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HONOR TO WASHINGTON. A NATIONAL ODE.
   
Complete Explanation:
The Library's copy of the work was deposited for copyright on October 4, 1859. An elaborate emblem to the memory of George Washington, illustrating the cover of a song in his honor composed by B. A. Burditt. The song, according to the text, was written "Expressly for the celebration of the 83d Anniversary of American Independence, and performed before the City Authorities of Boston, in the Music Hall, July 4th 1859." It is dedicated to former Massachusetts senator Edward Everett, whose public speeches in support of the Union made him a prominent figure during the antebellum period. His nationalistic oration on George Washington was particularly well-known. In May 1860 Everett was chosen the vice presidential nominee of the Constitutional Union party.

A central roundel portrait of Washington in Roman toga is surrounded by military paraphernalia. These include a tricornered hat, a saber, and epaulets (below), rifles and cannonballs (right), and a cannon with broken wheels (left). Also below is a pen and inkstand with the Declaration of Independence. The roundel's laurel-wreath frame is flanked by rows of American flags.

Above the portrait is an allegorical vignette, with the figures of Peace (left) and Liberty (right). Peace supports a shield decorated with stars and stripes, and bestows a wreath on the American eagle, who stands at left holding a streamer ("E Pluribus Unum"), arrows, and an olive banch. Liberty or Columbia holds a sword and points upward. Before her, on the ground, lies a sheathed sword. To the right is a railing.


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