, I hasten to inform Presentation of a Copy of Houdons Statue you that I had already been acquainted by our Charge d'Affaires at Washington of the desire of the people of the State of Virginia to offer to France a reproduction in bronze of the Statue of Washington by Houdon which adorns the Capitol at Richmond. The government of the Republic has gratefully accepted the gift of this statue, and Mr. Lefevre-Pontalis has been instructed to make known the great importance which we attach to this manifestation of the traditional friendship uniting the two countries. I have pleasure in here renewing the expression thereof and in ac- quainting you of the esteem in which we hold this new testimony of the sentiments of mutual sympathy which animate the two peoples. As concerns the realization of this project, I hasten to inform you that after an understanding with the administration of the Beaux Arts, it has been decided that this statue should be placed at Versailles; furthermore, the inauguration of the monument has been fixed for the 18th of August next. This date, which has been chosen by agreement with the American delegation which is to come to France on this oc- casion, will enable M. Jusserand to be present at the ceremony. Accept, etc. S. PICHON. The chairman made the following reply to the letter received by him from the French Charge d'Affaires: Norfolk, Va., June 8, 1910. Dear Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 7th instant, informing me in most courteous terms that the French Republic will accept the copy of Houdon's Statue of Washington ten- dered to it by the General Assembly of the State of Virginia, and saying that the presentation and inauguration thereof could take place in August next, if convenient to the Virginia commission. The month of August will be entirely agreeable to the members of the commission, and we are particularly desirous that a day shall be named which will permit, upon the occasion of the inauguration of the statue, the presence of M. Jusserand, who has frequently visited Vir- ginia, and for whom those of our people who have had the honor to meet him, entertain the highest personal regard. I understood M. Jusserand to say, when I had the pleasure of meeting him in Washington shortly before he left for France, that he expected to sail upon his return on August 26th. I would respectfully suggest that the presentation take place as late in August as will be comformable to the plans of M. Jus- serand, and convenient to the French Government. It will be a favor if you will have me advised by cable of the exact date as soon as the same is decided upon, in order that the members of the commission may perfect their plans and arrange their steamship accommodations. The commission is pleased to know that the statue will be placed at Versailles, for we remember that it was there that was signed the treaty between the United States and Great Britain, which terminated M. Armand Falliei es President de la RepuhliQUf Francaiar Presentation of a Copy of Houdons Stat UP you that I had already boen acquainted by our Charge dAtf aires at Washington of the deislre of the people of the State of Virginia to offer to France a reproduction In bronze of the Statue of Washington by Houdon which adorne tv The. government c; of this atatue, an<. known the s^o;it i the tradli i I hav., . . quainting you the P' ■ ' ~ ! at Richmond. ibJlr has gratefully accopted the gift 'oeii Inatructfid to make this manifestation of ; tliereof and in ac- aew testimony of • ■. ----.yiles. :n ynu S. PICHON. vlng reply to the letter received by him Dear Sir: 1 the 7th iii^ Republic will accept t.;. derod to It by the GeneJa. - that the presentation aod ' Augu ' ?.9'V9iUft'*\ buvv«rvk .111 a.g •^t in nbers of him, ,?t pereo; -rand to !• 'j pleasure lortly lipfofo h, H, that ^ .in on ' u -«%s!r;Utation take (le plans of M. Jus- seraud, a: <^nt lo the French (.rovsyuroent. It will be a favor if you w^li ,_.t? advised by cable of the exact date as soon as the same Is decided upon, In order that the members of the commission may perf*^ • rlans and arrange their steamship a< '-. The . '. Is pleased to know that the statu, at Versai •< was there that treaty bel - i Great Britain, w. of Washington to the People of France successfully our Revolutionary War, a consummation for which we owe a debt of undying gratitude to our allies, the brave soldiers and sailors of France. The commission begs leave to suggest that the ar- rangements for the inauguration of the statue be such, if possible, as will permit the presence of as many of the descendants of those gallant officers and men as can find it convenient to attend. There have been many friendly exchanges between France and the United States during the past century, but the members of the Virginia commission feel that theirs is a signal honor in bearing to France this fac simile of the person of General Washington, who was not only the Commander-in-Chief of the American patriots, but who also bore com- missions as a Lieutenant General in the French Army and as an Ad- miral of France. I have the honor to remain, Sir, JAMES MANN, Chairman. M. PlEBBE LeFEVBE-PONTAUS, French Charge d' Affaires, Washington, D. C. Following the formal notification that the statue would be accepted by the government of the Republic of France, the commission proceeded to con- tract with The Gorham Company, of New York, for the making of the copy of the statue from the moulds in their possession, being the same moulds from which had been made the copy of this statue which stands in Statuary Hall in Washington. It is proper to say here that the work of The Gorham Company in making this copy was perfect in its execution, and to the entire satisfaction of the members of the commission. A photograph of the com- pleted statue will be reproduced as the frontispiece of this report. Correspondence With M. Jusserand The chairman having addressed to M. Jusserand a letter giving him full information as to the plans of the commission, and asking the wishes of his government in reference to several matters pertaining to the presentation of the statue, received from him the following letter: 28 AvEXUE DU Trocadero, Paris, June 5, 1910. Dear Sib: A telegram which I caused to be sent to the French Charge d'Af- faires will have acquainted you, long before you receive this, with the arrangements made concerning the Washington Statue. Let me tell you before all how highly the gift is appreciated and how sincerely grateful the French Government and people feel towards Virginia. Then, to answer your several questions, what I have to say is that: The Statue having been made in view of being preserved indoors it was thought better to have it placed indoors. 10 Presentation of a Copy of Houdons Statue X Versailles has been chosen as being the place where the treaty of 1783 was signed, consecrating forever the Independence of the United States. Versailles being now a sort of shrine where the chief souvenirs of our past are preserved (pictures, statues, etc.), the image of Wash- ington will most appropriately figure there. After some hesitation, the best place within the palace has been considered to be the Marble Hall in front of the room where our Con- gress meets for the purpose of electing our own Presidents. It is a fine hall supported by marble columns. There is one vacant niche In it where the first President of the United States may quite appropriately be placed. Right and left will be installed two busts, one of La Fayette; the other of a sailor, either de Grasse, if one of his can be found (which is doubtful) or Suffren. They will stand there as the aides, so to say, of the great American. , As for the pedestal, there happens to be one, ready made in that j same niche; it is in white marble. It fits the statue. It has the incon- venience of being again somewhat too high. But as time is getting short and we have a pedestal, right at hand, which will save you much trouble, I suggest that this be used as it is. The French authorities fully agree. A marble tablet will be affixed against the wall, bearing such in- scription as you may think appropriate. Will you send me your text? I shall make a French translation of it which will be engraved on an- other tablet on the other side of the statue. The date would be, as you propose, between the 10th and 20th of August. This, to be sure, is a period when Paris is pretty empty, but nevertheless, you will not find yourselves in solitude. Our Secretary of State will certainly be present at the ceremony if he is then in Paris. If not, another member of the cabinet will be there and receive the statue on behalf of the government. We are all glad that your wives are coming. I shall certainly be present at the ceremony, sailing shortly after. Believe me, Very sincerely yours, JUSSERAND. To this letter the following reply was at once sent: NoBFOLK, Va., June 16, 1910. Mt dear Sir: I have read with much interest your letter of the 5th instant, which has just been received. I have been in correspondence for some days both by letter and telegram with M. Pontalis, and we have agreed upon Thursday, August 18th, for the presentation and inauguration of the statue. The assurance given in your letter that you will remain in France and certainly be present at the ceremonies gives the members of the commission real pleasure. Permit me to express the hope that the pro- of Washington to the People of France 11 gram as arranged by those in charge will contain an address by your Excellency. We regard the selection of Versailles, where on September 3, 1783, was signed the Treaty of Peace between the United States and Great Britain, which brought to a successful conclusion our Revolutionary War, and which you describe as a "shrine where the chief souvenirs" of your own country's glorious past are preserved, as a most happy one; and you do an honor even to the great Washington when you declare that he "will most appropriately figure there," for perhaps no nation's shrine contains the evidence of more glorious victories than does your own Versailles. We are more than pleased with the idea which the Frenck Govern- ment has adopted of placing on the right of the Statue of Washington a bust of La Fayette, who in 1785 by formal act of our General Assembly was made a citizen of Virginia, and who holds a place in the hearts of all Virginians second hardly to that of Washington himself; and on the left of the statue a bust of one of the naval heroes who came to help us to our independence. I hope that a bust of de Grasse, whose fleet made certain the decisive victory of Yorktown, can be found. If not, and if there be none of the gallant Suffren, commander of the re- doubtable Fantasque and later a Vice-Admiral of France; then Virginia will feel honored if there be placed upon the left of Washington a bust of d'Estaing, who commanded the first fleet sent to our aid in 1778; or of de Ternay, who gave his life for our cause and lies buried in Rhode Island; or of Destouches, his successor, who was thanked by Congress for his victory oflE the capes of the Chesapeake; or of de Barras, who was with de Grasse at Yorktown and signed the articles of capitulation on behalf of the latter; or of any of the brave captains of the great French fleet, which constantly protected our shores and on many oc- casions met and vanquished our enemy. And in this connection, I wish to suggest, as I suggested in a letter addressed to M. Pontalis on yesterday, that there be provided in the pedestal, just beneath the plinth of the statue, a receptacle in which may be placed a copy of "Les Combattants Francais de la Guerre Ameri- caine, 1778-1783," published pursuant to a resolution of Congress, in which is contained an indexed list of the 48,000 brave soldiers and sailors of France who contributed so signally to the successful consummation of the war. With La Fayette on his right, and one of his French Naval Aides upon his left, it seems peculiarly appropriate that the pedestal upon which he stands on the soil of France should be composed in part of the record of the brave Frenchmen upon whose gallantry the Com- mander-in-Chief of the allied armies of America and France so often depended. Allow me to request, on behalf of my associates and myself, if the arrangements will permit, that a general invitation to be present at the ceremonies be extended to the descendants of all those who gave aid to the American cause. The marble tablets bearing inscriptions in French and English will add much to the interest the statue will arouse. There will be a meet- 12 Presentation of a Copy of Hovdons Statue ing of the commission in Richmond on Tuesday next, the 21st instant, and I will then send you the inscription we would suggest. I sincerely trust that the Minister of Foreign Affairs may be able to accept the Statue on behalf of France, and that other members of your government who are in Paris at the time will find it possible to honor the occasion by their presence. Mrs. Mann wishes me to convey to you the assurance of her appre- ciation of your expression of pleasure at the fact that the members of the commission will be accompanied to France by their wives; in which I am sure the other ladies would join her were they here. After the meeting of the commission on Tuesday next, I will send you in detail any further suggestions the members of the commission may deem it proper to make in order that the program may be com- pleted. According to our present plans we will go over in one of the Cunard ships, reaching Paris via Liverpool-Dover-Calais, on the after- noon of August 16th or the morning of the 17th. With the assurance of my great respect, I have the honor. Sir, to subscribe myself. Your obedient servant, JAMES MANN, Chairiruin. M. Jean J. Jusseband, Ambassador of France to the United States, Paris, France. The inscription suggested by the commission and accepted by the French government is as follows: GEORGE WASHINGTON, "Who, uniting to the endowments of the hero the virtues of the patriot, and exerting both in establishing the liberties of his country, has rendered his name dear to his fellow citizens and given to the world an immortal example of true glory." Pursuant to the unanimous act of the General Assembly of Virginia, approved by the Governor March 17, 1910, this repro- duction of Houdon's famous statue, pronounced by LaFayette "a fac-simile of Washington's person," is presented to the people of France by the people of Virginia as a token of friendship and esteem, and in grateful recognition of the signal and timely ser- vice rendered to Virginia and her sister States in their War for Independence. AUGUST 18, 1910. This inscription was placed on a tablet to the right of the statue, and the following French translation of the same was placed on a tablet to the left: of Washington to the People of France 13 GEORGE WASHINGTON. "Qui unissant aux qualites du hgros les vertus du patriote et usant des unes et des autres pour etablir la liberte dans son pays, a fait cherir son nora par ses concitoyens et a donn6 au monde un exemple immortel de vraie gloire." Conformement a la loi votee a I'unanimite par I'Assemblge Generale de la Virginie et approuvee par le Gouverneur le 17 Mars 1910, cette reproduction de la fameuse statue de Houdon, "fac- simile," selon La Fayette, "de la personne de Washington," est offerte au peuple de France par le peuple de Virginie en signe d'amitie et d'estime, et en temoignage de reconnaissance pour les eclatants et opportuns services rendus par la France a la Virginie et aux autres Etats de I'Union dans leur guerre de I'lndependance. 18 AOUT 1910. Pursuant to the suggestion made by the commission, a receptacle was provided in the top of the pedestal just beneath the plinth of the statue and when the statue was placed in position, before the commission arrived in France, there was placed in this receptacle with appropriate ceremonies, by M. le Marquis de Segur, of the Academie Francaise, a descendant of one of the celebrated French officers who came to our aid, in the presence of M. de Nolhac, Conservateur du Palais, M. Jusserand, and other distinguished people, a copy of "Les Combattants Francais de la Guerre Americaine, 1778- 1783." This document contains a list, with index, compiled from authentic sources in France, of all of the French officers and soldiers and sailors, 47,989 in number, who participated in our Revolution, and whose gallantry con- tributed so greatly to the successful consummation of that momentous strug- gle; together with a short historical sketch in French, with a translation in English, of the different regiments and ships and of the part they took in the Revolutionary War. The French newspapers spoke of the placing of these names in the monument as "an exquisitely delicate sentiment" on the part of the State of Virginia. It is interesting in this connection to note that not only did France aid us in sending troops and ships, but she also gave us a great deal of financial aid. Louis XVI made several direct contributions of money to the American cause, and it is estimated by competent authorities that these contributions, added to the money expended by France in maintaining her army and her ships which were engaged in our behalf, aggregate in the neighborhood of 250,000,000 francs. When Washington was notified by La Fayette that he had Cornwallis "bottled" at Yorktown, the Commander-in-Chief had not the funds with which to move his army from New York to Virginia, Rocham- beau came forward with a loan of 100,000 francs, which Washington after- wards repaid to him out of money contributed to the American cause by the French King. 14 Presentation of a Copy of Houdons Statue Documents of Interest In the appendix will be found the following documents which contain much of historic interest: I. Resolution of the Virginia General Assembly, passed in June, 1784, providing for the Statue of Washington made by Houdon. II. A most interesting history of Houdon's Statue of Washington by Col. Sherwin McRae. III. The act of the General Assembly of Virginia declaring LaFayette a citizen of Virginia. IV. Resolution of the General Assembly of Virginia, passed in Decem- ber, 1784, providing for two busts of La Fayette, one to be presented to the city of Paris and the other to be placed at the seat of government in Vir- ginia. These busts were made by Houdon. V. A list of some of the courteous exchanges which have taken place between the people of France and the people of the United States. Part II The Presentation of the Statue to France of Washington to the People of France 15 Arrival in Paris The members of the commission, accompanied by their wives, sailed from New York on the Caronia on August 3, 1910, and passing through England, reached Paris via Dover-Calais on the afternoon of August 16th at six-thirty o'clock, a private car having been attached to the train at Calais for their convenience and comfort. Arriving in Paris, they were met at the Gare du Nord by M. Adrien Thierry, representing the Ministre des Affaires Etran- geres, and Mr. A. Bailly-Blanchard, the First Secretary of the American Em- bassy. Automobiles from the American Embassy were in attendance, and they were taken to tne Hotel Continental, on the Rue de Rivoli, overlooking the beautiful Jardin des Tuileries, where they enjoyed a most comfortable suite of apartments during their stay in Paris. The following morning conferences were held with Ambassador Bacon and with M. Jusserand, at which the details of the presentation were ar- ranged, after which the members of the commission made formal calls upon M. Pichon, Ministre des Affaires Etrangeres; Gen. Brun, Ministre de la Guerre and Vice-Admiral de Lapeyrere, Ministre de la Marine, all of which calls were returned during the day at the Continental. The President, M. Fallieres, was in Switzerland and was not to return until the following week. The Inauguration Ceremonies Thursday, August 18th, was a beautiful day, and at two o'clock in the afternoon, accompanied by Ambassador and Mrs. Bacon, and Mr. Bailly-Blan- chard and Mr. Gunther, of the American Ambassy, the commissioners and their wives set out in automobiles for Versailles, where the presentation was to be made. Passing over the Place de la Concorde, out the Champs Elysee, past the Arc de Triomphe, and through the beautiful Bois de Bolougne, they arrived at their destination shortly before three o'clock. Approaching the Palace, which is dedicated "a toutes les gloires de la France," they passed through the Cour d'Honneur between long lines of troops in the elaborate full dress uniform of the French Army — cavalry on the one side and infantry on the other — until they arrived at the Cour des Princes, where they were received with military honors by Gen. Brun, Min- istre de la Guerre, accompanied by a large number of oflBcers of high rank, and many other distinguished French citizens. Among those with Gen. Brun were M. Jusserand, Ambassador from France to the United States, rep resenting the Ministre des Affaires Etrangeres; Col. Vignal, former military attache at Washington; Commander Bluzet, representing the Ministre de la Marine; M. de Nolhac, Conservateur du palais; General de Negrier, descendant of one of the French officers who fought for American independence; General Ebener, a distinguished French