The Pictorial Field-Book of the Revolution, Vol. 2 (of 2): or, Illustrations, by Pen And Pencil, of the History, Biography, Scenery, Relics, and Traditions of the War for IndependenceLossing, Benson John
History
The Pictorial Field-Book of the Revolution, Vol. 2 (of 2): or, Illustrations, by Pen And Pencil, of the History, Biography, Scenery, Relics, and Traditions of the War for Independence
Lossing, Benson John
United States -- History -- Revolution, 1775-1783
* This outline sketch is from a copy of the picture at Arlington House
(the seat of Mr. Custis), which I made, by permission, in November,
1850. As it exhibits none of the horrid scenes of slaughter which
generally characterize battle-pieces, I have not hesitated to introduce
it, for the purpose of giving a specimen of pictorial composition upon
an interesting historical subject from the pencil of the adopted son,
and the only surviving executor of the will of the great Washington.
The engraving was executed by Dr. Alexander Anderson, the pioneer
wood-engraver in America, at the age of seventy-seven years. Both
painter and engraver have passed several years beyond the age allotted
to man. Since I made this copy, Mr. Custis has completed two other
historical pictures--Germantown and Trenton; and it is his intention, if
his life shall be spared, to thus perpetuate on canvas the memory of all
of the battles in which his illustrious foster-father was engaged. In
the picture here given, the chief is seen most prominently on his white
charger, with his general officers. Washington and Greene are in front;
Knox on the right, upon the most prominent horse; and behind them are
Hamilton, Cadwallader, &c. On the left is seen the group of artillery,
with "Captain Molly" at the gun. In the distance is seen a portion of
the British army, and Colonel Monckton falling from his horse. On the
right, in the foreground, lying by a cannon, is Dickinson, of Virginia;
and on the left, by a drum, Bonner, of Pennsylvania. In the center is a
wounded rifleman.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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