Home Katz's Unofficial Index to Antebellum New York City Newspapers Katz's Notes on Antebellum New York City NewspapersJournal of Commerce; Mercury and Weekly J of C

Journal of Commerce; Mercury and Weekly J of C

More America’s Historical Newspapers, Mercury and Wkly J of Comm, July 9, 1840, p.2, Daguerreotype Controversy. Defends Saml Morse agst accusations of Gouraud, pub’d in NY American and Boston Daily Advertiser, Morse denies writing any letter to Daguerre that mentions Gouraud, unimpeachable character

The Mercury, May 12 1836, NAD annual display p. 2 thronged, receipts of only one wk have liquidated remaining debt of aCAd

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The Mercury, Oct 16, 1834, p. 3.Arts & Improvements, The Fair, dry gds window ptd by Hanks for JS Fountain, finest specimens of art, admired by thous, deceived several ladies into thinking objects in it were real. carvings in marble by Eggleston and Brower both much admired, justly.

The Mercury, March 31, 1836, p. 3, Orig pict of Death on Pale Horse, v unexpected gratific to lover of Fine Arts that West’s grt production si in city, liberality of Penn Acad. Pict is in charge of two of our Artists and exhib rm of Amer Acad in Barclay st hired.

Apr 7 1836 p. 1 Miscellany fr April Knickerbocker, opens with complaint that all are learned now that schools are accelerated by steam, penny cyclopedias and magazines are what the rising generation spend their money on, half fledged philosophers contradict grandmas, apprentices instruct masters, hoarded wisdom of sage had for a handful of cents. Chas H___ a young artist, supported his widowed mom, gd fam, well educ, hi spirit of indep, lived in third floor of bye st out of principal ave in an Atlantic city, fell in love with girl across st. began ptg myriads of angels, sylphs, and lovly Emilys the likeness of any lady he ptd the portraiture was sure to be Emily, this but increased his reputation, as ladies care not abt their likenesses being like, if they are but made to look pretty.Gets invited to do her portrait--but it was an April 1 hoax. on wedding day gave bride sketch of her charms from his window glnces, an admirable likeness, she presented him with miniature resemblance a yr later

May 12, 1836, p.1 Messrs Frazee and Launitz, sculptors, beaut design for monument to Perry at Buffalo

The Mercury, May 12 1836, NAD annual display p. 2 thronged, receipts of only one wk have liquidated remaining debt of aCAd

The Mercury, May 19, 1836, p. 3, Arts & Improvements, Fine Work, Key and Biddle of Phila underauspices of Mr Cass and other gd authorities, a grt Indian work, with splendid engravings fr life and nature, incluy all heads now exhibiting in ptgs at Phila. expect something scientific, accurate and satisfactory.

Mercury, p. 2, July 7 1836, promotes a College in Liberia, where they could learn fine arts, ptg and sculpture, music, as well as rest of lib arts. failure of academies here, need one there, an asylum fr prejudice

June 22 1843 NYHS

NY Journal of Commerce 1844 Lib of Congress bound volume

Starts Jan 8, skips to 20. Has a poem, covers the Potts-Wainwright church without a bishop debate. Skips to Feb 3, Calhoun letter, then to Feb 14, has Hood’s Song of the Shirt, skips to 21st, to 28th