officer; the Secretary-General of the Prefecture 16 Presentation of a Copy of Houdons Statxve of Seine-et-Oise; M. Lanes, Treasurer-General of the Prefecture of Seine-et- Oise, and son-in-law of the President; M. de Loynes, French Consul-General at Montreal; the Marquis de La Fayette, the present head of the La Fayette family and descendant of Gen. La Fayette, through his son, George Washington de La Fayette, and theComte Aldebert de Chambrun and the Comte Charles de Chambrun, descendants of Gen. La Fayette through his daughter, Virginie de La Fayette. From the Court of Princes, under the escort of these distinguished Frenchmen, the party made its way to the Vestibule Napoleon, a beautiful marble hall, through which one enters, from la terrasse de I'Orangerie, the Salle du Congres, the hall where the National Assembly meets to elect the Presidents of France. The hall presented a beautiful scene. At one end, at the foot of the statue of the Empress Josephine, there had been erected a tribune, decorated with flags and the colors of France and Virginia; at the other, surrounded by a guard of honor, stood the Statue of Washington, draped with the beautiful oflacial flag of the Governor of Virginia, which had been taken to France for the purpose by the commission; while back of it were gracefully grouped a number of French and United States flags. To the right and left were the tablets with inscriptions quoted above in English and French. Just in front of the statue and to the right upon a pedestal stood a marble bust of La Fayette, while to the left on a similar pedestal stood a bust of Franklin, which is to give place to the bust of the noted French naval officer, Suffren. To the side of the statue was placed a full length painting of Washington by Peale. Banked in front and on both sides were masses of palms, ferns and other evergreens; and between the speaker's tribune and the statue every available space was filled with distinguished citizens of France and the United States, including a large number of Virginians then in Paris. The dainty toilettes of the ladies and the bright uniforms of the officers, added to the natural splendor of the hall and the beauty of its decorations, made the scene one of brilliancy long to be remembered. The Addresses General Brun, the Minister of War, presided and introduced the speakers. A magnificent military band furnished the music for the occasion, playing the national hymn of America, la Marseillaise, and other military airs be- tween the addresses, which, in accordance with the recognized custom in pre- senting international gifts, were pronounced in English on the part of the representatives of Virginia, and in French on the part of the representatives of France. Address of Senator King General Brun, after a few preliminary remarks, introduced Senator Floyd W. King, the author of the bill providing for the presentation of the statue, who spoke as follows: Monsieur le Ministre, Ladies and Gentlemen of France and America: If any nation or any people ever merited the eternal gratitude of Virginia and Virginians, that nation is France and that people the 16 PresetUation of a Copy of Uoudons iStatxie of Seine-et-Oise; M. Lanes, Treaaurer-Geotiral of the Prefecture of Seine-et- Oise, and son-ln-Iaw of the Pr. -• • m. de Loynes, PreDfh Conaul-General at. Moutreal; the Marquis de ' >'., the present head of the La Fayette family and descendant of Gen h his son ■ 'agton de La Fayette, an 1 theComf«? iin and r. i i-- de Chambrun, descendants ( • ugh his daugliier, e La Fayette. From the Coi 'c escort of these di: l Frenchmen, the party n. Vestibule Napoleon, a beautifiil marble hall, through wt: a la terrasse de I'Orangerie, the Salle du Congrea, the h . jal Assembly meets to elect the Presidents of F' ' The hall pv ' at the foot of the statue of the ' i with flags by a ffuarii :■.)! ofhcia ' for th a ' r ■-! ■■■:] ' ',\':n.t liie t. Just in front < - ui^oii a pcHU'sial siood a marble bust of La r, 'li a similar pedestal stood a bust of Franklin, place 10 the bust of the noted French naval oflBcer, Suffren. 'i - tiie statue was p4acedT<'irfullr4«ugth,painting of Washington by Peaie Banked in front ano' on both siotes were masses of palms, ferns and tr - - -s; 3J($^^«W§(?5{^ls«Wtfek^\*b^ot?itt\ifi"fe"^^d the statue every a was filled with distinguished citizens of France and the Un;Lc!.: Stales, including a large number of Virginians The dainty toilettes of the ladies and the bright uniforms of r :ed to the natural splendor of the hall and the beauty of its decoratiouB, made the scene one of brilliancy long to be remembered. The Addresses Genera! Brun, the M' • and introduced the speakers. A magnificent military i- . -•sic for the occasion, plavlag the national hymn of America, ia Marseillalae, and other military airs be- tween the addresses, which, in acc^-'^ ' >■ with the recognized custom in pre- senting international gifts, were d in English on the part of the representatives of Virginia, and in r rorn.') on the part of the representatives of France. Address of Senator King General Brun, after a few preliminary remarks, introduced Senator Floyd W. King, the author of the bill providing for the presentation of the statue, who spoke as follows: MonHtur le Ministre, Laddea and Gentlemen of France and America: If any nation or any people ever merited the eternal gratitijde of Virginia and Virginians, that nation is France and that people the of Washington to the People of France 17 French. They came to the aid of Virginia and her sister colonies in their struggle for relief from oppressive laws of Great Britain, which England has long since repealed as to her other possessions; and hy their aid as individuals and as a nation, they made possible that In- dependence which is the foundation stone of a mighty nation beyond the seas, whose achievements and whose glories are evidence to an admiring world that the confidence of La Fayette, the trust of Ro- chambeau, and the aid of Louis XVI. were not misplaced. Cynics may say that the French aid to America was based upon selfish considerations and was for French advancement; but even if this were true as to the feelings of some statesmen, it can in no wise be said of La Fayette. He aided America because he loved her; and long before any alliance between the struggling colonies and this great nation had been effected, the Marquis de La Fayette had thrown his life and his fortune into the balances for American freedom, and by his distin- guished services had become an officer in the Colonial army, and a trusted and confidential member of the staff of General Washington. Had France as a nation given no aid to America in her soul trying struggle for liberty, and could we remember only the gallant services of La Fayette in those days of travail, that remembrance alone would make well nigh indissoluble the ties of friendship that exist between the United States of America, an integral and sovereign part of which I have the honor to represent today, and this your great country, upon whose sacred soil I now stand in the performance of a most pleasant difly. Nor has America in general, nor Virginia especially, with all her development of natural resources, her international importance, her glorious achievement, forgotten her debt of gratitude to France and to the descendants of those noble people whose valiant service made pos- sible the attainment of her present glories. It comes as a sweet echo awakened in the caverns of memory that the gallant son of these noble people brought to her aid his sword, his service and his private fortune. When the news was sent by a swift footed courier through the then wild forests of Virginia and Maryland to General Washington, at that time in the North with his ragged, weary, footsore, but patriotic and undaunted followers, that the enemy was surrounded by land and sea at Yorktown, and that the presence of the Commander-in-Chief with his army would bring about a decisive victory, it rings true in the memory of every patriotic Ameircan that it was another Frenchman, the gallant Rochambeau, who came to the financial aid of the strug- gling colonists, and made to Washington a loan of one hundred thou- sand francs with which to purchase the equipment and supplies neces- sary to the mobilization of his army. It is pleasant to every American heart to recall that it was La Fayette with his gallant soldiers from old Virginia, aided by St. Simon with a portion of the French marines, that drew the cordons so closely about the belligerent Cornwallis at the historic village of Yorktown on 18 Presentation of a Copy of Houdans Statue Virginia's sacred soil, that he was forced to capitulate upon terms that made possible the treaty of Paris, signed at this very place on the third day of September, 1783, by which was guaranteed to Virginia and to her twelve sister colonies the freedom and the dignity of state- hood, upon which they have builded a mighty nation and a world power. How sweet It is to recall the close and intimate relations that existed between the noble La Fayette and the mighty Washington in those days of trial and adversity, and which lingered throughout the life of each, prompting the Frenchman to perpetuate its memory by giving to two of his children the names of George Washington and Virginia; while the high regard in which La Fayette was held by all Virginians was evidenced by the action of their General Assembly, when by unanimous vote he was made a citizen of Virginia and had every right of citizenship conferred upon him — the highest honor that a sovereign State can bestow upon any man. These gilded threads of friendship between the people of France and the people of Virginia, spun in the days of travail, the loom of time has woven into a golden cloth of love, cherished by the Old Do- minion as among the richest of her possessions, while dearest of her works of art is the masterpiece of your own Houdon, revealing in the purest of white marble the fac-simile of the person of Virginia's greatest son. The passing of the years, though unmarked by any tangible token of Virginia's appreciation of the noble French, has in no measure di- minished her regard for them, nor lessened her admiration for their virtues and their chivalry. But that some token might be given to perpetuate, unchanged by the march of time, their appreciation and loving esteem, the last General Assembly of my State, representing two millions of her sovereign people, unanimously directed that a copy of Houdon's masterpiece be made in lasting bronze and presented to the people of France, "as an expression of Virginia's cordial admira- tion and loving regard." Being a member of Virginia's Senate, your humble speaker had the honor to be the patron of this bill; and when it had gone to its proper committees and been reported for a vote, the people's representatives from mountain, from seashore, from hill, from valley, from crowded metropolis, from pleasant peaceful glades, irrespective of party alle- giance, arose and with one voice acclaimed that the enduring reproduc- tion of the statue of the greatest American, as created by the immortal genius of France's most celebrated sculptor, should come across the seas, and by resting in the native land of him whose genius gave it form, should bind closer, if possible, the cords of admiration and love that exist between the people of America and the people of this great country — so rich in memories of a glorious past, so stalwart and progressive in the demands of a living present, so hopeful in the forward view she takes with poise and dignity to the unfolding of a future pregnant with promise. And so we come today, Sirs, in obedience to the commands of Vir- of Washington to the People of France 19 ginia's sovereign people, to bring to the citizens of the great Republic of France a reproduction in bronze of the form and features of Ameri- ca's most illustrious son. It is of little value when measured in francs and centimes; but it is dear to the heart of every Virginian and every American because it faithfully delineates the noble features and mag- nificent physique of my country's grandest patriot. It is of interest to the people of this republic because of the hallowed associations of gallant Frenchmen of other generations with him whom we proudly call the "Father of his Country." It appeals to your lovers of art be- cause it is a perfect reproduction of that pure white masterpiece in marble yonder in the Capitol of the Mother of States, created by your beloved Houdon, the world's greatest sculptor of the eighteenth cen- tury. We trust it may serve to keep alive in the hearts of the youth of this land, throughout the coming generations, a fragrant memory of the great American patriot who loved France and was proud to be numbered among her friends, and who, after his own people, would rather be cherished in memory by the warm hearted and impulsive French, than by any other people under God's bright sunshine. We trust that the youth of every land, who yearly visit this shrine of your souvenirs, and who may gaze upon the classic features that will presently be uncovered before you, may catch from them an in- spiration for noble endeavor and for love of country that will kindle anew in their breasts the fires of patriotism, and thus ennobling the in- dividual, will ennoble that individual's nation, until every people from every clime shall be bound together by cords of peace and friendship, and marching with stately tread to the harmony of sweet music flowing from every quarter of the globe, shall press forward to that ultimate goal, the universal brotherhood of man. Address of Senator Halsey Following this address, Gen. Brun introduced Senator Don P. Halsey, a member of the commission, who spoke as follows: Monsieur le Ministre: "We have been contemporaries and fellow workers in the cause of liberty, and we have lived together as brothers should do in harmonious friendship." These words, written by Washington to Rochambeau in 1784, are inscribed upon the pedestal of the statue erected to the memory of that distinguished soldier and citizen of France, which stands facing the White House in the beautiful park of my nation's capital city, which bears the honored name of La Fayette. In the spirit of these words of Washington to his great contem- porary, Virginia, the oldest of the American Commonwealths, the birth- place, the home and the burial ground of Washington, today sends his statue with greetings of fraternal regard and gratitude to France, whose soldiers and sailors were his companions in arms. 20 Presentation of a Copy of Houdons Statue It has been said that "statecraft has a cynical maxim that there is no such thing as gratitude between nations," and the ingratitude of re- publics is proverbial. If these maxims are true, then the cordiality of friendship and grateful remembrance which since the Revolutionary War have continuously existed in the hearts of the people of America for those of France must be the exceptions which prove the rule. Never can our people forget that in the darkest hour of their peril and distress, when their cause seemed almost lost, it was the timely and signal as- sistance which came from France that turned the tide of battle in their favor, and forever decided that America should be a lond of freedom and not a land of colonial dependencies. It is the verdict of history that without the aid of France the war for American Independence would have been a failure, the Revolution would have been recorded as an unsuccessful rebellion, and the principle of taxation without repre- sentation have become the established order in the relations between that portion of the New World which is now the United States and the Kingdom of Great Britain. I know it has been questioned by some whether the American Col- onies might not have won their independence without the French al- liance. Such questioning, however, is but idle speculation. There can be no doubt by any that if the Americans could have won at all without the French, they could have done so only at infinitely greater cost and by an indefinite prolongation of the struggle. Even then a compro- mise would doubtless have been the most that could have been secured, instead of the unconditional recognition of the truth of the assertion of the immortal Declaration that "these colonies are and of right ought to be free and independent States." As it was, the alliance as- sured the triumph and the triumph was complete. This alliance has well been termed "the romance of history." The spectacle of one of the proudest of monarchs, surrounded by a court composed of the elite of the most exclusive of titled nobilities, sending fleets and armies under officers chosen from the flower of European aristocracy, to fight with ragged rebels for the cause of popular liberty, is one to which the annals of time afford no parallel. That such an apparent paradox was brought about was due to the efforts of one whose name will ever be revered in America with honor and affection second only to the reverence accorded to the name of Washington him- self — the Marquis de La Fayette. It is recorded in our history that when this friend of our country, then a mere youth, applied to our commissioners in Paris, in 1776, for a passage in the first ship they should dispatch to America, they were obliged to reply that they had not the money nor the credit to provide a single vessel, and sought to dissuade him by telling him of the well- nigh hopeless condition of their cause. But the heroic boy replied "Thus far you have seen my zeal only; now it shall be something more. I will purchase and equip a vessel myself. It is while danger presses that I wish to join your fortunes." And so when America was too poor to furnish him even with passage to her shores, he left, in his tender 20 Presentation of a Copy of Uoudon'g Statiui It has been said that -t has a cynical ma there Is no such thing as gratitude iiationf>,' and the ; i*^ of re- publics is proverbial. If these maxims ar«i true, then the corillallty of friendship and grateful remembranc*' which since the Revolutionary War have continuously existed hi fVi*- hearts of the people of America for those of France must )> • ■ .s which prove the rule. Never can our people forget that , liour of their peril and distress, when their cause sec-iv was the timely and signal as- sistance which came f* 'rued the tide of battle in their favor, and forever d-- • should be a lond of freedom and not a land of v : ft is the verdict of history that without tb» r American Independence would hi' • ' ' ' ■ ' ' ' ; as an unsi- ire- 'en he He b^ lh> b.v a^iif;tfe«r the American Col- ■ •e without the French al- • .M\t:vc;r, lb out idle speculation, There can Lhe Americans could have won at all without voald have done so only at infinitely greater cost and pr( •olongat^^^y^ ti|e j,i^g^§^^ Even then a compro- uiis* would doubtless have been ihe most that could have been secured, Lnfttead of the uncdk«d?ffllI\«R^iP'{&^^^ ^^'ifmihhe assertion of the Immortal Declaration that "these colonies are and of right ought to be "" ■ ■ 'States." As it was, the aili»uc« as Kured the t; was complete. This al! spectacle ■■■ compot fleets (ill aristocracy is one to whui: apparent parade whose name will ev^ second only to the re^'. ' self— the Marquis de La Fi< It is recorded ir; then a mere youth, a- a passage In the first ship a. obliged to reply that they had iUg • iiopean ;tular liberty, • -' such an lis of one Old affection nine: on hlm- Ltiis fijoud [Ji our country, iners la Paris, in 1776, for -*ch to America, they were y nor the credit to provide a single vessel, and sought to dissuad-' niui by telling him of the well- nigh hopeJeas condition of their cause. But the heroic boy replied "Thus far you have seen my zeal only; now it shall be something more. I will purchase and equip a vessel myself. It is while dangei 'hat I wish to join your fortunes." And so w^hen America wat to furnish him even with passage to her shores, he left, in hiio lender of Washington to the People of France 21 youth, his home, his bride, his surroundings of wealth, of rank, of luxury and of happiness to endure hardships and privation, and conse- crate "his life, his fortune, and his sacred honor" to the cause of liberty across the seas. It was to a forlorn hope that he thus joined his efforts. Disaster, retreat, hunger, depression and despair were in large measure the por- tion of the American army of which he became a member. But "As stars to night, woe lustre gives to man," and never shone so brightly the great qualities of both Washington and La Fayette as when their dauntless spirits together wrestled with ad- versity. In spite of the reverses he had encountered in the closing days of 1776, "Washington suddenly turned upon the advancing enemy, crossed the Delaware in the cold and darkness of a wintry night, and on Christ- mas morn victoriously fell upon the Hessian camp at Trenton. On the third of January, 1777, he defeated the British again at Princeton; but before the end of the year the flame of hope which these successes had kindled, again smoldered and burned low. In September the Americans were defeated at Brandywine, La Fayette was wounded and 400 prisoners taken by the enemy. Congress had to flee from Philadel- phia, and on the 26th the