Eastern times. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1846-1857, 1852-04-08
MISCELLANY Y.
Washington Allston.

In ArVlne CyclOp9da OF Anecdotes, re-
Gently published, the following are related re-
specting this distinguished American artist -
The strong devotional feelings of this late
disting guishcd artist formed of the most
prominent traits of his beautiful character
Connected with this characteristic is a remark
able incident in his early life, which has been
related to us by one of his few intimate friends
Mr.. Allson was member of the Episcopal
Church. Although in early life he was ever
constant attendant he was not strongly at
tached to religion, nor eminent for his piety.
1t would be too mnch to say that he was an un-
believer, or even skeptic, in his views, but
he was wont to speak slightly of religious
things, and even to enjoy jests at the expense of
holy subje ects, His feelings, however, under
went remarkable change, in consequence of
singular event in his life, which made a very
strong impression, and was even regarded by
him as direct divine iuterposition in his be-
half
Not long after his marriage with his first
wife, the sister of the late DR.. Charming, he
made second visit to Europe. After a resi-
dence there of "a little more than a year, his
pecuniary wants became very pressing and ur-
| gent-more so than at any other period of his
life. He was even at times at loss for the
means of purchasing the necessaries of life.
On one of these occasions, as he himself
used to narrate the event, he was in his studio
rejecting, almost with a feeling of desperation,
upon his condition. His conscience seemed to
tell him that he had deserved his Affections,
! and drawn them upon himself, by his neglect
of religion, and 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 he would offer
up his direct expression of penitence, and ask
for divine aid. He accordingly locked his
door, withdrew 10 corner of the room, threw
himself upon his knees, and prayed for loaf
of bread for himself and his wife.
While thus employed, knock was heard at
the door. A feeling of momentary shame at
being detected in this position, and of fear lest
he might have been observed, induced him TO
hasten and open the door. A stranger in
qured for Mr.. Allston. He was anxious TO
learn who was the fortunate purchaser of the
painting of the Angel Uriel, regarded by the
artist as one of his masterpieces, and which
had won the prize at the exhibition of the
Academy. He was told that it had not been
sold.
'Can it be possible! Not sold! Where is
it to be had!'
'In this very room. Here it is;' produc-
ing the painting from corner, and wiping of
the dust.
is it for sale? Can it be bought was
the eager interrogatory.
1T is for sale; but its value has never vet,
to my idea Of its worth, been adequately ap-
preciaied, and would not part with it,
What is its price!
| i have done afixing any nominal sum.
have always, so far, exceeded my offers. ]
leave it for you 10 name the price
will four hundred pounds be an adequate
recOmpense
1t is more than have ever asked for it,
Then the painting is mine.'
The stranger introduced himself as the Mar.
quis of Stafford, and he became, from that mo.
ment, one of the warmest friends of Mr.. Alls
ton. By him, Mr.. Allston was introduced tt
the society of the nobility and gentry, and ht
became one of the most favored among tht
many gifted minds that adorned the circle t,
which he was thus introduced, bnt in which
he was never fond ofappearing often.
The instantaneous relief, thus afforded b,