[Published on 11/08/21 by Digital Imaging Lab (1142)] It is the responsibility of the researcher to obtain any copyright clearances. Permission to publish material from this/these transcript(s) must be obtained from the Supervisor of Reference Services and/or the L. Tom Perry Special Collection Coordinating Committee. [Notes added by transcribers are in square brackets. Dashes in square brackets indicate unclear words or letters. indicate words the author inserted to a previously written line.] VMSS 450 - Joseph Delaplaine Correspondence Number of Pages: 43 ----- new page (VMSS450_F10_I10_p001.jpg) Dear Sir There is no argument nor coherence in Randolph's speech. Thanks for the perusal of the letter. I fear you have written strange things to Buckingham. Why do you not extend your walks to Archs! at the dinner- time. alway's respectfuly Yours Robert Walsh[-] Wednesday. ----- new page (VMSS450_F10_I10_p002.jpg) 1824 Robt. Walsh Jr. Esqr. Recd Wednesday 25 Feby Joseph Delaplaine Esqr ----- new page (VMSS450_F11_I11_p001.jpg) City of Washington Dear Sir 8th March 1824 Your favour of the 6th has been nd. in which you make some enquiries relative the Conduct of Mr Randolph. I can assure that your letter was the first intimation I have had of such reports; I have no personal intercourse with Mr Randolph; of course can say nothing from personal Knowledge but I should suppose that the whole is a mistake; With Sentiments of great respect & esteem your [---] Rh. M. Johnson Joseph delaplaine Eq. ----- new page (VMSS450_F11_I11_p002.jpg) [written in landscape direction] [-]ee Rh-u-Johuron Joseph Delaplaine Eqr Philadelphia [written in portrait direction] 1824 Colo. R. M Johnson Washe. March 8 Respg J. Rando[-]lf ----- new page (VMSS450_F12_I12_p001.jpg) Dr S[---], I am anxious to hear of your Safe arrival at Washington, & beg the favour of you to drop me a letter, as soon as you receive this.— I am cloning the Life of Robert Morris, which is to appear in the Repository, and understanding from my friend Mr Joseph Reed, that you obtained some facts &c from the veneral Charles Th[---] in relation to his services &c, I beg the favour of you to inform me, if it is not too much trouble, what I may say touching Congress' doing something for his heirs &c.— Mr. King, an excellent portrait painter, & a respectable man, has gone to Washington to paint the portraits of distinguished characters, and I hope it will be agreeable & convenient to you to sit to him early in the session. I am exceedingly anxious to obtain your portrait. Mr. King paints two sizes, both large, one for Eighty, the other for One hundred & Twenty dollars. I should of coure, greatly prefer you to sit for the largest size, if it may be agreeable to you, but in either case, I will pay half the expence.— ----- new page (VMSS450_F12_I12_p002.jpg) I am D [-]in very respectfully your obed. S Joseph Delaplaine General Wm. H. Harrison.— P. S. The Secty of War is now sitting for the largest size portrait.— I am happy to say that my Gallery is increasing rapidly, & I flatter myself that it does credit to our country. Mr King's painting rooms are at a Mr Shoemaker's corner of 7 & 12th St. ----- new page (VMSS450_F12_I12_p003.jpg) [stamped] PHIL 13 NOV General Wm H. Harrison House of Reps. of the United States Washington City ----- new page (VMSS450_F13_I13_p001.jpg) Memorandums— William Pinkney was born at Annapolis (Maryland) on the 17th of March 1765—his Father Jonathan Pinkney an Englishman—a younger Branch of one of the [--]te most ant[--]l Families of England who went went over from Normandy with William the Conqueror— Jonathan, the Father, a Nonjuror during our Revolutionary War—William, the Son, although a Boy, an ardant & decided Whig—Educated by his Father with great care—became a remarkable for his all[---]ments in Greek and Roman Literature [illegible deletion] the [illegible deletion] Commenced the Study of the Law in Feby. 1783. and the Practice in 1786—was elected a Member of the Convention of Maryland which ratified the present Constitution of the United States— In 1789 was elected a member of the Legislature of U.T States for Harford Court and so continued until in 1792 he was elected by the general assembly a member of the ----- new page (VMSS450_F13_I13_p002.jpg) Executive Council of which until <1795 he was the President when> 1795 he was elected <[illegible deletion]> a member of the Legislature for Ann Arundel County. In 1796, he was appointed by General Washington, with the Concedence of the Senate, one of the Commissioners wh who carried into Execution in London the 7th article of Mr. Lay's Treaty. [illegible deletion] which in London in that character he was entrusted by the government of the United States, at the Request of the Government of Maryland, with the final ajustment (which he accomplished in a very complete & satisfactory manner) of the Claim of Maryland to a large amount of Stock in the Bank of England, which had previously been put into an advantageous Train by Rufus King.