British with flying colors marched in and took possession of the city. On the 4th of October Washington was repulsed at Germantown, losing 400 more prisoners from his thin and exhausted ranks. The campaign of 1777 in the Middle States gloomily ended, and Washington returned with his wasted and despondent army to the bleak hills of Valley Forge, where the bare feet of the soldiers left their bloody imprints in the snows of the succeeding winter. But meanwhile, on October 16th, the battle of Saratoga was fought, and a blow was struck second in importance only to that inflicted upon the enemy at Yorktown. Morgan and his Virginia riflemen, nobly supported by the Continentals of New York and New England, led by Gates, Lin- coln and Arnold, forced the capitulation of Burgoyne with his entire force of 6,000 men and 42 pieces of artillery. This was the first really decisive event of the war. It has been numbered with Marathon, Hast- ings and Orleans, among the decisive battles of history. It was the turning point of the Revolution. It inspired hope at home and confi- dence abroad. It seconded the appeals of LaFayette and the diplomacy of Franklin, and largely contributed to win the treaty of alliance with France and the recognition of other European governments which quickly followed it. La Fayette now realized that his mission was in France. "I can help the cause more at home than here," he said, and asked for a leave of absence. Congress voted him a sword as a mark of gratitude, and he returned to France with a letter to the King in which the Continental Congress said: "We recommend this young nobleman to your Ma jesty's notice as one whom we know to be wise in council, gallant in 22 Presentation of a Copy of Houdons Statwe the field, and patient under the hardships of war." His return to France was one continuous ovation. Triumphal processions and fetes welcomed him on every hand, but these evidences of popular approval he valued only as they gave him power to procure aid for America. "France is now committed to war," he argued, "and the enemy's weak point of attack is in America. Send there your money and your men." And the results of his efforts were the army of Rochambeau and the fleet of de Grasse. "It is fortunate," said de Maurepas, the prime minister, "that LaFayette did not want to strip Versailles of its furniture for his dear Americans, for nobody could withstand his ardor." Even after the evacuation of Rhode Island by Clinton, in 1779, Washington was nevertheless obliged to maintain the defensive. He realized that it was necessary to the success of the cause that he should have re-enforcements and especially the co-operation of a naval force superior to that of the British. "If we do not have money and soldiers from France," he said, "our cause is lost." France alone could furnish the desired assistance, particularly the vessels of war. France did furnish both men and ships. There was great need of funds also. These came in the shape of a gift from King Louis XVI. of 6,000,000 livres. De Grasse also was instrumental in furnishing the needed money. During his stay in the West Indies he obtained from the Gov- ernor of Havana a loan of 1,200,000 livres for which he gave as se- curity his private fortune. All in all France and its citizens contrib- uted to the cause of the Revolution about 48,000 men, about $50,000,000 in money and nearly one hundred ships of war, including transports. Republics may be ungrateful, but the time has never been when the people of Virginia and her sister States have failed to recognize with gratitude and appreciation the generous and chivalric services rendered to their cause by the brave and gallant people of France. When an oflScer from General Carleton, who succeeded Clinton as the British Commander-in-Chief, came to Washington's headquarters with an offer of peace and independence if the Americans would renounce the alliance with France, Washington refused to receive him. Congress spurned Carleton's secretary bearing a like message, and the States, led by Maryland, denounced all who entertained propositions of peace which were not approved by France as public enemies. When David Hartley, a member of Parliament and a close friend of Benjamin Frank- lin, who was one of the three American commissioners to France, wrote to Franklin that he understood that America was disposed to enter into a separate treaty with Great Britain, that staunch old patriot replied: "This has always given me more disgust than my friendship I^ermffs me to express. I believe there is not a man in America, a few English Tories excepted, who would not spurn the thought of deserting a noble and generous friend for the sake of a truce with an unjust and cruel enemy The Congress will never instruct their commissioners to obtain a peace on such ignominious terms, and though there can be but few things in which I should venture to dis- obey their orders, yet, if it were possible for them to give such an order of Washington to the People of France 23 as this, I should certainly refuse to act. I should instantly renounce their commission and banish myself forever from so infamous a coun- try." No, America could not then, and she cannot now, forget the fidelity and magnanimity of her great ally. After the lapse of more than a century the mere memory of the heroic friendship, the unswerving loyalty, the unfaltering generosity and noble self sacrifice of the French comrades in arms is suflBcient to stir the hearts of Virginians and all Americans with emotions of undying love and gratitude. It is as a slight token of that love and gratitude, unbroken and undiminished through the years that have come and gone, that Vir- ginia wishes to give to France this statue of him who led the allied armies to victory. It is a copy of the masterpiece of that great French sculptor, Jean Antoine Houdon, born in this city of Versailles, and may well be kept here in this sacred shrine of French history and art, this palace once trod by the feet of Kings, as the best counterfeit pre- sentment of the face and form of one who, though he acknowledged no greater royalty than that of manhood, stands forth among the noblest and most majestic characters that grace the pages of history — the in- carnation of that spirit of resistance to oppression which inspired the Frenchmen of an earlier day to join hands with him in the cause of human freedom, the statue of him whom Virginia lovingly crowns as the greatest of her sons, given by her to America and to the world as a pattern and exemplar of civic virtue and patriotism. That he is deserving of all the honor we can give him the people of France will be first to admit. Already your statesmen, your soldiers, your poets and orators have proclaimed his praise in words and actions that can never be forgotten. When on February 9, 1800, Napoleon de- creed a great triumphal procession in honor of the victories in Egypt, the standards and flags which fluttered at the heads of the regiments were hung with crape, and remained draped with the emblems of mourning for the period of ten days, in response to the tidings from across the ocean that Washington, the friend of liberty, was no more. And after the grand parade was over, the dignitaries of France pro- ceeded solemnly to the Temple of Mars, where the eloquent public orator, M. de Fontanes, pronounced an ornate funeral oration in which he well said: "More than any words the mere holding of this soldierly funeral ceremony will impress all hearts with strong and lasting emo- tion." Napoleon also caused a noble tribute to Washington to be read at the head of his armies, and Talleyrand, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, made an elaborate report of his death to the First Consul, in which he used these words: "A nation which some day will be a great nation, and which today is the wisest and happiest on the face of the earth, weeps at the bier of a man whose courage and genius contributed the most to free it from bondage, and elevate it to the rank of an independent and sovereign power. The regrets caused by the death of this great man, the mem- ories aroused by these regrets, and a proper veneration for all that is 24: Presentation of a Copy of Houdon's Statue held dear and sacred by mankind, impel us to give expression to our sentiments by taking part in an event which deprives the world of one of the brightest of its ornaments, and removes to the realm of history one of the noblest lives that ever honored the human race. . . . . The man who, amid the decadence of modern ages, first dared to believe that he could inspire degenerate nations with courage to rise to the level of republican virtues, lived for all nations and for all centuries, and this nation, which first saw in the life and success of that illustrious man a foreboding of his destiny, and therein recog- nized a future to be realized and duties to be performed, has every right to class him as a fellow citizen." Major General de Chastellux, a distinguished French officer, who fought under Washington and Rochambeau, beautifully wrote: "The whole of North America, from Boston to Charleston is a great book, each page of which offers his praise. Brave without temer- ity, hard working without ambition, generous without prodigality, noble without pride, virtuous without severity, he seems ever to stop within the limits where virtues, while assuming more glaring but more change- ful colors, may be considered by some as akin to defects." Among the illustrious Frenchmen who have eloquently pronounced words of eulogy upon the life and character of Washington, it gives me pleasure to mention the distinguished scholar, orator, statesman and diplomat who now occupies the post of Ambassador from this country to the United States, a man whose name is held in honor throughout America, and especially in Virginia, where he is well known, and whose presence as a speaker here today lends one of the principal charms to this occasion. It will always be a pleasure to the members of this commission to remember that when they first mentioned to him the desire of Virginia to make this gift, he at once exhibited that gra- cious courtesy and appreciation which have characterized the French side of this affair throughout, and made it clear that France still en- tertains the same sentiments of sincere friendship for Virginia that Virginia holds for France. It was your own Guizot, the great historian of civilization, who pronounced that opinion of Washington, which seems best to Bum- marize the story of his great achievements: "Washington," said he, "did the two greatest things which in politics it is permitted to man to attempt. He maintained by peace the independence of his country which he conquered by war. He founded a free government in the name of the principles of order and by re-establishing their sway." But it is not alone because Washington did these two things that his name will live in history among those of the greatest sons of earth, "the noblest figure that ever stood in the forefront of a nation's life." He was a great soldier, a great general and leader of armies, but the world has seen greater commanders and masters of the art of war. Ca?sar, Napoleon, Frederick the Great, Mp,rlborough and Stonewall Jackson may doubtless have surpassed him in strategy and brilliancy of execution. He was greater as a statesman than as a soldier, but his intellectual triumphs in the realms of statecraft were no greater of Washington to the People of France 25 than those of Richelieu, of Hamilton, of Jefferson or of Madison. It was because Washington possessed, in addition to the skill and en- durance in warfare by which he conquered his country's independence, and the wisdom and foresight by which he maintained it in peace, those attributes of unselfish and devoted patriotism which made him willing to stop at no sacrifice that might redound to his country's good, those elements of the most exalted character of manhood which enabled him to rise superior to all the trials to which he was subjected, that history accords to him the truth of the tribute of Edward Everett that he was "the greatest of good men and the best of great men." Well might Madison inscribe upon the pedestal of his statue that he "united to the endowments of the hero the virtues of the patriot" and "exerted them both in establishing the liberties of his country." Gifted with a physical presence majestic in its calm dignity and perfect proportions, possessing a mind in which justice and wisdom dwelt serene, and a heart devoid of all alloy of selfishness or guile, he looms large upon the page of history as a shining illustration of the noblest heights to which humanity may rise, and gives to mankind "an immortal ex- ample of true glory." In the official account of the unveiling of the Rochambeau statue in Washington, on May 24, 1902, it is related that when the cord re- leasing the enshrouding flags was pulled by Madame La Comtesse Ro- chambeau, while the air was rent with shouts of applause, while hand- kerchiefs waved and cannons roared, and while above all the tumult rose the soul stirring strains of "Le Marseillaise," the receding folds of the stars and stripes, "apparently reluctant to part from one who had so valiantly upheld it in time of stress, clung to the hand which bore the plan of attack which struck the chains of servitude and slavery from the adolescent giant of the West." The President, Mr. Roosevelt, observing the efforts of some French and American seamen to release the clinging drapery, amid the sensation of the moment, exclaimed: "Leave it where it is! Leave it! It clings to the hero as he did to us!" And so the flag appropriately remained upon the statue until the end of the exercises. May we not see in this incident a true picture of the cordial admi- ration and loving regard which warms the hearts that beat under the stars and stripes for the great people who clung to them in their time of greatest danger? When Rochambeau landed on our shores at the head of his gallant army he said, speaking of the American people, "I am the friend of their friends and the foe of their foes." And again he said, "We are one in life and death." These generous expressions in words of a friendship which was vindicated in deeds of valor, and consecrated with the blood of heroes upon the altars of liberty, may well stand today as the symbol of the bond which unites the people of France with those of America, and well accord with the words of President Loubet at the unveiling of the La Fayette statue in 1900: "This friendship, born in the comradeship of arms, has developed and grown stronger during the century now past. The generations which follow us will not suffer it to grow weaker." God grant that his words 26 Presentation of a Copy of Houdons Statue may prove true; and as the centuries thicken and the plans of Provi- dence are unfolded through the succeeding generations, may the richest blessings of Heaven be showered upon the Republic and people of France; may the great Republic of the Old World and the great Re- public of the New forever stand in the truest sense for "liberty, fra- ternity, equality," and may the beautiful tri-color of France and the glorious stars and stripes of America wave forever in the forefront of the triumphant march of civilization, thus giving to the world an abid- ing assurance of the peace, prosperity, progress and enlightenment of humanity. Address of Presentation General Brun then introduced Colonel James Mann, chairman of the Virginia commission, who presented the statue on behalf of the people of Virginia to the people of France, in the following words: M. LE MiNISTRE DE LA GtJERRE: A century and a quarter ago there came into being within this palace a document that meant even more to America than did our immortal Declaration of Independence, for here, on September the 3d, 1783, was signed the Treaty of Peace between Great Britain and the United States of America, which vitalized and made true our declaration that we were "and of right ought to be free and independent States." This is indeed the birthplace of our nation, and we have come in grateful rec- ognition of the splendid part that France took in the accomplishment of our freedom to place within these sacred walls the statue of the "Father of his Country." The grandest name in all the history of America is that of George Washington, and the history of all the nations gives us none that is grander. Unique is his place among the great men of the earth. It is usually the soldier's dream to die by the sword, but he engaged in war only that his country might have peace. Drawing his sword from patriotic impulse, without ambition and without malice, he wielded it without vindictiveness and sheathed it without reproach. Donning the plain clothes of the citizen as soon as the enemy had left our shores, he issued a touching farewell address to his comrades in arms, and hurrying to Annapolis, he put aside his sword and laid down his com- mission at the feet of the Congress from whom he had received it eight years before. Grand as he was in war, he was grander still in peace, and to him above all others is due the adoption of the constitution which welded the States together into that form of government which became the pattern of future republics. Elected the first President of the United States, he served for two terms as the unanimous choice of the people, and then voluntarily sought that retirement from which he had come only at the earnest call of his country. Courteous and courtly to all men, a tender affection characterized his intercourse with his friends. La Fayette's heart went out to him in filial love; Rochambeau held him Colonel James Muitn Chairman of the Virginia Commission 26 Presentation of a Copy of Hovdon's Statue may prove true: and as the centuries thicken and the plans uf Provt dence are ; hroui^b the succeeding t 'is, may il blies-;!ngs lit sh'twored upon 'i .'iic and France; m of the Oi"i"rlca wave forever in the forefront of the triufu; on, thus j^iving to the world an abid- ii : II" 01 .n<. v>te('. prMsperlty, progreas and enlightenment of jKines Mann, chr.; ' "-^.■• V^' it'je <>n behalf of Vjr<;ij. j«.cle, vos concitoyens ne pouvaient faire un geste plus flatteur, plus digne d'etre ici gotlte et apprecie de tous. Aussi, messieurs, en vous apportant les chaleu- reux remerciements du gouvernement de la Republique, je suis sQr d'etre I'interprete de la nation tout enti^re. Washington! A ce nom, messieurs, que de grands souvenirs s'evoquent! que d'enthousiasmes s'evillent! que de lumiSres eclatantes et pures jaillissent! C'est que le p6re de la grande patrie des Etats-Unis d'Amerique ne domine pas seulement de sa haute stature de patriote et d'homme d'Etat I'evenement peut-etre le plus considerable des temps modernes, il apparait, orne de toutes les vertus civiques et militaires, dans ce cadre grandiose de I'ceuvre de votre emancipation. La Grece et Rome ont fagonne des heros a sa taille; c'est la que sont les egaux de celui que le grand poete anglais Byron separation de la m^re patrie: "Les evenements, disait Monson, qui appellera le Cincinnatus de I'Occident. Ne serait-ce, messieurs, que pour cette trainee de lumiere qui, a travers le monde, depuis plus d'un si^cle, 6mane du nom de Washing- ton, la France se ferait un devoir d'honorer votre heros national. II y a longtemps que, sans vouloir porter ombrage a des amities qui lui sont devenues particuliorement precieuses, elle a souscrit h ce jugement qu'un des diplomates les plus distingues de I'Angleterre, sir Edmund Monson, portait il y a quelque dix ans sur le conflit qui amena votre ont jadls divise les voies de nos deux nations, nous apparaissent aujourd'hui comme ayant 6t6 la source de ce qu'il y a de plus precieux dans la civilisation contemporaine et de ce qui pent le plus utilement contribuer dans I'avenir au progrt-s de I'un et I'autre pays." Et si I'cBuvre en elle-meme n'etait pas suflBsamment belle, qui ne se laisserait seduire par la grandeur et le genie de I'ouvrier ? Soldat incomparable par I'energie toujours active, le calme resigne et patient, la foi indestructible avec laquelle, au nom d'un principe immuable de justice, il poursuit la conquete de la liberte pour ceux qui lui ont config leur destinge et leur vie. Citoyen accompli par son re- spect pour la loi et le droit, homme d'Etat admirable par son in- difference pour les honneurs et le pouvoir qu'il repousse volontiers, ne consentant a sortir de I'ombre que pour toujours servir son 32 Presentation of a Copy of Houdons Statue pays, et dressant par la beauts de son exemple, la barridre la plus insurmontable aux app6tits, aux intrigues et i la tyrannie. Mais la France avait d'autres raisons pour demeurer fidC'le a la m^moire de Washington, et rien ne pouvait le lui rappeler de fagon plus sensible que votre offrande. Lorsque se posa devant le monde civilis6 le probleme de votre Emancipation, il se manifesta en France pour la cause de la libre Am^rique un de ces courants d'invincible sympathie, auquel ne purent 6chapper ni la cour, ni la ville, qui ebranla la masse du peuple, faisant d6ja pressentir ce que serait I'Slan revolutionnaire le jour oil la nation, prenant conscience de sa force, entrerait elle-meme dans la lice pour con- querir son independance et dgfendre sa libertg. C'est toutes les sympathies de la France qui accompagnerent dans leur exode vers votre continent La Fayette et les voloutaires frangais, prOts a vous y faire le sacrifice de leurs biens et de leur vie. Aussi, les succes du corps de Rocharabeau et de I'amiral de Grasse au si6ge de York- town furent-ils accueillis et celebres chez nous comme des victoires frangaises. Messieurs, nous garderons pieusement cette statue qui ne re- veillera parmi nous que des souvenirs sublimes. Elle ne pent etre mieux plac6e que dans ce palais de Versailles oil fut sign§ le traite qui consacra definitivement le triomphe d'une cause pour laquelle le sang frangais s'6tait mel6 au vStre sur maints champs de bataille. Elle ne pent etre mieux plac6e qu'au seuil de cette salle du congres oH les Chambres reunies en assemblee nationale viennent periodiquement elire le president de la Republique frangaise. Elle nous rappellera et gravera au fond de nos cceurs ces mots par lesquels le grand Washington saluait a son depart pour la France La Fayette qu'il ne devait plus revoir: "En vous voyant partir, 11 me semble voir s'61oigner de moi cette genereuse France qui nous a tant aimes, et que j'ai aim6e en vous aimant." Puisse I'image de I'illustre liberateur de la Nouvelle-Angleterre rendre sans cesse pr6sente aux mandataires de la nation la recon- naissance que vous vouez a notre patrie! Puissent les deux r6pu- bliques soeurs demeurer sans cesse plus unies dans un meme ideal de foi patriotique, de justice et delibert6! (translation.) ADDRESS OP GENERAL BRUN, Minister of War. Gentlemen: In offering to France this statue, faithful image of the immortal founder of the American nation, a work full of genius and simplicity of the greatest artist of the French school of the 18th century, your fellow citizens could not have conceived an attention more flattering, more worthy to be welcomed and appreciated here. Therefore, gentle- men, in conveying to you the heartfelt thanks of the Government of the Republic, I am sure of being the spokesman of the whole nation. Washington! At that name, gentlemen, what great memories are Genera] Briin The French Minister of War, loho received tht ; the people of France statue on behalf of 32 Preseniation of a Cop-y of Hottdons Statue pays, et dressant par la beauts de boh exemple, la barrl^re ]a pint, insurmontable aux app^tits, aux Intrigues ct h ia tyrannic. Mais la France ? Ik ni^molre de Waplu facon plus sensibN Doonde clvilisS le : France pour la ■ d'iuvincible ?'