Alexandria Gazette

Va. Washington Monument,

We are happy to announce that, by the energy and taste of Mr. Herbert, the skilful superintendent, the granite structure of the Monument is nearly completed-and that all that is now wanting is the immense block of stone on the top, on which the equestrian statue of Washington is to be placed. That stone is now in the hands of the stone-dressers, and will be placed in its position at no very distant period. With the exception of the interior spiral staircase of iron, and the granite flagging around the Monument-both of which are nearly ready to be arranged in their places-the Monument will then be ready for the reception of the bronze statues. Mr. Crawford is now engaged upon the colossal statue of Washington, and has already completed the statues of Patrick Henry and Jefferson, which have been the admiration of all who have seen them. To the courtesy of James W. Cook, esq., of Greenville County, we are indebted for a chip from the neck of the bronze statue of Henry, brought home from the foundry of Munich, where the two statues were cast. The bronze is of a rich golden hue, which will give a beautiful effect to the statues. As at present advised, we believe that the statue of Washington will be finished by Crawford some time next year, and that the splendid Virginia Washington Monument will probably be inaugurated on the 22d February, 1855.-Rich. Enquirer.