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 Book_iZ4i^ 
 
A HISTORY 
 
 MONUMENT 
 
 ERECTED HY THE U. S. GOVERNMENT 
 
 TO COMMJ MORATR THR 
 
 Close of the Revolutionary War. 
 
 VORKTOWN, 
 
 OCTOBER 19XH. 1781. 
 
 ^ BEINC; A NARRATIVE OF ITS 
 
 INCEPTION, CONSTRUCTION, COMPLETION, AN]) 
 OFFICIAL EXAMINATION. 
 
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 - Si;vn\Tll St. 
 

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A HISTORY 
 
 OF THE 
 
 MONUMENT 
 
 ERECTED BY THE U. S. GOVERNMENT 
 
 TO COMMEMORATE THE 
 
 Close of the Revolutionary War. 
 
 AT 
 
 VORKTOWN, 
 
 OCTOBER lOXH, 1781. 
 
 BEING A NARRATIVE OF ITS 
 
 INCEPTION, CONSTRUCTION, COMPLETION, AND 
 
 OFFICIAL EXAMINATION. 
 
 -♦^^ 
 
 PIIILADELinilA : 
 
 Dewey & Eakins, Printers, 35 N. Seventh St. 
 
 1890. 
 
FROM THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL, 
 BOSTON, MASS, 1875, PAGES 371-72. 
 
 To (lie Honomhle the City Council. 
 
 Gentlemen : 
 
 I have the honor to transmit herewith a commnnication 
 from Hon. George Bancroft, a son of Massachusetts, and 
 formerly a citizen of Boston, suggesting the })ropriety of 
 some action at this time on the part of the City Government 
 to redeem the pledge made by Congress on the 29th of 
 October, 1781, to build a monument at Yorktown, Virginia, 
 commemorative of the great victory which secured the 
 recognition of our independence. 
 
 I cannot but tliink that, in the national cntliusiasm 
 attending this centennial period, the people of this country 
 will expect Congress to redeem the pledge solemnly given 
 in 1781. And it would seem to be fitting that Boston, as 
 having within its limits the monument commemorating the 
 first pitched battle of the revolution, at Bunker Hill, should 
 be foremost and earnest in its endeavors to secure the erection 
 of a like memorial of the last and crowning battle at 
 Yorktown, Virginia. 
 
 The most obvious method would appear to be a petition 
 to Congress, with the expectation that otlier cities, and the 
 whole country, will cordially unite witli us in such an effort 
 to secure an ol)jcct so appropriate and desirable. Some 
 action on our part in this direction, wliether in the manner 
 propo.sed or any other, I should regard as a natural sequel 
 to our own recent celebration, in which we had tlie ha|)pincss 
 of uniting fraternally with our fellow citizens from all 
 
 (3) 
 
sections of tlic country in commemorating the illustrious 
 deeds of our fathers and th<'irs, a liundred years ago. 
 
 I commend the subject to 3^our respectful consideration. 
 
 [Signed] Samuel C. Cobb, Mayor. 
 
 Newport, R. L, .June 22, 1875. 
 
 My Dear Mr. Mayor: 
 
 The ceremonies for the centennial celebration of the 
 J>attle of Bunker Ilill have been appropriately closed by a 
 solemn and afiectionate farewell to the military guests from 
 Virginia. It brings to mind tlie years when, during the 
 severe trials of Massachusetts, that ancient Commonwealth 
 always and ever at the right moment gave to her sister 
 colony her heartiest and firmest and most needed support, 
 and when the two were bound together by the undying- 
 patriotism that springs from the love of freedom and of man. 
 
 You have renewed with her representatives the old and 
 lilt iiiiate union between tlie states; but the flowers which 
 profusely decorated your streets while they were with 
 you, have faded away ; your living words of friendsiup were 
 intrusted to the air ; but the memory of what you have done 
 ought to be })erpetuated ])y an enduring monument. The 
 eounterpart of the battle of Bunker Hill is found at York- 
 town. Our ])eoi)le retired from Bunker Hill after a glorious 
 and effective resistance ; the victory at Yorktown, achieved 
 by the united forces of Virginia, New England and the 
 interme<liate States, and our heroic and generous allies, 
 was the signal for the enemy to retire from the unnatural 
 eonflict which they had provoked ; so that the giving up 
 of the sword ul" the lii-itish Commander and the surrender 
 of his army to the great Virginian, the great American, the 
 best rei»resentative of his country and his century, was 
 happily the i)erfected trium})h of peace. The one great 
 event was eoiupleted by the other. 
 
 On Bunker Hill you have raised the commemorative 
 column and statues: on the 2*.itli of October, 1781, Congress 
 
pledged to the victorious army, to France, to America, to 
 the world, that the nation shcnild bnild at Yorktown a 
 monument of marble, with emblems of our great alliance, 
 to keep fresh in memory tlie all decisive successes which had 
 been achieved. Let the occasion of your centennial be taken 
 to redeem that pledge, by which you and all of us, every 
 village, and every city, and every state, are engaged. 
 
 Bunker Hill is now within the precincts of Boston. 
 How the Union would respond to your City Government, if 
 it would request Congress to redeem the public faith by 
 fulfilling the promise of our fathers! A shadow will be 
 thrown over the coming centennial at Yorktown, if when we 
 meet on that spot, their word shall not yet have been honored. 
 
 If I need to offer any apology for addressing you on 
 this occasion, I can only plead that I am a native of Mass- 
 achusetts; that I was for many years a citizen of Boston, 
 and those who were commissioned to speak, whether at the 
 semi-centennial of Bunker Hill Battle, or the laying of the 
 corner stone, or the completion of the monument, 1, selected, 
 to be sure, only as a reserve, alone remain alive to express 
 what would have been the prayer of them all not less than 
 my own. I remain, my dear Mr. Mayor, 
 
 Most sincerely yours, 
 
 [Signed] Geokge Bancroft. 
 