—He returned to Maryland in November 1804 [illegible deletion] to the Practice of the Law, and in the Winter of 1806 was appointed Envoy extraordinary , with M. Monroe, to ----- new page (VMSS450_F13_I13_p003.jpg) great Britain—and and , in 1808 was appointed M Monroe's Successor as Minister Plenipotentiary there.—The D[---] of [---]ter of Laws was t[---]ed to him [illegible deletion] He returned to Maryland by the University of Oxford, and it is said by in June 1811 to and, [illegible deletion] [illegible deletion] his pecuniary affairs having been much injured by his [illegible deletion] public Employments abroad, resumed the Practice of the Law.—Almost immediately after his Return he was elected a member of the Senate of Maryland and very soon after appointed Attorney General of the United States.—T H [-] <[---]ded a small Battalion> was severely wounded in the d[---]trons Battle of Bladens- burgh —Soon after elected a member of the House of the U.S. for Maryland—and in April 1816 appointed Minister Plenipotentiary to Russia & Envoy extraordinary to Naples Dr hr the above dates, of the hpr of M Pinkney I am denied to forward to you,—[--]ubt my assurance of Rufus ----- new page (VMSS450_F13_I13_p004.jpg) Joseph Delaplain Esqr South Seventh St. Philadelphia [written upside down on the bottom] Honble. Wm. Pinkney Sketch of his Life ----- new page (VMSS450_F1_I1_p001.jpg) City of Washington May 28. 1813 Sir, I acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 23d in[-]ant Forming no pretention to ranks among "the eminent men of our country," whose en- graved portraits you propose to publish, it has been enough for me, amidst the cal[---] of unprincipaled men and believed by the uninformed, to propose a calm consciousness of p[--]ty of intention & active zeal, during a long life, in the service of my country, – joined with the known approbation of fellow citizens distinguished for their dis- cernment and for their public & private virtues. I have no objection, however, to give you the information you request. Mr. William Pratt, merchant in Boston (who married a neice of mine) has "an approved likeness of me," painted by Stewart; and it is the only one to which ----- new page (VMSS450_F1_I1_p002.jpg) which I could give my sanction. Mr. Edwin saw it, when there to engrave the likeness of Mr Amos; and, as I was informed, pronounced it in point of execution (for I believe Mr. Edwin had never seen me) "one of Stewart's [---]." I am respectfully, sir, your obedt fe[---] Timothy Pic[--]iny Mr. Joseph Delaplaine ----- new page (VMSS450_F1_I1_p003.jpg) ----- new page (VMSS450_F1_I1_p004.jpg) Mr. Joseph Delaplaine Bookseller Corner of 7th & Chesnut Streets Philadelphia [written upside down, on bottom of page] Timothy Pickering ((TP)) Washington May 28th, 1813 No 14 ----- new page (VMSS450_F2_I2_p001.jpg) Newport. [-] [-] Dec.[--] 3rd 1813 Sir I received your letter of the 14th Octr. relative to a place of the action on Lake Erie. Soon after that affair, Me[--] Murray & Fairman of Philada, sent out an artist to that place for the same purpose, to whom I directed the commanding officers of the different vessels, to give all the information in their power, to render the engraving correct. I beg leave to reffer you to Me[--] Murray & Fairman or to Lieuts Turner & Packet on Lake Erie who doubt- -less will give you the same information that was given to the other artists— In all simulor applications I have made the same refference; wishing you success in your undertaking I remain Sir your obt. Servt— Mr. Joseph Delaplaine— O. H. Parry ----- new page (VMSS450_F2_I2_p002.jpg) Commodore Perry New Port Dec 3. 1813 N 27 [Upside down and partially torn Mr. Joseph Corner of [-] [stamp reads: Newport Dec 4 R.I.] ----- new page (VMSS450_F3_I3_p001.jpg) Boston April 4. 