- la vllle. qui ■ res raisong pour • !e l\ viPT) nr pouvait ■ de Lorsque ee posa <....>=, us Buccfes de raniiral de Grasse au aigge de York- utjiiis ot c^Wbrfe Chez nous comrae des victoires vp.t): nl cette statue qui ne r6- sublimes. Elle ne peut fetre que dane ce palais de Versailles oH fut sign6 ie ae bataille. Elle ne ^<^^r^'^ .^^^tgiflac^e qu';^ salle du congrfes oil les Chambres r^unies en assembl^e nationale viennent perlodiquemsnt 61ire le presidentde la RSpublique fraiu; •■ Elle nous rappellera et gravera au fond de nos oosurs cesi par lesquels ie grand Washington saluait fi son depart pc. France I Puisae V. i ugleterre I ■ ia recon- ^eux r6pu- bliqutvs uttus un meme id6al de fol poj : ADI .LBRUN, .^i-nntter Of War. Gentu^men : In offering to France this statue, faithful image of the immortal founder of the American nation, a work full of genius and simplicity of the greatest artist of the French school of the iSth century, your fellow citizens could not have concflved au attention more more v-orthy to be welcomed and aispreciated here. Ther-^f- men, in conveying to you the heartfelt thanks of the at of the Republic, I am sure of being the spokesman of the ^ _iion. Washington! At that name, gentJemen, what greai memories are of Washington to the People of France 33 evoked! What enthusiasms are awakened! What pure and brilliant lights are kindled. And why? Because the Father of that great country, the United States of America, not only dominates by his tall stature of patriot and statesman the most considerable event perhaps of modern times, but stands forth graced with every civic and military virtue, on that grand background of the work of your emancipation. Greece and Rome fashioned heroes of his sort; there can we find the equals of him whom the great English poet, Byron, has called the "Cincinnatus of the West." Were it only, gentlemen, for that long trail of light, which, through the world, for over a century, has eminated from the name of Washing- ton, France would esteem it a duty to honor your national hero. She has long since subscribed to the judgment which a distinguished Eng- lish diplomat, Sir Edward Monson, expressed some ten years ago on the conflict which brought about your separation from the Mother coun- try: "The events," said Monson, "which once separated the paths of our two nations, appear to us now as having been the source of what is most precious in today's civilization and in what can most usefully contribute in the future to the progress of both countries." And if the work itself were not glorious enough, who would not be seduced by the grandeur and genius of the workman? A soldier, incomparable for his ever active energy, his calm and resigned pa- tience, the indestructible faith with which, in the name of an Immu- table principle of justice, he pursues the conquest of liberty for those who have confided to him their destinies and their lives. A model citizen for his respect of law and order, a statesman admirable for his indifference to honors and to power, which he willingly throws aside, consenting to step forth from his retirement only to serve his country, and raising by the nobleness of his example the most insurmountable barrier to greed, intrigue and tyranny. But France has other reasons for remaining faithful to the mem- ory of Washington, and nothing could remind her of this better than your gift. When to the civilized world was proposed the problem of your emancipation, there was manifested in France, for the cause of free America, one of those currents of invincible sympathy which neither court nor country could escape, and which stirred the mass of the people, foreshadowing what would be our own revolutionary enthu- siasm the day when our nation, becoming conscious of its strength, should itself enter the lists to conquer its independence and defend its liberty. All the sympathies of France accompanied in their exodus to your continent La Fayette and the French volunteers, ready to offer to you there the sacrifice of their fortunes and of their lives. And the successful feats of the army of Rochambeau and of Admiral de Grasse at the seige of Yorktown were hailed and celebrated by us as though they were French victories. Gentlemen, we will reverently keep this statue which will awake among us only sublime memories. It cannot be better placed than in this Palace of Versailles where was signed the Treaty that definitely 34 Presentation of a Copy of Houdons Statue consecrated the triumph of a cause for which French blood had been mingled with yours on many a battlefield. It cannot be better placed than at the threshold of that Congress Hall where the Chajnbers, united in a National Assembly, come periodically to elect the President of the French Republic. It will recall to us, and will engrave in the depths of our hearts, the words with which the great Washington saluted, on his departure for France, La Fayette, whom he was never again to see: "In seeing you depart, it seems to me I see go from me that generous France, which has loved us so well, and which I love in loving you." May the image of the illustrious one who freed the United States render ever present to the representatives of our nation the gratitude with which you honor our country; may the two sister Republics re- main ever more and more united in one same ideal of patriotic faith, of justice and of liberty. Address of M. Jusserand Upon the conclusion of his discourse. General Brun introduced M. Jean J. Jusserand, Ambassador from France to the United States, who acted as the special representative of the Ministre des Affaires Etrangeres, and who delivered with all the vim and grace of the orator and scholar he is, the magnificent address which follows: DISCOURS DE M. JUSSERAND. Ambassadeur de France aux Etats-Unis. Dans ce palais consacre " a toutes les gloires de la France " I'image de Washington offerte a notre nation par I'Etat de Virginie vient de prendre place. Get edifice convenait pour I'abriter : I'amitie de Washington et celle du peuple americain pour nous sont une de nos gloires. Ghez nous, Washington n'est pas un etranger. II a commande des armees frangaises. Rochambeau, qui avait vu deja et devait voir encore par la suite tant de guerres, envoyait k Washington, en arrivant aux Etats-Unis, la copie de ses " instructions " et y joi- gnait une copie de ses " instructions secretes " car, disait-il, pour noon chef, je ne saurais avoir aucun secret. Et tons deux commen- gaient alors cette memorable campagne de guerre, si differente de tant d'autres, qui avait pour objet, non pas un asservissement, mais une emancipation. Washington a encore sa place marquee parmi nous parce qu'il fut citoyen frangais. A peine notre pays s'etait-il donne, comme I'Amerique, des institutions libres, que I'AssemblSe legislative d6- cldait que " tons ceux qui, dans les diverses contr6es du monde, ont milri la raison humaine et prepare les voles de la liberty, devaient etre regard^s comme les allies du peuple frangais ". Wash- ington, alors president, fut proclame citoyen frangais par decret du 24 aoflt de cette mOme ann6e 1792 qui allait etre I'an ler de notre Rgpublique. of Washington to the People of France 35 Sa mort fut pour la France un deuil national. Seule, lorsque les treize Etats avaient, a un moment tragique de la guerre de rindependance, lance leur appel au monde, demandant un appui et une alliance, la France avait repondu. Seule, losque le fondateur de rUnion disparut, elle prit le deuil; les oflaciers de I'armee frangaise porterent le crOpe; sur les monuments publics, les drapeaux furent abaisses a mi-mat et une ceremonie funebre sans exemple dans I'histoire reunit au Temple de Mars, comme on appelait alors lea Invalides, tout ce que la race comptait de plus illustre, avec Bona- parte, premier consul, en tete du cortege, pour entendre I'eloge, par Fontanes, du grand citoyen, notre ancien alli6, et I'objet de notre admiration. Pour honorer encore cette memoire, un projet fut etudie, qui ne devait etre realise que bien plus tard, celui d'eriger en France une statue a Washington. " Un peuple, " disait dans son rapport le ministre des relations exterieures (Talleyrand), " un peuple qui sera un jour un grand peuple, qui aujourd'hui est le peuple le plus sage et le plus heureux de la terre, pleure la mort de I'homme qui, par son courage et son genie, contribua le plus a. I'affranchir du joug pour I'elever au rang des nations independantes et souveraines. " La France qui, des I'ourore de la Revolution americaine, pres- sentit tout ce que I'humanite pouvait retirer de gloire et la politique de lumi&res de la nouvelle espece d'institutions sociales et du nouveau genre d'heroisme dont Washington et I'Amerique allaient offrir des modeles au monde, la France, dis-je, doit s'ecarter des regies com- munes pour celebrer une renommee qui ne s'est formee sur aucun exemple. " Pour la troisifime fois, depuis lors, une statue offerte par nos anciens allies, est 6rigee sur le sol frangais k la mSmoire de Wash- ington. Nous devons celle-ci h cet Etat de Virginie qui joua dans la guerre de I'lndSpendance et dans toute I'histoire du pays un role si considerable, oil la France compte tant d'amis, oil le Pere de la patrie americaine vit le jour et oil il dort maintenant son dernier sommeil. Ainsi que M. le ministre de la guerre I'a 61oquemment indique, la France entiere est reconnaissante 3, la Virginie. L'oeuvre est digne du heros dont elle perpetue les traits ; elle est due a Houdon a qui des portraits dessines avaient d'abord et6 soumis par Franklin et Jefferson, mais qui voulut taire le voyage afin que I'image d'un si grand homme fQt exactement conserv6e. Elle Test, en effet; et nous avons sous les yeux un Washington vivant, noble d'expression, simple d'attitude, celui-ia meme que connurent, chgrirent et admirSrent La Fayette, Chastellux, Rochambeau. Tel il 6tait lorsqu'il s'entretenait avec eux, tel nous le voyons. A Yorktown, I'independance americaine fut conquise ; a Ver- sailles, elle fut consacree. Ce fut le grand evonement de I'annee 1783. Un autre evenement, simple incident, pourrait-on croire, k cote de celui-la, marqua la meme annee. Quinze jours aprds que la paix avait ete signee, une montgolflere s'elevait devant ce meme palais de Versailles oa nous nous trouvons, — invention, disait depuis Berthe- 36 Presentation of a Copy of Houdons Staiue lot, qui 6crivait pourtant avant I'heure du colonel Renard, des freres Wright, gloire de I'Amerique, des Blgriot, Latham, Paulhan, Rolls, Leblanc, Aubrun et tant d'autres, — invention destinee a r6volutionner plus profond6ment le monde qu'aucune de celles qui I'ont prgced6e. La paix de Versailles signiflait Emancipation; I'invention des Montgolfier signiflait aussi Emancipation. Washington est vraiment a sa place ici ; il est entourE de ses compagnons d'armes : La Fayette, Rochambeau, d'Estaing, de Grasse et cet admirable Suffren qui, combattant a I'autre bout du monde pour I'independance americane, fit autant que pas un pour sa con- qu6te. Mais surtout il demeurera entoure h jamais, ainsi que vous I'avez voulu, Messieurs les dElegues de Virginie, de la foule frangaise; cette meme foule, ce meme peuple qui s'enthousiasma jadis pour la cause des Etats-Unis et qui demeure aujourd'hui encore le mCme, aussi ardent, aussi capable d'enthousiasme, aussi jeune, aussi fort. Un long passe historique ne fait pas une nation vielle; ce qui la vieillit, c'est I'affaissement interieur, c'est la perte de la foi en elie-mOme, le renoncement a la lutte, la sterilitS de coeur et d'esprit, rimitation remplagant I'invention, I'accroissement de Tegoisme chez I'individu, I'affaiblissement des courages. II n'est pas temeraire de dire que de ces maux, ni vous, Americans, ni nous, Frangais, ne sommes menaces. Si Washington revenait au monde, il retrouverait dans ces masses populaires qui se presseront les dimanches autour de la statue, les hemes Frangais qu 'il a connus, dont il se plaisait a louer les vertus militaires, et dont il admirait la chaleur de coeur, I'esprit fecond, la passion pour les idees genereuses. On associe habituellement I'idSe du temps il celle de la mort: Le temps avec la mort, d'un vol infatigable. . . Mais le temps n'est pas seulement la Mort, c'est aussi la Nais- sance. Sur les evenements que nous rappelle I'image de Washington, le temps a passe et a fait son oeuvre. La jeune Republique fond6e par le heros americain a depasse ses propres esperances, elle est restee une, comme il souhaitait et elle est devenue la grande R6- publique de I'Occident. Fait memorable: au cours des ans, les anciennes animosites se sont effacees; I'ennemi de 1783 est devenu rami d'aujourd'hui, I'ami Eprouve de la France et celui des Etats- Unis. Une chose demeure intacte, et le temps n'a fait que I'affermir : les sympathies franco-americaines. dont I'offre de la statue de Wash- ington par I'Etat de Virginie est un nouveau et precieux temoignage. (tbanslation.) ADDRESS OF M. JUSSERAND, French Ambassador to the United States. In this palace, consecrated "to all the glories of France," the image of Washington offered to our nation by the State of Virginia has now taken its place. M. Jean J. Jusserand Ambassador of France to the United F^tates PreserUaiion of a Copu !>f 1J< ^ tUafh. lot Lebianc, An plus profou Montgr'*^ — wv et IK. If, lancipation; .» levuiutiouiitT I'ODt pr#c6d6e. rinventloa des 1 est entoilrfe de- ses (I'Estaing, de Grasse t'-e bout du monde \n pour sa con- u ainsi que vous liie, de la foule francaise; ft; liousiasma jadts pour la «.. iiui encore le mome, aussi . i;:si jeune, aussi fort. lit pas uiif nation vie!!*;-, ce qui liuut iutt ' ' Ja foi en 'I 'n ■'u. I et d'esprit, iiiiatatjoii rempiagani J i acc-roiaseiuent de regoi&me chez I'indivldu, raffaibllssenjo'-- . _ ...irages. II n'est pas t6m6raire de dire que de oes nmux, ui vous, Americans, ni nous, FranQais, ne Bommes mena< 68. Si Washington revenait au monde, 11 retrouverait dans cesrs masses popmtfll^^iS'^^ifiV'seV'pS^^Wda'^ les dimanches autour dc la statue«4fei<^<''ip^5^a5jW3p,i«^cBt)KH-v?l (^iMteoadoatttfi. se plaisait h louer les vertus militaires, et dont il admirait la chaleur de coeur, Vesprit f6cond, la passion pour les id6es gen^reuses. On associo ",iab.'tuc'I'.n>iit I'idfe du temps a. ceile de ia mort' :nort, d'un vol Infatigable. . . Boulement la Wort r'v n, - . ..dSe ■\e est » liude R6- itf ans, les ; est devenu • ;i des Etats- u a rait gue Taffermir : .:'re de la statue de Wash- eance. le temi..: = par le h6f • restfie une, r.i,r publique de IT' anciennes animosite^ rami d'aujourd bui, '■. Unls. Une chose demeur les sympathies franco-an; ington par I'Etat de Virginie est un nouveau et pr6cleux t^moignage. (tbakslation.) ADDRESS OF M. JUSSERAND, French Ambassador to the United States. In this palace, consecrated "to all the glories of France," the Image of Washington offered to our nation by the State of Virginia has now taken its place. of Washington to the People of France 37 This edifice is well fitted to shelter it: the friendship of Wash- ington and of the American people for us are one of our glories. To us, Washington is not a foreigner. He has commanded French Armies. Rochambeau, who had already seen, and was yet to see in the future, so many wa'rs, on his arrival in the United States sent to Washington a copy of his "instructions" attaching thereto a copy of his "secret instructions," for said he, "For my chief I can have no secret." And the two commenced then that memorable campaign of war, so different from many others, that had for its object not con- quest, but emancipation. Washington has his place marked among us also because he was a French citizen. Hardly had our country, like America, given itself free institutions, than the Legislative Assembly decided that "all those who, in the various countries of the world had ripened human reason and prepared the ways of liberty, should be regarded as allies of the French people." Washington, then President, was proclaimed a French citizen by decree of the 24th of August of the same year 1792, which was to be the year one of our Republic. His death was for France a national mourning. Alone, when the thirteen States had, at a tragic moment of the War of Independence, sent forth their appeal to the world asking for support and an alliance, France had responded. Alone, when the founder of the Union left this world, she went into mourning; the officers of the French army wore crepe; on the public buildings flags were lowered to half-mast, and at a funeral ceremony unexampled in history, there gathered at the "Temple of Mars," as the "Invalides" was then called, all that France counted most illustrious, with Bonaparte, First Consul, head- ing the cortege, to hear the eulogy by Fontanes of the great citizen, our former ally, and the object of our admiration. To honor that memory yet more a project was studied, which was to be realized only much later, that of erecting to Washington a statue in France. "A people," wrote in his report the Minister of Foreign Relations (Talleyrand), "a, people that will one day be a great people, and is today the wisest and the happiest on earth, mourns the death of the man who by his courage and his genius contributed more than any other to freeing it from the yoke and to raising it to the rank of an independent and sovereign nation. "France, who, from the dawn of the American Revolution, under- stood all that humanity might gather of glory, and politics of light, from the new kind of social institutions and the new sort of heroism of which Washington and America were going to offer examples to the world, France, I say, must swerve from ordinary customs to cele- brate a renown which modeled itself on no example." For the third time since then, a statue offered by our old allies is erected on French soil to the memory of Washington. We owe this one to that State of Virginia which played in the War of Independence, and in all the history of the nation, so considerable a part, in which 38 Preseniation of a Copy of Hoiidons Statue France counts so many friends, and where the Father of his Country now sleeps his last sleep. All France is grateful to Virginia. The work is worthy of the hero whose features it perpetuates; it is due to Houdon, to whom drawings had first been submitted by Franklin and Jefferson, but who chose to make the journey in order that the likeness of so great a man should be exactly preserved. It has been indeed; and we have before our eyes a living Washington, noble in expression, simple in attitude, the very one known, cherished and admired by La Fayette, Chastellux, Rochambeau. Such as he was when he conversed with them, such we see him. At Yorktown, American independence was won; at "Versailles it was consecrated. That was the great event of the year 1783. Another event, a mere incident beside that, one might think, marked the same year: two weeks after