1850-09-06-New York Tribune-We are much pleased
We are much pleased
New York Tribune, 6 September 1850, p. 4
We are much pleased to inform the public and citizens generally that there will soon be presented to their inspection a most splendid and beautiful exhibition, and which we fell sure will be well patronized by the people of the country. It is the continuation of the celebrated paintings of the Mississippi, from the point where Banvard's terminated, and which was visited during its exhibition in New-York city by more than five millions of people, and had a run of popular patronage unprecedented in the annals of panoramic or dioramic exhibitions. Having had the pleasure of seeing it, we can hardly find words to express the beauties of this great work of art, and will endeavor to give a slight idea of its features to our readers. This painting covers a mass of canvas seven miles long and commences with a splendid view of the mouth of the Ohio River, with the cities of Ohio and Cairo, with the States of Illinois, Missouri and Kentucky in the distance. This scene is beautifully varied, and the steamboats passing up and down the river combined with perspectives of Cape Girardeau Islands, the Bluffs of Selma, &c. seems as though the scene was before us in its originality, so true to nature is the artist's skill. As the immense mass of canvas glides slowly along it introduces the view of St. Louis City before the destruction by the great fire, with perspectives of Chateau's Island, country residences on Bellefontaine Road, and the mouth of the great Missouri River, with the City of Alton in the distance. This in connection with a splendid sunset view of the towns of New Hope, Clarasville and Louisiana, and a dissolving beautiful moonlight scene of the town of Hannibal complete the first section. The second section commences with a charming morning view of the Coline du Mal and Five Point Bluffs on the east bank of the Mississippi, Prairie la Croose, the mouth of Black River, and many other views; Wabashaw Prairie covered with Indiana menacing the U. S. troops, who are forcing them from the lands ceded to our Government; also the Eagle Rock and Weenona or the Maiden's Rock, which with a sunset scene, and Indian wedding party crossing the river in their canoes, with perspective views of Fort Snelling, groups of Winnebago Indians, the beautiful prairie lands' with a Grand Council of Indians, and which concludes with a most grand view of the Falls of St. Anthony, and a picturesque scene of the prairie on fire. The third section now passes slowly to our view, and presents a beautiful view of the Des Moines River, the town of Keokuk and Lower Rapids, a splendid storm scene, with a twilight view of the scenery below Dubuque and Dubuque's grave, and crossing the Mississippi at Pike's Hill and Tent is presented a full view of Prairie du Chien and Fort Crawford with a splendid view of the Wisconsin River, and which variegated with splended scenery completes section 3d. The fourth section now appears and commences with a view of a grand Buffalo Hunt by Indians, followed by the Battle of Broad Ax, described by an eye-witness and volunteer in the fight; also the view of the Blue Mountain Bluffs, a Cassville, the mouth of Fever River, and a view of Galena with Upper Rapids and water power mills, New-Boston, Nauvoo, the Mormon Temple, with Quincy, Hamburg, and mouth of the Illinois River, and which concludes with the awfully magnificent view of the city of St. Louis on fire which took place on 17th May, 1849, consuming 28 steam boats, other river craft, and over 400 houses. For an instant and while the spectator is gazing with awe upon the dreadful progress of the devouring element, the scene as if by magic disappears, and is succeeded by a view of the ruins after the fire, the river being seen gorged with the wrecks of the burnt vessels. We have here lightly scanned over the principal features of the most grand, extensive and beautiful panoramic and dioramic scenery that we have without exception ever looked upon, and those who visit this exhibition will see one really deserving of much patronage, and strangers who are staying in this city will have an opportunity of paying a visit to this splendid and gigantic triumph of art before the matchless Jenny Lind commences her engagement and who we heartily wish success. The Panorama will be opened for the first time in New-York on Saturday evening next, at the Panorama Hall, corner of Broadway and Walker-st. The doors will be open at 7 o'clock, and we expect to see a crowded house.