1818. Dear Sir I much regret that it is not in my power to comply with your request. There is no Portrait of my Father in existence. Since his death I have deeply but unavailingly his aversion to the trouble of having it taken, or to the thing itself, and [---] own want of perseverance in urging him to it I have seen with great pleasure the work you are publishing, and very sincerely wish you all the success which so meritorious an underta- king deserves. And am very resp. y Your most [--]. Sert Wm. Prescott Joseph Delaplaine E E ----- new page (VMSS450_F4_I4_p001.jpg) Henry Wolcott, the ancestor of the family of that name in Connecticut, was an English Gentleman of Tolland in Somertshire, who was born in the year 1578. He was the owner of an estate worth five hundred pounds sterling per annum, which, considering the value of money at that period, was a considerable property. His wife was Elizabeth Saunders, to whom he was married, about the year 1606. He is represented to have been a man of talents and energy, and, in early life, much addicted to the habits and amusements of a country gentleman. Having adopted the principles of the sect of Independents, he became obnoxious to the Government, and was thereby determined to remove to America. He first visited New England in 1628, but returned again to England, and brought over his family in the year 1630, and settled at Dorchester in Massachusetts. Having sold the principal part of his estate in England, he undertook, in the year 1636, the settlement of Windsor in Connecticut. His principal associates were John Mason, a distinguished Captain and Warrior; Roger Ludlow, a well educated and correct Lawyer; Wm Stoughton, and Wm Newberry, gentlemen of good estates. These were the chief founders of Windsor, and they de[--]ayed most of the expences of the settlement. The religious pastor elected by them, was the Rev,, W,, Warham, a man distinguished, at that period, for learning and piety. ----- new page (VMSS450_F4_I4_p002.jpg) In the year 1639, the Towns of Windsor, Hartford and Wethersfield associated as a Commonwealth, and formed a Constitution of civil government. This instrument is understood to have been drawn up by Roger Ludlow and was approved by the free planters of the settlement. Considered with reference to the period when it was formed, this Constitution may be pronounced to be the best system of democratical government, which had then been devised. Experience has demonstrated that it was well calculated to promote and perpetuate the views of its founder. The Charter granted by Charles the 2nd in 1662, was prepared in Connecticut, and it embraced the principles of this original compact; and they have been recently reestablished, in the new Constitution adopted by the people. It may therefore be truly asserted, that the government of Connec- ticut since 1639, has been conducted by the free representatives of the people; that its municipal regulations have secured a high degree of happiness and tranquility, and have hitherto been less variable, than those of any other government. Henry Wolcott was annually elected a member of the Assembly, or one of the Magistracy, till his death in 1655, in the 78th year of his age. His eldest Son, Henry succeeded to the principal part of his estate ----- new page (VMSS450_F4_I4_p003.jpg) and was annually chosen a Magistrate. He was named as one of the patenties, in the Charter granted to Connecticut, by Charles the 2nd – He died in 1680. Simon Wolcott was the youngest son of the first Henry Wolcott. He was a farmer in Windsor, was born in England in 1625, immigrated into this Country, with his father's family, named to Martha Lithin in 1661, and died at Windsor in 1687, leaving a numerous issue. The youngest son of Simon, was Roger Wolcott, who is distinguished in the annals of Connecticut. He was born at Windsor, January 4th.. 1679. The impoverished state of the Country, occasioned by Indian Wars, and the labours and expences incident to new settlements, deprived him of the advantages of an early education. He was bound as an apprentice to a mechanic, at the age of twelve years. At twenty one, he established himself at East Windsor, where, by industry and frugality, he acquired a plentiful estate. By regular degrees, he rose to the highest military and civil honors. He was Commissary of the Connecticut forces, in the expedition against Canada, in 1711, and was second in command, with the rank of Major. General, at the capture of Louisburgh, in 1745. He was successively a member of the Assembly, and of the Council; a Judge of the County Court; Deputy Governor; Chief Judge of the Superior Court, and from 1751, to 1754, Governor. He died May 17th 1767, the the eighty-ninth year ----- new page (VMSS450_F4_I4_p004.jpg) of his age. He was free and affable, easy of access, of ready wit and great humour, a sincere Christian, and a zealous advocate for the civil and religious privileges of his Country, which he defended with a firm spirit. Though uneducated in early life, his literary attainments were respectable. He published several tracts and a long Poem, containing an account of the agency of John Winthrop, in procuring from Charles the 2nd, the Charter of