 To the Mayor of the City of Boston. 
 
 Haddonfield, N. J. June 1, 18'J0. 
 
 Hon. John W. Candler, H. R., 
 
 Washington, D. C. 
 
 My Dear Sir: 
 
 The monument erected by the Government of the 
 United States upon the field of Yorktown, State of Virginia, 
 was not, on its completion, formally unveiled, or the fact 
 given to the public. The Government of France was officially 
 represented, and participated in the Centennial Ceremonies, 
 
() 
 
 and tlie luyiiiL!; of tlic coiiier stone of the monument on tlie 
 /■( ~19th (lay of October, 1881, tlie lOOth anniversary of the 
 surrender of liord Cornwallis. There were present on the 
 occasion, descendants of the officers in command of the Navy 
 of France, and of the French troops on the field. There 
 were also present, descendants of officers and soldiers of 
 America, many of them coming from remote sections of our 
 country. They requested that when the monument was 
 completed that it be photographed and copies of it sent to 
 them to be retained as souvenirs of the event in their 
 respective families. 
 
 The subject of erecting a monument to mark the historic 
 event was favorably considered by Congress in session in the 
 City of Philadelphia on the 29th day of October, 1781, ten 
 days after the surrender. The resolution then and there 
 passed was permitted to slumber for a century. His Honor, 
 the Mayor of the City of Boston, through his message and 
 a letter pre})ared by the Historian, CJeorge Bancroft, to the 
 Board of Aldermen of the City of Boston, who, by resolution, 
 called the attention of Congress to the importance of our 
 Government keeping faith tlirough the erection of the monu- 
 ment as before stated. 
 
 The subject has since been taken uj), and ihe monument 
 completed. I desire to furnish photographic views of it as 
 promised, and have named the 17th inst., the 115th 
 anniversary of the Battle of Bunker Hill, as an api)ro- 
 priate day for tliis purpose, when I hope to accompany the 
 photograph with a semi-official rejiort of the monument. 
 As the subject was renewed by the City of Boston, I hope 
 it will ])ii the pleasure of the members of Congress repre- 
 senting the City, to be present on the Held of Yorktown on 
 the day named. All arrangements for transjtortation and 
 your entcrtaimiient during your sojourn there have been 
 provided for. 
 
 Hdiiiiig to hear from you at an early day, I beg to remain 
 
 Your obedient servant, 
 
 J. E. Peyton. 
 
7 
 
 Washington, June 5, 1890. 
 Col. J. E. Peyton, 
 
 Haddonfield, N. J. 
 Dear Sir. 
 
 Your favor of the first inst. received, contents noted. 
 I was not aware that the monument erected by the Govern- 
 ment of the United States upon the historical field of York- 
 town had been completed; I have seen no notice of its 
 completion in any of tlie papers. I think the fact should 
 be given to the public. The day named in your letter is 
 very appropriate, as it will be the one hundred and fifteenth 
 anniversary of the battle of Bunker Hill. 
 
 It will be the pleasure of myself and the other repre- 
 sentatives in Congress from the City of Boston, to be present 
 and participate in such arrangements as may be made for 
 the occasion. 
 
 Yours, very truly, 
 
 John W. Candler, M. C. 
 
 On Board the Steamer "Charlotte," 
 
 York River, Va., Tuesday, June 17, 1890. 
 
 A number of members of Congress, members of the 
 Carpenters Association of Philadelphia, citizens of Baltimore, 
 Washington, Richmomd, and Philadelphia, guests of Col. 
 J. E. Peyton to visit and inspect the completed monument 
 erected at Yorktown, Va., to commemorate the close of the 
 War on tlie 19th of October, 1781, assembled and organized 
 by calling Hon. Charles S. Baker of New York to tlie chair 
 and appointing Col. M. Ricliards Muckle, Secretary. 
 
 Colonel Peyton moved that a committee of thirteen be 
 appointed to prepare a report of the meeting and of the 
 excursion. 
 
 The chair appointed as the Committee: Hon. James 
 Buchanan, of New Jersey ; Hon. Orren C. Moore, of New 
 
Ilampsliire; CSeneral W . W. (iiout, of Vermont; lion. John 
 W. Candler, of Massachusetts; Hon. James S. Sherman, of 
 New York; Hon. E. S. Morrill of Kansas; Hon. Charles 
 H. INTansur, of Missouri ; Hon. C. R. Breckinridge, of Arkan- 
 sas; Hon. Tliomas Stoekdale, of Missis.'<i])l)i ; General E. S. 
 Oshorne, of Pennsylvania; Hon. Thomas J. Clunic, of Cal- 
 ifornia; Hon. John F. Andrew, of Massachusetts; Hon. Jos. 
 H. O'Neil, of Massachusetts?. 
 
 Hon. C. H. Mansur moved that at the close of this 
 meeting we take a recess until 8.30 P. M. 
 
 Hon. Wm. Cogswell moved that a connnittee of three 
 be appointed for the })urpose of drafting suitable resolutions 
 expressive of the thanks of the excursionists for the gen- 
 erosity and courtesy extended them by Colonel Peyton and 
 others on this occasion. 
 
 The chair appointed .Alessrs. Cogswell, Breckinridge 
 and Mansur, to which were subsequently added the Chair- 
 man and Secretary. 
 
 Tlie meeting then adjourned. 
 
 The Committee of thirteen subsequently met, selecting 
 Hon. James Buchanan, Chairman, and Col. M. R. Muckle, 
 Secretary. 
 
