Samuel F. B. Morse, His Letters and Journals In Two Volumes, Volume I.

ls.-Account of entrée of Louis XVIII into London.-The Prince Regent.-Indignation at acts of English.-His parents relieved at hearing from him after seven months' silence.-No hope of patronage from

ly in every way, and what his master thought of him is shown in this ext

that it is unusually great for the time he has been studying, and indeed such as

y good portraits, but I should grieve to hear at any future period that, on the foundation now laid, he shall have been able to raise no higher superstruc

is such as to render him still worthy of being affectionately remembered by his moral and religious friends in America. Thi

814, Morse

remain in Europe for some time yet to come. Indeed I feel it so much so myself that I shall endeavor to stay at all risks. If I find that I cannot support myself, that I am contracting debts which I have no prospect of paying, I shall then return home and settle down into a mere portrait-painter for some time, till I can obtain sufficient to return to Europe again; for I canno

o through with it at all hazards, without meeting with any obstacles aside from it. The more I study it, the more I am enchanted with it; and the greater my progress, t

t to expect; they have conducted themselves with a liberality towards me, both in respect to money and to countenancing me in the purs

have just thrown open the whole Continent; the whole world will now leave war and bend their attention to the cultivation o

hall I raise her name, how can I be of service in refuting the calumny, so industriously spread against her, that she has produced no men of genius? It is this more than anything (aside from painting

ontemporary students and companions are revelling in these enjoyments, and rapidly advancing in their noble studies, they are leaving me behind, either to return to my country, or, by painting portraits in Bristol, just to be able to live through the year. The thought makes me melancholy, and, for the first time since I left home, have I had one of my desponding fits. I have got over it now, for I would not write to you in that moo

unity. Mr. Wilder will tell you that he came near taking out my great picture of the Hercules to you. It seems as though it is destined that nothing of mine shall reach you. I packed it up at a moment

me as often as you had done. I stated the reason, that opportunities were less frequent, more circuitous, and attended with greater inte

hurt when I think that my parents have not the confidence which I thought they had in me; that some interruptions, which all complain of and which are natural to a state of warfare, having prevented letters, which I have written, from being received; instead of m

e, with reference to the propriety of making the universal abolition of it an article in the pending negotiations. If I have time in this letter I will give you some acc

sion was to pass. I did not find any great concourse of people at that hour except before the Pultney Hotel, where the sister of Emperor Alexander resides on a visit to this country, the Grand Duchess of Oldenburg. I thought it

med to be in preparation. About this time the King's splendid band of music made its appearance, consisting, I suppose, of more than fifty musicians, and, to my great gratification, placed themselves directly before the hotel. They began to play, and soon after the grand duchess, attended by several Russian nobleme

s, her cheek-bones high, but not disagreeably so. She resembles very much her brother the Emperor, judging from his portrait. She had with her her little nephew, Prin

alled a queen, she might as well be any ugly old woman. The Princess Charlotte of Wales I thought pretty; she has small features, regular, pale complexion, great amiabilit

er manners; she was without any covering to her head, her hair was sandy, which she wore cropped;

t the procession was at hand. This was followed by the thunder of artillery and the huzzas of the people toward the head of the street, where the houses seemed to be alive with the twirling of hats and shakin

tiful Arabian cream-colored horses. In this were seated Louis XVIII, King of France, the Prince Regent of England, the Duchesse d'Angoulême, daughter of Louis XVI, and the Prince of Condé. They passed rather quickly, so that I had but a glance at them, though a distinct one. The Prince Regent I had ofte

ng's carriage. As the King passed the royal family he bowed, which they returned by kissing their hands to him and shaking their handker

treet, where I pushed down through stables and houses and by-lanes to get thoroughly clear, not caring where I went, as I knew I could easily find my way when I g

before the house comparatively clear. It soon filled again; I took advantage, however, and got directly before the

yed nearly ten minutes, during which time I observed him carefully. He is very corpulent, a round face, dark eyes, prominent features; the character of countenance mu

ty years, had been an exile from his country, deprived of his throne, and, until within a few months, not a shadow of a hope remaining of ever returning to it again. I saw him raised, as if by magic, from a private station in an instant to his throne, to reign over a nation which has made itself the most conspicuous of any n

ther, and not only planning but executing; he is made up altogether of affectionate feeling. What I saw of him in private gave me the most exalted opinion of him as a Christian.

ubmit slavishly to any terms which they please to offer us. A number of humane schemes are under contemplation, such as burning New London for the sake of the frigates there; arming the blacks in the Southern States; burning all of our principal cities, and such like plans, which, from the supineness of the New England people, may be ea

ill have at home. I congratulate you as well as all other good people on the providential events w

or the large picture I contemplate for next year. It will be as large,

ot heard from their son for seven months. They were greatly relieved when letters did finally arrive, and they rejoiced in his success and

f himself, which they do not think a very good likeness. She also emphatically discourages any idea of patronage from America, owing to the hard times brought on by the war, a

t this time studying law at Litchfield, Connecticut, and Richard was attending the Theological Seminary at Andover, Massachusetts. Both became eminent in after life, though, curiously enough, neither in the law nor in the ministry. But we s

en on June 15, 1814, gives a further account of

s over. There are now in London upward of twenty foreign princes; also the great Emperor Alexander and the King of Prussia. A week ago yesterday they arrived in town, and, contrary to expectation, came in a very

es, so that I am quite familiar with his face; the King of Prussia I have seen once; Marshal Blücher, five or six times; Count Platoff, three or four times; besid