Connecticut, and describing, in the quaint language of that day, the principal events of the Liquor War, as conducted by John Mason. Olivia Wolcott, the events of whose life, are more particularly the subject of this memoir, was the youngest son of Roger Wolcott, and was born the 26th of November 1726. He was graduated at Yale College in 1747. In the same year, he received a Commission as Captain in the Army, from Governor Clinton of New York, and immediately raised a company, at the head of which he marched, to the defence of the Northern Frontiers, where he served for about a year; but the regiment to which he was attached, being disbanded, in consequence of the peace of Aise-La-Chappelle, he returned to Connecticut, and studied medicine, under the direction of his Brother Doctr Alexander Wolcott, then a distinguished practitioner. Before he was established in practice, the county of ----- new page (VMSS450_F4_I4_p005.jpg) Litchfield was organized, and he was appointed the first Sheriff of the County in 1751. In the year 1774, he was advanced to be an Assistant or councillor, to which station he was annually elected till the year 1786. While a member of the Council, he was also Chief Judge of the Court of Common Pleas for the County, and for many years, Judge of the Court of Probate for the District of Litchfield. He served in the Militia, in every grade of Office, from that of Captain, to that of Major general. On all the questions preliminary to the revolutionary war, he was a firm advocate of the American cause. In July 1775, he was appointed by Congress, one of the Commissioners of indian affairs for the Northern Department. This was a trust of great importance. Its object was to induce the Indian Nations, to remain neutral during the war. Which he was engaged in this business, the controversies respecting boundaries between Connecticut and Pensylvania, and between Vermont and New York, menaced the tranquillity of the Colonies, and exposed them to the seductions of British partisans. Mr Wolcott's influence was exerted with great effect, to compromise these disputed, and to unite the New England settlers in support of the American cause. In January 1776, he attended Congress at Philadelphia, and remained with that body, 'till the declaration of Independence was adopted and signed. He ----- new page (VMSS450_F4_I4_p006.jpg) then returned to Connecticut, and on the 15th of August, was appointed by Governor Trumbull, and the Council of Safety, to command fourteen regiments of the Connecticut Militia, which were ordered for the defence of New York. This duty he performed, 'till the force amounting to more than five thousand men, was subdivided into four Bridges. He then returned home for a few weeks. in November 1776, he resumed his seat in Congress, and accompanied that body to Baltimore, during the eventful winter of 1777. The ensuing summer, he was constantly employed in superintending detachments of militia, and corresponding on military subjects. After detaching several thousand men to the assistance of General Putnam, on the North River, he headed a corps of between three and four hundred volunteers, who joined the Northern Army, under General Gates, and aided in reducing the British Ary, under General Burgoyne. In February 1778, he attended Congress at York Town, and continued with that body till July. In the summer of 1779, after the invasion of Connecticut by the British, he was in the field, at the head of a division of the Militia, for the defence of the sea. coast. In 1780, he remained in Connecticut. From 1781 to 1783, he occasionally attended Congress. In 1784 and 1785, he was one of the Commissioners of Indian affairs for the Northern Department, and ----- new page (VMSS450_F4_I4_p007.jpg) in concert with Richard Butler and Arthur Lee, prescribed the terms of peace to the Six Nations of Indians. From 1700, he was annually elected Lieutenant Governor, till 1790, when he was chosen Governor, which office he held, 'till his death on the first of December 1797, in the seventy second Year of his age. This brief recital of the services of Oliver Wolcott proves, that during an active and laborious life devoted to the public service, he constantly enjoyed the confidence of his fellow Citizens; a confidence [---] honorable to him, and to the people of the State. He married Laura Collins of Guilford, in the year of 1795. In the arduous duties in which he was engaged during the revolutionary war, he was well supported by his wife, who, during his almost constant absence from home, educated their children, and conducted the domestic concerns of the family, including the management of a small farm, with a degree