THE LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES * * V g the C A PORTRAIT OP GEORGE WASHINGTON, FROM AN ORIGINAL DRAWING, AS HE APPEARED WHILE REVIEWING THE CONTINENTAL ARMY ON BOSTON COMMON, IN 1776; A HISTORY OF THE PORTRAIT, AND DOCUMENTARY EVIDENCE IN PROOF OF THE CORRECTNESS OF THE LIKENESS. BY CHARLES FOX. VIGEBIT IN OMNE JEVUM. BOSTON: PUBLISHED BY CROCKER & BREWSTER. 1851. Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1851, by CHARLES FOX, In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the District of Massachusetts. BOSTON: ABNEK FORBES, PRINTER, 37 C OR X H ILL . -:: ::'.'. - *,' ** r *rr**' ** -:::::': v,: PREFACE. uj z i To rescue from oblivion a Portrait which, in the opinion of competent judges, is a remarkable like- ness of the Father of his Country, and to derive some pecuniary benefit from the sale of it, are the principal objects of the author in presenting it to the public. CHARLES FOX. BOSTON, JANUARY, 1851. 447994 GEORGE WASHINGTON, SmPEEME COMMANDEK OF THE AMEBICAN ABMY FIRST PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, WAS BORN tfje tfc*rat|r=g(miD, tobsnttm &un&?*d an IN THE COUNTY OF WESTMORELAND, VIKGINIA, AND DEPARTED THIS LIFE AT MT. VEKNON, December the fourteenth, seventeen hundred and ninety-nine, IN THE SIXTY-EIGHTH YEAR OF HIS AGE. " Behold the Man I Columbia's pride and boast, His head a Senate and his arm a Host! " POETEAIT OF WASHINGTON The was CHAPTER I. HISTORY OF THE PORTRAIT, HE portrait, from which the engrav- ing has been executed, was discovered by the author in the possession of a very respectable family in Boston, in 1847. They were relatives of the young artist, and had carefully preserved the portrait for more than seventy years. It was taken by Mr. Nathaniel Fullerton from General Washington, as he appeared, on his horse, while reviewing the American forces on Boston Common, in the year 1776. countenance, exhibited in the original drawing, so expressive of the character of Washington, 10 PORTRAIT OF WASHINGTON. of the wisdom, the benevolence, dignity, and mag- nanimity of that extraordinary man, that I thought it must be a correct likeness of him.* Knowing that there were a number of aged persons living, who had seen Washington when he was in Boston, and like- wise met him in other places, I showed the original portrait to a number of them, individually, for the purpose of obtaining their opinions in regard to the correctness of the likeness. It is well known, that people far advanced in life generally retain a clearer recollection of the events, especially those of a re- markable character, of their youthful days, than they do of persons and circumstances presented to them in the latter period of their lives. The events of the Revolutionary War, and the personal appearance of the distinguished actors in it, made too strong an impression upon the minds of all, who in those days were in the morning of life, ever to be obliterated, while the faculty of memory remained in its full, or even partial exercise. I have ever found the memory of old people remarkably retentive in relation to the events of their early * The original portrait was put into the hands of Mr. George G. Smith, and the engraving is a faithful and accurate copy of the original. PORTRAIT OF WASHINGTON. H days ; and particularly to those of our Revolutionary struggle. Most of those with whom I have conversed, have related to me the ceremonies observed at the time Washington appeared in Boston, and various other circumstances of the times, detailed in a manner so minute as well as prolix, that I have been satisfied they had a very vivid recollection of what they had seen in those days, however their memories might fail them in regard to the events of after years. The result of my investigations, in relation to the correctness of the likeness, will be seen in the testi- monials, obtained from a number of aged and respectable individuals, presented to the reader. The persons, whose opinions are here offered, have given them after an attentive examination of the original portrait ; and, while they were looking at it, I could see the pleasure and satisfaction they felt in the expression of their countenances. They seemed to view it as the face of an old acquaintance, whose features were familiar to them, and in whose minds it excited the most pleasurable emotions. They generally looked at it earnestly for a long time without speaking, and then expressed their satis- faction at the faithfulness of the likeness. I was 12 PORTRAIT OF WASHINGTON. cautious not to elicit their opinion by enticing ques- tions, but suffered them to express it themselves ; and it was done by dictating to me, or written by their own hands. The evidence that I have offered to prove the correctness of the likeness, I trust will be satisfac- tory to candid minds ; although additional testimony could be produced to the same effect, from sources equally respectable. PORTRAIT OF WASHINGTON. 