 On motion of Hon. Charles H. Mansur, a sub-com- 
 mittee of five was appointed to prepare a report to be 
 submitted to the committee of thirteen, embodying a history 
 and description of the monument; a i)hotographic view 
 thereof; data connected therewith, etc., for presentation to 
 the general public. 
 
 The committee to consist of Messrs. Candler, of Mass- 
 achusetts; Clunie, of California; Sherman, of New York; 
 and the Chairman and Secretary of the Committee. 
 
 On motion, a committee consisting of Messrs. O'Neil, of 
 Massachusetts; Osborne, of Penn.'^ylvania; Breckinridge, of 
 Arkansas; Morrill, of Kansas; and Moore, of New Hamp- 
 shire, was appointed to take into consideration tlie subject 
 
9 
 
 of acquiring the Moore and Nelson mansions at Yorktown 
 with the grounds thereto attached. 
 
 Adjourned. 
 
 The meeting assembled in the evening as per motion 
 made at the morning session. 
 
 The Committee of thirteen, iinding that they would be 
 unable to make a report, as the information and facts were 
 not accessible to-day, asked leave through their Chairman, 
 Hon. James Buchanan, to report at a subsequent meeting 
 to be called by the Chairman, which was granted. 
 
 Hon. Wm. Cogswell, Chairman of the Committee on 
 Resolutions, submitted the following report, which was 
 unanimously adopted : 
 
 On Board the Steamer " Charlotte," 
 
 York River, Va., June 17, 1890. 
 
 The invited guests on the occasion of a visit this day 
 to the historic grounds of Yorktown, desiring to express 
 their warm appreciation of the generous hospitality extend- 
 ed to them, in meeting assembled 
 
 Resolve: That their thanks are due and are hereby 
 offered to the officers of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad 
 Company; the officers oftlicYork River Steamboat Com- 
 pany ; especialy to Captain Reuben Foster, General Manager; 
 the officers, men and assistants of the Steamer " Charlotte;" the 
 representatives of the Carpenters' Company of Philadel}>hia, 
 Joseph M. Hancock, Chairman; and to John Cruikshank, 
 of Yorktown, proprietor of the Moore House, for a most 
 pleasant trip from Washington to visit Yorktown ; during 
 which we have received every kindness and attention 
 abounding hospitality could prompt. Especially have we 
 enjoyed our passage on the handsome, commodious and 
 well managed Steamer, ''Cliarlofte," and our stay at Temple 
 Farm ; all of which has enahk^d us to visit with comfort, 
 interest and })ride, the memorable field of Yorktown, where 
 
10 
 
 Liberty received the sword of her oppression and sheathed 
 her own in final victory ; and to witness its commemoration 
 in a splendid shaft of granite. 
 
 And to Colonel Jesse E. Peyton of New Jersey, the 
 promoter par excellence of patriotic centennial celebrations, 
 wliose enduring patriotism and generous public spirit, 
 conceived this ever-to-be-remembered occasion, wc hereby 
 acknowledge our deep and lasting obligations. His life is a 
 continuous blessing to all efforts to perpetuate the glorious 
 memories of the American Revolution. 
 
 Resolved; That a copy of these Resolutions be sub- 
 mitted to the Tress, and an engrossed copy Ix; I'urnished to 
 Col. J. E. Peyton. 
 
 Letters were read from lion. Theodore Roustan, Minister 
 of France; Count Pierre do Chambreau ; and Hon. James B. 
 MeCreary of Kentucky, i-egretting that iiii|)ortant engage- 
 ments prevented tliem from participating in the visit and 
 excursion. 
 
 The session tlicn adjourned to meet at the call of the 
 Chairman. 
 
 M. Ri(;HAin>s MrcKT.K, Secretary. 
 
 HOUSK OF RlCPRESENTATIVKS, 
 
 Wasiiinoton D. C, Septcmbev 2'.), 1S5H). 
 
 At a meeting of the Committee, duly called by the 
 Chairman, Mr. Baker, at his Committee Room in the Capital, 
 this date, Hon. James Buchanan presented in l)ehalf of 
 his Committee a formal rc^port wliirh was read, considered 
 and unanimously adopted ; ami 
 
 Remlral ; That the same, with I he accompanying 
 papers be transmitted to Col. .1. I>. I'f.vton. 
 
 (JiiAs. V*-!. B.\Ki:i{, CliairiiKin. 
 
CARPENTERS' HALL 
 
11 
 
 Hon. Charles S. Baker, Chairman. 
 
 The committee appointed to prepare and submit a 
 report upon the visit to Yorktown, Va., for the purpose of 
 inspecting the monument erected there by the Goverment 
 to mark the historic scene of the surrender of the British 
 forces under Lord Cornwallis to the Continental army, 
 under George Washington, with its alUes, the French forces 
 under Count De Rochambeau and Count De Grasse, woukl 
 respectfully beg leave to present the following report: 
 
 REPORT. 
 
 The revolted colonies, at first united only by the bonds 
 of common sympathy and a common danger, had elected 
 delegates to meet in a Continental Congress. The Governor 
 of the colony of Pennsylvania was applied to for the use of 
 the State House for that purpose. His consent was not 
 obtained, and the Carpenter's Company was applied to for 
 the use of Carpenter's Hall, owned by the company. Their 
 consent was obtained, but the committee in charge of the 
 building refused to attach tlieir signatures to the grant and 
 the consent, tlierefore, cannot be found in writing. These 
 facts are pregnant with significance as to the doubt and 
 uncertainty which then clouded the future, and the hesitancy 
 sliown displayed no patriotic [)rinciples. 
 
