New-York daily tribune., 1843-07-21
Anecdotes Of Washington AIston.


The stroEg devotional feelings of this late dstin-
guished artist formed one of the most prominent
traits of his beautiful character. Connected with
this characteristic is remarkable incident in his
early life, which has been related to us by one OF
his few intimate friends. Mr.. Allston was q
member of the Episcopal church. Although in
early life he was ever constant attendant, he
was not strongly attached to religion, nor em-
nent for his pety. 1t would be too much to say
that he was ever an unbellever, or even skeptlc
IN his views, but he was wont to speak slightly
of religious things, and even to enlov tests at the
expense of holy lects. His feelings, however,
underwent remarkable change, in consequence
of singular event in his life, which made very
strong impression, and was even regarded by him
as direct Divine nterposition in his behalf.
Not long after his marriage with his first wife,
the sister Of the late DR.. Charming, he made his
second visit to Europe. After residence there
of a little more than year, his pecuniary wants
became very pressing and urgent-morc so than
at any other period Of his life. He was even, at
times at loss for the means of purchasing the
necessaries of life. On one Of these OCCASIONS
as he himself used to narrate the event, he was
in his studio, rejecting, with feeling of almost
desperation, upon his condition. His conscience
seemed to tell him that he had deserved his aflc-
tons, and drawn them upon himself by his ire
llglous neglect of religion, and by his want OF
due gratitude for past iavors from Heaven. Hls
heart, all at once, seemed filled with the hope
that God would listen to his prayers, if he would
offer up his direct expression of penitence, and
ask for divine aid. He accordingly locked his
door, withdrew to a corner of the room threw
himself upon his knees, and prayed for a loaf of
bread for himself and his wife. While thus en-
rd at thc \ feel
ing OF momentary shame at being detected IN
this position, and feeling of fear lest he might
have been Observed induced him to hasten and
open the door. A stranger inquiries for Mr. Allston.
He is anxious to learn who was the fortunate
purchaser Of the painting of g the Angel Urel,"
regarded by the artist as one of his master pieces.
and which had won the prize at the exhibition of
the sAcademy. He is told that 1t has not been
sold. "Can it be possible Not sold Where
IS 1t to be had I" F" In this very ROOM Here 1t
as" producing the painting from corner and
wiping off the dust. Is it for sale Can it be
bought :" was the eager nterrogatory :" 1t is
for sale-but Its value has never vet, to my idea
Of Its worth, been adequately appreciated-and
would not part with it, '.What is its price -
have done affixing any nominal sum. | have
always, SO far, exceeded my offers. leave ii for
you to name the price g Will four hundred
pounds be an adequate recompense 1t is
more than | have ever asked for it. 'Then
the painting Is nine" The stranger introduced
himself as the Marquis OF Stafford-and he be-
came, from that moment, one of the warmest
friends of Mr.. Allston. Bv hun Mr. A was In
troduced to the society of the nobility and gentry
and he became one of the most favored among
the many gifted minds that adorned the circle to
which he was thus introduced, but in which he
never was fond OF appearing often.
The instantaneous relief, thus afforded by the
Gberahty of his noble visitor was always re-
gGdel by Allston, as direct answer to his
PRAYER, and 1t made deep impression upon his
mind. To this event he was ever after wont to
attribute the increase OF devotional feelings
which became prominent trait In his character.
Mr. ALLsToN always entertained strong dis
like, amounting even to antpathy, OF the personal
character, as well as the public and political life,
of General Jackson. His likes, and his dsikes,
were always most cordlal-and this was among
the most so. This feeling was most clearly shown,
in his answer to an application from General
Hamilton, in the name OF some public assocla-
tion of Charleston, S. c., 10 pant Tor them a
painting connected with the military history OF
the country. General II. was at that time
"a furious paraizan of Jackson-and, his zeal led
him to suggest to the artist, to pant the battle oil
w-Orleans-and, with the view farther to e1-
cits the patriotism of Mr.. Allston, he added that
jackson and he were "copatriots and citizens OF
the same State" The proposition, even without
his stimulus, was, of itself, more than enough TO
overturn the equanimity of our artist. TIE de-
grade his genius down to a partizan painter OF
cotton.bags, and an lgnoble buschery Of unpro.
tec.ed soldiery by safely ensconced ridemen, was,
Of itself to his view, little better than downright
insult,-but it was aggravated by reminding him
of a circumstance in which he took any thing