13 CHAPTER II. NATHANIEL FULLERTON, THE ARTIST. HE father of Nathaniel Fullerton was a native of Holmes's Hole, in Mar- tha's Vineyard. Young Fullerton was born in School Street, in Boston. He was an enthusiastic young man, and participated in the feelings of those who were actuated by the spirit of indepen- dence which finally produced hostility against England. It was natural for the children to adopt the sentiments of their parents, and to partake of the excitement prevailing at the time. "When the trouble occurred between the boys in Boston and the British soldiers respecting the coasting-hills and the forts of snow, which the boys were in the habit of building on the Common, and which the British soldiers often wantonly destroyed, a committee of the boys waited upon General Gage to complain of the 14 PORTRAIT OF WASHINGTON. conduct of the troops, and to seek of him some redress for their grievances. It is said that the British General received them courteously, viewed with admiration the course they pursued, passed many encomiums upon their courage, and assured them that they should receive no further molesta- tion in their sports from his soldiers. In this affair, young Fullerton took a leading part, and was one of those who personally addressed the British General upon the subject. Young Fullerton evinced a desire to make portrait painting his profession ; but, being of a consumptive habit, he was obliged to discontinue his application to the business, and sail on a voyage to India for the recovery of his health. He returned to Boston from his voyage, without having received any benefit from a change of climate and business. He died shortly after his arrival, and was buried in the cemetery of the Stone Chapel. It is related that his brother, William Fullerton, was one of the party of Ameri- cans who labored on the fortifications on Breed's Hill, previous to the renowned battle, and injured himself in such a manner by his excessive exertions, that he was carried home in a state of exhaustion, and in a short time died. PORTRAIT OF WASHINGTON. 15 CHAPTER III. DOCUMENTARY EVIDENCE, IN PROOF OF THE CORRECTNESS OF THE LIKENESS. HE following testimonials have been furnished by gentlemen well known in Boston, giving their opinions of the remarkable correctness of the por- trait. OPINION OF THE HON. H. G. OTIS. OCTOBER 7th, 1848, I had the pleasure of an interview with the HON. HARRISON G. OTIS. I found him very feeble in health, but his mental powers were unimpaired. I requested him to ex- amine the portrait of Washington, for the purpose of obtaining his opinion. After looking at it, he said, " I think it a very good likeness of General 16 PORTRAIT OF WASHINGTON. Washington." He then examined it attentively for a few moments, and added, "I can say, Sir, that I think it a very excellent likeness of Washington." Perceiving that he was very feeble, I did not think it a proper time to ask for a written opinion, hoping that I should find another opportunity for asking the favor. But this was the last interview I ever enjoyed with that distinguished and accomplished gentleman, as he died shortly after. CHARLES FOX. PORTRAIT OF WASHINGTON. 17 OPINION OF HON. JEREMIAH S. BOIES. BOSTON, JANUARY 22, 1849. MR. CHARLES Fox, of Boston, has shown me a miniature likeness of General Washington, taken by Mr. Fullerton, in 1776, whilst the General was re- viewing the troops on Boston Common. I having seen General Washington in the time of the Revo- lutionary War, when in Cambridge when he visited Boston, after the close of the War and at his dwel- ling-house at Mount Vernon, where I passed the day in the month of June of the year in which he died; and his elevated situation in life having always attracted my attention to his countenance, which, serious and dignified, made those impressions on my mind which the lapse of many years has not effaced, I am enabled to express my opinion that the likeness taken by Mr. Fullerton in 1776 is so correct that it is worthy of preservation; and is a perfect likeness, when he was reviewing the troops in Boston. JEREMIAH S. BOIES. 