Rensselaer Republican, Volume 15, Number 27, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 15 March 1883 — The Iron Duke and His Coffin. [ARTICLE]

The Iron Duke and His Coffin.

Lecture of Chattncy M. Depew, New Y ork. “The vast proportions, of St. Paul’s can not be appreciated until the interior is reached, and there the attention is held by the architectural beauties of the grand dome. ‘When we came to the statue and sarcophagus of the Duke of Wellington, I asked the guide if he remembered Col. Bob Ingersoll, and he answered ruefully that he did. When Ingersoll visited St Paul’s, the guide, (pointing out the statue) said with dignified solemnity: ‘That, sir, is the monument of the Duke,’ “‘What Duke? asked Colonel Bob. ‘All the Dukes are intimate friends of mine.’ “ ‘The Iron Duke,* replied»the l ' guide, ‘the great Duke of Wellington, sir; his body is inclosed in twb metallic coffins, a rosewood casket, and a stone sarcophagus.’ . “At this Bob' struck the guide on the breast with such ardor that he was knocked six feet away, and exclaimed: “ ‘Old man you have got him. If be ever gets out, cable at my expense to R. G. Ingersoll, Peoria, Ill.’ ”