March

1 Henry Wikoff and JF Green part ways on publishing the Republic, Wikoff too sectional

2 Henry Wise pro school funding

Pro current compromise tariff bill but not ‘protection’. No theater reviews that I see. 16 very anti-strike, says Webster opposes annex of TX, 19 puffs a Calhoun portrait 20 likes the Native American ticket (James Harper for Mayor et al); corresp fr Washington writes abt pic of Pilgrims for Rotunda, New Englanders must be indulging honest pride, pairs with Pocahontas. Describes relief figures, likes Wm Penn in peace and amity with Indians, versus miserable conception of Danl Boon or it matters not who fighting with an Indian with foot on a vanquished, discreditable if accurate, bad moral effect, prefer more honorable reminiscence. But sculptured scene of Landing of the Pilgrims kindle sublime emotions in the soul, Indian offering corn, gratitude for God. The orig ptg of Dec of Indep by Trumbull, of Purit descent, also inspiring. 22 Gallery of Fine Arts Auction notice, Glover and Raymond, old masters type, but I don’t see ads for ‘amusements’. 23 Washington corresp notes Pratt of NY introduced approp bill for monument to GW, with statue of GW by Greenough to be placed in an apartment, decent and conspic place for that elab and beaut sculp, now banished to back yard o fCapitol in a respectable barn. 2nd story of monument has more niches for illus men, and 3rd story for a Gallery of ptg. It seems a wasteful expense aside fr its absurdities, Washington itself is his monument. Loves Hutchinson family.26 W offfers long critique of Biddle

April 1844

1 long confusing letter fr Bishop Onderdonk, defending actions re Duer and ? 11 publishes Wikoff’s accus that Bennett blackmailed Elssler. 12 critical of Robt Tyler 13 David Hale writes defending his management of the Tabernacle 15 missing. Pro-annexation. 19 Willis poem 22 likes a NO Am Rev article ona rchit in the US, dislikes intro of Grecian Art/rk revival Like Upjohn and fitness of things, Gothic church, new Trinity, after Pugin’s ideas

25 covers anti-annex mtg with members fr both parties, Bryant, James Harper, John W Edmonds, Robt Minturn, Wm Astor, Thom Tileston, Hiram Ketchum Go Griwold, Morris Franklin, Silliman. 27 attacks theaters. 29 corresp in Dc notes publication of Clay’s letter on annexation had been delayed til the 27th; it’s thought delay was caused by revisions to soften his position agst anti-annexation. But whatever he writes will alienate his constituents. Letter then is published on same page.

May

2 lettters crit of both Clay andVan Buren oppos to annex. 3happy re Frelinghuysen being VP. 4 disapproves of school law, voting people’s money for schoolhouses

Skips fr 7 to 11 and other days missing too. 15 critical of John Hughes. Wants Bible in the schools, it’s not sectarian. 23 JND writes a long description of the Embarkation of the Pilgrims for J of Commerce. Writer has studied it and asks what was the design fo the artist, what moved him—Congress required it must be a national one. Author of a compos in poetry, ptg, archit any of the kindred arts sometimes finds as much difficulty in selection as excution. Showed hi taste in selection of moment and moral courage, as combinations exist that might have been exec with greater facility. Most celeb artists have thought tehmselves happy to illus a single page of history, but here is an opening volcano of immense interest, an era in the progress of ages, which tho destitute in attributes of splendor as an hour of darkness and distress to humble actors, yet as the connecting link betw the might events before and after must shine with peculiar brightness. Pregnant period immortalized by posterity, foundation of an empire in v diff lines fr those that preceded it.

Robt Weir declares he was influd by the hi moral char of the scene and the great events which grew out of the principles imparted by the actors in it to their descendants, he alone in whose breast those principles were rooted was competent to such a work. Nor was it less a dictate of patriotism that the scene of some mmortal work shld be laid in Protestant Holland? New England?, heroically persevering in her faith, akin to Scotland. For best effect truth of history must be kept, no anachronisms, char in acts not accessories.

Praises sobriety of coloring versus comp with gorgeous color of Baptism of Pocahontas by a Virginian. First fig which attracts attn is pastor John Robinson, kneeling for blessing, expr of benign faith and hope, venerable beard of prophet tho not an old man. Next John Carver, first Gov, also kneelingin devotion, attitude expr and costume well conceived for one who looked only to God for support, humble yourself and you shall be exalted, his firmness and integrity reflected. Next to claim attn is Wm Brewster,a ruling Elder, also kneeling with open Bible, congenial host to puritans, wealthy but had suffered for faith, only fr God did they consent to accept any law or govt, social compact stamped with signet of heaven. So in excellent taste and truth artist placed bible in center of scene. Wm Bradford, practical wisdom and 2nd governor, befriended savages until they for no reason declared war on defenceless settlers, Bradford kept him off. Capt Miles Standish saved the colony. Imitate Bradford’s virtues.