18 PORTRAIT OF WASHINGTON. OPINION OF JOHN WELLES. BOSTON, FEBRUARY 28, 1850. > HAVING examined the Portrait mentioned in Mr. Boies's testimonial, I can say that I fully unite with him in the opinion he has expressed as to the cor- rectness of the likeness of General "Washington. JOHN WELLES. OPINION OF ELIPHALET WILLIAMS. BOSTON, MARCH 3, 1850. To CHARLES Fox, ESQ.: SIR, Having examined the Portrait you exhib- ited to me, from Fullerton, of General Washington, I am fully impressed with the belief that it is the most perfect likeness I have seen of that important per- sonage. Respectfully yours, ELIPHALET WILLIAMS. **' 9 PORTRAIT OF WASHINGTON. 19 OPINION OF THE HON. N. GTTRNEY, EX-ALDERMAN OF BOSTON. BOSTON, NOVEMBER 10th, 1848. MR. CHARLES Fox has shown me a Portrait of General Washington, requesting me to express my opinion in regard to its correctness. I saw General Washington at the time he visited Boston, in 1789, soon after he was inaugurated as the first President of the United States. I was then young, when important objects and events make vivid and lasting impressions upon the mind. I well remember his tall and dignified figure, his piercing eye, his sedate and somewhat sallow counte- nance; and, in fact, the whole lineaments of his face were indicative of his general character, whose fea- tures can be better conceived than described. In my opinion, the Portrait delineates the whole con- tour of the man with remarkable correctness. NATHAN GURNEY. 20 PORTRAIT OF WASHINGTON. OPINION OF JABEZ ELLIS, ESQ., EX-ALDERMAN OF BOSTON. BOSTON, OCTOBER, 1848. AMONG the remarkable events of my youth, which made an indelible impression upon my memory, was the appearance of General Washington, when he visited Boston, in 1789. I distinctly remember his form and countenance, and have no hesitation in stating that the miniature of him, drawn by Fuller- ton, and shown to me by Mr. Charles Fox, is a remarkably faithful likeness, and expressive of the virtues characteristic of that great and excellent man. JABEZ ELLIS. PORTRAIT OF WASHINGTON. 21 OPINION OF DAVID WILLIAMS, ESQ. BOSTON, OCTOBER 16th, 1848. MR. CHARLES Fox: SIR, You ask my opinion on a small picture you show me of that great and good man, George Wash- ington. I reply: Once only did I ever see Washington, and that was, as my memory now serves me, early in the fall of the year 1790, soon after an adjournment of the second session of the first Congress under the Constitution. I was young then, but the whole appearance and look of Washington, as he then was, has ever seemed to me as if stamped upon my memory. He stood in a citizen's dress, his head bare, his eye mild, looking downward. The picture you show me does seem to bring up before me a side view of Washington's face, (except the eye of the picture being more upward,) as I saw him in life. Respectfully yours, DAVID WILLIAMS. 22 PORTRAIT OF WASHINGTON. OPINION OF DE. J. P. WHITWELL. BOSTON, FEBBUASY 5th, 1849. MR. CHARLES Fox having exhibited to me a small Portrait of the lamented General Washington, and having asked if I saw him on his public entrance into this city in 1789, and recollected his counte- nance, I reply, that I saw him twice, if not oftener: once when he entered the city on horseback, with his head uncovered, and bowing to those who were gazing at him; and subsequently, on his alighting from a carriage, accompanied by the late Hon. Thomas Russell. I perfectly remember his sedate countenance and gentlemanly deportment. I have no hesitation in saying, that I think the Portrait exhibited to me is a far more just and correct rep- resentation of the features and form of the man, than any that I have heretofore seen. He boarded at the house of Mrs. Ingersoll, now standing at the corner of Tremont and Court streets. Governor Hjancock having neglected to call upon him, General Washington, of course, did not wait upon him at his house in Beacon street. This created a great deal of talk at the time, though Han- cock's friends all state that it was owing to the gout, ON. 23 which then afflicted the Governor. Boston was at that time little more than a village, containing about sixteen or seventeen thousand inhabitants; and the writer of this letter was then a boy, between four- teen and fifteen years of age. JOHN P. WHITWELL. I 24 PORTRAIT OF WASHINGTON, OPINION OF COLONEL M. KOITLSTONE. BOSTOX, NOVEMBER llth, 1848. AT the time that General Washington visited Boston, in the year 1789, I had a good opportunity of seeing him; and his face and form, and, in fact, his whole appearance, I have distinctly remembered to the present day. The likeness of him bearing the name of Fullerton, Artist, shown to me by Mr. Charles Fox, I consider a very remarkable likeness of General Washington; and I can truly say that, to the best of my recollection, I never saw a better one of the man who was "first in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen." MICHAEL ROULSTONE. PORTRAIT OF WASHINGTON. 