the peace had been signed, Montgolfier's balloon rose before this very Palace of Versailles where we now are — an inven- tion, said Berthelot, writing much later, but yet before the days of Colonel Renard; of the Wright brothers, pride of America; of Bleriot, Latham, Paulhan, Rolls, Leblanc, Aubrun and so many others — an invention destined to revolutionize the world more profoundly than any which has preceded it. The peace of Versailles signified emanci- pation; the brothers Montgolfier's invention also signified emancipa- tion. Washington is here truly in his place; he is surrounded by his comrades in arms: La Fayette, Rochambeau, d'Estaing, de Grasse and that admirable Suffren, who, fighting at the other end of the world for American independence, did as much as any for its accomplish- ment. But above all he will remain surrounded forever, even as you gentlemen from Virginia have wished, by the people of France, that same people so enthusiastic of yore for the cause of the United States, and who yet today remains the same, as ardent, as capable of enthu- siasm, as young, as strong. A long historical past does not make a nation old; what ages it is the inward weakening, the loss of faith in itself, the giving up of the fight, sterility of heart and mind, imitation replacing invention, increase of egotism in the individual, decrease of courage. It is not rash to say that with these evils neither you Americans nor we French are threatened. If Washington were to come back to life, he would find in those popular masses that on Sundays will crowd around his statue, the same French whom he knew, whose military virtues he liked to praise and whom he admired for their warmth of heart, their fertile minds, their responsiveness to generous ideas. It is customary to associate the idea of time with that of death: "Le Temps avec la mort, d'un vol infatigable". . . . ("Time with death, in tireless flight.") But time is not only death, it is also birth. On the events which the image of Washington recalls to us, time has passed and done its work. The young Republic founded by the American hero has Bur- of Washington to the People of France 39 passed his own hopes, it has remained one, as he wished, and it has become the great Republic of the West. With the course of years, the old animosities have been effaced; the enemy of 1783 has become the friend of today, the tried friend of France and of the United States. One thing remains intact, and time has but strengthened it: French and American sympathies, of which the offer of Washington's statue by the State of Virginia is a new and valuable token. M. Jusserand, after his formal address, added a few graceful words in English expressive of his admiration of General Washington and of the pleasure he felt at the friendship and appreciation on the part of the people of Virginia towards the people of France which was given such fitting evi- dence in the presentation of this statue. He concluded his remarks most happily by praising the American soldiers, to whom he referred as "the only ones against whom the soldiers of France had never fought, and would never fight." The ceremonies, which had been marked by enthusiasm throughout, were concluded by the playing of "America" while the audience stood at attention. After having accepted an invitation from M. de Nolhac, the distinguished and learned conservateur du palais, to return on the Monday following, when the palace would not be opened to the public, and go through the magnificent pile, where are collected so many intensely interesting souvenirs of the great- ness and glories of France, the commissioners and their wives returned by automobile to Paris, stopping en route to take tea informally with Ambas- sador and Mrs. Bacon at Pre Catalan in the Bois de Bolougne. Le Tombeau de La Fayette On Saturday, August 20, 1910, the anniversary of the day on which La Fayette joined the American Army as a member of the staff of General Washington, with the rank of Major-General, but at first without command, the commission, by direction of your Excellency, placed a wreath upon the tomb of this great friend of America, who, when a choice of commands was offered him, had selected a division composed entirely of Virginians. The ceremony was very simple and informal, but most impressive. The tomb of this great Frenchman is in a quiet corner of the small, private Cimetiere de Picpus, in the outskirts of Paris, where are buried members of many of the most distinguished families of France. In a section separated by a wall from La Fayette's tomb lie some thirteen hundred of the nobility of France, victims of the guilotine. A simple marble slab, such as was much used at that period, covers the grave, over which there floats always an American flag, which is replaced from time to time by one of the American patriotic societies of Paris. The members of the commission, accompanied by their wives, Comte Charles de Chambrun, a grandson of Virginie de La Fayette; Mr. Bailly- Blanchard, First Secretary of the American Embassy; and Mr. and Mrs. Nathaniel Beaman, of Norfolk, Virginia, who had been invited to accompany them, left their hotel at ten o'clock in the morning, and half an hour later 40 Presentation of a Copy of Hovdons Statue were standing with heads reverently uncovered by the tomb of LaFayette. A beautiful laurel wreath had been provided, from which flowed silk stream- ers of blue and white, the colors of Virginia. Attached was a card bearing the words: "The Governor of Virginia, August 20, 1910." The chairman turned to Comte de Chambrun and said: "By direction of the Governor of Virginia, we have come on this anniversary of the day on which General La Fayette first unsheathed his sword for the cause of American liberty, to place above his grave this wreath of laurels, as an evidence of the tender affection and loving esteem in which all Virginians hold his memory." Mrs. Mann then placed the wreath upon the tomb. Comte de Chambrun seemed greatly touched and expressed in a few words his family's grateful acknowledgments of the honor shown to his distinguished ancestor, recalling the feeling of affection that the latter had always held for General Washington and for Virginia. Social Entertainments Apart from the intensely interesting events above related, and to par- ticipate in which the commission had come to Paris, many social pleasures were in store for the commissioners and their wives. DINNER AT THE AMERICAN EMBASSY. On the evening of August 18th, a brilliant dinner was given in their honor at the magnificent home of the American Ambassador. The table was a mass of beautiful fiowers, and the dinner was all that an epicure might desire. A delightful company had been invited to meet the Virginians and the occasion was one of much pleasure and enjoyment. Among the guests of Ambassador and Mrs. Bacon were: The chairman of the Virginia Commission and Mrs. Mann, Senator and Mrs. Don P. Halsey, Senator and Mrs. Floyd W. King, General Brun, the French Minister of War; the French Ambassador at Washington and Mme. Jusserand; M. Hanotaux, formerly Minister of Foreign Affairs and presi- dent of the France-Amerique Society; the Governor of the Banque de France and Mme. Pallain, Marquis de La Fayette, Vicomte Dejean, Comte de Cham- brun, Mr. Howard N. Thompson, and the Secretaries of the American Embassy, Mr. Bailly-Blanchard, Mr. Scholle and Mr. Gunther. GUESTS OF THE PRESIDENT. When the commission reached Paris, we were informed that President Fallieres was in Switzerland, and would not return until the following week. Invitations were handed to us, however, to enjoy the President's box at rOpera on the night of August 19th, and at the Theatre Francaise on the following Tuesday night, and to take luncheon with the President and Mme. Fallieres at the Chateau de Rambouillet, their summer home, on Thursday, Comte Aldebert j. i.M- ('..r ord for the cause of A laurels, as an h all Virginians 3mb. Comte •••' worda his As distinguished 1-; had always held sting events above related, and to par- !t!d come to Paris, many social pleasures .w \v \ M^^i jwoO DINNER AT THE AMERICAN EMBASSY. On the evnlnjj of Ans^ii?^ ""^th. a briUla-nt dinner \^-a? ^iven in fheir honor at the :'.? a mass of be; „ .^. ... „. . ii?sire. A delighi meet the Virginians i. the • - The Mrs. Do! French Minister • Jusscrand; M. H-^^..- dent of the France- Am and Mme. Pallain, Mar brun, Mr. Howard N. T' Mr. Bailly-Blanchard, Mr. Sciioil^ ixh ! Mme. i presi- France " Lif Cham- m Embassy, GUESTS OF THE PRESIDENT. When til Ion reached Paris, we were informed that President Fallieres wa- .. ^ ...... rland, and would n^t 'Kturn until the followin*' wppU Invitations were handed to us, howevf .v the President'^ rOpera on tl- ' ^ ' 19th, anu ai i...- Theatre T^ following Tib take luncheon with the Pr Fallieres at the CLaieau do Ikambouillet, their summer home, ^ of Washington to the People of France 41 August 25th. The chairman's invitation to the luncheon was as follows, similar invitations being received by all of the commissioners and their wives: Le President de la Repuhlique prie Monsieur le Colonel James Mann, President de la delegation de VEtat de Virginie, de lui faire Vhonneur de venir dejeuner au Chateau de Rambouillet, le Jeudi, 25 Aout, a midi %. R. 8. v. P. Depart de Paris: Gare des Invalides a 10 h. 39. Retour, arrivee a Paris: Gare Montparnasse a 3 h. 52. SIGURD A L'OPERA. On Friday night, August 19th, the commissioners and their wives occupied the President's box at I'Opera and enjoyed a rare musical treat. "Sigurd" was sung by the following artists: Sigurd, M. Granal; Gunther, M. Danges; Hagen, M. Gresse; Un Pretre d'Odin, M. Duclos; Brunehilde, Mme. Bourdon; Hilda, Mme. Dubois-Lauger; Erta, Mme. Charny, supported by an excellent caste and a magnificent corps de ballet. The Opera House, at the head of the famous Avenue de I'Opera, is the largest theatre in the world, covering nearly three acres. Its most striking interior features per- haps are the beautiful Grand Staircase, or Escalier d'Honneur, of white marble, rosso antico, and Algerian onyx; and the great Foyer du Public where one sees all Paris en promenade between acts. Both the exterior and the interior of this great palace of music are magnificent throughout. AT THE MOLIERE THEATRE. On the Tuesday night following, our party were accorded the courtesy of the President's box at the Theatre Francais, where two plays were pre- sented: Moliere's "Scapin" and a play entitled "Les Deux Menages." It is hardly necessary to say that in this national theatre, the great home of classic art, where only artists are allowed to appear, the acting was of the best. In the vestibule and foyer and other halls through which the audience may promenade between acts are many most interesting statues and busts of famous French dramatists and actors, among the most interesting being the statue of Voltaire by Houdon, and the bust of Dumas the Elder by Chapu. At I'Opera and at the Theatre Francais, the commissioners had the pleasure of having as their guests Mr. and Mrs. Beaman, of Norfolk. DEJEUNER AU CHATEAU DE RAMBOUILLET. The luncheon at Rambouillet was an occasion of much pleasure to the members of the commission and their wives. On the morning of Thursday, August 25th, we met, at the Gare des Invalides, the others who had been invited by the President, and left in a private car, under the escort of M. Armand Mollard, directeur du protocole, for Rambouillet, which is about forty miles from Paris. Arriving at our destination we were met by Lieu- tenant-Colonel Griache, a member of the President's official household, and 42 Presentation of a Copy of Houdons Statiue conveyed in carriages to the Chateau, where we were presented to the Presi- dent and Mme. Fallieres by Ambassador Bacon, who had accompanied us from Paris. We were greeted most cordially by the President, who expressed his grateful appreciation, and that of the people of France, of the gift we had presented, and the motive which had prompted the General Assembly of Virginia to send the Statue of Washington as a gift to France. The chair- man, on behalf of the commission, expressed the pleasure it had given us to come as the bearers of this token of aifection and grateful remembrance, and the appreciation of the members of the commission of the cordial and delightful manner in which we had been received. He also presented to the President the compliments and good wishes of the Governor of Virginia, and was requested by the President to convey to your Excellency the assurance of his high regard and esteem. After greetings and compliments had been exchanged, the President offered his arm to Mrs. Mann and led the way to the state dining-room, where a delightful dejeuner in courses was served, during which the President proposed the health of the Governor of Virginia and of the members of the commission. The chairman responded in a few words, and proposed the health of the President, and of those who had ren- dered the performance of our mission so pleasant a duty. We then adjourned to la Salle de Jeu, where coffee was served, after which we were escorted through the Chateau and shown the rare wood carving for which it is famous, and of which all France is justly proud; the beautiful bath room of Marie Antoinette, the wall and ceiling of which are covered with delft in unique and handsome designs; and its other features of interest. We then, under the escort of the President, enjoyed a stroll through the beautiful grounds which surround the Chateau, one of the special and very attractive features of which is a long avenue of graceful Louisiana cypress trees, which were presented by the people of Louisiana to Napoleon, who planted them at Rambouillet, which was one of his favorite chateaux. The visit was a most enjoyable one and all too soon it was time for us to return to Paris. As we drove away, the little two-year-old grandchild of the President delighted us by waiving its adieux from an upper chamber of the chateau. Among those who were the guests of the President and Mme. Fallieres at dejeuner were: The chairman of the Virginia commission and Mrs. Mann, Senator and Mrs. Floyd W. King, Senator and Mrs. Don P. Halsey, Hon. Robert Bacon, American Ambassador at Paris; the French Ambassador to the United States and Mme. Jusserand, M. Armand Mollard, directeur du protocole; Mr. Bailly- Blanchard, First Secretary of the American Embassy; Lieutenant-Colonel Griache, and M. and Mme. Lanes, son-in-law and daughter of the President. LUNCHEON WITH THE FRENCH AMBASSADOR. Another most pleasant occasion was the luncheon on Tuesday, August 23d, tendered to the members of the commission and their wives by the Am- bassador from France to the United States and Mme. Jusserand at their home, overlooking the Seine and the beautiful grounds which surround the Trocadero. We were especially pleased when M. and Mme. Jusserand invited us to come to luncheon with them "en famille," for M. Jusserand had from of Washington to the People of France 43 the beginning taken so great an interest in the presentation of the statue to the people of his country, and had been so untiring in his efforts to add to the pleasure of our stay in France, that we felt we had passed beyond the stage of an official acquaintance and become real friends. The guests, besides the members of the commission and their wives, were Mr. Bailly-Blanchard, First Secretary of the American Embassy, who had also shown us many personal as well as official courtesies, and Vicomte Dejean. There was no formality; the charmingly gracious ease with which we were received left nothing to be desired; and the occasion will long be remembered as one of the most pleasant of our experiences. Visits to Places of Interest The members of the commission remained in Paris until the morning of August 29th, and their stay was a round of pleasure and enjoyment. Besides the intensely interesting visit to Versailles by invitation of M. de Nolhac, we visited the Louvre, filled with incomparable art treasures; the Palais du Luxembourg, with its fine gallery of contemporary French art, surrounded by a vast park and gardens of rare beauty; the Pantheon, its walls decorated with most beautiful historical paintings, and in its crypt the tombs of many of the great men of France; Les Invalides, where Napoleon lies in magnifi- cent state surrounded by the flags of the conquered; Notre Dame, one of the best known and most famous Cathedrals of the world; La Madeleine, whose great columns, richly sculptured frieze, and perfect proportions, make it a truly beautiful structure; Eiffel Tower, from the top of which a wonderful view of Paris and its environs was obtained; the Palais de Justice, with its many historical associations, and of which la Conciergerie, from which Marie Antoinette went to her death, is a part; Sainte Chapelle, in the south court of the Palais de Justice, built in the thirteenth century by Saint Louis to receive relics brought from the Holy Land by the Crusaders, and declared by many critics to be the purest, the most delicate and most harmonious specimen of Gothic architecture ever created; St. Denis, where were buried many of the Kings and Queens of France, whose tombs, destroyed during the Revolution, have now for the most part been restored; the Musee Carna- valet, where were seen a reproduction of the Bastile and many other objects of great interest connected with the history of Paris and the French Revolu- tion; the Musee Cluny, with its valuable collection of mediasval objects of art and its masterpieces of the decorative and useful arts; and many other places of great historic and educational interest. On Sunday, August 28th, we were tendered the use of his automobile by Mr. Gunther, whose absence from the city prevented our having the pleasure of his company, and we enjoyed the rare treat of a visit to Fontainebleau, some forty miles from Paris, over perfect roads. The Palace is beautiful beyond description, both architecturally and in the magnificence of its furnishing, while it is filled with treasures of art and objects of the most intense his- torical interest, the most important of which are those connected with Napo- leon, for here he saw the downfall of his power and upon a small table which 44 Presentation of a Copy of Houdons Statue is shown to visitors wrote bis abdication; while it was in the great square in front of this Palace that he bade farewell to the Old Guard, one of the most touching scenes in all history. Farewell Notes and Calls M. Jusserand was to leave Paris for Washington several days before the visit of the commissioners was ended, and on August 26th the chairman wrote to him as follows: Paris, August 26, 1910. My Dear Mr. Jusserand: Before you leave Paris, I want to thanlc you on behalf of the State of Virginia and of my associates and myself for the very great interest you have taken in the presentation of the Statue of Washington by the people of Virginia to the people of France, and to assure you of our personal appreciation of the many kindnesses and courtesies you have shown us during our stay in France. The graciousness and cordiality with which Virginia's gift has been received, and the importance which has been attached to our visit, has most strongly impressed us with the belief that the people of France must have in their hearts for our State the same friendly feel- ing of affection that all true Virginians who remember the kindness of your people in the past entertain for France. To Madame Jusserand and yourself we feel that we owe much of the pleasure we have enjoyed in Paris, and we beg that you will accept our compliments and most sincere acknowledgments. Wishing both of you a very pleasant voyage, I am, on behalf of the ladies of our party and my associates and myself, Very sincerely yours, JAMES MANN. M. Jean J. Jusserand, Paris, France. And upon the morning of their departure, the chairman addressed to President Fallieres, on behalf of himself and the other commissioners, the following note: Paris, August 29, 1910. M. LE President: My associates and I do not feel that we can leave France without expressing to you our most sincere appreciation of the many delightful courtesies which have been shown us since we arrived at Calais, nearly two weeks ago. The cordiality with which Virginia's gift to France has been ac- cepted has shown us that the affectionate regard in which Virginians hold the people of your country finds a ready response in their hearts; while the graciousness of our reception and the courtesies which have been shown us, especially the charming luncheon at Rambouliet, will always be among the most cherished of our memories. of Washington to the People of France 45 The ladies of our party join my associates and me in presenting to Mme. Fallieres and yourself our very sincere compliments, while I beg to subscribe myself, sir. Your obedient servant, JAMES MANN, Chairman Virginia Commission. To His Excellency, M. Armand Fat.t.tkbes, President of the French Republic. The time for our departure from Paris in accordance with our plans having arrived, we proceeded on the Saturday preceding to make our adieux. We called at the American Embassy and talked over with the Ambassador and his associates, all of whom had shown us many courtesies, the delightful experiences we had enjoyed, and