27 p.3 by Southern Mail fr Washington, gives debate over Greenough’s statue of Washington, Pratt of NY saying it shld be uncovered and an iron railing put around it. Holmes of NC wanted to move it to the naval monument. JR Ingersoll sd let ponderous mass of marble stay, too much money spent moving it around. Hale of N Hampshire wanted to take away the covering, no optics so keen as to see its beauties, bad in design and exec, not a single person approves it, odious to whole public, nothing American or of Wash abt it, let rain wear it out. Winthrop defended it, highest praise fr men of taste and genius, foreign connoisseurs commended it, recommend a committee report on what to do. CJ Ingersoll ptd out an Indian Chief now here had taken umbrage at the Columbus statue as no Indian girl was left undressed that way

31 Wash corresp p. 3 approves of James Polk

June 1844

8 has pictures of icebergs. Also notes special mtg of NAD re death of C Ver Bryck, Durand and Gray chairing, Cole will write a sketch

26 Ethiopian Serenaders forced to move fr Tabernacle to Apollo

27 cites Bancroft that Polk not a Catholic. Letter re Wash Monument says Pollard’s design has been adopted and funraising begins, want liberal spirit for this pile.

June 28

Notices Ole Bull at the Tabernacle.

JND continues his notice for the J of C of The National Ptg—the Embarkation of the Pilgrims, with figures of Fullers, who did not emigrate at same time, fond parting, reunited in heaven, a parting akin to present day New England mothers sending off children to become missionaries. In foregrd, Whites, he died early but did not suffer in vain, parents of first born New Eng child, a shore that now teems with eighteen millions, a hardy race, republic that exists not by conquest but colonization. Edw Winslow and wife tall interesting graceful youth beauty rich dress, tenderness, adds touch of romance, yet despite delicacy steadfast, came to die tobrighter land, and Winslow married White widow, society for propagating the gospel.

29 Embarkation concluded. Painter has fewer advantages than poet in addressing imagination. No figs more conspic than Standish and wife Rose, military commander, killed Indians. His small stature and hot temper not in the ptg, on one knee, massive body not in devotional posture but due respect, martial attire, firmness and trust, Rose a dream of beauty, poetry of the art, pure sensibility, archetype of New England’s daughters, firm in purpose etc but died quickly.

Nov 20 1845 NYHS, 27 don't wish to go to war with England over Oregon, concede the land. Dec 10 reviews Edw Mansfield of Cinti College, favorably, on legal rights of women. Lkes Fanny Osgood.. Anti pope and priests in Italy, polit tyranny. Notices a JT Headley travel bk. Hostile to Police Gazette.

1846--NYHS

Jan 1 Whittier's Songs of Labor fr Demo Rev. Morris and Willis have retired fr MIRror, just ed Fuller, tho Willis' column will continue. New paper Daily Times, American Republican principles, respectable, 47 William st. 22 death of H INman; Court of Death at NAD is a great moral ptg, courses lead to premature death, horrors of war. Puff a $3 engr after Trumbull's GW port. pro annexing TX. p3 Washington corresp (occasional), wants Smithson fund to create a Natl Univ, inclu ancient languages, Healy here doing portraits, likes him

Feb 19 promotes the Freeman's J. Occasional Wash corresp is Anglophilia; hates McConnell in Congress as too warlike, JQ Adams a wild man. 26 Tupper poem. Share expenses for an Express with Sun and Trib. Am Repub nominate Wm B Cozzerns for mayor, wish they would give up separate organiz, but like Cozzens. Justitia writing on injustices done to Indians.

April 2 new French paper Franco-Americain, Demo, Rene Masson 30 Columbian is their fave monthly; JT Headley will please his admirers.

May 7 run Quarles related stuff. Critical of delegates fr NY who voted agst NY and Erie rrd. At war with HErald over pilots and expresses. Writer Pictor in Washington likes Scott for president. Not agst the war with Mexico, mostly blame MExico for it.

