The shaft carved with profile of Jefferson, stars, American flags, Eagle and shield, the rotunda at the University of Virginia, Jefferson's tomb, leaves, fish and birds and inscribed, "University of Va. Rotunda burnt Sunday Oct. 27, 1895/ Jefferson's Tomb? Thos. Jefferson of Va. born Apr. 2 1743 was president USA 1801 to 1809/ wrote Declaration of Independence/ Founder of University VA 1819/ Died July 4 1820/ This cane was cut near Jefferson's Tomb/ Jefferson's Dying Words. I Resign my spirit to God my daughter to my country."