Rutland herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1823-1847, 1843-08-03
ANECDOTES OF WASHINGTON ALL
SION

AtNbSGoi EsS OG NASHlNNfION ALL
SION.
The strong devotional feelings Of this late dis.
'lngui'hed artist, formed one Of the most promi-
nent traits Of his beautiful character. Connected
with thus characteristic is n remarkable incident
in his early life, which has been related to US by
one OF his few intimate friends, Mr. AlIson
was member Of the Episcopal Church. AL.
though IN early life be was n consiap, attend
ant, he was not strongly attached TO religion, nor
eminent for his plety. Ii would be too much to
say that he ever was an unbeliever or even a
sceptic in his views, but he was wont to speak
slightly of religious things, and even 10 enjoy
Jes's at the expense Of holy subjects, His feelings
however, underwear, a remarkable change in con
sequence OF a singular event in his life, which
made very strong impression and was even re-
garded by him as direc, Divine inierposi,ion in
his behalf
Not long after his marriage with his frs, wGe,
the sister Of the late DR. Charming, be made his
second visit 10 Europe. After residence there
OF lite more than year, his pecunary wants be-
came very pressing and urgent-more so than at
any other period in his life. He was even, al
times, at loss for tho means Of purchasing tho
necessaaies 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 des-
peralion, upon bis condition. His conscience
seemed to tell him tina, he deserved his Affections,
on1 drawn them upon himself BY his rreligious
neglect Of religion, and By his want of due graft.
iude for past favor, from Heaven. His heart all
at once seemed filled with the hope thu, God
would listen to his prayers, if he would offer up
his direct expression Of penilence, and ask for di.
vine aid He accordingly locked his door with.
drew TO a corner Of the room, threw himself up.
on his knees, and prayed for a loaf of bread for
himself and hi, wife. While thus employed, y
knock was heard at the door. A feeling Of mo-
meniary shame al being detected in this position,
induced him 10 hasten TO open the door A stran-
ger inquiries for Mr.. Allson. He i. anxious 10
learn who was the fortunate purchaser of tho
painting OF 'the Angel Urel," regarded by tho
artist as one Of his master pieces and which had
won the prize at the exhibition of the Academy.
lie told that it has not been sold "Can il be pos.
sle2 Not sold Where Is to be had p .'ln
this very room Here it is" producing the paint.
ing from a corner and wppg off the dust is
1t for sale2 Can it be bought" was the eager
inierrogrtory. 1T is for sae--but It's value has
never yet, to my idea Of its worth, been adequate
ly apprecatcd-and would mo-, part with a..
"What is the priceT 81 have done afiixng any
nominal sum have always, so far exceeded nv
offers. leave ii for you tonamc the price" "Will
four hundred pounds be On adequate recompense 2"
at is mora than ! ever asked for it., "'Then
the painting j. mine" The stranger introduced
himself as he Marquis OF S,aford-and he be.
came from that moment, one Of the warmest
trends Of Mr. Allston BY hun Mr.. A. was in.
troduced to the society OF the nobility and gentry
and be became Of the most favored among
the many gifted minds that adorned the circle 10
which he was thus introduced, bu, in which no
never was fond OF appearing often
The instaneous relief, thus afforded by the liber-
atty OF his noble visitor, was always regarded by
Allston. direct answer to his prayer and il made
deep impression upon his mind. To This even,
ne was ever after won, TO attribute the increase Ct
devotional feelings, which became prominent trait
in his character.
Mr. Allsion always entertained strong dislike
amounting even to antipathy Of the personal char
acler, as well as the public and political lie. Of
General Jackson. His likes and bis dislikes,
were always mos eordal--and this was among
the MOS, SO This feeling was most clearly shown,
in his answer to application from Genrsl Ham.
illon, IN The name Of some public association Of
Charleston, S C., ia paint for them painting
connected with the military history Of the coun.
try. Genoaal II was at that iine q furious pari-
Gan Of Jackson--and, bis zeal led hm 10 suggest
to the artist 10 pain, the baule OF New Orleans
-ond- with the view farther to excite the patriot.
ism Of Mr.. Allsion, he added that Jackson aud be
were "copa,rio,s and citizens Of the same State
i ne proposition, even without ihls stIingius was
OF itself more Than enough''o oyerturp the eqaani.
nifty Of our artist To degrade a seniu, down 10
parizan painter Of eouon-bags, and an ignoJle
bulchery Of unprotected soldiery By safely en-.
sconed rdemen was Of itself 10 bic view, Iiule
better than downright, insuh-bui il was aggra.
waited by reminding him Of circumstance in
which he took anything bni pleasure, the seci.
dent Of his havi1g been born 10 the same State
with one whom be 50 beartlly dsliked, coninc.
dence he would most gladly changed 81 be could
To the application be returned an indignan, and
peremiory refUsal
This, however, did no, discourage Gen Ham.
ilion The Society was most snIionus 10 obtain
tho desired lain,ing, and IN their behalf he wroie
10 Edward Everett the Governor Of this State, de-
siring him To intsreede for them lie made how.
ever, no mention Of his previocs application
'eft the sria wholly At liberty 20 bis snbject--
snggestng, however, rs connection with the ReTo-
iuiion and leaving il with Mr. Alisiou 10 des
mine his own price Ter the painting
Governor Eyeref m compliance with ihr
cues, waited upon Mr. Alson and madeline
possI lie was maj BY PTonP and deeP