“The curved parts of the guard are carved on both sides, and represent on their medallions four memorable events of the American war in which La Fayette was distinguished by his prudence or his courage. They are ‘The Battle of Gloucester in the Jerseys,’ ‘The Retreat of Barren Hill,’ ‘The Battle of Monmouth,’ ‘The Retreat of Rhode Island.’
“The blade of the sword is flat and double-edged. On one side is a medallion damaskeened in gold, and suspended by chains of the same metal, which stand out admirably on the azure ground of the steel. It represents the taking of the Bastile. The populace of Paris, placed in the foreground of the scene, lay siege to the fortress, the ramparts of which give way under the repeated cannonade. The besieged make a vigorous resistance from the summit of the towers, and Fame flies through the air, announcing by sound of trumpet the first year of liberty. Beneath the medallion are two lighted flambeaux, from the centre of which issue the supporters of a bell put in motion to sound the tocsin. These flambeaux are joined by a crosspiece supporting a drapery, on which may be read, ‘The Revival of Liberty.’
“On the other side of the blade may be observed four medallions, also supported by chains tastefully arranged. In two of these medallions the polished steel of the blade is bare; in a third is seen a prisoner breaking the fetters which had been attached to his hands and feet, and quitting the stake to which he had been bound; the fourth represents the column of liberty erected on the ruins of the Bastile, and rising above the other buildings, which are perceived on the sides. Beneath the latter medallion is represented the head of Medusa, and on each side are two fires, the flames of which melt the chains interwoven together, and supporting and uniting these different objects. On the drapery, at the bottom, are engraved the words, ‘Year IV. of Liberty.’
“The mounting of the scabbard is of gold, and carved. On one side is perceived a large oval medallion, which represents Fame borne on the clouds. The goddess crosses the ocean, preceding the vessel which conveys La Fayette back to France, and which is perceived in the horizon. In one hand she holds the crown awarded to La Fayette by America, and in the other, the trumpet with which she announces his exploits to France, as indicated by the three fleurs-de-lis embroidered on the banner of the instrument. On the other side is an irregular shield encircled with a laurel branch, intended to receive La Fayette’s monogram.”
But we must not overlook one most impressive object in the general’s library. This is the magnificent monumental vase presented by the National Guard of France to La Fayette. It was commenced in 1831, but owing to some delay, it was not finished until 1835, at which time the illustrious La Fayette had passed beyond all earthly honors and human homage. It was accordingly presented in the name of the National Guard of France to George Washington La Fayette, who received the precious deposit in memory of his adored father, as a holy memento and noble inheritance, and reverently placed it in the general’s library, by the side of the other sacred relics consecrated to his memory.
“The vase, which is of silver gilt, and the stand, in the form of a votive altar and of the same metal, is about four feet high. The handles are formed of two strong vine-stalks, attached at one end to the edges of the neck, and supported at the other by two lions’ heads. The neck is enriched with a civic crown, and the bottom of the vase is ornamented with leaves of aquatic plants, separated by stems of the sugar-cane and coffee-tree. On one of the sides of the vase, the genius of the fine arts and the genius of industry, surrounded with their attributes, support a drapery, on which may be read,
‘France
To General La Fayette.’
“On the other side, surrounded with a glory, is the date 1830. The pedestal is square, with splayed-off corners, and is decorated with four statues and four bas-reliefs, which may be regarded as so many masterpieces of taste and historical illustration. The statues, which represent Liberty, Equality, Force, and Wisdom, are placed upright on a projecting ledge prepared to receive them. Liberty is represented under the form of a young woman in full drapery, and with a Phrygian cap on her head. In one hand she holds the national flag, and in the other, the sword to defend it, whilst she tramples under foot a set of broken chains. Equality is represented by a goddess holding in her right hand the levelling-plane, while she leans with her left upon a table of laws, thus presenting the symbol of constitutional equality. Force is represented by a female in the prime of life. Her head is covered, and she is partly clothed with a lion’s skin, which falls on her back and her left shoulder. She leans on a bundle of rods, to indicate that her strength depends on union. Wisdom is represented under the form of a young female of severe aspect; her drapery is tasteful, and her head is covered with the helmet of Minerva. Her calm and grave attitude indicates reflection.