![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguAq6nhauW_RHZgQzm_iMeL9KI9lY59OTnu8KHFs6oZxMsBxVYi7fU-9ltKseuLrdwCTxy09pA4n8d7EQGOTVNKMG2VQ9g663JVmaRWQoN4hd8y3RxhknVJLLYKnVIUA3upjlfH3BZbv-F/s400/untitledclay6.bmp)
The effort to restore the 48th Pennsylvania Monument at Antietam has taken another great stride forward. . . .
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
This morning, artist/sculptor Mike Kraus sent me images of the clay mold he has recently completed of the sword that will soon be replaced on the General James Nagle statue. Simply stated, I am blown away by the level of detail. Indeed, this is an exact rendering of the sword Nagle was presented following his return from the Mexican-American War and of the bronze sword that was originally placed on the monument in 1904. I think you will agree with me that this is superb, stellar work. I certainly could not be happier. The next step is the bronzing!
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Although still tenative, it is looking increasingly likely that the rededication ceremony will take place on Saturday, May 29, 2010. Stay tuned for more details.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDLY1ROZh8YKXxu2Y6tq7Gpkv2hmclTBFxjVvQAkI7xVbi31ymDeH2nOAYwGaoalspn8M9HClP1uagRUV6UrLAmsQh63XYCWkLnbVqnw4edmP1CwmIyAn6Pdopi-9OETNJuvUUDfESkG3E/s400/untitledclsy7.bmp)
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU9osi0evPeVX2qy3z25zDFdEnj-l5OAhXmP8jb-ffPHcg6e8pzR4NsMtoaSeSMaJ0mUHOdF6yVDMCMiMJ1X8gmLHAuuYxWUjvjFMBx5DgsjBUo76Skpjxgu1ROU6hLDEH_SyEQIxRW6xx/s400/untitledclay4.bmp)
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJcj8mM0TF34iy8aOzJ2bwzWi9315U1Gmw3CwlS07CUj92fq9ZIWHwzVAKixzIMF5Hi1FopMJZ0g48y4makumMyoMCu9Ll1RfYdSfPMe9pD8jZEkEqqoTzox2MOpa_hXJKn89EVETalnTC/s400/untitledclay3.bmp)
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBZuejAK5I6BTE8KM_P6YSz6VsCFqDAtDVN1QuBr6h3gcLNKXUjjkjtNdD5wpo25U8ikVCG7RG3z-vUqNxZQIe3D7hjKVbSanViU4TaFpibKSXn6ea5IA9L1lv6VxP5nBNeYQvLwpMC89S/s400/untitledclay2.bmp)
Mexican-American War Sketch of Captain Nagle with the sword, ca. 1848.