June 4 EK sad re death of Gansevoort Melville. More pro-advancing the war than the Albion. Dislike Genl Gaines. Don't want conquest, just Calhoun's masterly inactivity, purchase or voluntary annex.18 p1 occas corresp in Wash endorses Catlin's request for Congress to purchase, knows him, gives names of artists in Paris who agree p4 NAD very rich this year, visited by throns, seem critical of a painting of Cromwell.

July John P Hale was formerly a Demo. Likes Lyman Beecher and Miss Beecher. Occas corresp in Wash thinks Whitney's rrd a great idea. Raymond now a proprietor in C&E. Gifts for Clay. Wash corresp promotes authenticity of Catlin's ptgs. Healy doing Webster for Bostonians. Ptg by Morse now in Capitol nobly admired, one of best ever. Healy endorses Catlin too. 30 praise Amer Art Union, Durand, Cole, Brown, portrait of Abd el Kader, etc. AB an occas Wash corresp loves Calhoun.

August D occas corresp in Wash loves the Indians 20 poem by Park Benjamin to the Old Trinity. Also Chas Swain, Longfellow slave's dream. 27 Deleevan declined Nat Am party nomination. 30 like Altowan, with Webb's intro, like Mrs Goves' lectures; less fear of libel would lead to newspapers disclosing more frauds. Like Silas Wright. Phila corresp defends Greenough's Washington and Persico's Columbus.

Oct 1 quite critical of Clay's Amer system, Lester's bio of Houston not impartial. NOtices his ivory crucifix. PM Wetmore's office in same bldg on Water st as RC Wetmore, crockery store 8 like Gothic for churches. Wiley & Putnam pub Carlyle. 22 OW Holmes poem. Approve new state constitution. Joins C&E in disliking John Young the Whig for Governor as an anti-renter. Like Sivori and Erie board. p3 Vanderlyn's pic: a triumph, American 29 NAD has free admission to its gall of statuary

Nov 12 p3 Occas corresp in Wash loves Greenough, other Rotunda pics 19 gives Lib committee (W Campbell, the nY member, supported it--he also got the Nat Am nomination, is a Whig) report in favor of buying Catlin. 26 Audubon

Dec 10 p3 TB Read poem on coming winter, the poor suffer. Notice Bayard Taylor Views Afoot. HHWeld relig bk. 17 notices Am AU. 24 p2 discusses Swedenborgianism, ideas come fr other relig sources. Praise of Am AU 31 love Erie rrd directors. TB Read poems pub.

1847

Jan 14 Home J poem. 21 some sort of controversy over choice of Renwick plan for Smithsonian. 28 Sigourney, Miss Barrett skips to Oct 28 1847, last issue in NYHS bound volume; fighting with the Sun, and describes Washington monument assoc a bit skeptically, tho likes the design

p4 excerpts True Sun, crit of Genl Tallmadge speech at Am Inst as misunderst econ

1850—it’s much enlarged

January

3 opposes Battery enlargement. 4 but need money to civilize Indians

6 letter fr Anacharsis fr DC to J of C, the Capitol portico with colossal Columbus and America, a fine group, Rotunda filled with busts of discoverers, and names the historical ptgs, like portraits in Trumbull

9 Merc Lib key to success for clerks, later gives officers elected on the regular ticket

23 loves No Am Rev. 26 Anacharsis very down on cheap lit, wants intl copyright 31 happy abt Compromise. Happy Woodhull and Ten Governors of Alms Hse (replaced city council as authority) arresting all vagrants on the street, also looking to take children away fr parents who are not caring for them

Seems to symp with Hungarians

Skipped February

March 1850

1 the Wash corresp is fr Massachusetts and ed a Boston paper 5 p. 1 Anacharsis in the Patent Office compares portraits in Indian Gallery to Guizot, both seem equally unfortunate (Anach is French)

Pano of gold mines advertises, as do Hung exiles. Lots of anti-newsboy letters. Want to send vagrant kids to country. 18 notices London Art J excellent trying to expand circ, Feb number will have engr of Powers’ Grk Slave, ed promises to do more on Am art—SC Hall. Missing 19-23, 24-5.