 The Congress met in Carpenters' Hall, Pliiladelphia, Pa., 
 on the 5th day of September 1774, and was organized on 
 that day. At the opening, prayer was offered by Rev. 
 •Jacob Duche. In that solemn hour all hearts turned 
 towards the Ruler of Nations for guidance and lielp. The 
 cljaplain seemed inspired. He led the supplications in 
 words which dropi)ed all fornudities and pleaded with soul- 
 ful earnestness the cause of an outraged and op})ressed 
 people. And the answer came. Even while the appeal was 
 being made to the Almighty Ruler of the universe, courage 
 came to tlie halting, wisdom came to the representatives, all 
 minor differences between the sections were cast aside and 
 one common purpose took possession of the assembly. This 
 
12 
 
 inspinition of courage and union was at once responded to 
 by the colonies. 
 
 The artist has embodied this inspiration in marble, 
 and at the base of the shaft has placed tliirteen female 
 figures in relief, diverse in feature and alike in exjtression of 
 courage and common purpose. Tliis meeting of the Contin- 
 ental Congress has made Carpenters' Hall one of the places 
 of pilgrimage toward which the patriot turns his devoted 
 steps. 
 
 Subsequent!}' tlie State House was obtained for meetings 
 of the Congress, and there this inspiration found full fruition 
 in the Declaration of Independence. In that building, on 
 the 24th of October, 1781, Congress then being in session, 
 a letter was received from General Washington giving 
 information of the surrender of Cornwallis. AVe extract the 
 following from the journals of Congress of that date: 
 
 Wednesday, October 24, 1781. 
 
 A letter of the 10th, from General Washington was 
 read, giving information ol the reduction of the British 
 army under the command of Earl Cornwallis, on the 19th 
 inst., with a co])y of the articles of capitulation; whereupon, 
 on motion of Mr. Randolph, 
 
 Resolved; That Congress will, at two o'clock this day, 
 go in procession to the Dutch Lutheran Church, and returii 
 thanks to Almighty God for crowning the allied arms of 
 the Unite<l Stafes and France with success, by the surrender 
 of the whole British army under the command of the 
 Karl Cornwallis. 
 
 Ordered; That the letter, with the ])apers enclosed, be 
 referred to the Committee of Intelligence. 
 
 Resolved; That the letter of (Jeneral Washington, of 
 the B)th, enclosing the correspondence between him and 
 the Karl Cornwallis, concerning the surrender of the garri- 
 sons of York and (Jlouccster, and the articles of capitula- 
 tion, be referred to a committee of four. The members, Mr. 
 Randolph, Mr. Boudinot, Mr. Varnum, Mr. Carroll. 
 
13 
 
 Resolred ; That it be an iiistniotion to the .said com- 
 mittee to re[)oi't wliat, in tiieir oi)inion, will be the most 
 proper mode of communicating the tlianks of the United 
 States, in Congress assembled, to General Washington, 
 Count de Rochambeau and Count de ( Jrasse, for their effect- 
 ual exertions in accomplishing this illustrious work ; and 
 paying respect to the merit of Lieutenant-Colonel Tilghman, 
 Aide-de-camp of General Washington, and the bearer of his 
 dispatches announcing this liajipy event. 
 
 Ordered ; That the Secretary of Foreign Affairs com- 
 municate this intelligence to the Honorable the Minister 
 Plenipotentiary of France. 
 
 Subsequently the aboved named committee, viz: Mr. 
 Randolph, Mr. Boudinot, Mr. Carroll and Mr. Varnum, 
 made the following report which is extracted from the jour- 
 nals of Congress of Monday, October 29, 1781 : 
 
 Monday, (October 29, 1781. 
 
 On a report of committee, consisting of Mr. Randolph, 
 Mr. Boudinot, Mr. Varnum, Mr. Carroll, to whom was 
 referred the letters of the IGth and 19th from General 
 Washington, 
 
 Resolved] That the thanks of the United States in 
 Congress assembled, be presented to his excellency. General 
 Washington, for the eminent services which he has rendered 
 to the United States, and particularly for the well concerted 
 plan against the British garrisons in York and (Jloucester ; 
 for the vigor, attention and military skill with which that 
 plan was executed ; and for the wisdom and prudence mani- 
 fested in the capitulations. 
 
 That the thanks of the United States, in Congress 
 assembled, be presented to his excellency. Count de Rocham- 
 beau, for cordiality, zeal, judgment and fortitude, with which 
 he seconded and advanced the progress of the allied army 
 against the British garrison in York. 
 
14 
 
 That, tlic tlianks ol" the United States, in Congress 
 assembled, be [)resented to his excellency, Count de Grasse, 
 for his dis])lay of skill and bravery in attacking and defeat- 
 ing the British fleet olf the Bay of Chesapeake, and for his 
 zeal and alacrity in rendering, with the fleet under his 
 command, the most effectual and distinguished aid and 
 support to the operations of the allied army of Virginia. 
 
 That the thanks of the United States, in Congress 
 assembled, be presented to the commanding and other 
 officers of the corps of artillery and engineers of the allied 
 army, who sustained extraordinary fatigue and danger in 
 their animated and gallant approaches to the lines of 
 the enemy. 
 
 That General Washington be directed to communicate 
 to the other officers and soldiers under his command, the 
 thanks of the United States in Congress assembled, for their 
 conduct and valor on this occasion. 
 
 Resolved; That the United States, in Congress assem- 
 bled, will cause to be erected at York, in A^irginia, a marble 
 colum, adorned with the emblems of the alliance between 
 the United States and His Most Christian Majesty, and 
 inscribed with a succinct narrative of the surrender of Earl 
 Cornwallis to his excellency. General Washington, Com- 
 mander-in-Chief of the combined forces of America and 
 France; to his excellency, the Count de Rochambeau, com- 
 manding the auxiliary troojis of Ilis Most Chi'istian 
 Majesty in America; and his excellency, the Count de 
 Grasse, Commanding-in-Chief the naval army of France in 
 the Chesapeake. 
 