25 OPINION OF MR. PHILIP ADAMS, OF BOSTON. BOSTON, OCTOBER 27, 1848. THIS certifies, that I saw General Washington in Boston, at the time he visited the town, in the year 1789, and have a clear recollection of the events of that day, and of the personal appearance of Wash- ington. I have attentively examined the likeness of Wash- ington, drawn by Fullerton, shown to me by Mr. Charles Fox, and can truly say, that I think it a better likeness of him, as he appeared at the time, than any that I have ever seen. PHILIP ADAMS. 26 PORTRAIT OF WASHINGTON. OPINION OF MR. THOMAS WHITMAN. BOSTON, OCTOBEB 3d, 1848. THIS certifies, that I saw General Washington in Boston, in the year 1776, and that the likeness of him, now in the possession of Mr. Charles Fox, bears a more faithful resemblance to Washington than any portrait of him I have ever seen, to the best of my recollection; and I have a distinct recol- lection of Washington's countenance, having seen him when he entered the town, after the evacuation by the British, and again, upon his visit in the year 1789. THOMAS WHITMAN. PORTRA.IT OF WASHINGTON. 27 OPINION OF WILLIAM GREEN, ESQ. BOSTON, OCTOBER 9, 1848. THIS certifies, that I saw General Washington in Boston, after his inauguration as President, and dis- tinctly remember his looks. I have attentively examined the Portrait of him, by Fullerton, shown to me by Mr. Charles Fox, and can truly say, that I think it bears the best resemblance to Washington of any likeness of him I have ever seen. I see no alteration that could be made in it to improve it. WILLIAM GREEN. 28 PORTRAIT OF WASHINGTON. * OPINION OF WM. LEARNED, ESQ. BOSTON, OCTOBER 7th, 1848. THIS certifies, that I had a good opportunity of seeing General Washington when he visited Boston, after his inauguration, and I clearly remember his looks. I can safely say that the profile likeness of him shown to me by Mr. Charles Fox, drawn by Fullerton, is an excellent likeness of General Wash- ington; in fact, I think that I never saw a better one. WILLIAM LEARNED. PORTRAIT OF WASHINGTON. 29 OPINION OF MR. WILLIAM BENT. BOSTON, JANUARY 2d, 1849. MR. CHARLES Fox, of this city, has shown to me a small Portrait of General Washington, taken by Fullerton, and has requested my opinion of the resemblance it bears to the person it represents. I saw General Washington when he visited Boston, after he was inaugurated as President of the United States; and from the interest with which I viewed so distinguished a man, I received an impression of his features, and of his whole personal appearance, that is indelibly fixed in my memory. According to my recollection of him, I consider the Portrait shown to me by Mr. Fox to be a remarkably accurate likeness. I think it a better one than any that I have ever seen, and could not suggest any alteration that could be made in it, that would improve the resemblance it bears to General Washington, as, in my memory, he appeared at the time mentioned. WILLIAM BENT. 30 PORTRAIT OF WASHINGTON. OPINION OF MR. JOSEPH JONES. BOSTON, JANUARY, 1849. I AM one of the few men now living who can say they have seen General Washington. I saw him at two different periods of my life once when he was in Boston, in the year 1776, and again, after his inauguration, in 1789; and though I am now far advanced in years, I distinctly remember his looks and appearance, on both occasions. Mr. Charles Fox has submitted to my inspection a small Portrait of that distinguished man, drawn by Fullerton, which appears to me to bear a more exact resemblance to him than any I have ever seen. I do not hesitate to say that, in my opinion, it is a better likeness of General Washington than any one that I have met with before. JOSEPH JONES. PORTRAIT OF WASHINGTON. 31 OPINION OF ISAAC DUPEE, ESQ. BOSTON, OCTOBER, 1848. THIS may certify, that I saw General Washington when he visited Boston, in the year 1789, and witnessed the ceremonies and pageantry on that occasion. The whole is fresh in my mind. The mechanics joined in the procession, carrying the implements of their trades in their hands. The oldest master of each trade bore a banner, and one . of them, borne by Richard Skillings, pump and block maker, I have now in my possession. General Washington walked in the procession, from near the Old South Church to the Old State House, followed by his white horse, led by his . colored servant. I distinctly remember Washington's appearance, and was near enough to him to see the tears on his cheeks he was so much affected by the respect and love manifested towards him. The likeness of him, bearing the name of Fullerton as Artist, shown to me by Mr. Charles Fox, is a more correct representa- tion of him than I have ever seen. Washington's countenance is indelibly impressed 32 PORTRAIT OF WASHINGTON. upon my memory, and I have never seen so striking a resemblance to it in any portrait, as in the small one shown to me by Mr. Fox. I think it to be an excellent likeness. ISAAC DUPEE. PORTRAIT OP WASHINGTON. 