April

1 small black borders for Calhoun. 7-9 missing. 10 notices the Wm Colman sale. 11 notices Cooper’s new novel pu by Putnam, sd to be thrilling. Notices Ives, theSculptor, not as well known as deserves, just returned fr Italy, cast of Gen Scott ‘communicated’ 12 v crit of the Independent, and preaching politcs (oppos to fugitive law) fr pulpit

15 NAD opens today at new rms, magnif improvement on all prev exhibitions, more numerous and more diversified. As usual too many ports, esp in representing children, artist judiciously made an incident to the pic. Apparently to illus an imag or classical design, he intro invi figs or groups fr living objects, so become of interest beyond subject’s friends

19 Anacharsis loves Valentine Mott

Hates the anti-renters. 22-23 missing. David Hale dead; new editors. Letters agreeing with him signed Pilgrim, and New Englander. 25-26 missing. 26 still supportive of Taylor. 30-May 1 missing.

May 2

Have lots of corresp fr Calif. 17 Beecher is the *editor of the Independent.

June 3 puffs Meade dags. 6 notices pano of Italy. Stopped at June 16, skipped to

September 1850

4 gives Brooks’ speech in Congress (of the Express) on first page opposing Wilmot. 5 big ad for Jenny Lind, and they notice she went to Art Union 6 Geo Morris poem

24 notices pano of Pilgrim’s Progress by May & Kyle, with contrib fr Darley, Church, Cropsey, Duggan and Dallas, Huntington will allow them to use his celeb ptgs of Mercy. Also noticesAm Inst Fair. 30 Loomis pano of Cuba.

America’s Historical Newspapers

The Mercury, March 31, 1836, p. 3, Orig pict of Death on Pale Horse, v unexpected gratific to lover of Fine Arts that West’s grt production si in city, liberality of Penn Acad. Pict is in charge of two of our Artists and exhib rm of Amer Acad in Barclay st hired.

May 12, 1836, p.1 Messrs Frazee and Launitz, sculptors, beaut design for monument to Perry at Buffalo

The Mercury, May 12 1836, NAD annual display p. 2 thronged, receipts of only one wk have liquidated remaining debt of aCAd

The Mercury, Oct 16, 1834, p. 3.Arts & Improvements, The Fair, dry gds window ptd by Hanks for JS Fountain, finest specimens of art, admired by thous, deceived several ladies into thinking objects in it were real. carvings in marble by Eggleston and Brower both much admired, justly.

Mercury and Weekly J of Comm, Dec 6, 1838, p. 1, copies fr NY Daily Express review of splendid ptgs at Acad FA in Barclay st, really meritorious productions, handsome style of rms, fashionable resort, taste for fa gratified. 6 ptgs, Destr of Jerusalem, by Wichelo, pencil of a master, grand imposing spectacle, beaut depicted figs in foregrd, shd contrast view with beaut Panorama in Prince st of Jerusalem as it is now in hands of Mussulman. The Revolt in Paris, grand ptg Giraud, populace’s ferocity bloodthirsty rage admirably depicted; Dubufe’s celeb ptg of Don Juan Haidee and Lambro, beauty exceeds description, excellence of first of modern Artists, illus complete in every part, poetry a reality. also smaller ptgs by Dubufe most exquis finish, perfect gems, Circassian Slave a beaut picture, as a work of art perfect, nothing to offend, moral lesson, full of life. St John in Wilderness, anatomy wonderful, delicate tints of real sinews, perfect form, starting fr canvas, coutenance expressive. Princess of Capua, attitude expression sweet contour hardly equaled.

Mercury and Wkly J of Comm, Mar 21, 1839, p. 2, corresp fr England, notes demise of Sir Wm Beeby, RA, grt fave with Geo Third and his queen, ptd grt picture of the Princess at a review in Hyde Park, admired by visitors to Hampton Ct. originally an attorney’s clerk, as an artist, not great, respectable, no more.

