Conversation so far:
What was Peale's role in the American Revolution?
He also raised troops for the War of Independence and eventually gained the rank of captain in the Pennsylvania militia by 1776.
What military achievements did he have?
he painted portraits of American notables and visitors from overseas.
What else did Peale do during this war?
While in the field, he continued to paint, doing miniature portraits of various officers in the Continental Army.

Question: Were these popular?
Self-contained rewrite: Were the miniature portrait paintings that Charles Willson Peale painted popular?