 Remlved ; Thattwostandsof colors taken from the British 
 army under the capitulation of York, be presented to his 
 excellency. General Washington, in the name of the United 
 States in Congress assembled. 
 
 Resolved ; That two pieces of the field ordnance, taken 
 from the ih'itish army under the capitulation of York, be 
 presented by the Commander-in-Chief of the American 
 army, to Count de Rochambeau, and that there be engraved 
 
15 
 
 thereon a short memorandum, that Congress were induced 
 to present tliem from considerations of tlie illustrious part 
 which he bore in effectuating the surrender. 
 
 Besolved ; That the secretary of foreign affairs be 
 directed to request the minister plenipotentiary of His Most 
 Christian Majesty, to inform His INIajesty that it is the wish 
 of Congress, that Count de Grasse may be permitted to accept 
 a testimony of their approbation, similar to that to be pres- 
 ented to Count de Rochambeau. 
 
 Resolved ; That the board of war be directed to present 
 to Lieutenant-Colonel Tilghman, in the name of the United 
 States, in Congress assembled, a, horse, properly caparisoned, 
 and an elegant sword, in testimon}^ of the high opinion of 
 his merit and ability. 
 
 The report was accepted, and on the same day the 
 resolutions were adoj^ted. Then came the financial troubles 
 which always follow a long and devastating war. These 
 too were complicated by the political dissensions incident to 
 the formation of a permanent form of government for the 
 new nation, and as a consequence the monument was not 
 erected. 
 
 Time passed on, and the matter remained in abeyance 
 until June 22, 1875, wdien Hon. George Bancroft, the 
 eminent historian, addressed a letter to the Mayor of the 
 city of Boston, calling attention to the jjledges made by 
 Congress to the victorious army, to France, to America, and 
 to the World, that the natioii would build at Yorktown a 
 monument of marble as an emblem of our great alliance, 
 and to keep fresh in memory the all-decisive successes which 
 had been achieved. The Mayor of Boston, Hon. Samuel 
 C. Cobl), transmitted this letter under date of June 24th, 
 1875, to the Common Council of the City of Boston, and 
 this body later in the same 3"ear authorized the Mayor to 
 petition the National Congress in behalf of the Government 
 of the City, for a fulfilment of the pledge. This petition 
 was duly prepared and forwarded. 
 
Til tlic year ISSO, tlic legislature of the State of New 
 Jersey had also taken up the matter and voted an appro- 
 priation to pay the expenses of the repn^sentatives of the 
 State in [)articipating in llu^ centennial celebration of the 
 surrender of Lord Corinvallis, voting whatever sum of 
 money might be necessary to give a fit and pro})er repre- 
 sentation to the State. It may be here remarked that not 
 only did that State participate in that celebration, but her 
 troops received the trophies provided for award to the best 
 appearing, best discii)lined, and most soldierly troops par- 
 tici[)ating in the ceremonies, and these tropliies are now on 
 exhibition in the State House in Trenton, N. J. 
 
 These movements aroused public attention to the matter, 
 and finally, June 7, 1880, almost a century later, Congress 
 passed an act to carry the resolution into effect, appropriating 
 money for the purpose, appointing a commission to carry 
 out the object of the act, and providing for a centennial 
 celebration of the surrender. That act was as follows : 
 
 [PunLic— No. 75.] 
 
 AN ACT to carry into elfect ttie resolution of Congres, adoiited on the twenty- 
 ninth (lay of Ooloher, seventeen hundred and eiglity-one, in regard to a 
 monumental column, at Yorktown, Virginia, and for other purposes. 
 
 Whereas ; On Monday the twenty-ninth day of October, 
 seventeen hundred and eighty-one, it was resolved, That 
 the United States in Congress assembled, will cause to be 
 erected at York, in Virginia, a marble column, adorned 
 with emblems of the alliance between the United States and 
 His Most Christain Majesty; and inscribed with a succinct 
 narrative of the surrender of Earl Cornwallis to His Excel- 
 lency, General Washington, Commander-in-Chief of the 
 combined Forces of America and France; to His Excellency 
 Count de Rochambeau, commanding the Auxiliary troops 
 of his Most Christian Majesty in America; and His Excel- 
 lency, Count de Grasse, commanding-in-chief the Naval 
 Army of France in Chesapeake ; and 
 
•jjifw-. 
 
 .I.May,nK the best Camp Order. Discgnrai^d'L'lffl^^n^Ihe crb..UoT' °' "''^ ^^'^^^ 
 The National Commttee annoiuted bvfJpT.'l w e u , ^ '"*^ '^eieoiation. 
 
 of the State of New Jersey? twa7presentedV?oSX'p^rf"'''''^1^ 'V,° "»^ N^*''""'*! G^^'d 
 9th 18«1 by Col. J. E. Pe'yton, and?ecliverl^by g"// p^^f/^^^^^^^ *Jf ^oore House, October 
 oessft.1 troops. It ha. since be4n on exhibit on'^i??eii^rrS'^tTTcXn''N"f''"'^ 
 
17 
 
 Whereas; The said resolution of Congress has not yet 
 been carried into effect, although nearly one hundred years 
 have elapsed since it was adopted ; therefore, 
 
 Be it enacted by tlic Senate and House of Representatives of 
 the United States of America in Congress assembled ; That the 
 sum of one hundred thousand dollars, or so much thereof 
 as may be necessary, be, and the same is, hereby appro- 
 priated, out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise 
 appropriated, to be expended, under the direction of the 
 Secretary of War, in erecting at Yorktown, in Virginia, the 
 monument refered to in the aforesaid resolution of Congress : 
 Provided, however, That the material used may be such as 
 the Secretary of War may deem most suitable and desirable. 
 
