Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1886-12-09
STATIONS PICTURE.
A TIME WHEN THE GREAT WAR SEC
RETARY GREW FEARFULLY ANGRY.

An Artist Portrayed Him in a Lilac
Colored Coat and Aroused His Ire
Painting the Death of President Lin
colin
During the winter of 1867 a New York
artist who had executed a fine painting
representing the death Of President Lin
coin brought it to Washington and placed
it in one of the committee rooms Of the
Capitol, his object being 10 obtain life sit
tings from some Of the parties whose por-
traits were included in the group sur
rounding the deathbed of the dying presi-
dent, the portraits having been painted
from photographs. One of the most con-
spicuous portraits in the group was that
Of Edwin NJ. Stanton, secretary Of war,
who was represented as standing a few
feet from the head Of the bed, towards
which his head was turned, a full profile
view Of his face being visible. His left
arm was thrown behind him, and in his
hand he held q paper supposed TO be a
telegram. Strange as it may seem, the
artist had represented him in a lilac coat
and drab pantaloons, of a fashionable
cut and as unlike the loosely fitting gar
ments of dark cloth which he usually
wore as it would seem possible 10 make
them. So confident were those who saw
the picture that Mr.. Stanton would be
very angry when he saw himself por-
trayed in such a ridiculous costume, that
the artist was urged 10 repaint it before
he should visit the room; but this advice
was unheeded.
PAINFULLY SIGNIFICANT.
Mr.. Stanton finally called at the room
10 give the artist the desired sitting.
Taking a seat in a large armchair, he
looked earnestly at the picture, which
was then rapidly approaching compile
ton. For a moment the deep silence
which pervaded the room was painfully
significant. 1t was finally broken by Mr..
Stanton, who uttered a most emphatic
and indignant protest against being repre-
sented in a fashionable and fancy cos
tune, SO totally different from that in
which he was usually attired. land
whoever heard" said he, "of a cabinet
minister wearing a lilac coat and drab
pantalOons:' These were his precise
words. As he proceeded he grew fear
fully angry, and finally rose 10 his feet.
His face was almost purple, and his burly
frame quiyered with rage. His wrath
was truly volcanic. For several minutes
he held undisputed monopoly Of the situa-
ton, for no one present had the temerity
10 interrupt him.
The artist seemed p~aralyZed with aston
ishment, not unmingled with fear, and
leaned against the marble mantel for sup
port. His left hand graSped his palette
and brushes, and his arm hung pOwcrleSs
by his side, while his face was of an ashy
p~aleneSs. After Mr.. Stanton had given
full expression 10 his feelings, and his
anger had, consequently, become some
what Modified, q friend of the artist,
who fortunately happened to be present.
took a seat by his side and entered into
conversation with him. but found it i'm
possible 10 convince him that he had not
been grossly iHSulted. What would
you think" said he, IF old Mr.. Welles.
who sits by the bedside. was represented
in knee brcecheS and with buckles on
his shoes Il should think, " was the
reply, that the artist had committed an
objectionable anaChrOnism. which he has
not done in your case: for though he has
taken a license in the draping Of your
portrait, he has strictly adhered to the
costume If the day, while knee breeches
and shoe buckles belong TO a bygUne
period
IN \ BETTER HUMOR.
He made no reply, but remained silent
for several minutes. Finally, turning 10
the artist. he said: That, sir. is your
painting, and You can do whatever you
please. with it; but will never indorSe
its accuracy or give You a sitting until
you repaint the drapery Of my portrait. "
After making this emphatic declaration
he was again silent for some minutes.
when the artist, who had recovered his
self-pOSSeSSiOn. ventUred to speak to him
and state why he had thought it advis-
able TO drape his portrait in colOrs 50
offensive 10 him, assuring him that his
sole object in doing so was to avoid the
UNPLEASANT mOnOtUny inSeparable from a
group Of male portraits clad in the IN
picturesque costume Of our time. He
also assured him that II he would give
him another sitting he would repaint the
drapery of his figure in any style and
color he might suggest.
With this assurance Mr.. Stanton
seemed perfectly satisfied, and immedi-
ately took a chair, where he sat patiently
and quietly for an hour while the last
touches were added TO the face Of his por-
trait. During this sitting he ~cOnverSed
very pleasantly, and was as gentle and as
amiable rs a little child. At times his
rugged features would be lighted up by a
happy smile, which seemed like q CLEAN
of sunshine after a terrific storm. On
the day following the events above mar
rated Mr.. Stanton visited Brady's gallery
by anDOintmpnt. where be was met by
the artist who had so unintentiOnally
offended him, and stood for a photograph
from which his figure was entirely re-
painted. 10 the great satisfaction Of him
self and his tamily.-Ben: PerleS Poore in
Boston Budget.