, going to the court of the Queen. In a few hours after I saw him again on the balcony of the Pultney Hotel; he came forward and bowed to the people. He was then dressed in a red uniform, with a broad blue sash over the right shoulder; he appeared to great advantage; he stayed about five minutes. I saw him again five or six times through the day, but got only indifferent views of him. The following day, however, I was determined to get a better and nearer view of him than before. I went down to his hotel about ten o'clock, the time when I supposed he would leave it; I saw one of the Prince's carriages drawn up

nspecting the charitable, useful, and ornamental establishments of this country, with a view, probably, of bene

eir beds, he was walking with his sister, the Duchess, in Kensington Gardens. As he came across Hyde Park he observed a corporal drilling some recruits, upon which he went up to him and entered into familiar conversat

ed very anxious to get near him, but, the crowd pressing very much, she exclaimed, 'Oh, if I could but touch his clothes!' The Emperor overheard her, and, turning round, advanced to her, and, pulling off his glove

d to send him silk, she thought that woolen would be much more acceptable, and would also be more useful in his climate. The Emperor was very much pleased, and determined on giving her his miniature set in go

sm that ever threatened mankind. He is great also because he is good; his whole time seems spent in distributing good to all around him; and where-ever he goes he makes every heart rejoice. He is very active and is all th

ery intelligent, fine man, and is a great favorite with Alexander. From a conversation with him

th the Prince Regent and bowed to the people (at St. James's Palace). He is tall and thin, has an agreeable co

out wherever he wished by the mob. He is John's greatest favorite, and they have almost pulled the brave general and his companion, Count Platoff, to pieces out of pure affection. Platoff had his coat actually torn off him and divided in

not disappointed. He was in the Prince's box, and I had a good view of him during the whole entertainment, being directly before him for three or four hours. A few nights since I also went to the theatre to see Platoff, the hetman (chief) of the Cos

from Washington Allsto

5,

Saturday and should have answered y

nk, metaphysicians allow to be the most natura

n which I entertained of seeing you allowed no confidence in the

indness, and was greatly pleased with the pictures. He has not, however, seen the large one, which, to my agreeable surprise, I have been solicited from various quarters to exhibit, and that, to

han with my present labor. I have repainted the greater part of the draperies- indeed, those of all the principal figures, excepting the Dead Man-with powerful and positive colors, and added double st

dark age of incivility notwithstanding their late illuminations. However I am in great hopes that the good people of England will derive no sma

September

relieved me from a painful state of anxiety with respect to my future prospects. I cannot feel too thankful for such k

ing leave to reside in Paris. Mr. Allston, as well as all my friends, think it by all means necessary I should lose

and say otherwise. Since coming to Bristol I have not found my prospects so good as I before had reason to expect (owing in a great degree to

the political state of Paris, there is nothing to fear from that. It appears perfectly tranquil, and should at any time any difficulties arise, it is but three days' journey back to England again. Besides this, I hope my p

to my parents, they must think me destitute of gratitude if they thought me capable, after all that

end, M. Van Schaick, w

speaking in detail of

considers "impregnable

ing info

steamboat frigate, carrying forty-four 32-pounders, must by this time be finished. Her sides are eight feet thick of solid timber. No ball can penetrate her.... The steamboat frigate is 160

is the following letter

ks, all thanks to Heaven and our glorious heroes! My satisfaction is full; it is perfe

s every sigh and to enliven every hope that animates the bosoms of my friends at Bristol. Give Mr. Allsto

Really I think it is much more worth my regard to live now than ever it was before. This gives a tone to one's nerves, a ze

be said that the example and exertions of New York have saved the nation.... What becomes of Massachusetts now and its sage politicians? Oh! shut the picture; I cannot bear the contrast. Like a dead carcass she hangs upon the living spi

have received the box. Everyt

t of time, the following lett

October

ress to you my thanks for the sacrifices you are making for me. One day I hope

shall be ruined in my feelings if I stay longer in England. I cannot endure the continued and daily insults to my feelings as an American. But on this head I promised not to write anything more; still allow me to say but a few words-On second thoughts, however, I will refer you e

hostile to mine, and where guns are not firing and bells ringing for victory over my countrymen.... Where is American patriotism,-how long shall England, already too proud, glory in the blood of my countrymen? Oh! for the genius of Washington! Had I b

I suffer myself to be carried away by my feelings; your feelings could never have been tried as mine have; you cannot see with the eyes I do; yo

nt whatever in Bristo

led with everything here

e I would not change w

ro

ir respects. They set out for London in a few days after some months' unsuccessful (between ourselves) residence here. All public

rom this letter. I am painting a little landscape and am studying in my