Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 17.djvu/210

 202 Southern Historical Society Papers,

spear, with one outstretched arm holding a wreath of laurel over the head of a Confederate soldier who is seated at her feet. The stand- ing figure was intended for an impersonation of the South. These suggestions Mons. Mercie soon elaborated into a beautiful group. Let us hope that ior the want of a few thousand dollars, this noble monument of General Lee will not be left in an unfinished state, as it must be while it lacks the two groups of sculpture which formed a part of the original design.

DISCUSSING THE SITE.

Libby Hill, Gamblers Hill, and the Allen lot, in the western part of the city, were successively discussed and voted on as the site of the statue. The Allen lot was at last chosen and accepted as the gift of Mr. Otway S. Allen, by the following resolution : '* June i8th, 1887. Resolved, That in view of the original advantages of the location, the donation of Mr. Otway S. Allen, heirs and devisees, of the circle of 100 feet, radius as the monument site, and especially in consideration of the surroundings proposed by them and submitted to us in the plan and survey of Colonel C. P. E. Burgwyn, including the broad intersecting avenues and open area or place about the monument circle, which dedication and survey are to be parts of the deed and recorded therewith, the location and site upon the Allen property are hereby selected and determined upon for the monument to be erected to General Robert E. Lee by this association.

PREPARING THE SITE.

September i, 1887, an engineer of the association was employed, and a contract was awarded to Messrs. Philips & Ford for excava ting and grading, at $450. The engineer was directed to correspond with Mr. Caspar Buberl, a New York sculptor, and to employ him to cut the scroll work around the plinth of the pedestal, which was done.

On June 15, 1887, the treasurer reported that the funds in hand amounted to $55,972.56.

The following letter was laid before the committee in December of the same year by Governor Lee :

$1,000 as my contribution to the monument to General Lee. I have heretofore contributed, but the amount was not as much as I
 * ' My Dear Governor, — I send you a draft on New York for