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Start Over Creator West, Benjamin, 1738-1820 Level Item

Letter, Benjamin West to Rufus King, 1800 Box 37, Folder 1800.05.25

Letter, 3 pages. London. Contains Wests comments on proposed reinterment of George Washington in the Federal city and monument to be raised to him -- recommends triangle or pyramid as most durable monument -- should be in prominent place, planted with trees -- monuments should be hollow -- rotunda, and brass pedestrian statue of Washington -- work to be of "monumental simplicity" -- 4 doors and stone coffin. Letter, marked "Copy of a letter from one West=the celebrated American artist in London to Rufus King, Esq. our Minister at that Court on the subject of a "Monument" to be erected to the memory of that illustrious citizen - George Washington, was obligingly handed us by a gentleman for publication - From Gazette of the United States and Daily Advertizer, Dec. 22, 1800". [Appended is a copy of "A Resolution of the Old Congress," describing the type of monument to be erected to Washington.]

  1. The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon
  2. Historic manuscript collection, 1601/1933
  3. Series 1. Documents and Manuscripts
  4. Manuscripts Box 37, 1800/1802

Sketch, Monument to George Washington by Benjamin West, 1800 Box 35, Folder 1800.00.00

Two sketches shows pyramid-like structure surmounted by statue, and inscription below. Date on original catalog card appears [1800 ?]. On a separate page is a proposed inscription in Latin on reverse of cover. Watermark (crown over armed figure), 3 pages.

  1. The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon
  2. Historic manuscript collection, 1601/1933
  3. Series 1. Documents and Manuscripts
  4. Manuscripts Box 35, 1800

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