The American Historical Record And Repertory Of Notes And Queries PDF Download

Excerpt from The American Historical Record, and Repertory of Notes and Queries, Vol. 3: Concerning the History and Antiquities of America and Biography of Americans He suffered in dignified silence, and left his great work. unfinished, to the lasting regret of every intelligent American who is acquainted with the intrinsic value of that which has appeared. Mr. Force was more than sixty years of age when this real calamity overtook him. It was known to comparatively a few persons, how immensely valuable was his collection of books, pamphlets and manuscripts, and those few felt a strong desire to have it possessed either by the National Government or by some historical institution, in the event of his willingness to dispose of it; for he was compelled to cease labor on his work for which the collection had been made. It was suggested that he should offer it to the Government. He never did; nor was it until a short time before his death, that he entertained an idea of parting with it during his lifetime. Many overtures were made for its purchase, and he refused many tempting offers. Finally, in the year 1866, the enlightened and scholarly Librarian of Congress, Mr. A. R. Spofford, who felt that it would be a national misfortune and a national disgrace if that great historical library should be dispersed, as so many valuable libraries had been, made a determined effort to secure it for the Library of Congress. He obtained Mr. Forces consent to sell it at the price of $100,000, which had been offered for it by parties in the City of New York. A bill making an appropriation of that amount for the purpose, passed through Congress without a dissenting voice, and in 1867 the collection was transferred to the shelves of the fire-proof Library Rooms of Congress. Mr. Force was invited to take a desk there and pursue his labors. But he never could feel at home out of his old rooms, and could not consent to accept the proffered privilege. He did not survive that change a year. His digestive organs became hopelessly impaired, and on the 23d of January, 1868, his spirit left its earthly tenement to return to its home in the Better Land. The death of General Force was sincerely lamented by the citizens of Washington, where he had resided more than fifty years, and by historical students everywhere; and appropriate honors were paid to his memory. The remains of the illustrious dead were conveyed to the grave in Rock Creek Cemetery, near Georgetown, by the Hon. Richard Wallach, Mayor of Washington, Thomas Blagden, Dr. J. B. Blake, Professor Joseph Henry, George W. Riggs, Dr. William Gunton, J. Carroll Brent, and J. C. McGuire. Over that grave General Force's children have erected a monument designed by Jaques Jouvenal, of Washington City. It is composed of a simple obelisk shaft of the finest Italian marble, with a pedestal resting upon a black marble plinth. The whole structure is almost nineteen feet in height, and very elegant in form and proportions. The ornamentation, devices and inscriptions are chaste, beautiful and appropriate. On the plinth at the front is the name Force, in large letters. Above this, carved in relief, is a shelf on which lie nine volumes of books, with scroll across them bearing the words; "American Archives, 1774, 1776;" representing the life-work of General Force. In the die of the pedestal above is this inscription: "Peter Force; born Nov. 26th, 1790; died Jan. 23d, 1868." In the cornice above is a civic crown of laurel. On the side of the die, to the right, is the following: "Hannah, wife of Peter Force; born April d, 1798; died March 26th, 1857." Over this is cut a white lily, the emblem of purity, a flower Mrs. Force very much loved. On another die is inscribed: "Children of P. and H. Force. Samuel S. Force; born April 11th, 1835; died March 7th 1856; Marian E. Force; born Nov. 27th, 1838; died Jan. 31st, 1861." Over this is a cross and wreath. On another die is the following: "Child