 Sec. 2. That a commission of three persons shall be 
 appointed by the Secretary of War, whose duty it shall be, 
 to recommend a suitable design for said monument ; to 
 prepare a sketch of emblems of the alliance between His 
 Most Christian Majesty, and the United States ; and a suc- 
 cinct narrative of the surrender of Earl Cornwallis, to be 
 inscribed on the same ; subject to the approval and adoption 
 of the select committee of thirteen ap})ointed by the Speaker 
 of the House of Representatives, on the nineteenth of Dec- 
 ember, eighteen hundred and seventy-nine, and of thirteen 
 Senators to be appointed by the presiding officer of the 
 Senate, to enquire into the expediency of appropriating a 
 suitable sum to be expended in erecting at Yorktown, in 
 Virginia, tlie monument refered to. 
 
 Sec. 3. That it shall' be the duty of said joint com- 
 mittee to select the site for the location of said monument, 
 to obtain the cession of the same from the State of Virginia, 
 and to make all necessary arrangements for such a celebra- 
 tion by the American people, of the centennial anniversary 
 of the battle of Yorktown, on the nineteenth of October, 
 eighteen hundred and eighty-one as shall befit the liistorical 
 significance of that event, and the present greatness of the 
 nation. 
 
18 
 
 Sec. 4. That the sum of twenty thousand dollars, or 
 so much tliereof as may 1)6 necessary, is hereby apj)ropriated, 
 out of any money in tlie Treasury not otherwise appropria- 
 ted, for the purj)Ose of deh-aying the exjienses incurred in 
 the said centennial celehration, and to he disbursed, un(k>r 
 the direction of the said joiut eonnnittee. 
 
 Approved, June 7, 1880. 
 
 Operations were at once be_ii,un under this act. Desio-us 
 were accepted, and conti'acts made, and the work was soon 
 in such a state of forwardness that it was found ])ossible 
 to unite the ceremonies of laying- the corner stone with the 
 ceremonies attendant uj)on the centennial celebration of 
 the surrender. 
 
 February iStli, LS.Sl, Congress l)y joint resolution 
 autboi'i/ed and reipu'sted the President of the United States 
 to extend to the Government and people of France and the 
 family of General Lafayette a cordial invitation to unite 
 witli the government and people of the Ignited States, on tlie 
 nineteenth day of October, eighteen hundred and eighty- 
 one, in a fit and appropriate observance of tlie ecntj^nnia] 
 anniversary of the surrender of Lord Cornwalli.s at York-_ 
 town, 'i'he invitation was given and accepted. 'I'he cere- 
 monies were held and an account of tliem has been published 
 by authorit}^ (»f Congress. 
 
 January 13, 1885, President Arthur sent a inessage to 
 Congress transmitting a communication from the Secretary 
 of War dated January 0, 1885, enclosing a coi^y of one 
 dated January 5, 1885, from Lieutenant Colonel Wilhani P. 
 Craighill, Corps of U.S. Engineers, who was eharge<l witli 
 the erection of the monument, announcing its comi)letion. 
 Col. Craghill closes his report with a descri])tion of the 
 monument taken from the original re|toi1 of the com- 
 mission of artists who furnished it, Mr. 11. >[. JIunI, Mr. .1. 
 (.1. A. Ward and Mr. \'an Prunt. This descrij)tion is as 
 follows: 
 
19 
 
 From the architectural point of view it is composed of 
 three principal parts: first, a base, whicli, witli its stytobate 
 and its pediments, is 21' Hi'' iiigh, and occupies an area 
 30' Of" square upon the ground ; second, a highly sculpt- 
 ured podium 21' 7" high and 0'7" in diameter, in tlic form 
 of a drum, supporting, tliird, a cohimn 32'r)" high and, at 
 tlie base, 5' G" in diameter. This shaft, for tlie sake of 
 economy, is composed of a succession of drums or courses of 
 masonry, wliich give practical reason for a departure from 
 tlie conventional treatment wliich belongs to monolitliic 
 shafts, the joints being masked by four bands decorated with 
 hiurel leaves and justified by a decoration of stars symmet- 
 rically disposed upon them, and breaking the outline of the 
 column. 
 
 The flutings of the sliaft appear in tlie lowest and 
 highest sections only. Its characteristics of detail are also 
 devised to give practical interest and significance to an arch- 
 itectural form which, without them would be too formal and 
 cold for memorial uses. A column without decoration, but 
 built in strict conformity with the consecrated conventions 
 of itroportion, is suited to sustain an entablature and play 
 its part in the facade of a temple; but when conceived on 
 a colossal scale and set up alone as a monument, it becomes 
 meaningless and bald. When so used it is necessary for 
 the architect not to content himself with making its propor- 
 tions and details conform to the accepted formulas, and witli 
 justifying its existence by causing it to support a statue, but 
 to lavish upon it all the thought and invention at his 
 command, with the object of making it a monument, or, as 
 the Germans have it, denk maal, a " think place." 
 
 From the point of view of sentiment, this monument 
 is intended to convey in architectural language, the idea set 
 forth in the dedicatory inspection; that by the victory at 
 Yorktown the independence of the United iStafef; of America wa^ 
 achieved or brought to final accomplishment. 
 