Mercury and Wkly J of Comm, July 9, 1840, p.2, Daguerreotype Controversy. Defends Saml Morse agst accusations of Gouraud, pub’d in NY American and Boston Daily Advertiser, Morse denies writing any letter to Daguerre that mentions Gouraud, unimpeachable character

The Mercury and Weekly Journal of Commerce, Sept 2,1841, p. 3. Letter fr T Catherwood “for the Mercury” in reference to an article in the Journal of the 24^th, that compared Catherwood’s sketches to Chevalier Fredenchatal’s Daguerreotypes, finding the former defective and imperfect. The only place they visited in common was Uxmal, unlikely they chose the same point of view. response goes on to identify numerous differences, another letter from X defends the accuracy.

Dec 6 1838 p. 1, Mercury and Wkly J of Commerce, excerpts fr NY Daily Express, description of splendid ptgs at Acad FA in Barclay st, to induce patronage of meritorious productions. handsomely got up room, place of fashionable resort. 6 ptgs, largest Wichelo Destr of Jerusalem, pencil of a Master. moment chosen by Artist of assault of inner wall, temple in flames, grand imposing spectacle, beaut depicted figs in foregrd, grand relief. Seen panorama in Prince st of modern Jerusalem, shd see contrast. Next in size is Revolt in Paris, Giraud, admirably depicted populace’s ferocity and bloodthirsty rage, terrified Dauphin, stern commanding fig of Provost. Dubufe’s celeb ptg of Don Juan, beauty exceeds cld say, seen to form idea of excellence to which this first of modern Artists has arrived, illusion complete in every part, transferred Poetry to canvas and made reality. smaller ptgs by him too fo most exquis finish, perfect gem. his Circassian Slave, representing to the life freq scene, beaut pict, nothing to offend, feel the moral lesson it inspires, grateful to be in xtian country, picture is full of life, no fictin. St John in Wilderness, anatomy wonderful, flesh delicate tints of real sinews and muscles, form perfect, limbs appear starting fr canvas, countenance expressive, triumph of Divne Art. Port of Princess of Capua, so real alm sensible to the touch, contempl a miniature, beaut.

Mercury and Weekly Journal of Commerce

April 12, 1838 p. 2 Fine Arts: prog of nation in wealth and refinement, state of its fine arts, 30yrs ago depended on Euro for embellishments, now if we only gave native artists encouragement, could be independent of the rest of world in everything rltg to fine arts, as we are for everything else. proof is fine engr of GW, Franklin Print Co of Boston, fr a copy of celeb ptg in FAneuil Hall, intrinsic excellence beyond subj, entitled to patronage

Sept 2, 1841, p. 3, Mercury and Weekly Journal of Commerce

Correspondence, T Catherwood writes in absence of Stephens re article in Journal (of Commerce?) of the 24^th, where it’s stated that Chevalier Fredenchatal, magnified impressions fr his Dag views of Central America, compared with sketches in our work, which were then found defective, imperfect, different. But Chevalier did not visit Central America etc and had no views of them, nor could he have used a Daguerreotype. Chevalier did go to Yucatan, but only place in common was Uxmal, where Catherwood made just 3 drwgs being ill, surprising if they coincided.

Mercury and Wkly J of Comm, Nov 4, 1847, p. 2, Mr Garbeille the sculptor fine bust of Gen Taylor for city of N Orleans, sent to Gen’s hq in Mex for purpose. In letter to mayor, Taylor says, Garbeille completed labors with unqualified approval and commendation of those who have seen it

Mercury and Weekly Journal of Commerce

April 12, 1838 p. 2 Fine Arts: prog of nation in wealth and refinement, state of its fine arts, 30yrs ago depended on Euro for embellishments, now if we only gave native artists encouragement, could be independent of the rest of world in everything rltg to fine arts, as we are for everything else. proof is fine engr of GW, Franklin Print Co of Boston, fr a copy of celeb ptg in FAneuil Hall, intrinsic excellence beyond subj, entitled to patronage

Mercury and Wkly J of Comm, Mar 21, 1839, p. 2, corresp fr England, notes demise of Sir Wm Beeby, RA, grt fave with Geo Third and his queen, ptd grt picture of the Princess at a review in Hyde Park, admired by visitors to Hampton Ct. originally an attorney’s clerk, as an artist, not great, respectable, no more.