of fortitude, perserverence, frugality and intelligence, equal to that which, in the best days of ancient Rome, distinguished their most illustrious Matrons. Without his aid, his public services could not have been rendered, without involving a total sacrifice of the interests of his family: with his aid, his house was a seat of comfort and ----- new page (VMSS450_F4_I4_p008.jpg) hospitality, and by means of her assistance, he retained during life, a small estate, a part of which was a patrimonial inheritance. The person of Governor Wolcott was tall and erect, indicating great personal strength and dignity. His countenance manifested a sedate and resolute mind. His manners were urbane, and through life, he was distinguished for modesty. Though firm and tenacious of his own opinions which he distinctly expressed on all suitable occasions, he ever manifested great deference for the opinions of others. The State of Connecticut was upon principle, well united in support of the revolution, and during the war, was second only to Massachusetts, in the effective force furnished for its defence. There were here no British Governors, officers, Judges on Agents. Though a few respectable men were of opinion that the war was premature and indiscreet, yet as their opinions proceeded from their peculiar views of the public interests and policy, their opposition was, in general, limited by moderation. The consequence was, that the war of the Revolution produced, in this State, few or none of those distressing consequences which usually attend civil conflicts. The subject of these remarks was therefore able to maintain with his political opponents, and ----- new page (VMSS450_F4_I4_p009.jpg) to extort from the enemy, the character of an inflexible republican, with the precious commendation of being just and humane in all his conduct. He was indeed a republican of the Old School, and his ideas of government and social liberty even derived from the purest sources. He was never idle; dissipation had no charms for him. Things not a learned man by profession, the writings of the most celebrated Historians, Biographers, Poets and Orators, both ancient and modern, were familiar to his mind, and offended him the only relaxation in which he indulged from active exertions. He was intimately acquainted with public saw, and with the works of the great luminaries of science, who flourished in Europe, subsequent to the reformation. His integrity was inflexible, and never even suspected, his morals were strictly pure, and his faith that of a humble Christian, untainted by bigotry or intolerance. Governor Wolcott was personally acquainted with and esteemed by most of the great actors of the American Revolution, his name is recorded in connexion with many of its most important events. It is the glory of our Country, that the fabric of American greatness was reared by the united toils and exertions of Patriots in every State, supported by a virtuous and intelligent people. It is peculiar ----- new page (VMSS450_F4_I4_p010.jpg) to our Revolution, and distinguishes it from every other, that it was recommended, commenced conducted and terminated, under the auspices of men, who, with few exceptions, enjoyed the public confidence, during every vicissitude of fortune. It is therefore sufficient for any individual to say of him, that he was distin- guished for his virtues, his talents and his services, during the Age of Men, "Of Men on whom late time a kindling eye "Shall turn, and tyrants tremble while they read." That Governor Wolcott was justly entitled to this distinction, was never disputed by his contemporaries. ----- new page (VMSS450_F4_I4_p011.jpg) Oreg'l life of a ((B)) Governor Wolcott Jewl to the by — Governor Oliver Wolcott Feby 7: 1819 Sunday ----- new page (VMSS450_F5_I5_p001.jpg) North End [----] near Hammersmith Sir I feel myself highly flattered by the contents of your letters, the former of which I ought to have answered sooner. I regret that it is not in my power to furnish [-] gallery with a portrait of myself - I think the study of Manual Composition would be useful to your son. I have made a work on that subject, it is published by Longman the bookseller in Peter north Row — not being my own work I cannot present it to him . I have not published my Lectures on music. Finding myself utterly unable to comply with your request, I have, of course, not applied for the work you so kindly offered me; & requesting you to accept my apologies, I am, sir, your obedt humble servt Wm. Crotch. ----- new page (VMSS450_F5_I5_p002.jpg) ----- new page (VMSS450_F5_I5_p003.jpg) Joseph Delaplaine Esqre. Philadelphia [the following is written sideways