The enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1804-1815, 1812-02-25

SOCIETY OF ARTISTS or TIE U. STATES.I
At a meeting ot The society, held at the fsnusyi-
vania Academy oa.,I.e 18th instant, the following
letters were read, and ordered tobe published
PHILApsLPHIA, DEC. 90, 1911.
Thomas Jefferson, Esquire.
SIR-An association llss lately been formed in this
city, consisting oi artists and anrstsurs, residing
different parts al the union ,uuer the title OF Soeiety
Of Artists Of the United States.
am reguesterro communicate to yoo, in the name
OF the society, that you were unanimously elected
honorary member, at special meeting held on the
18th instant.
and 1nren.tied eNcr;ions to promote the indep cud-
and prosperity ~ our couury. known all
the wordA soeiety having for its obiect the cul,i-
walton of the iie arts throughout this extensive as
aourshing republic fail meg; yo.ir appsc-
baton, aud rccsiye your eortlial eo,rle:n,ioa.
The establishment u. sehoosiu<Ac various branches
OF the arts, or liberal prncipss; and periodical
hibtions OF the woke of Arerican artists, WILL is
believed, have tendency<o form corrcc, taste in
this country by caiL4-3 isto action native genius
many prciud;ccs viii be reraovcd witt. respect to
foreign predictions aud the application OF the fine
arts to useful purposes, is acknowledged by all who
are aequaipted with the principles aud progress of
civilization, to be ct gieat importance. N>..
The members of this infant institution are conyin-
ced, that their depends much upon their own
excItons at the same time, they are aware that the
countenance and support OF the most distinguished
patriotic characters in the country, will not only
powerfully aid them in the ariuous pursuits in which
they are engaged, but win also have L ntency to
unite, and give confidence all who are imme ,liately
interested in the prosperity ofihe institution. here
with transmit copy of the constitution of the society.
have the honor he, with great respect,
Your obetiicnt servant,
THOMAS SULLY, Sccr,tary.
BY order Of The Committee ef Correspondence.
r.,.--, MoNTIcELLo, JAN. S.1Sf2.
SIR--I have duly received your favor OF Decem-
her 90, informing me that the Society OF Artists of
the United States had made me an honorary member
of their society am very justly sensible OF the
honor they have done me, and pray you to return
them my thinks for this mark Of their distinction.
fear that can be hut very useless associate Time
which withers the fancy, the ether faculties of The
mind and boty, presses with aheavy hand. aud
distance intcrcepts all personal intercourse. | can
offer therefore but my jealous good wishes for the
Of the institution, and that, caibesine with
taste country already ovcriiowng with the useful
productions, it may be able TO give Innocent aud
pleasing direction to Accommodations Of wealth which
would otherwise be employed in the nourishmcnt OF
and vicious habits.
With these tender the society, and to yourself
the assurance Of my high respect and consideration.
THOMAS JEFFERSON.
.Mr. Thomas iSaliy.
PHILADELPHIA, JAN. 6, 1912.
Th,mas Jefferson, Esquire.
SIR-in my letter to you, dated the god Decem.
Der. had the honor 10 communicates in the name of
formation, that YOU elected an honorary mem
her bayc, now the pleasure Of informing that
the society, their annual meeting. held the I'd OF
january for inc choice of officers, have elected YOU
their president Tor the present year.
You will, no doubt, easily perceive that the esta-
bshment Ola ne~ institution, embracing wide field,
and combining variety of very important objects.
will also be attended with many difficulties to oyi-
ate which, Che founders of this infant society, have
endeayore to call to their aid all the talents and
sources within their reach
The local situation of ibis country, as well as the
form OF its government renders it necessary that we
should establish society on principles somewhat
afercNt from SIMILAR institutions, sormed under
~ihcr circumstances, and existing under different
petr onaec and various forms of government Tie
artist ~ this country never expect TO be support
ed by indipdaGl patronage: it is to the public that
they look cor encouragement and they expect to re.
cciye it only in proportion as the application of their
labor hasa tendency to promote the public good.
IN this country there are but few artists who are
eminent in the higher branches Of the arts, and those
being scattered over vast extent of country it
found impossible to form any thing like national in
st.tition, without calling in the assistance of anna.
te,,rs and the progress already made hy this society,"
has sufficiently proved the proPrety of such
sure.
have no hesitation canJiIty to acknowledge that
the society expect receive much benefit from yoiir
acceptance of the Office of president although at
distance, and your time doubtless occupied in mpOr
tant pursuits we nevertheless hope TO derive much
solid advantage from such communication your
leisure may permit You make the subject of the
arts.
Tie general concerns of the society Gas you will
perceive by copy of the constitution sent) con
ducte, by four ycepFesients, secretary and trea-
sri.er al! of whom artists and selected from the
four principal hrauches of the arts viz. archte cture
sculpture, painting and ensra'ing-sucli an arrange
mcnt was considered necessary in order to prevent
Jealousy among de different professions and to
strengthen in eve possible manner the bonds Of
anion
The business of The society is generally managed
b committees and it has hitherto been conducted in
such manner as cannot fail insure success, and
we may venture to hope dat oar country will soon be
s indepeadent in works Of taste anl elegance she
il already in the mechs zeal aid useful arts.
have the honor 20 be, with great respect,
Your obe,eDt servant,
THOMAS SULJY, Secretary |
By o,Gcy If the Committee of CO'veclpondenee.
NcETIcELLo, ia v. %, 1912. |
STp--1Iy letter ofJanuary 6, conyeying my thanks
TO the Snccty Of Artists of the United States, for
having thought worthy of place among their
associates. could scarcely have reached your hands,
when received your sec0u favor announcing the fur
ther homer OF beng named lcir president. The
gI'atiEcaon of this mark of their partially to me
t,i uiI hav l,.~,,