Mercury and Wkly J of Comm, July 9, 1840, p.2, Daguerreotype Controversy. Defends Saml Morse agst accusations of Gouraud, pub’d in NY American and Boston Daily Advertiser, Morse denies writing any letter to Daguerre that mentions Gouraud, unimpeachable character

The Mercury and Weekly Journal of Commerce, Sept 2,1841, p. 3. Letter fr T Catherwood “for the Mercury” in reference to an article in the Journal of the 24^th, that compared Catherwood’s sketches to Chevalier Fredenchatal’s Daguerreotypes, finding the former defective and imperfect. The only place they visited in common was Uxmal, unlikely they chose the same point of view. response goes on to identify numerous differences, another letter from X defends the accuracy.

Sept 2, 1841, p. 3, Mercury and Weekly Journal of Commerce

Mercury and Wkly J of Comm, Nov 4, 1847, p. 2, Mr Garbeille the sculptor fine bust of Gen Taylor for city of N Orleans, sent to Gen’s hq in Mex for purpose. In letter to mayor, Taylor says, Garbeille completed labors with unqualified approval and commendation of those who have seen it

Mercury and Wkly J of Comm—1849; LOC volume, HUGE, $2/yr

March 22, 29 1849. April 12, 19 anti free soilism, backed Van Schaick for Mayor though. May 24 D in DC is in Capitol when it’s empty, happily muses amid scenes in the Rotunda, praising all, canonized history. Enthus re Taylor. May 31 notices Vanderlyn taking Taylor’s port for city of NY June 21 some black for Polk, also sorry abt death of Gaines; defends Doane

Sipped July-August

September

6 likes Alfred Street, 20 praises Catlin and Audubon, sad abt demise of red man. P 4 notices private opening of Am Art Union, large number of pleasing pics, will bear test of refined criticism, and unlike foreign museums ladies may go without any sacrifice of delicacy. Chastness of pics in moral sense is commendable. Ex gov Bradish, Bethune, Brooks of Express.

Oct 11, death of Poe, had few equals Oct 18 admires Rethel’s Dance of Death Nov 1 covers Am Inst fair extensively, liked Chas King of NY Am v much Nov 8 Fine Arts Leeds auction puffed, not origs

1850

Jan 10 Anacharsis describes in positive terms all the decorations of the capitol, ptgs, and statuary p. 1. Jan 24 must take juvenile vagrants away fr parents.

Skipped Jan 31-February 1850

March 1850 ed Gerard Hallock, Phenix bldg

Pro Webster Compromise Mar 11 notice London Art J, Grek Slave illus.

April—David Hale very proColonization, but not abolitionist, tho maybe supported some who were.

May obit for James Thom, the sculptor of Tam O shanter et al. Admires French caricatures, not as broad as English, but go deeper into character and controversy. Identifies consul Walsh at Paris as the correspondent for the J of Commerce; have been defending Walsh agst Trib and others who saw him supporting anti-Republican forces. At war with the Independent over whether politics shld be preached fr pulpit.

June

June 15th issue pulpit vs politics in great detail—J of Commerce says alienate all of public lands to provide recompense and end slavery that way.. Like the Gallery of Illustrious Americans, ed C Edwards Lester, Paris corresp likes them too.

Skipped July-Aug.

September 1850

26 notices Pano of Bunyan’s P P by May and Kyle, with very talented Church, also Huntington, Cropsey, Dallas, Duggan, also singles out Darley for praise.

