157 



LETTER XLVIII. 



Ardbrackcn, Sept. 25, 1813. 



(/UK road to Woodlands, the seat of Mr. 

 White, took us through the Phoenix Park. A 

 question has arisen as to the most appropriate 

 spot for the erection of a triumphal arch to 

 commemorate the victories of Lord Wellington. 

 Such objects have a double effect ; first, to dis- 

 charge a debt of gratitude due from the present 

 generation secondly, to inspire future times 

 with admiration of superior military talents, 

 and thus to generate a spirit of heroism. With 

 this view and these hopes, a site ought to be 

 chosen where it may bring the edifice as much 

 as possible within the constant observation of 

 those engaged in warlike pursuits. The rising 

 ground in the Phoenix Park appears to be well 

 adapted for the purpose. Handsome as Lord 

 Nelson's pillar certainly is, it is not in its pro- 

 per situation in Sackville-street. The hill of 

 Howth would have been more in character ; 

 every vessel visiting the port would then have 



