Washington sentinel. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1855, 1854-09-05
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The Panorama and the Artist.--On Thurs
day evening will be exhibited 10 the public, for the
first time, Stanleys Panoramic Views Of :he
Western Wilds.
Mr.. Stanley is known in this community as
gentleman of great merit as an artist devoted 10
his profession man OF genius, and Of enterprise.
Alone and unaided, he many years ago, de-
parted from the comforts and pleasures Of civilized
life, with other protection than a simple letter
from the United States War Department, com.
mendng him 10 the courtesy and kindly offices OF
the military Of the United States at the different
frontier stations In spirit Of enthusiasm for tho
perpetuation of the memorials of the red man of
The forest, not exceeded by that which inspired
the labors OF Old Mortality, Stanley applied him
self with diligence to the work Of portraying
on canvas the distinguished chiefs, warriors, and
wise men Of the various tribes. Eleven consecu-
tive years of his life were devoted TO this service
and the fruits of the labors Of those years may
now be seen in the gallery Of Indian Portraits at
the Smithsonian Institution.
But Mr.. Stanley always protested TO regard his
task as incomplete. He had preserved the por-
traits of individuals of distinction, many Of whom
now traverse 'thclhappy hunting grounds in the
spirit land" but he desired to portray to the civil
LIKED world the Home Of the Red Man, and his
manner Of life in that home. An opportunity 10
achieve this purpose was at length fortunately
presented 10 him. When Governor Stevens de-
parted for Oregon in the Spring of 1852 the duty
was assigned 10 him Of making reconnaissance
Of railroad route from the upper waters of the
Mississippi 10 the Pacific. Mr.. Stanley was in
vited TO join this expedition. An artist Of great
excellence, acquainted with the country they were
10 traverse, recognized as friend by the several
tribes of Indians, with many Of whom he could
converse, he was Of course justly regarded as
most valuable acquisition TO the party. He ac-
cepted the proffered position with avidity, and
soon found that, while he had it in his power 10
render important services to the commission, his
companions were gentlemen of the most congo
NAL and agreeable qualities, and their commander
was as he had proved in every position, fully ade-
quate TO every emergency, and the universal
favorte Of his command.
II was during this prosperous and eventful jour-
ney that Mr.. Stanley made the series Of sketches
now presented TO the public. The scenes all
from nature. They represent the Indian as he is,
aud as he wishes to be. Though a man Of great
gentleness and kindness, it is singular how deeply
and how unconseionsiy Mr.. Stanley is impressed
with The spirit Of the red man. While looking at
one of the scenes of his panorama, lew days
since, he remarked, There il is as l saw il at
mdsummer-a beautiful country; and were it my
home, and were the people who dwell there my
people, the white man should never disturb il un-
Ill my blood had enriched its soil" On another
occasion, when informed that, in acknowledgment
of the debt Of gratitude they felt was his due, il
was the purpose OF tribe to ordain him chief,
he responded, My own race and people have no
honor that would, in my estimation, equal thsm
We heartily commend the artist and his work
10 the public favor.