The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1843-07-29
Singular Incident in the life Of Wash
ingt0n .allSton.

The Boston Atlas, after remarking that
the strong devotional feelings of this late
distinguished artist, formed one of the
most prominent traits in his beautiful
character, relates the following remarka-
bic incden, in his life:
Not long after his marriage with his
first wife, the sister of the late DE-. Chan
ming, he made his second visit to Europe.
After residence there OF little more
,hana year, his pecnniary wants became
very pressing and urgent-more SO than
a, any other period of his life. He was
even, at times, at a loss for the means o.
purchasing the necessaries of life. On
one of these occasions, as he himself u
sed to narrate the event, he was in his
studio, ref, citing, with feeling Of almost
desperation, upon his condition. Ills
conscience seemed to tell him that he had
deserved his affections, and drawn them
upon himself, by his irreligious ncglcc
Of religion, and by want of Cue gratitude
for past lavors from Heaven. His 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 employed, d knock was heard at the
door. fc ling of momen,ary shame at
being detected in this position, and feel
ing of fear lest he might have been obser-
we'd, induced him to hasten and open the
door.
A stranger inquiries for Mr. Alls,on.-
lie is anxious to learn who was the for
tuna,e purchaser OF the painting of 'the
Angel Uriel," regarded by the arts, as
onf OF iis master pieces, and which had
won tie prize at the exhibition of the a.
cadenly. He is told that it has not been
sold. "Can it be posslbIe2 No, sold
Where is 1t to be had}' sin this very
room. Here it u.s." producing the pain
ting from corner and wiping of the
dust. as it for sale. Can it be bought"
was the eager inlerrogatory. sit is for
sale-but It's value has never yet. to my
idea Of It's worth, been adequate appreciat-
ed-and would not par, with it," "Wha,
is its price," 81 have done atiixing any
nominal sum. have always so far ex-
ceeded my offers, leave it for you to
name the price" CIVIL four hundred
pounds be an adequate recompcnse?" sit
is more than have ever asked for ito
"Then the. painting is mine" The stran-
ger Introduced himself as the Marquis of
Sutherland he became, from that mo-
ment, one Of the warmest friends of Mr..
AlIston. By him, Mr. A. was introduced
10 the society Of the nobility and gentry
and he became one of the most favored
among the many gifted minds that adorn-
cd the circle to which he was thus intro.
duccd, but in which he never was fond OF
appearing often.
The instantaneous relief thus offered
by the liberality of his noble visiter, was
always regarded by Allsson, as a direct
answer to his prayer, and it made deep
impression upon his mind. TO this E.
vent he was ever after wont TO attribute
the increase Ct devotional feelings, which
became a prominent trai, in his charac-
ter.