: 
' 
i 
Print of the Declaration of Independence. 169 
Col. Trumbull—himself an actor, (in no inferior situa- 
tion,) in the great scenes which terminated in the esta 
lishment of American independence, very early conceived 
the design of preserving the portraits of some of the most 
distinguished men of that period, and of transmitting them 
to posterity, (grouped in strict accordance with historic 
truth) in situations, in which they were real actors. With 
this view, he began to collect materials, while the events 
were still recent, and before death had removed many of 
the illustrious men, who had deliberated in the Senate, or 
contended in the field. In prosecution of his purpose, he 
travelled extensively both in his own country, and in Eu- 
rope, to copy, from the life, the features of the individuals, 
who, while the struggle lasted, were united in council an 
in action, but whom the return of peace had finally sepa- 
rated, and blended with their families, or with the mass of 
society, in countries, remote from each other. 
If we should not ultimately be gratified, by the entire 
completion of this great original design; and if all the 
portraits that were obtained, and all the interesting scenes 
in which it was intended to combine them, are not to be 
finally exhibited, still, the American people have much 
reason to congratulate themselves, that their government 
has secured for them, and for posterity, pictorial repre- 
sentations of. four of the most momentous scen 
revolution, and these (if only four were to be selected) 
are certainly chosen with great good judgment. It is 
scarcely necessary to say, that they are 
he Declaration of Independence ; 
The surrender of Gen. Burgoyne and his army ; 
The surrender of Lord Cornwallis and his army; and 
The resignation of Gen. Washington. 
The first and the last are peaceful scenes,—the calm and 
dignified exhibition of assembled senators, at the com- 
mencement, and at the close of one of the grandest dra- 
mas, ever exhibited on this globe. The two middle scenes, 
Which distinguished their respective nations. Perhaps, 
Vou. VIII. No. 1. 22 