said farewell to them with genuine regret. Next, with the ladies of our party, we called at the Palais de I'Elysee to inscribe our names, as is the custom, upon the guest books of the President and Mme. Fallieres, both of whom were still at Rambouillet. The commis- sioners then proceeded to make farewell calls upon General Brun, le Ministre de la Guerre; M. Pichon, le Ministre des Affaires Etrangeres, and Vice- Admiral de Lapeyrere, le Ministre de la Marine, all of which calls were returned at the Hotel Continental during the afternoon. Our oflScial duties ended, we left Paris early Monday morning, August 29th, carrying with us many pleasant memories of our stay in France, and of the cordial hospitality with which we had been received. We went first to Oberammergau, where we enjoyed the Passion Play, after which we jour- neyed leisurely through Switzerland and Italy, returning home by the Mediterranean route. Respectfully submitted, JAMES MANN, Chairman. Part III The Appendices APPENDIX I. Resolution for Procuring a Statue of George Washington In the House of Delegates. Tuesday, the 22d of June, 1784. Resolved, That the Executive be requested to take measures for procuring a statue of General Washington, to be of the finest marble and best workman- ship, with the following inscription on its pedestal, viz: "The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Virginia have caused this statue to be erected as a monument of affection and gratitude to George Washington, who uniting to the endowments of the Hero the virtues of the Patriot, and exerting both in establishing the liberties of his country, has rendered his name dear to his fellow citizens and given the world an im- mortal example of true glory." Teste: 1784, June 24th. Agreed to by the Senate unanimously. JOHN BECKLEY, C. H. D. WILL. DREW, C. S. APPENDIX II. History and Value of the Houdon Statue By SHERWIN McRAE, Esq. (1872) Houdon's Statue of Washington is interesting to mankind as the most perfect representation of this peerless man that exists. While it is the cher- ished object of pride and affection with our whole country, Virginia remem- bers that before time and opportunity had fully developed the civic virtues of Washington, she acknowledged him the chief of her sons, and sealed the acknowledgment with this matchless statue. The General Assembly of Virginia, soon after the declaration of peace, responding to the emotions of affection and gratitude which stirred the hearts of her people, decreed a statue to General Washington, and Houdon, of Paris, one of the most celebrated statuaries of the time, was employed to make it. To insure a perfect lil^ness, Houdon visited Mount Vernon, and remained with Washington a fortnight, during which time he took a cast of his face, head and upper part of the body, and minute measurements of his person, 48 Presentation of a Copy of Houdons Staiue and acquired that intimate knowledge of his subject which his mission de- manded. The artist was to receive as compensation for the statue twenty- five thousand livres, or one thousand English guineas; and his expenses in- curred in the trip, to and from Virginia, were to be reimbursed him. In addi- tion, his life was to be insured during the time of his absence from France. The artist sailed from France about the first of August, 1785, arriving at Mount Vernon the third of October ensuing, and returned to Paris about the first of January, 1786. The contract allowed him three years for the completion of the statue, which he effected in about that space of time, com- pleting it in 1788. But the new Capitol in which provision was to be made for its reception not being finished before 1796, it was detained in France to await that event. It reached Philadephia in April, 1796, arrived in Richmond in May, and was erected in the quadrangle of the Capitol the 14th day of May, 1796. In September, 1872, on account of the insecurity of the floor on which it stood, it was taken down and removed to a place of security. But the General Assembly at their present session (1872-73) have provided for its replacement. The statue presents the figure erect, the head uncovered; the sword on the left, the cane in the right hand — representing in device what Wash- ington had so forcibly expressed in his reply to the address of the General Assembly of Virginia, the subordination of the military to the civil power; the fasces and ploughshare by his side, the one representing authority, power and honor — the other, the peaceful arts most congenial to his taste and feel- ings. The beautiful harmony between these simple devices and the character of Washington inspires the spectator with the most pleasing emotions. The dress which he wore in the service of his country displays the pro- portions of his figure with an exactness which antiquity, embarrassed by drapery and the toga, could only attain in nudity. The posture is true to nature, yet revealing a grace which art cannot equal. The expression is that of dignity and repose. Washington stands revealed before us as in life, the marvel and the admiration of the world, and the cherished object of the affection of his native State. No statue or painting exists which is more thoroughly authenticated than the Houdon Statue. From Its inception to its completion it is histori- cally marked by a chronological record of facts, resolutions, correspondence and inscriptions which will preserve its identity and character through all time; and what is most rare, its perfect similitude to the original is estab- lished by facts and opinions as convincing as human testimony can furnish. On the 15th day of May, 1784, a committee of the House of Delegates, consisting of Messrs. Ronald, Mann Page, Hubard, Madison, Henry, Tazewell, Heath, Roane, Taylor of Caroline, Cary and Corbin, were appointed to draw up an address to General Washington, expressive of the thanks and gratitude of that body. for his unremitted zeal and services in the cause of liberty — con- gratulating him on his return to his native country, and the exalted pleasures of domestic life; and the same committee was instructed to consider and re- port "What further measures may be necessary for perpetuating the gratitude and veneration of his country to General Washington." On the 5th day of June, 1784, Mr. Ronald, in behalf of the committee, reported an address and resolution, which were referred to the committee of the whole house; and George WasMngtoit The statue immediately after the unveiling 48 Presentation of a Copy 0/ and acquired that intimaie knowledge of hlii »Mbj«ct wih!ch hie mission de- mauded. The artist was to receive as cojriponsation for the stfttue twenty- five thousand livres, or one thousand English guineas; and h' -'■• - in- curred in the trip, to and irom Virginia, were to be reimburscJ tion, his life was to be insured du^; ;aie of his absenor The artist sailed from Frant ie first of -August at Mount Vernon the third of O; i and returned 10 Pan... the first of January ''TSR. 'fbr ^ed him three years i* completion of the v rfteftea in about that space of time, com pletlng It In I7S8. apjtol in which provision was to be made £or its receplioi' n' -d before 1796, it was detained in France to await '' ''=phia in Vpril, 1796, arrived in Richmond iuadrangle ut the Capitol the 14th day of Maj, 1. :, un account of tho v floor on which i .vu and removed to a p^ But the General Asseuibiy ai their preaent session (1872-73) have provineti for its replacemt-.t. The Btatup >a erect, the head uncovered; the sword on the lef •■ hand — representing in device what Wash- ington ha a his reply to the address of the General J^- ' ' ., liif b at) ordination of the military to the civil power; i aishare by his side, the one representing authority, power nii'i honor — cue other, the peaceful arts most congenial to his taste and feel- ings. The beautiful harmony bf:^^^V^4m^y si'^l^^Stvices and the character ox Washington inspi]J8«iShempeHj4iitoa*\fritfe'Us*'5ttM«i pW«4tn^Sinotions. The dress which he wore in the service of his country displays the pro- portions of his figure with an exactness which antiquity, embarrassed by drapery and the toga, could only attain In nudity. The per* nature, yet revealing a ^rvipf^ vMch art cannot equal. Tbe fi. of dignity and repose. 'on stands revealed be the marvel and the ad:; f toe wc.-ld. and the f the affection of his native State. No statue or pRiating cy--- than the Houdon ►sia^ue. F cally marked by a and inscriptions ^svi 11 time; and what is • o lue origynai is estab- lished by facts and ,, in testimony can furnish. On the 15th day of May, 1784. a of the House of Delegates, consisting of Messrs. Ronald. Mann Pa^r , .ju^vnd, Madison, Henry, Tazewell, Heath, Roane, Taylor of Caroline, Cary and Corbln, were appointed to draw up an address to General Washington, expressive of the thanks and gratitude of that body. for his unremitted zeal and services in the cause of liberty — (-jb- gratulating him on his return to his native country, and the exalted pli^i of domestic life; and the same committee was instructed to consider port "What further measures may be necessary for perpetuating tl" and veneration of his country to General Washington." On \'- June, 1784, Mr. Ronald, in behalf of the committee, reported ? A resolution, which were referred to the committee of the who;-- ;--uf» . and of Washington to the People of France 49 on the 22d of June, the House of Delegates, and on the 26th of June, the Senate adopted the following address and resolution, which had been reported by the joint committee of the two houses: "The representatives of this Commonwealth would be unfaithful to the sentiments of their constituents, as well as do violence to their own, did they omit this occasion of congratulating you on the final establishment of peace, •which has taken place since their last meeting, and on the opportunity which this event has given for your return to the felicities of private life. We shall ever remember, sir, with gratitude and affection the patriotic exchange which you made of these felicities for the severe task of conducting the armies of your country through a conflict with one of the most powerful na- tions of the earth. We shall ever remember, with admiration, the wisdom which marked your councils on this arduous occasion; the firmness and dignity which no trials of adverse fortune could shake, the moderation and equanimity which no scenes of triumph could disturb. Nor shall we ever forget the exemplary respect which in every instance you have shown to the rights of civil authority, or the exalted virtue which on many occasions led you to commit to danger your fame itself, rather than hazard for a mo- ment the true interests of your country. In reviewing these merits we feel every impression which they are calculated to make on grateful and affection- ate minds, and we fervently pray that they may be rewarded with every blessing of which this life will admit, and with complete happiness in that which is to come." To this address presented at Mount Vernon by the joint committee of the two houses, appointed for the purpose, General Washington, on the 15th day of July, made the following reply: "Gentlemen : "With feelings which are more easy to be conceived than expressed, I meet and reciprocate the congratulations of the representatives of this Com- monwealth, on the final establishment of peace. Nothing can add more to the pleasure which arises from a conscientious discharge of public trust than the approbation of one's country. To have been so happy under a vicissitude of fortune, amidst the diflicult and trying scenes of an arduous conflict, as to meet this, is, in my mind, to have attained the highest honor; and the consideration of it in my present peaceful retirement, will heighten all my domestic joys and constitute my greatest felicity. I should have been truly wanting in duty, and must have frustrated the great and important object for which we resorted to arms, if seduced by a temporary regard for fame I had suffered the paltry love of it to interfere with my country's welfare, the interest of which was the only inducement which carried me into the field, or permitted the sacred rights of civil authority (though but for a moment), to be violated and infringed by a power meant originally to rescue and con- firm them. "For those rewards and blessings which you have invoked for me In this world, and for the fruition of that happiness which you pray for in that which is to come, you have, gentlemen, all my thanks and all my grati- 50 Presentation of a Copy of Houdons Statue tude. I wish I could ensure them to you and the State you represent a hundred fold." The following is the resolution of the General Assembly: "That the Executive be requested to take measures for procuring a statue of General Washington, to be of the finest marble and best workmanship, with the fol- lowing inscription on its pedestal, viz: "The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Virginia have caused this statue to be erected as a monument of affection and gratitude to George Washington, who, uniting to the endowments of the hero, the virtues of the patriot, and exerting both in establishing the liberties of his country, has rendered his name dear to his fellow-citizens, and given to the world an im- mortal example of true glory." To fulfill the duty imposed by this resolution. Governor Harrison, on the first day of July, 1784, addressed the following letter to Charles Wilson Peale, of Philadelphia: "The Assembly of this State have voted a statue of our late most worthy commander-in-chief. General Washington, and that I may be enabled to discharge the pleasing trust reposed in me in the most per- fect manner possible, I have to request the favor of you to draw a full length picture of him immediately, and as soon as it is suflQciently dry, to have it packed up in the most secure manner, and shipped in the first ship bound for France, to the address of the Hon. Thomas Jefferson"; and on the 20th of July, 1784, writes to Mr. Jefferson as follows: "The Assembly of this State have voted a statue of our late worthy com- mander-in-chief. General Washington, and have directed their intentions to be carried into effect by the Executive — for particulars I refer you to the en- closed resolution. You will observe they have only provided for one side of the pedestal, and that the others, with the dress, etc., are left for the exer- cise of the genius of the Executive. This would be a very pleasing employ- ment for us, if we had ever turned our thoughts that way, or were adepts in the science of devices, emblems, etc.; but as we are not, we have unanimously fixed on you and my friend Dr. Franklin, who we all know are competent to the task. I therefore most earnestly request the favor of you to undertake it. "The history of the war, and the share he has had in it, are so well known to you both that nothing on that subject is necessary from me; you are therefore left entirely at large, and have the whole direction of the business committed to you. I shall write to the Doctor in full confidence that it will give him pleasure to assist you. "To enable the artist to finish his work in the most perfect manner, I have ordered Mr. Peale to send to your address a full length picture of the General as soon as possible. "The intention of the Assembly is, that the statue should be the work of the most masterly hand. I shall therefore leave it to you to find out the best in any of the European States. To defray the expense certain funds are appropriated that will undoubtedly produce the money, and it shall be remitted to you long before the work can be completed. I can form no judg- ment what sum it will take, but by the cost of Lord Botetourt's statue, which of Washington to the People of France 51 I think was about nine hundred and fifty pounds sterling to the artist, and for shipping charges. There was a further sum to the person who came over to set it up; but that in the present case will be the consideration of a future day, there being no place as yet fixed on to place it in. You will be so obliging as soon as you have fixed on the devices, and agreed for the statue, to favor me with the particulars of the former, and a copy of your agreement, that there may be no deficiency in the remittances, either in point of time or quantity. I shall make no apology for the trouble the execution of this trust will bring on you, from a thorough conviction that the love and attachment you have for the worthy person whose memory the statue is to perpetuate will render it rather a pleasing than a disagreeable employment." November 12, 1784, Governor Harrison informs Mr. Jefferson, then in Paris, that the full length picture of General Washington, by Charles Wilson Peale, of Philadelphia, is finished, and will be shipped to his address by the first vessel bound for France. November 20th, Governor Harrison thanks Mr. Peale for the readiness with which he furnished the picture of General Washington, and forwarded it to France. June 16, 1785, Mr. Jefferson, to the Governor of Virginia, writes: "In a letter of January 12th, to Governor Harrison, I informed him of the necessity that the statuary should see General Washington. M. Houdon will therefore go over with Dr. Franklin some time in the next month." And in a letter to Mr. Adams, dated July 7, 1785, he writes: "Monsieur Houdon has agreed to go to America to take the figure of General Washing- ton." Mr. Jefferson then requests Mr. Adams to ascertain what it will cost in London to ensure twenty thousand livres on Houdon's life, that he believes him to be healthy enough; between thirty and thirty-five years of age; and will be absent about six months. All needful arrangements having been made for Houdon's trip to America, Mr. Jefferson writes to General Washington as follows: "Paris, July 10, 1785, M. Houdon would much sooner have had the honor of attending you but for a spell of sickness which long induced us to despair of his recovery, and from which he is but recently recovered. He comes now for the purpose of lending the aid of his art to transmit you to posterity. He is without rivalship in it, being employed in all parts of Europe in whatever is capital. He has had a diflBculty to withdraw himself from an order of the Empress of Russia, a diflSculty, however, that arose from a desire to show her respect, but which never gave him a moment's hesitation about the voyage, which he considers as promising the brightest chapter of his history. "I have spoken of him as an artist only, but I can assure you also, that as a man, he is disinterested, generous, candid and panting after glory; in every circumstance meriting your good opinion. He will have need to eee you much, while he shall have the honor of being with you, which you can the more freely admit, as his eminence and merit give him admission into genteel societies here." 52 Presentation of a Copy of Houdons Statue Paris, July 11, 1785, Mr. Jefferson, to the Governor of Virginia, writes as follows: "M. Houdon's long and desperate illness has retarded his departure for Virginia. We had hoped from our first conversations with him that it would be easy to make our terms, and that the cost of the statue and expense of sending him would he about a thousand guineas. But when we came to settle this precisely, he thought himself obliged to ask vastly more, insomuch that at one moment we thought our treaty at an end. But unwilling to commit such a work to an inferior hand, we made him an ultimate proposi- tion on our part. He was as much mortified at the prospect of not being the executor of such a work, as we were not to have it done by such a hand. He therefore acceded to our terms, though we are satisfied he will be a consider- able loser. We were led to insist on them because in a former letter to the Governor I had given the hope we entertained of bringing the whole within one thousand guineas. The terms are twenty-five thousand livres, or one thousand English guineas for the statue and pedestal. Besides this we pay his expenses going and returning, which we expect will be between four and five thousand livres; and if he dies on the voyage we pay his family ten thou- sand livres. This latter proposition was disagreeable to us; but he has a father, mother and sisters who have no resource but in his labours, and he himself is one of the best of men in the world. He therefore made it a sine qua non, without which all would have been off. We have reconciled it to ourselves, by determining to get insurance on his life made in London, which we expect can be done for five per cent., so that it becomes an additional sum of five hundred livres. I enclose you for a more particular detail a copy of the agreement. Dr. Franklin was disposed to give two hundred and fifty guineas more, which would have split the difference between the actual terms and Mr. Houdon's demand. "I wish the State at the conclusion of his work may agree to give him this much more, because I am persuaded he will be a loser, which I am sure their generosity would not wish." Paris, July 12, 1785. Mr. Jefferson writes to the Virginia Delegates in Congress as follows: "In consequence of the orders of the Legislative and Executive bodies of Virginia, I have engaged Monsieur Houdon to make the statue of General