The national union - Lithograph, public domain, Library of Congress

A patriotic, illustrated sheet music cover for a song composed by Charles Collins, Jr., and dedicated to Kentucky senator Henry Clay. The work celebrates Clay's efforts to preserve the Union, and was a product of the optimism following passage of the Compromise of 1850. The Union is symbolized here by a circular chain in which every link is inscribed with the name of a state and its year of entry into the Union. California, admitted in 1850, is represented by the center ring below. At the top of the ring is an eagle with shield and olive branch, emerging from a cloud and flanked by two American flags. The chain is superimposed on an arch supported by two Doric columns, which in turn rest upon a stepped pedestal inscribed: "The United States of America. Union and Liberty, Forever, One and Inseparable." Outside of the columns are floral swags and acanthus ornaments. Inside is a view "The Capitol at Washington" with two men on horseback on its lawn. Above the dome appear the lines: "In Union's Chain, within its Spell, /Freedom & peace & safety dwell." An inscription (printed) appears below the illustration, a facsimile of a note by Henry Clay endorsing "the sentiments and the poetry" of the song and acknowledging the composer's dedication of the piece to him.

Entered . . . 1851 by Lee & Walker.

Lee & Walker, Music Publishers, 162 Chestnut St., Philadelphia.

New-York, Wm. Hall & Son. N. Orleans, Wm. T. Mayo.

Thomas Sinclair's Lith. Phila.

Title appears as it is written on the item.

Published in: American political prints, 1766-1876 / Bernard F. Reilly. Boston : G.K. Hall, 1991, entry 1851-1.

clay henry collins charles jr united states capitol washington dc eagles flags lithographs sheet music covers union 1851 two men washington dc prints 19th century senator cartoon prints american music division lee and walker t sinclair lith william hall and son henry clay us capitol ornament flag united states history library of congress california historical photos

01/01/1851

Library of Congress

http://www.loc.gov/

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