33 OPINION OF MR. EDMUND HAY. BOSTON, JAN.UARY, 1849. MR. CHARLES Fox has shown to me a Portrait of General Washington, taken by an artist named Ful- lerton. In my opinion, it bears a remarkably strik- ing resemblance to Washington, as he appeared to me when I saw him in Boston, in the year 1789. I remember his looks perfectly, and can say that I think the Portrait is an excellent likeness of the great and good man. EDMUND HAY. 34 PORTRAIT OF WASHINGTON. OPINION OF MR. SAMUEL PAYSON. CHARLESTOWN, APKIL 1, 1850. AFTER General Washington was inaugurated as President of the United States, he visited Boston, in the year 1789. I saw him at the time, and well remember his looks, and have a vivid recollection of his countenance. The Portrait shown to me by Mr. Charles Fox I have attentively examined, and can say with truth that, in my opinion, it is as good a likeness of General Washington as any that I have ever seen. SAMUEL PAYSON. PORTRAIT OF WASHINGTON. 35 OPINION OF MR. SAMUEL ADAMS. BOSTON, JANUARY, 1849. WHEN General Washington was in Boston, in the years 1776 and 1789, I had a good opportunity of seeing him; and though I am far advanced in life, I distinctly remember all the circumstances connected with him at the time. His features, his form, and his appearance, I can bring to my mind with great clearness. The Portrait of him by Ful- lerton, shown to me by Mr. Charles Fox, I can truly say is a very correct likeness of that illustrious person. I have never seen a likeness that bore so striking a resemblance to him, according to the re- membrance I retain of his looks; and the impression he made upon my memory will last as long as I shall retain the exercise of the faculty. SAMUEL ADAMS, 36 PORTRAIT OF WASHINGTON. * t i OPINION OF ROBERT KNOX, U. S. N. f *" CHARLESTO-WN, APRIL 13th, 1850. THIS will certify, that I well remember seeing General Washington when he visited Boston, in the year 1789, and have a distinct recollection of his J features. The miniature shown me by Mr. Fox, and drawn by Fullerton, corresponds with one I have in my possession, which was subscribed for by my father, Thomas Knox, of Boston, the same year, and was considered an exact likeness of the General by my father and myself. ROBERT KNOX, U. S. N. I fully concur in the above statement, having seen General Washington at the same time. ANN KNOX. n 4 NOTE. It seems, by Mr. Knox's statement, that he has in his possession a copy of the Portrait, which was subscribed for by his father. This copy I have seen, and it is a fac simile of the original. I have been informed that there is another copy in the Historical Society of New York. It is probable that it was the intention of the artist to produce several others for subscribers, but the state of his health prevented the accomplishment of his design, and his death, shortly after, limited the number to the only PORTRAIT OF WASHINGTON. 37 OPINION OF MRS. ANN HUNTER. BOSTON, FEBRUARY, 1849. IN the year 1775, when General Washington was on his way to take command of the American troops, I was in Marlborough; and as he passed through that town, I had a good opportunity of seeing him, and had the honor of a polite bow from him. I saw him again in 1789, when he visited Boston, after he was chosen President. His countenance and whole appearance I remember clearly to this day. The Portrait drawn by Fullerton, shown to me by Mr. Fox, in my opinion is an excellent likeness of Washington, and looks as he did when I saw him, excepting his hair is dressed in a different fashion from what it was at that time. ANN HUNTER. three bearing his name which, to my knowledge, are in existence. The engraving presented in this book is taken from the original Portrait, as it has been preserved in the family from whom I received it, ever since the death of Fullerton. C, F. 447994 UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY Los Angeles This book is DUE on the last date stamped below. Form L9 15m-10,'48(B1039)444 UNIVERSITY o* CALIFORNIA AT LOS ANGELES LIBRARY 1 158 01059 3100 UC SOUTHERN REGIONAL LIBRARY FACILITY AA 000793825 1