Washington. For this purpose it is necessary for him to see the General. He therefore goes with Dr. Franklin, and will have the honor of delivering you this himself. As the journey is at the expense of the State, according to our contract, I will pray you to favor him with your patronage and counsels, and to protect him as much as possible from those impositions to which strangers are but too much exposed. I have advised him to proceed in the stages to the General's. I have also agreed if he could see Generals Greene and Gates, whose busts he has a desire to execute, that he may make a moderate deviation for this purpose, after he has done with General Washington. But the most important object with him is to be employed to make General Washington's equestrian statue for Congress. Nothing but the expectations of this could have engaged him to have under- taken this voyage, as the pedestrian statue for Virginia will not make it worth the business he loses by absenting himself. I was therefore obliged to assure him of my recommendations for this greater work. Having acted of Washington to the People of France 53 in this for the State, you will, I hope, think yourselves in some measure bound to patronize and urge his being employed by Congress. I would not have done this myself, nor asked you to do it, did I not see that it would be better for Congress to put this business into his hands than into those of any other person living, for these reasons: 1st, He is without rivalship, the first statuary of this age; as a proof of which he receives orders from every other country for things intended to be capital; 2d, He will have seen General "Washington, have taken his measure in every part, and of course whatever he does of him will have the merit of being original, from which other workmen can only furnish copies; 3d, He is in possession of the house, the furnaces and all other apparatus provided for making the statue of Louis XV. If any other workmen be employed, this will all have to be provided anew, and of course to be added to the price of the statue; for no man can ever expect to make two equestrian statues. The addition which this would be to the price will much exceed the expectation of any person who has not seen that apparatus. In truth, it is immense. "As to the price of the work, it will be much greater than Congress is probably aware of. I have enquired somewhat into this circumstance, and find the prices of those made for two centuries past have been from one hun- dred and twenty thousand guineas down to sixteen thousand guineas, ac- cording to the size; and as far as I have seen, the smaller they are, the more agreeable; the smallest yet made is infinitely above the size of life, and they all appear outre and monstrous. That of Louis XV is probably the best in the world, and it is the smallest here, yet it is impossible to find a point of view from which it does not appear a monster, unless you go so far as to lose sight of the features and finer lineaments of the face and body. A statue is not made like a mountain, to be seen at a great distance. To per- ceive those minuter circumstances which constitute its beauty, you must be near it, and in that case it should be so little above the size of life, as to appear actually of that size from your point of view. I should not, therefore, fear to propose that the one intended by Congress should be considerably smaller than any of those to be seen here, as I think it will be more beautiful, and also cheaper. The pedestrian statue of marble is to take three years. The equestrian of course would take much more." General "Washington at Mount Vernon September 26, 1785, writes to Benjamin Franklin as follows: ""When it suits M. Houdon to come hither, I will accommodate him in the best manner I am able, and shall endeavor to render his stay as agreeable as I can." On the same day General "Washington writes to M. Houdon : "By a letter which I have lately had the honor to receive from Dr. Franklin at Philadel- phia, I am informed of your arrival at that place. Many letters from very respectable characters in France as well as the Doctor's inform me of the occasion, for which, though the cause is not of my seeking, I feel the most agreeable and grateful sensations. I wish the object of your mission had been more worthy of the masterly genius of the first statuary in Europe, for 54 Presentation of a Copy of Hondon's Status this you are represented to me. It will give me pleasure, sir, to v/elcome you to this seat of my retirement, and whatever I have or can procure that is necessary to your purposes, or convenient and agreeable to your wishes, you must freely command, as inclination to oblige you will be among the last things in which I shall be found deficient, either on your arrival or during your stay." And on the same day from the same place he writes to Mr. Jefferson as follows: "I had the honor to receive your favours of the 10th and 17th of July, which were committed to the care of M. Houdon, but I have not yet had the pleasure to see that gentleman. His instruments and materials. Dr. Franklin informs me, were sent down the Seine; but not being arrived when the ship left Havre, he was obliged to leave them, and is now busied in supplying himself with others at Philadelphia, with which, when done, he will come to this place. I shall take great pleasure in showing M. Houdon every civility and attention in my power during his stay in this country; for I feel myself under personal obligations to you and Dr. Franklin, as the State of Virginia has done me the honor to direct a statue to be erected to my memory, for having placed the execution in the hands of so eminent an artist and bo worthy a character." Geeral Washington, in a letter to the Marquis de La Rouerie, dated Mount Vernon, October 7, 1785, informs the Marqu's that M. Houdon ar- rived at Mount Vernon the 3d day of October (four days preceding the date of his letter). General Washington, in a letter to the Marquis de La Fayette, dated Mount Vernon, November the 8, 1785, writes: "I have now to thank you for your favours of the 9th and 14th of July, the first by M. Houdon, who stayed no more than a fortnight with me, and to whom, for his trouble and risk in crossing the seas, although I had no agency in the business, I feel myself under personal obligations." Mr. Jefferson, in his letter to General Washington, dated Paris, January 4, 1786, writes: "I have been honored with your letter of September the 26th, which was delivered me by M. Houdon, who is safely returned. "He has brought with him the mould of the face only, having left the other parts of his work with his workmen, to come by some other convey- ance. Dr. Franklin, who was joined with me in the superintendence of this just monument, having left us before what is called the costume of the statue was decided on, I cannot so well satisfy myself, and am persuaded should not so well satisfy the world as by consulting your own wish or in- clination as to this article. "Permit me, therefore, to ask you whether there is any particular dress or any particular attitude which you would rather wish to be adopted. I shall take a singular pleasure in having your own idea executed, if you will be so good as to make it known to me." General Washington writes to Mr. Jefferson from Mount Vernon, August the 1, 1786, as follows: of Washington to the People of France 55 "The letters you did me the favor to write to me, on the 4th and 7th of January, have been duly received. In answer to your obliging enquiries respecting the dress and attitude which I would wish to have given to the statue in question, I have only to observe, that not having sufficient knowl- edge in the art of sculpture to oppose my judgment to the taste of connois- seurs, I do not desire to dictate in the matter. On the contrary, I shall be perfectly satisfied with whatever may be judged decent and proper. I should even scarcely have ventured to suggest, that, perhaps, a servile adherence to the garb of antiquity might not be altogether so expedient, as some little de- viation in favour of the modern costume, if I had not learnt from Colonel Humphreys that this was a circumstance hinted in conversation by Mr. West to M. Houdon. "This taste which has been introduced in painting by West, I understand is received with applause and prevails extensively." Mr. Jefferson, in his letter to Mr. Madison dated at Paris, February 8, 1786, writes: "Houdon has returned. He called on me the other day to re- monstrate against the inscription proposed for General Washington's statue. He says it is too long to be put on the pedestal. I told him I was not at liberty to permit any alteration; but I would represent his objection to a friend who could judge of its validity, and whether a change could be author- ized. This has been the subject of conversation here, and various devices and inscirptions have been suggested. The one which has appeared best to me may be translated as follows: "Behold, reader, the form of George Washington. For his worth ask history. That will tell it when this stone shall have yielded to the decay of time. His country erects this monument. Houdon makes it." This for one side. On the second, represent the evacuation of Boston, with the motto, Hostibus Vrimum fugatis. On the third, the capture of the Hessians, with Hostibus itcrum devictis. On the fourth, the surrender of York, with Hostibus ultimum debellatis. The artist made the same objection of length to the inscription for the bust of LaFayette. I am not certain it is desirable in either case." To this letter Mr. Madison replied, with his characteristic modesty, that his own inscription was inferior to the substitute copied into the letter of Mr. Jefferson, but was apprehensive, notwithstanding that no change could be effected, and in conclusion says, "the devices for the other side of the pedestal are well chosen, and might, I should suppose, be applied without scruple, as decorations of the artist. I counted myself on the addition of proper ornaments, and am persuaded that such a liberty could give offense nowhere." On the reception of this reply, all purpose of changing the in- scription was abandoned, and the devices appended to the statue adopted, which, like the inscription, are so felicitious and appropriate as to be equally beyond the sphere of praise or criticism. That the remonstrance of Houdon was founded on the relation between the height of the pedestal, and the length of the inscription, and the laws of perspective in regard to which the artist wished to bring the statue nearer the level of the spectator than the inscription would permit, and had no relation ot mere literary excellence. 56 Presentation of a Copy of Houdons Statue there can be no doubt. Mr. Rives, in his Life and Times of Madison, com- ments on the proposed substitute with caustic severity, evidently referring it to rivalry for literary excellence, instead of the true reasons which prompt- ed the remonstrance of the artist. Paris, August 14, 1787, Mr. Jefferson writes to General Washington: "I was happy to find, by the letter of August the 1, 1786, which you did me the honor to write to me, that the modern dress for your statue would meet your approbation. I found it strongly the sentiment of West, Copely, Trumbull and Brown in London, after which it would be ridiculous to add that it was my own. I think a modern in an antique dress as just an object of ridicule as a Hercules or Marius with a periwig and chapeau-bras." The coincidence of taste between General Washington and Mr. Jefferson, con- sidering the high culture of Mr. Jefferson in all that pertained to the fine arts, will contribute to justify the opinion that while the adoption of the modern costume is necessary to truthful delineation, art and taste approve the choice. 1795, February 6th, Governor Brooke, to Mr. Monroe, at Paris, after re- minding Mr. Monroe of the appointment of Mr. Jefferson (then at Paris), to procure a statue of General Washington, and his leaving that city before its completion, writes: "But as it was not finished at the time he left Paris, and we have had no information since with respect to its progress, or any estimate of the ultimate expense, we are unable to determine what is still incumbent upon us, to carry into effect the object of the legislature. Permit me therefore to request that you will be so obliging as to make such enquiry as will trace this business to its present stage, and communicate such in- formation respecting it as will enable the Executive both to complete Mr. Jefferson's contract, and attain the object of it." Paris, August 20, 1795, Mr. Monroe writes: "I have lately received your letter of the 6th of February, respecting the statue of General Washing- ton. * * * "The delay of your letter on the passage is the cause that an earlier answer was not given to it. I give one at present, merely for the purpose of assuring you that I will with great pleasure make the enquiries suggested, and in other respects perform everything you have requested, and advise you afterwards of the result, as soon as possible. ******** Paris, July 29, 1796, Mr. Monroe to the Governor of Virginia, writes: "I hope the statue of the President arrived safe and without injury at Rich- mond, and in which I confide, as it was packed up with great care here and forwarded from Havre under the auspices of a prudent captain of one of our best vessels. "I herewith enclose you a note of the amount of what I paid to M. Houdon, the artist, for the charges annexed, and which he requested immediately. This item will be adjusted with Mr. Jones when he desires it. M. Houdon has also another demand of about the like sum for depreciation, and which I promised to communicate to you, and pay him in case you permitted. I believe from his statement that he actually lost that amount, and in that mode, but, at the same time I also believe, that the State of Virginia did not Chateau de Ban^buillet Slimmer home of President '^aUieres, where the members of the Virginia Commission locre entertained 56 Presentation of a Copy of Hoiulons Statue there can be no doubt. Mr. Rives, In hla Life and Times of Madison, com- ments on the proposed substitute with, caustic severity, evidently referring It to rivalry for literar>- excellence, instead of the true reasons wnich prompt- ed the remonstrance of the artist. Paris, August 14, 1787, Mr. Jefferson writes to General WashlngUto ■ "I wag iiappy to did me the honor to v meet your approbation. Trumbull and Brown ^ that It was my owi> of r^ ^- ■■ ■■ •• '^ - CO of August the 1, 1786, which you modern r'ress for your statue would iment of West, Copely, : f hp ridiculous to add as just an object s.'" The ;Hi. ron- V <5tb, Governor Brooke, to Mr. Monroe, at Paris, after re- !,i);:.iMi;. -u . .>;>!■ 106 of the appointment of Mr. Jefferaon (then at Paris), to procure a ?*tatue of General Washington, and his leaving that city before its ;: "'But Hi! it ^^a;^ not finifiiied at, the time he left Paris, no ^^♦'^'>1ii^^0^i#ftfi Sf1iii>S?>*l>S«V> its progress, or any o£ UK' \pense, we are ujiahle .to determine what is stilL, u iipoii , y. Into ^effect the object ofxhe legislature. Permit me therefore to request thai you will be so oDliging as to make such enquiry as will trace this business to its present stage, and communicate such in- formation respecting it as will enable the Executive both to complete Mr. Jefferson's contract, and attain the object of it." Paris, August 20, 1795. Mr. Monroe writes: "I have lately received your letter of the 6th of February, respecting the statue of General Washing- ton. * * * "The delay of your letter on the passage is thf answer was not given to it ^ "*'" ■ " ■•" ■-.■'' ■- assuring you that I will and in other ret;; you afterwards o; Paris, July 29, 1796. Mr. Moiiryi vn the Governor of Virginia, writes: "I hope the statue of the President arrived safe and wlthOJit injury at Rich- mond, and in which I confide, as it was packed up v/ith great care here and forwarded from Havre under the auspices of a prudent captain of one of our best vessels. "I herewith enclose you a note of the amount of what I paid to M. Houdon, the artist, for the charges annexed, and which he requested immediately. This item will be adjusted with Mr. Jones when he desires It. M. Houdon has also another demand of about the like sum for depreciation, and which I promised to communicate to you, and pay him (n case you permitted. I believe from his statement that he actually lost that amount, and in that mode, but, at the same time I also believe, that the State of Virgrinia did not of Washington to the People of France 57 profit thereby, as likewise that the only claim he has, if any, is upon the candor and liberality of the State. * * * " August 12, 1803, London, Mr. Monroe, to Governor of Virginia, encloses claim of Houdon on the State of Virginia, which had been examined and stated by Mr. Skipwith, American Consul at Paris, who reported 2,800 livres due to Houdon, on account of the depreciation of the paper in which the last payment (9,000 livres). for the statue of Washington was paid. 1851, March 21st, In view of the liability to injury and destruction of the statue of Washington, the General Assembly of Virginia provided for taking casts of the statue for the colleges of the State. 1853, January 14th, Wm. J. Hubard, of Richmond, by joint resolution of the General Assembly, was authorized to take casts of Houdon's Statue of Washington, with exclusive right for seven years, subject to certain limita- tions. 1856, March 8th, The Governor was authorized by the General Assembly to purchase from Mr. Hubard a bronze cast of Houdon's Statue of Washington, to be placed in the Military Institute at Lexington. In pursuance of this authority the statue was purchased by Governor Wise, and erected at Lexing- ton with appropriate honors, including an eloquent oration by his Excellency, replete with historical facts and incidents, pertaining to the Houdon Statue. A copy of this oration, although diligently sought, the writer has not been able to obtain. On the first day of April, 1873, the General Assembly of Virginia, by joint resolution, directed the statue of Washington to be restored to its former place in the Capitol, and appropriated one thousand dollars to defray the expense in giving that stability to the floor necessary to the safety of the statue. No act which Virginia has ever performed is more creditable to her than the decreeing of this noble statue. The Assembly which decreed it consisted in large part of men eminent for talents, wisdom and virtue. The committee was one of unusual ability, every one of whom was a man of mark, fortunately Mr. Madison was one of the number, and to his masterly pen we owe the inscription on the pedestal, which is so appropriate and felicitous that it will ever associate his name with the immortal subject. To what member of the committee we owe the chaste and beautiful address reported by Mr. Ronald as chairman of the committee, we are not informed; and while Mr. Ronald and others of the committee might have been equal to the task of its composition, some will be disposed to refer it to Mr. Madison. The character of Washington was already the grandest which history had recorded, and unlike others, grandest when drawn by the pencil of truth. A representation of his person in correspondence with this character re- quired an imitation of nature with absolute exactness. Mr. Jefferson, with that intuitive penetration which distinguished him in the fine arts, as well as in science and government, perceived that nothing but the cast of the face and minute measurements of the person could ensure that perfect likeness of the original which his country and the world desired. The artist was equally impressed with the importance of an exact likeness 58 Presentation of a Copy of Houdons Staiue and the only mode of accomplishing it. A Washington ideal in person would have been as unsatisfactory as a Washington ideal in character; and but for this effigy from life, the world would be divided as to the best resemblance: and in despair and uncertainty, affection and art would vie with each other in ideal delineations of that illustrious man. A distinguished writer says: "As in contemplating the portrait of an eminent person, we long to be instructed in his history, so in considering his actions, we are anxious to behold his countenance. So earnest is this desire, that the imagination is generally ready to coin a set of features, or conceive a character, to supply the painful absence of one or the other." If Washington stands out on the list of fame as the greatest of all names, then his exact likeness must be an object of the deepest interest, not only to the people of the United States, but to the world. In view of this yearning wish (fortunately for its attain- ment), those best acquainted with Washington have pronounced his statue by Houdon the best representation of his person which exists. But in the appendix to the fifth volume of Irving's Life of Washington, a communication ascribed to Mr. H. T. Tuckerman contains the following language: "But that implicit fidelity now evident in the busts of our leading sculptors, was not then in vogue, and the artists of the day were rather adepts in idealizing than in precise imitation of