Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1846-06-26
Mr.. CATLIN'S COLLECTIONS.

WASHINGTON June 1O.-To the Friends
of Art in your city and throughout the coun-
try, it will be a matter Of interest TO know
that Mr. George Catlin, now in Paris, has
addressed memorial to Congress, asking
that his rare and noble collections of Indian
Portraits, costumes and weapons, may be
purchased and protected by our government,
that he may be enabled TO devote the remain
der of his life to its enlargement and compile
ton. He states in this memorial that his
collection "contains nearly 600 paintings Of
portrai,urc and customs of forty eight differ
ent tribes, and the most extensive and valua-
BILE collection Of costumes, weapons, and 9TH
er manufactures Of the North American In.
dams, that has ever been made-lo the lat
ter department Of which several verv valua.
BILE collections have been added IN England,
by purchaser" that he devoted in making his
collection "the entire exer,ons of eight years
Of his life. and an expenditure of more than
$50 ,OO0;" that during the whole time he has
abored, he has been stimulated by the am
bitlon Of making il the nucleous of a museum
humankind. to contain eventually the records,
resemblances, and manufactures of all the
diminishing races of native tribes in various
parts of The globe )" and that he is extreme.
" anxious that i, should be owned and pro.
tected by the government of his own coun.
try. Mr. Callin is we'll known TO me, and
all Americans who hive known him, either al
home or abroad, will bear unequivocal testi.
mony to his extraordinary talent, and to the
rare and most generous virtues Of his heart.
They will not suspect him Of any unworthy
/ 1, tbov l. hat nnh hat
expresses his true sentiments in declaring
that had he means Of support, he would pre-
fer giving his painting TO his own coun,ry,,o
selling them to any other. But unless our
government purchase them (and he offers
them for the very moderate sum of 1865, 000)
!, will be impossible for him to fulfil his great
object Of patriotism and philanthropy, which
would reflect such honor on his own country
and ho will be compelled to ALLEVIATE both
. himself and his collection. Advantageous
offers are now made to him from Great Brit.
ain, and the question must soon be decided
whether the United States or Great Britain
shall possess his gallery and enjoy the benefit
of the efforts Of his future life. am gra,lf-
to be able to say, that as far as can learn
the members OF Congress are very favorably
riucIned 10 his proposals. The American,
in London have sent in their memorial in hi.
behalf, and the American Artists in Paris
have forwarded their memorial, which il
brief, pertinent, and comprehensive.
trust this appeal will not be ineflect
uai-ttiat our Representatives, viii answer i
with friendly votes, and that the proposed
collection may be transferred to this city by
order of government, and placed in the Gal
lery Of Art, to be constructed in connexior
with the Smithsonian Institution. Mr. Catlir
will double its value in five years. 1t vii
be Of permanent advantage, and Of interes
and importance TO The generations of coming
centuries.-C0r. ". y. Jour. of Com.