 The four sid(!S of the base contain : first, an inscription 
 dedicating the monument as a memorial of the victory ; second, 
 
20 
 
 an inscription })resenting ii succinct narrative of tlie sieg'e, 
 prepared in accordance witli tlic oi-iii,inal arcliives in tlie 
 Department of State; third, the treaty of alliance witli the 
 King of France; and, fourth, the treaty of peace with the 
 King of England. Tii the pcMlimeiits over these four sides are 
 presented, carved in relief, first, emblems of the Army; 
 second, emblems of the Navy ; third,'emblems of the alliance ; 
 ami, fourth, emblems of peace. 
 
 The base is thus devoted to the historical statement; 
 it explains the subsequent incidents of the moinimental 
 composition, which are intended solely to appeal to the 
 imagination. 
 
 The immediate result of the historical events written 
 uj)on the base was the ha})py establishment of a national 
 union of thirteen j^outhful, free and inde})endent states. 
 To celebrate this joyful union the sculptor has represented 
 u{)on tlie circular podium which arises from the base, a 
 solemn dance of thirteen typical female figures, hand in 
 hand, encircling the drum, which bears upon a belt beneath 
 their feet the words, "One country, one constitution, one 
 destiny." It is a symbol of the birth of freedom. 
 
 The colunni which s[)rings tVoui this podium may be 
 accepted as the symbol of the greatness and prosperity of 
 the nation after a century of various experience, when thirty- 
 eight free and independent states are shining together in 
 mighty constellation. It is the triumphant sign of the 
 fullilmcut of the pi'omise ; an expression of the strength and 
 beauty of the Union ; but the powerful nation does not 
 forget the remote beginning of its prosperity, and in the 
 midst of its shining stars bears aloft the shield of Yorktown 
 covering the bniuch of peace. 
 
 As the existence of the nation is a proof of the possi- 
 bility of a government of the peo])le, l)y the ))eople, for the 
 people, the column thus adonu'(l culminates with Liberty 
 herself, welcoming the [)eo|»le of all nations to share (Mpially 
 with us the IVuits of our peace and prosperity. 
 
21 
 
 The inuiiuiiu'iit is cliasto in (Icsign, beautiful in Ibnii 
 and patriotic in conception. Your eonnnittee feel tliat, 
 commendable as has been the action of the nation in mark- 
 ing the historic spot, the work is not yet complete. Near 
 the monument is the Moore farm uj)()n which were drawn 
 up the troops of Cornwallis when they laid down their arms. 
 Upon this farm still stands the Moore house, in whicli the 
 articles of capitulation M'-ere signed, and a picture of the 
 building as it stood at tlie time of the surrender is also suIj- 
 mitted with this report. The house still shows the mark 
 of cannon shot fired during the hostilities preceding the 
 surrender. Your committees feel that this too should i)ass 
 into the possession of the government and be })reserved as 
 a national relic. The " Y^orktown Centennial Aassociation " 
 through its General Superintendent, Col. J. E. Peyton, 
 donated fifteen acres of this farm as a site for the monument, 
 and prepared to donate the remainder to the government; but 
 the assassination of President Garfield so distracted })ublic 
 attention that the association was unable to raise sufficient 
 funds to pay the price, and was compelled to part with its 
 title. 
 
 March 22, 1SS2, the legislature of the state of New 
 Jersey passed the following joint resohition : 
 
 Joint Resolution in reference to securing/ and 'prcMrving Ihnpte 
 Farm and tlie Moore House at Yorktown, Virginia. 
 
 Whereas; The Moore House and Temi)le Farm, upon 
 which it is situated, will cai'ry with them through all time 
 the memories of the siege and victory, by which the allied 
 armies of France and the American colonies secured our 
 nation's independence, and. 
 
 Whereas; During the recent centennial celebration of 
 the event by the citizens and re[)resentatives of the republic 
 of France and the United States of America, the hope was 
 expressed by the descendants of the officers of both France 
 
22 
 
 and America, who commanded on tlie field in one thousand, 
 .si'vcn hundred and eiii'lity-one, tliat tlie faiin and house 
 sliould be j)reserved and perpetuated as a memorial of the 
 friendly alliance whicli then and ever since has existed 
 between the two nations, as well 'as in respect to the memories 
 of those who fell in or survived the stru,u-,i;le that ended the 
 protracted war and gave peace and hope to a then im[)over- 
 ished people: and, 
 
 Whereas; It is stated, the pi'operty can at (liis tiine 
 he secured for a nominal sum and that the product of the fai'in 
 will probal)ly be ample to preserve and keep the buildings in 
 repair, and wh icli are so located as to be well adapted for govern- 
 ment purposes on occasions of naval inspections and reviews 
 on York river; and. 
 
 Whereas: The sentiment expressed by representatives 
 of the French republic and descendants of French officers, 
 who commanded on the field at Yorktown, during their recent 
 visit to participate in the centennial celebration, in connec- 
 tion with the descendants of colonial officers, was that the 
 g(na'rnment should take charge of and preserve and j^er- 
 petuate the pro[)erty ; and, believing this also to be the 
 sentiment of the American people in general, therefore: 
 
 1st. Be It Uesolved ; By the Senate and (leneral 
 Assembly of the State of New Jersey, that the Tnited 
 States Senators Irom the State of New Jer>;ey l)e, and they 
 are hereby instmcted, and the Re[)resentatives in Congress 
 requested to ])re[)are and support a bill for the purchase of 
 the Temple Farm and Moore House, at Yorktown, Virginia, 
 by the government of the United States of America, provided 
 the cost of said farm and all improvements shall not exceed 
 twenty-five thousand dollars, and that the state of \'irginia 
 shall exemi)t the same from taxation ; and 
 
 2nd. Be It licsol red ; That engrossed copies of this 
 preamble and joint resolution be sent to the United Slates 
 Senators and Representatives in Congress from the State of 
 New .lersey. 
 
