Sunbury American and Shamokin journal. [volume] (Sunbury, Northumberland Co., Pa.) 1840-1848, 1843-07-29
Anecdote. Of Washington Aliston.


related to us by one Of his few intimate friends
Mr.. Allston was member of the Episcopal
church. Although in carly life he was ever n
constant attendant, he was not strongly attach
ed to religion, nor eminent for his piety. II
would be too much to say that he was ever an
unbeliever, or even skeptic in his views, but
he was wont to speak slightly of religious
things, and even to enjoy jests a. the expense
Of holy subjects. His feelings, however, I'M
derwcnt a remarkable change, in consequence
ofa singular event in his life, which made a
very strong impression, and was even regarded
by him as direct Divine interpositon in his
behalf
Not long after his marriage with his first wife,
the sister of the late DR.. Claiming, he made his
second visit to Europe. AT residence there
ofa little more than year, his pecuniary wants
became very pressing and urgent-more so
than at any other period of his life. lie was
| even, at times, at a loss for the means of pur-
chasing the necessares oflife. On one of these
occasions. as he himself used to narrate the C.
vent, he was in his studio, rejecting, with
feeling Of almost desperation, upon his condi-
| ton. His conscience seemed to tell him that
he had deserved his Affections, and drawn them
upon himself by his irreligious neglect of rcli-
gon, and by his want of due gratitude for past
favors from heaven. His heart, all at once,
seemed filled with the hope that God would
| listen to his prayers, if lie would offer up his
direct expression, OF penitcncc, and ask for di.
vine aid. He accordingly locked his door,
withdrew to corner of the room, threw him
sefupon his knees, and prayed for a loaf of bread
for himself and his wife. While thus employ
ed, knock was heard at the door. A feeling
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.
Alstor. lie is anxious to learn who was the
fortunate purchaser Of the painting of "the
Angel Uriel," regarded by the artist as one of
his master pieces, and which had won the prize
at the exhibition Of the Academy. lie is told
that it has not been sold. "Can it be possible
Not sold Where is it to be had J" ain this
very room. Here it is" producing the paint.
ing from corner and wiping off the dust. 'ls
it for sale Can it he bought :" was the ca
ger intcrrogatory. at is for sale-butits value
has never yet, TO my idea of its worth, been
adequately appreciated would not part
with it," "What is the price :" al have done
affxing any nominal sun. have always, so
far, exceeded my offers. leave il for you TO
name the price, "Will four hundred pounds
be an adequate recompense!" at is more
than have ever asked for it," "Then the
painting is mine." The stranger introduced
himself as the Marquis of Staflord-and he be-
came from that moment, one Of the warmest
friends of Mr.. Allston. BY him Mr. A. was
introduced to the society of the nobility and
gentry-and he became one ofthe 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 liberality of his noble visitor, was always
regarded by Allston, as direct answer to his
prayer, and it 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 charac.
ter.
THE FATE OF AN ACToR. .-GEoRGE nyATT-
We saw it stated in paper lately, that this
person is now common soldier in Maine. Fif
teen years ago, says the Mobile Herald, Hyatt
was the very soul of one of the most select cir.
ces in Boston-the best comedian in the United
States, and poet of the first water. Some Of
his songs are even now popular-the "Mellow
Horn" for instance, and several others that We