The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1847-10-12

NEW York, Oct. G, Is

New YORK, Oct. 6, 1S47.
You are probably not aware that there bust of Gen.
Jackson, by Hiram Powers, in the custom house of
this city, which has been there for than year,
waiting for kind individual society to purchase
it, pay the charges, and tak it away This duty more
especially belongs to society that was formed some ten
years ago-or rather think, simple association OF gen.
tlemen who subscribed for the commission to Mr. Pow
ers for the bust of this great general and statesman in
marbles but think it is only necessary to be known that
such work. in all the excellence and perfection of the
art is here waiting purchaser to call forth the patriotic
feelings of of democratic associations and find
for place worthy of the artist and the memory OF the
distinguished man, of whom it perfect likeness What
the amount subscribed for this bust was am not able to
say; but 500 paid in to the chairman, under
stand which he holds in his possession to this day, as
am informed not aware that any censure should be
attached any of these subscribers and my object
in giving you this information is to induce the jackson
Association of your city, or some other democratic body
The fame of Powers sculptor at the very climax
of his profession has spread over EuroPe and by the eX
hibiton of the cheff9urre of his works. the Greek
Slave" in this city, fuller appreciation OF his mastery
genius has taken place in this country which will be
banded throughout the United States, should this statue
be conveyed without injury to the different cles as is
contemplated One satisfaction Mr.. Powers will always
have in contemplating the success of his work in this
countrythat u.s. it founded entirely upon IFS inrin
sic merits Not only did not patrons and fosterers of the
fine hasten to receive this exquisite production and
welcome the proprietor cordially by the hand, but va
rety OF disco1raSemenis distractions and pePexes
fourishing and think, aIluent society in this city,
called the National Academy of Design which in,
saed for the object Of the nf arts and nd
thought incredible when say that no friendly hand was
extended TO Mr. Powers by this society; that his
had not reached this side of the Atlantic and opened
place for the reception of his celebrated work; that
though himself an honorary member not kind word or
look was offered to encourage him In bringing his statue
before the public and much less helping hand But
the struggle is now over and the exhibition Of the Greek
Slave is stamped with success fortune is In the pros
pectve for the gifted artist and if misfortune happens
to the statue probably million of citizens adj
dtion TO the fifteen thousand that understand have al
ready viewed it, will have the qualification of seeing il in
this country. What an immense improvement will this
make in the taste for sculpture!
1t is not my intention to be harsh and am free to say
that some allowance be made in favor of the Acade
my of Design, in multiplicity Of annoyances which
works of art in their establishment BY the peculiar con-
nexion of this society with the "Socety Library" /
wish to explain this NATTER consider the exhibition
of the "Greek Slave in this city and In this country IN
national point of view, and therefore OF some import
ance and the spirit shown in the metropolis OF the
Union towards merltonous artists and their works,
whether commendabe or otherwise, should be made
public, and contrast drawn between this and other
Cities that the seat of the arts may be designated
The National Academy OF Deslgn, from its name and
from its position and from the eminence OF its members,
should be considered the institution Of the country Un-
fortunately, the splendid building on Broadway IN which
they located is occupied IN the lower part by the 30
cety Library; which society manifests no interest IN
the encouragement of the fine arts. Hence no rights OF
publicity exhibitions by bills, ransparences, &c are
permitted to interfere with or occupy without
their premises-namey, the lower part OF the building,
which is essential these rights being conferred on
the raree shows of their tenants. Mr.. Powers be.
ing excluded from these rights you will perceive the dis
advantages under which he abors But, as have said,
the of Mr. Powers and the merits OF his statue,
have surmounted these difficulties But what the friends
of Mr. Powers expected was, that the Academy should
have furnished room, among the many they have not IN
se for the exhibition Of the first work in this country of
our great sculptor free of considering
the circumstances of the artstinstead OF charging 800
per month Boston has done this by invitation already
also Philadelphia
But have extended this letter beyond my intentions,
but hope not your limits. am informed that you may
scarcely expect the Greek Slave in Warrington before
spring but whether sooner later, V may calculate
upon enjoying a rich treat which know your disposition
and taste calculated fully to appreciate,
Mr. Kellogg the proprietor, has opened some charming
pictures of his painting, which think you VIII be
delighted with, when you see them, The 'CTcassan
Woman" celebrated, is most beautiful. Mr. H., |
believe, is well known in Washington, and think has
some pictures there. Yours, truly, VEkiIAo'
p ICH Fall silks, Csshmercs Mousselines, Quadriue,
III and silk paids, this day received by