 Approved MarcJc 22, 1882. 
 
23 
 
 From a recent writing of Col. J. E. Peyton, we extract 
 the following ; 
 
 The liistoric Moore House, which was occupied during 
 the siege of Yorktown by Generals Washington, Lafayette, 
 and the Count de Rochambeau, in which the treaty capitu- 
 lations were prepared, signed and accepted, still stands and 
 is in the same condition that it was at that time. It was 
 repaired in 1881 and furnished by the Centennial Association 
 organized under the laws of the State of Virginia, to aid 
 the National Committee in securing the aceommodaiion for 
 visitors during the celebration. Among those that occupied 
 the building on that occasion were the descendants of (len- 
 eral Lafayette, de Rochambeau and other Frencli families 
 prominently connected with the siege and surrender. 
 
 Your committee cannot recommend too strongly the 
 securing of this liistoric spot by the general government. 
 While Mount Vernon, where rests the mortal remains of 
 the Father of his Country has become a Nation's shrine, 
 Yorktown, where Freedom was at last made secure, should 
 be the Nation's care, preserved inviolate, as tlie scene of 
 Washington's crowning triumph. 
 
 Your committee cannot close this report without advert- 
 ing to the reception given to the Members of Congress 
 composing the delegation, by the owner and occupant of 
 the historic Moore House on the day when the monument 
 was inspected. The Governor of Virginia being unavoid- 
 ably detained by public duties, deputed the Hon. William 
 Wirt Henry, of Richmond, Va., the grandson of the illust- 
 rious Patrick Henry, in his stead, to receive the delegation 
 with an address of welcome. Wliich duty he i)erformed 
 with the hospitality of a true Virginian and the eloquence 
 of his illustrious ancestor. He referred to the pride which 
 Virginia felt in having given so many illustrious names to 
 the Continental Army and the Continental Congress, and in 
 having within her borders one of the most notable sj^ots 
 connected with the long and at times doubtful struggle of 
 the Revolution. 
 
24 
 
 .\|i|»i<»|ii'i;iti' rt'iiiaiks wvrc also iikkIc by lloii. ('. R. 
 Brcckiiii-idge of Arkansas, lion. Oi'ivii G. Moore of New 
 Hainj)yliire, Hon. lolm W. Candler, of Massachusetts, Hon. 
 Clias. PI. Mansur of Mi.ssouri, Hon. James Buchanan of 
 New Jersey, Hon. Thomas J. Clunie of California, and 
 Hon. Chas^ S. Baker of New York. 
 
 Respectfully snl)mitted in behalf of the Committee. 
 
 James Buchanan, 
 Atfcd : ChairDKin. 
 
 M. RiciiAi;i)s MucKLE, 
 
 Secretary. 
 
 Philadelphia, October 20, ISDO. 
 
 Hon. Chas. 8. Baker, H. R., Chairman, 
 Washington, D. C. 
 
 De.vk Sir: 
 
 'i'he members of the Carpenters' Company have read 
 with much interest and fully endorse the report of Committee 
 of thirteen members of tlie Fifty-first Congress who were 
 named by the Cliairman of a meeting held on the Steamer 
 " Charlotte" on the seventeentli' of June hist on returning from 
 a visit from historic Yorktown, Virginia, where the visitors 
 formally inspected the monument erected b}^ the Govern- 
 ment of the United States to mark the successful conclusion 
 of war in defense of American Iiide})endeiice. 
 
 The Car])enters' Comi»any was on the occasion re]>resen- 
 ted by five of its members, who fully endorse the report of 
 the Committee; "That tlie (loverment should secure tlie 
 Temide farm and the historic Moore House to be preserved 
 and ])laced in charge of an official to take care of the ]>rop- 
 erty and pay j)roper attention to visitors." 
 
 That house was tlie i)lace in which Indei)endencc was 
 secured as conceived and given life in the Hall of Carpenters' 
 
Co)n|)aiiy. The building.s a,i"o in Aiiuii'ican History insep- 
 arably connected, and for these reasons slionld be secnred 
 by the (iovtaMinient and opened to the [)ublie. 
 
 We hope that Congress will at once give tlie subject a 
 favorable consideration. 
 
 Thomas Little, rreddcnt. 
 Stacy Rekves, Se.crefary. 
 
 York RivEii Link. 
 Office of the (Ienekae Manacjek. 
 
 BAi/riMoitE, November ."), J 890. 
 Hon. Chas. S. Baker, 
 
 CJiairviaii. 
 Dear Sir : 
 
 I have noted with interest the Report of the Committee 
 ap[)ointed by you on board the steamer " CArrr/o^/e" on the 
 evening of June 17th last, to report the visit to Yorktown, 
 including the Temple Farm property and the old historic 
 Moore House situated tliereon ; also the inspectio]i of the 
 Monument erected at that point by the Government of the 
 United States, and fidly concur in the object as proposed, for 
 the Government to pu rclia.se the Temple Farm and Moore 
 House for the purpose of caring for and perpetviating historic 
 ground, which locality, together with the handsome monu- 
 ment erected there, is attracting the attention not only of 
 Americans, but of visitors fi'om other countries. 
 
 This property comprises about five-hundred acres, and 
 if owned by the LTnited States Government, could be used for a 
 military encamj^nent as well as for re-unions of the Nalional 
 Guards from the different states; and with a reasonable con- 
 cession from the Goverinnent to an enter|)rising Company, a 
 liotel could be erected for the accommodation ofstr;ingers fi'dni 
 abroad desiring to visit tiuit locality: other\vis(\ utdess the 
 proi)erty should be in tlie iK^ar future taken hold of b\' the 
 
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