North Carolina Standard

INTERESTING MONUMENT.

Passing by St. Patrick's (says the New Orleans Crescent) our attention was attracted to a white freestone monument, on which are carved many military emblems. On stopping to examine it more carefully, we learned it was intended to be placed over the grave of those who fell at the Alamo. It was chiselled on the spot, by an English and a German artist, who had fought in the battles of Texas, and who, after the virtual peace which followed the battle of San Jacinto, spent several months in this pious labor. It was purchased by the Republic; but the artists claimed the privilege of exhibiting it in the United States. It was brought here, but it did not prove attractive. The artists had no money and it was actually sold for the charges of exhibition. For several years it has been lying among the rubbish of a marble yard. Of course it is valuable only as a local monument, and we trust the citizens of San Antonio will pay a fair price for it, and return it to its proper locality.

The monument is of white freestone, composed of a pedestal, on which rests an obelisk. On two sides of the pedestal are escutcheons containing the names of the soldiers, while those of Bowie, Bonham, Crockett and Travis are inscribed on the upper lines. The faces of the obelisk have these inscriptions, in alto relievo, arranged in the usual urn-like form.

Upon the East side of the obelisk is inscribed, in raised characters:

"To the God of the Fearless and Free is dedicated this Altar made from the ruins of the Alamo."

Upon the South side is the following inscription.

"Thermopylae had her Messenger of Defeat, but the Alamo had none."

Upon the West side is the following:

"Be they enrolled with Leonidas, in the Hosts of the Mighty Dead."

Upon the North side is the following:

"Blood of Heroes hath stained me: let the Stones of the Alamo speak, that their Immolation be not forgotten."