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When the Monmouth Monument at Free hold, N.J., was unveiled, only three of the five celebrated and historic bas-reliefs for the base were completed and exhibited. ‘These three suplemented Washington rallying his troops, Ramsey defending his guns, and “ Sergeant” Molly Pitcher. James E. Kelly, the sculptor, has been engaged for the last year completing the remaining two at his studio, No. 218, East Twenty-fifth street. Of the five reliefs, the most elaborate, portraying the council of war at Hopewell, is completed and cast in bronze. The remaining one, “ Mad Anthony Wayne's charge, is com pleted in plaster, ready for the mould. These two are now the subjects of much visitation and critical examination. A vast amount of historic material has ac cumulated in the studio, which is located in the upper story of Justice Maurice J. Power's bronze foundry. It was collected from various parts of the world at great expense and trouble. A portrait of Lieutenant-Colonel Ramsey was secured from surviving members of the family in St. Louis. Lafayette’s por trait was copied from an original one by La Vadier. Brigadier-General Enoch Poor was found sketched on the flyleaf of a hymn-book by Kosciusko. The book belongs to Mr. Cilley, of New Hampshire, and has a story of its own. The Catholic Kosciusko was in a Protestant church during service, and spent his time sketching Poor, who sat in range, rather than listen to heretical doctrine. General Nathaniel Greene was found por trayed on a medal authorised by Congress. A portrait of General Duportail was found in the State House at Philelphia. In the pos session of Dr. Emmet, of this city, was found an original strait of Adjutant-General Scammel. Originals of General Lee and Lord Sterling were found, but no trace of por traits of Generals Patterson, Woodford and Colonel Monckton were obtainable. Trum bull's study of Anthony Wayne and Houden's cast of Washington taken from life were used. Besides this material were munitions of war, accoutrements, trappings, illustrated records, etc., found carefully preserved in home and foreign museums, and loaned to the sculptor through the good offices of interested and influential men. While all the reliefs are wonderful works of realistic art—even the foliage and vegetation being represented as it occurs at the time of act of the battle—the “Council of War at Openell,” which has not yet been shown to the public, seems most remarkable. The scene occurs in an old-fashioned room, with its antique fireplace and huge chimney and mantel, and the familiar tall clock in the corner. Around the long kitchen table are grouped thirteen officers in various animated attitudes—a number which proved unlucky for the British. Generals Washington and Lafayette alone are standing, while the latter urges an immediate demonstration against the British. Lee looks indignant because the enemy is not to be allowed to cross the coun try and be trapped Wayne shows a counten ance eager to begin the attack at once. In various attitudes, indicative of their personal opinions, are Greene, Sterling, Steuben, Knox, or Woodford, Patterson, Scott and Dupor ail. The other relief, finished in plaster, repre sents “ Mad” Anthony Wayne in the charge, riding away at a furious pace, as if to de molish the entire British force. A corn field is exposed all trampled and torn. Dead men lie around and a few of the enemy are trying to bear away their chieftain, Colonel Henry Monckton, killed in the fray. A second unveiling is to occur at Mon mouth. The Grand Army men, who were dis pleased because they were ignored at the last unveiling, are to have full awing this time.
Newspaper Details
London American Register
London, Middlesex, GB
Sat, Oct 17, 1885
Page 8
Full Page
Clipped by
Gary E.
VA, USA 20 Jun 2026
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