right of page] Philadelphia Dr. Crotch London received Septemb 1819 ----- new page (VMSS450_F6_I6_p001.jpg) My dear Sir I feel highly honored and flattered by your obliging wish for my portrait, which I would with pleasure send if one had ever been painted for me ~ I enclose one engraving done for Mr. Colburn of London and which was [---] has appeared in his Magazine ~ in my own country there is no memorial of me, but they will at least have my grave ~ Pray accept my thanks for the correct and beautiul engraving enclosed in your letter, and believe me My [---] most gratefully yours Charles Rob Ma[---] December 27th 1819 37 [---] [---] ----- new page (VMSS450_F6_I6_p002.jpg) ----- new page (VMSS450_F6_I6_p003.jpg) [the following is written vertically in the upper left hand corner] Revd Charles Robert Maturin Dublin 27 Decm. 1820 [the following is written vertically in the upper left hand corner below the above] [---] by Mrs Wm. Barnien [---] Ship Howard for Dublin 15 March 1820 (B) [the following is stamped on the paper in red] 6 JA 6 1820 [the following is stamped on the paper in red] SHIP Joseph Delaplaine Esqr Philadelphia America [the following is stamped on the paper in red to the left of "Philadelphia" and "America"] NEW YORK [---] MAR 13 ----- new page (VMSS450_F7_I7_p001.jpg) [---]. 13th March 1820 Sir, I had the pleasure of receiving your two letters of & 29th october together with the two interesting volumes which accompanied them—As marks of your attention all these have flattered me very much, & I should be still [illegible deletion] more cold than my ungenial native climate were I not very grateful for them—Your book is exceedingly interesting, & has afforded much gratification to my friends as well as to myself—In such a work there is much hope for the exercise of shill in biographical delineation; &, where the materials are so excellent as those you have wrought upon, the result cannot fail to be "opus mirabile"— You do see the honour to ask me to send you my portrait—I would do so at once did I not feel conscious that I have no title to send it to any human being excepting my mistress, or my most intimate & Mach[--] friend—Then I would send it merely as a likeness of a person whom they had known & loved; & whom they had loved because he had loved them & because he had some [---] in common with them—To send it to any other would [---] too much of that vain glory condemned in the Scriptures; &, as I have no desire to incur the reprehension of our venerable body of Presbyterian divines, I must fight against devil, flesh, & spirit—&, more than all, against your flattering request—& leave the field victoriously— [---], without any figures of speech, I am highly indebted to you for the favourable opinion you are pleased to confess of me, & most earnestly hope to ----- new page (VMSS450_F7_I7_p002.jpg) become more deserving of the [---]d which your indulgence & politeness now bestow. Should that ever happen, I shall not forget that in earlier times I found a very polite & indulgent judge beyond the Atlantic. Permit me in the meantime to [---] you [---] little works of mine as trifling marks of the consideration with which I am Sir, Your most obedt. huml. servt. Geo. Farquhar Graham ----- new page (VMSS450_F7_I7_p003.jpg) ----- new page (VMSS450_F7_I7_p004.jpg) Joseph Delaplaine Esqr. Philadelphia [Written sideways, in the lower right hand corner] George H. Graham Esqr. Edinburgh March 13. 1820. (B) with a present of his two books on music ----- new page (VMSS450_F8_I8_p001.jpg) H[-]rse Guards 4. Nov. 182[-] Sir, I am dirceted by The Duke of York to acknowledge the receipt of your Letter of the 16th. Sept. and to acquaint you that the Enclosure has been conveyed to His Majesty. I have the honor to be Sir, Your obedient Servant [---] Joseph Delaplaine Esq. ----- new page (VMSS450_F8_I8_p002.jpg) ----- new page (VMSS450_F9_I9_p001.jpg) New York 2[--] 2 1824 Respected Friend Jos. Delaplain From the short time which I remained in London, my acquaintance is very limited, & among them I fear there are but few who would make any great exertion to promote the fine arts. I will however with pleasure furnish thy friend Peale with two of three letters, if he or thyself will re- mind me of it, about a week prior to his embarkation. That the "year in Europe" has afforded thee some entertainments, cannot but be satisfactory to thy assurd fr Jno. Griscom ----- new page (VMSS450_F9_I9_p002.jpg) [Middle of page] [Initialed letters Dh] Joseph Delaplaine Philadelphia [a stamp shows the following] NEW YORK FE[-] [the following is written sideways in the top right corner] 1824 J. Griscom N York 2. by Re Ans [-] by Mr. Summers