MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN BULLETIN 83 
That Mr. Shaw had long had in mind the presentation of 
a statue of Columbus is shown by a letter from Miller, as 
far back as 1878, who wrote: “I was always afraid you 
would not enjoy the statue of Humboldt because your wish 
had been to erect a monument to Columbus,” and at an- 
other time: “I surely admit that the enthusiasm would 
have been still greater for Columbus, as any man that lives 
in America must have for him great interest, but it would 
not have been possible to change it with all my best will.” 
Apparently, after the statue of Humboldt was in progress, 
Mr. Shaw had contemplated having it changed to one of 
Columbus. 
The following extracts from letters* of Ferdinand Miller 
add greatly to the interest of the Columbus statue as it 
stands in the park, since they throw much light upon the 
conception of the discoverer which the artist tried to carry 
out. They also demonstrate that Mr. Shaw had very definite 
ideas of what he wanted and that his part in the develop- 
ment of the statue was by no means a small one. 
“Munich, March 9, 1883. 
“ * * * * * * * + % * * * * % * * * * * 
“The pedestal for Columbus I get drawn just now and I hope 
you will agree with it. Respective to your conceiving of Columbus 
I shall fulfil your wishes but shall at all events make first a sketch 
of it which I will send you. Concerning the relievoes, you wanted 
upon one side Piloty’s picture and upon the other the design which 
you suggested. I shall take the drawing you have sent as the main 
idea but shall make a few alterations and send you a sketch of it. 
That question, however, is not pressing and can be settled after- 
wards. Drawings of the pedestal and relievo I’ll send you before 
long. I am just commencing the sketch of the monumental grave- 
stone. I am much obliged to you for the photographs which are 
very good. I shall also comply with your desires in this case. I 
would be pleased to know whether you wish me to finish first 
Columbus or the tombstone? 
“If you deem it proper to make a synallagmatic contract I beg 
you to send me same to sign, I think in the way we did it the last 
time. 
“About the relievo and pedestal I cannot tell you anything as 
yet; you must first see the drawing. I would like to have the 
pedestal richer than that of Humboldt and Shakespeare. I sup- 
pose you will agree with it.” 
“Munich, May 5, ’83. 
“Dear Sir: 
“Just now I have received your favor. I sent you a small sketch 
of Columbus which gives only an approximate idea of the way I 
picture the statue to myself and how it would look upon the ped; 
*The letters are written in English and the author frequently ex- 
presses his dissatisfaction with the translation. However, it seems best 
to copy them verbatim. 
