Explanation of a Monument to the Memory of Captains Mosse and Riou who fell in the action of Copenhagen. April 2, 1801. By Charles Rossi.

SPCAA/CR/2/1

April 1801

This letter is mounted on cardboard along with two other letters.

Document delineating the composition and of a monument memorliasing Captains Mosse and Riou. The monument is intended to be a testament to the naval sovreignty of England, which was the cause Mosse and Riou were fighting for when they were killed in battle. A square sarcophogas is the base for a rock meant to bear inscription. The rock, representing Britain or the British Empire and its insular character, is delineated by shells or other marine productions scattered around the base. A herculean figure standing with a lion tops the rock and represents British valour. An allegorical figure of Britannia receives a trident from Neptune as a symbol of Britain’s maritime rights. A figure of Victory advances from the ocean holding a laurel wreath, the symbol of success and glory. Medallions bearing the portraits of Mosse and Riou are suspended in front of the sarcophogas and on each of its sides are their respective armorial bearings surrounded by laurel wreaths and other embellishments. Below this descriptions is listed the specific measurements of each part of the monument, with the height of the sarcohpagus as 7 feet 1 inch and a width of 8 feet 0 inches. The height of the rock and plinthon the sarcophogas is described as 4 feet 6 inches and the height of the figure on rock is 7 feet by 8 inches. The height of the figures on the relief are meant to be 3 feet 0 inches and the height of the whole is 21 feet 0 inches. The estimed cost of the monument as executed in the best statuary marble is 4000 pounds.

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SPCAA/CR/2/2, SPCAA/CR/2/3, 2460