nature. Therefore the result of Houdon's labours, though in general satisfactory, cannot be used with the mathematical exacti- tude as a guide which greater attention to minutiae would have secured." An opinion so remarkable in one of the most distinguished of the biogra- phers of Washington can only be accounted for on the supposition that the writer was but partially acquainted with the history of the Houdon statue. a history which as already unfolded proves that "implicit fidelity" and pre- cise imitation of nature with mathematical exactitude were demanded of the artist, and realized; and that, although he might be an adept in idealizing as in his Diana and Cicero, he was equally an adept in copying nature in all its minutiae, with absolute exactness. No other representation of the person of Washington is distinguished by one tithe of the evidence of the minutiae necessary to exactness, as that of the Houdon statue. Houdon's visit to Mount Vernon, his cast of the face, head, and upper part of the body, and minute measurements of the person with mathematical exactness; Jefferson's letter to Governor Harrison, informing him that it was necessary that the statuary should see General Washington, although he had a full length por- trait by Peale, painted for his guidance; Jefferson's letter to General Wash- ington, saying the artist would have to see him much; his letter to the Vir- ginia delegates in Congress, urging the employment of Houdon to execute the equestrian statue of Washington ordered by Congress; first because "he was the first statuary of the age;" and second, because "he will have seen General Washington, and have taken his measure in every part;" that what Houdon did would be "original" from which other workmen could only "fur- nish copies." — these facts lead to the irresistible conclusion, that Houdon, Mr. Jefferson, Dr. Franklin, Governor Harrison, and all who were engaged in the matter of the statue, regarded an exact likeness of Washington as the grand desideratum, and that the measures adopted by Houdon, and none other, could escure such a result. Had their purpose been otherwise, the character of Washington would have rebuked them. The man who was of V/ashington to the People of France 59 averse to a separate biography, and preferred that the history of his life should be deduced from the history of his country, lest partiality might praise where truth would rebuke, and preferred for the costume of his statue the dress which he really and daily wore to the classic folds and drapery of anti- quity, yet more required that the delineation of his person should be true to nature. As unmerited praise and fictitious virtues for the most part make up the characters of the great, so the creative and ideal fill out and fashion their efiigies; truth alone can adequately portray the character and person of Washington. No portrait of Washington can be satisfactory about which there is a reasonable doubt as to its similitude. The more beautiful and artistic the less satisfactory, if it professes a resemblance which it does not possess. On the other hand, the true likeness of Washington is of such inestimable value, that the world is its guardian, and the muniments of its title one of the most sacred of the trusts committed to history. History and art have set their seals to the record, that this statue is the most perfect simili- tude of Washington which has ever been made; and medallic art in its pe- culiar relations has stamped it with indelible and authoritative marks as the only exact similitude of the great original. On the occasion of inaugurating the Washington Cabinet of Medals, in the city of Washington on the 22nd day of February, 1860, all the paintings, statues, busts, medals and coins bearing representations of Washington were considered — the medals and coins alone comprising one hundred and thirty- eight specimens, and the commemorative medal modeled from the Houdon bust was, after the most careful investigation and comparison, adopted as the standard likeness. During the proceedings on that interesting occasion, Mr. Longacre, a distinguished artist, and an adept in critical distinctions in this department of the fine arts, being called on, proceeded to say: "Viewing the close connection that necessarily exists between the medal portrait and the sculptured bust, belonging, as it were, to the same department of art, the bust, very frequently furnishing the only reliable and material authority from which the medalist can proceed with his work, the fidelity of the sculptured head or bust becomes a question of the first importance in determining the value of a likeness on the medal. Respecting the authenticated portraits of Washington in sculpture, I am aware that in a communication which appears in Irving's Life of Washington, already esteemed as a work of the highest reliability, a preference is distinctly indicated for the bust executed by Caracchi, but although I am not insensible to the beauty of this bust as a work of art, yet as a faithful transmission of the features of Washington, it cannot, in my view, be permitted to take precedence of the head by Houdon, to which on the score of fidelity, I must give the preference over any other extant." He then proceeds to relate the following interesting interview between Mr. Stuart and himself, occurring in the year, 1825, relating to the original head of Washington painted from life, and which was then before him on the canvass, and which had always been retained by Mr. Stuart. In the course of the conversation, Mr. Stuart said, "He came to this country for the purpose of painting Washington. He turned to Mr. Longacre, remarking, 'you are acquainted with Houdon's bust, I presume?' Mr. Longacre replied that he was, and that it was the head par excellence, that he had always preferred as his ideal of the Great Original. "You are right, said Mr. Stuart, 60 Presentation of a Copy of Houdons Statue Houdon took a cast from his face," requesting Mr. Longacre at the same time to recall the proportions of Houdon's work as a test of the correctness of the head then before him. Mr. Longacre in speaking of the fact of the cast being taken and of its confirmation during a visit to Mount Vernon, by Mrs. Washington (mother of the proprietor of the estate), expressed his opinion of the vast importance it necessarily attaches to the fidelity of the bust by Houdon, and establishes the propriety of regarding it as the standard from which subsequent representations of the original in statuary or bas-relief should be taken." He further states that when a fine copy of the bust from Canova's statue of Washington, then at Raleigh, North Carolina, was shown General La Fayette, in his presence at Philadelphia, La Fayette remarked, "That as far as con- cerned a likeness of Washington, if it were not for the name, it might as well be anybody's else." While of Houdon's statue in the State Capitol at Richmond, to the State Librarian he pronounced it "a facsimile of Washing- ton's person." Numerous coins, medals and medallets of Washington, bear- ing his efligy, were struck before the year 1796, and many representations of him were made by sculptors and painters, each differing from the other, and all claiming to be true likenesses. Of these the portraits of Peale and Trumbull were the most popular, until the execution of the two celebrated portraits of Washington by Gilbert Stuart, the last receiving the finishing touches in 1796, about the time of the reception at Richmond of the Houdon statue. Authors, artists, and critics united in paeans to these famous por- traits of Stuart, claiming for them, not only excellence as works of arts, but superiority as similitudes of Washington and, by prefixing them to their woi*ks, popularized them as the true likeness. Such was their reputation that Heath, of London, copied them as the best likeness of the original, and, by the multiplication of his copies, familiarized Europe with the head and face of Washington, as delineated by Stuart. It seems almost incredible, that nearly thirty years should have elapsed after the completion of the Houdon statue before its true character was understood; and that ideality should have been predicated of a statue distinguished by so many proofs of an imitation of nature is intelligible only on the hypothesis that its history was not thoroughly known. Justice, although tardy, will not forget that Stuart, while justly proud of his own work, rejected honors not his own, and taking the chaplet due to another, which partial friends had bound around his brow, placed it on the head of Houdon. The magnanimous and just declaration of Gilbert Stuart, the rival of all artists, as to the true delineation of Washington, that the Houdon bust is par excellence the true likeness, so graphically related by Mr. Longacre, should be accepted by the most skeptical, as conclusive evidence of the superiority of this statue as a likeness over all other delineations of Wash- ington. The commemorative medal, belonging as it does to a most valuable and interesting department of history and art, deposited in the cabinet of medals at the National Capitol, and accessible to the curious, will indicate by comparison similitude in all of its gradations to the perfect likeness. Art will now have its recognized standard, and history its authenticated and un- questioned record; and science may approach this statue as it did the living of Washington to the People of France 6i man, to enquire the form and measurements of the person which manifested such intellectual and moral phenomena, and the relations of material shape to a character which has no parallel in history. The world is much indebted to Mr. Snowden, director of the mint, and to Mr. Longacre, so eminent for critical skill in this department of art, and to Mr. Lossing for their vindica- tion of the Houdon statue, as the only exact likeness of Washington. No American work has contributed more to popularize the Stuart head as the standard likeness of Washington, than Irving's Life of that illustrious man, and this clearly contrary to the text and purpose of the author who singled out from the numerous effiges of Washington the statue by Houdon, as the only one worthy of mention, yet the publishers of that distinguished work, under the sanction of names eminent in art and letters, have thought proper to present in their appendices other portraits than that of Houdon as the standard likeness. Irving's Life of Washington unites the accessory aids of illustration and adornment; these are not only legitimate, but commendable, save when they impress the world with error as to the character or person of Washington. An edition of this work, surpassing in magnificence any American biography, has been recently published, in which the wrong to the Houdon statue, pointed out by Mr. Longacre, is perpetuated. In such a work, the ideal and beautiful overrule, "realistic delineation, and the truth of history," and art and letters in their highest seats delude instead of indicating the exact likeness. When it is observed in the learned and comprehensive work of Lubke, probably the most influential and authoritative of all the modern works on sculpture, that while the name of Houdon is mentioned, with marked distinc- tion, the statue of Washington is entirely omitted, we cannot fail to trace the effect of the neglect and injustice of American authors, artists, critics and publishers, in relation to this statue. Virginia recognizes her obligation to furnish to the world the evidence at her command that this statue is the only exact representation of the person of Washington which exists, and therefore the only standard likeness; and that as a work of art, its excellence proves that it was wrought by the hand of a master whose name is worthy of a high place on the roll of sculptors, and the statue, a distinguished place in the temple of plastic art. While this statue derives its chief interest from its similitude to Wash- ington, as a work of art it is of the highest order, and its growing fame is destined to make the city which contains it the Cnidos of the World. ******** Our country regards the name and fame of Washington as national prop- erty. Virginia claims a special share in this heritage; but the world asserts the right to pay homage and honor to this, the greatest of all earthly names. One of the most eminent of statesmen and philosophers of another land, the late Lord Brougham, has declared, "It will be the duty of the historian and sage of all nations to let no occasion pass of commemorating this illustrious man, and until time shall be no more, will a test of the progress which our race has made in wisdom and virtue be derived from the veneration paid to the immortal name of Washington." Gratitude and affection prompted Virginia to errect this statue as a per- fect likeness of the original, and place it in her new temple of freedom. It (32 Presentation of a Copy of Houdon's Statue is now and will be yet more the object of affection and interest with the wise and good of all nationalties, and its preservation, until "time shall be no more," is a sacred duty which its priceless value imposes. APPENDIX III. An Act for the Naturalization of the Marquis de La Fayette, Passed October 16, 1785 Whereas, The Marquis de La Fayette is eminently distinguished by early and signal exertions in defence of American liberty and Whereas, This illustrious nobleman continues to afford testimonies of increasing affection to this State, and the General Assembly being solicitous to bestow the most decisive mark of regard which a Republic can give, Be it enacted. That the Marquis de La Fayette be henceforth deemed and considered a citizen of this State and that he shall enjoy all the rights, privileges and immunities thereunto belonging. APPENDIX IV. Resolution Requesting the Executive to Have Two Busts of the Marquis de La Fayette Made in Paris In the House of Delegates, the 1st of Decem'ber, 1784. Whereas, It was unanimously resolved, on the 17th day of December, 1781, that a bust of the Marquis de La Fayette be directed to be made in Paris of the best marble employed for such purposes, with the following inscrip- tion: "This bust was voted on the 17th day of December, 1781, by the General Assembly of the State of Virginia, to the honorable the Marquis De LaFayette (major-general in the service of the United States of America, and late com- mander-in-chief of the army of the United States in Virginia) as a lasting monument of his merit and their gratitude." Resolved, unanimously. That the Governor, with the advice of the council, be authorized and desired to defray the expense of carrying the said vote of Washington to the People of France 63 into execution out of the fund allotted for the contingencies of government; that he cause the said bust to be presented in the name of this Common- wealth to the city of Paris, with a request that the same be accepted and preserved in some public place of the said city. Resolved, unanimously, That as a further mark of the lasting esteem of this Commonwealth for the illustrious qualities and services of the Marquis de La Fayette, the Governor, with the advice of the Council, be authorized and desired to cause another bust of him, with a similar inscription, to be pro- cured by draught on the said fund, and that the same, when procured, be fixed in such public place at the seat of government as may hereafter be appointed for the erection of the statue voted by the General Assembly to General Washington. (Teste) JOHN BECKLEY, C. H. D. 1784, Dec. 13th, Agreed to by the Senate. Will. Dkew, C. S. APPENDIX V. The following are some of the courteous exchanges of an official or quasi official nature which have taken place between the people of the United States and France since the Revolutionary War: 1. In December, 1784, Virginia having previously voted a bust to La Fayette, the General Assembly unanimously passed a resolution providing that two busts of that distinguished Frenchman "be made in Paris of the best marble employed for such purposes," one "to be presented in the name of the Commonwealth to the city of Paris, with a request that the same may be accepted and preserved in some public place of the said city," and the other to be "fixed in such public place at the seat of government as may hereafter be appointed for the erection of the statue voted by the General Assembly to General Washington." These busts were made by Houdon. The former was presented to the city of Paris and placed in the Hotel de Ville, and was destroyed by the General Assembly of the commissioners from the forty-eight sections of the Commune of Paris on August 10, 1792, along with Houdon's busts of Louis XVI, Necker and Bailly. The latter now stands in the rotunda of the Capitol at Richmond, near the statue of Washington. 2. In 1794 the Minister of the United States at Paris, by direction of our government, presented to the National Convention a set of our colors. Delmas, a member of the Committee of Public Safety, in a letter to the "Citizen Representatives" of the United States, expressing the thanks of the convention, said: "The colours of both nations, united in the center 64 Presentation of a Copy of Houdons Statue of the National Convention, will be an everlasting evidence of the part which the United States have taken in the succession of the French Republick." 3. On January 1, 1796, the "Citizen Adet, Minister Plenipotentiary of the French Republick," presented to the United States through President Washington, on behalf of the National Convention of France, a set of French colors. Washington, in his speech of acceptance, said: "The colors will be deposited with those archives of the United States, which are at once the evidences and memorials of their freedom and independence." 4. In 1823 the citizens of France, by national subscription, presented to the United States a bust of Washington by the famous sculptor, David of Angers. This bust was destroyed by the fire which consumed the Library of Congress in 1851. 5. In 1829 David presented to the United States a bust of La Fayette, executed by himself, requesting that it "might be set up in the Hall of Con- gress, near the monument erected to Washington." This also was destroyed in the fire of 1851. 6. In 1885 the Statue of Liberty Enlightening the World, by Bartholdi, was presented by the people of France to the people of the United States, and was received on behalf of the latter by the President. 7. About the year 1892 a statue of La Fayette was erected in the city of Washington, with appropriate ceremonies, at the southeast corner of La Fayette Square, opposite the White House, pursuant to an act of Congress. 8. In 1895 a group statue of Washington and La Fayette, by Bartholdi, was erected in Paris by a number of American gentlemen. 9. In 1900 the women of the United States presented to France an equestrian statue of Washington, by French and Potter. Erected in Paris. 10. On July 4, 1900, there was unveiled in Paris a statue of La Fayette, by Bartlett, provided by the contributions of the school children of the United States. 11. May 24, 1902, there was unveiled in Washington, at the southwest corner of La Fayette Square, with great ceremony, pursuant to an act of Congress, a statue of the Comte de Rochambeau. A large deputation came over from France as the guests of the United States, among them the present Comte de Rochambeau and Sahune de La Fayette, a descendant of the gene- ral; General Brugere, the commander-in-chief of the French Army, and Admiral Fournier. 12. In 1903 Congress purchased and caused to be placed in the rotunda of the Capitol a bust of La Fayette, which had been executed by David for Mr. Charles Manigault, of Charleston, S. C. This was a replica of the bust destroyed in the fire of 1851. 13. On April 24, 1904, there was placed in the rotunda of the Capitol, of Washington to the People of France 65 v.'ith appropriate ceremonies, a bronze reproduction of an original bust of Washington, preserved at the Musee David at Angers. This gift was the result of a subscription headed by Comte de Rochambeau, Marquis de La Fayette and Marquis de Grasse, and was intended to replace the bust which had been destroyed in the fire of 1851. 14. In 1903 Congress caused to be printed, under the title, "Les Com- battants Francais de la Guerre Americaine, 1778-1783," an indexed list of all the French officers, soldiers and sailors who participated in the American Revolution, numbering in all 47,989. 15. By act of the General Assembly of Virginia, adopted in October, 1785, La Fayette was made a citizen of Virginia. He was also made a citizen of Maryland by act of the legislature of that State. 16. On August 24, 1792, the first year of the French Republic, Washing- ton was, by public decree, proclaimed a citizen of France. Upon his death the highest honors were paid to his memory. 17. When La Fayette died in 1834, the president communicated the sad news to the people by special proclamation, and ordered that "the same honors be rendered on this occasion at the different military and naval stations as were observed upon the decease of Washington, the Father of his Country." The halls of both houses of Congress were draped in mourning, and the badge of sorrow was worn by the members for thirty days. I -1 \9i«^