Oct 3 notices Ned Buntline/EZ Judson’s return to city fr jail. P. 4 notices bust of Gen Scott by T Jones of Grand st near Broadway, known for his busts of Taylor, Cass and Corwin. Notices opening of NY Athenaeum in same bldg as NAD, and fitted up with all the newspapers, inspected by elite of NY, magnif club rms, leading merchants and professional bankers have signed up. 10 seem critical of Meigs without naming him. Extensive coverage of Am Inst Fair. Happy re Fugitive Slave Act, Compromise.

Oct 24 p. 1 DC corresp (occasional), too much tendency toward the Corinthian in the ptg and statuary of the Capitol, Indian Maid on steps, in attitude of astonishment, eyesore to people of taste and purity, virtuous matron and modest girl turn in disgust; nudity a priori as in marine group on western steps allowance is made, but nudity a posteriori as you leave the rotunda there is no apology, Persico ought to have consulted American tastes and decorum, Dickinson in the Senate urged putting her into a corner. Writer urges banishment, tho the idea her presence embodied is a natural one, she is an intrusion on the solitary sublimity of the illustrious hero, as well might Greenough have appended a black Sambo to the sedentary Washington on the lawn, for he generally had a colored attendant on his person.

Apotheosis of GW exhib in Rotunda during the session, rich and expressive coloring, heathen plan, principal figure excellent but flying nudities above (abstractions or angels) really too gross, not etherial, look like fat well-fed Dutch women. Likes the Smithsonian though.

November—mildly supportive of free trade of sorts.

Dec 26 is last issue in volume.

LOC bound volume starts with Jan 5 1860, 91 Wall st, Hallock Hale and Hallock, safe for families $2.50 a year, $1 for clergy, $10 for J of Commerce

Jan 5 p2 like Vanity Fair’s satire of the Webster statue, as John Brown. Approve Cooper Inst. 26 warn Demos abt joining Union Clubs that are designed to promote Opposition party, same for old Whigs and Americans.. Attack sensation press of day, low vituperation, degeneracy, sows discord. Feb 9 Isaac McLellan poem Pictures and Paintings, for the journal, ancient paintings bring memories of dead loved ones Pictures of the Past, Paintings old p1 . Support Italy, as they hate the Pope. Herald was for Scott, then dropped him. Mar 1 p 7 Inaug of Wash statue covered, gives much of Thomas Bocock’s speech Mar 8 notices opening of NAD p1, admire Hawthorne’s Marble Faun, Sunday Mercury is pro drink and vice and dogs. Cheever is rev at Church of the Puritans. Ought to endow NYU. German red republicans hostile to our Sunday laws.. Indep and Observer arguing over Biblical sanction of slavery.

Apr 1860 Wm R Wallace poem. Central Park already too large, extension only for lscape fanciers. p1 Apr 12.. Praises JK Paulding. Apr 19 p1 NAD: happy with lots of lscapes, not all have equal technique, some have mannerism, but suggestive and American products. Church replaced by Mignot, Heade gets a mention as do Bierstadt and Sonntag as grander class of natural studies;very large hist pieces gone out of fashion, several small but ambitious ones. Lewis Lang’s Mary Q of Scots one of few good historical. Some clever compositions made worse for oversize fr authors and Bible, like Walk to Emmaus no artist has dignity and simplicity. preRaphaelites influ many do fine details of clothes and hats, eg Huntington’s Counterfeit note. Few recognizable ports are inferior to photos, tho more flattering, no such complexions, too many of unknown sitters. Like Eastman Johnson’s Washington’s Kitchen, shows Negro life as it is, black and jolly. May 3 p1 TJ Cummings treasurer of NAD able management May 17 woman’s rights a humbug, tied to Free love. Want Breckinridge or Dickinson for the Demo candidate. Jun 21 penny World appears, promises not to have bad things in its pages June 26 p1 Church’s Twilight in the Wilderness smaller than many in his solo exhibs, but more unified, distinctly American, will seem glaring at first but is really ethereal, they also like the one he did for RL Stuart. Buchanan vetoed Homestead bill.disapproves of campaign to exterminate Calif Indians. Critical of Douglas wing of party for not unifying with Breckinridge. Jul 26 p7 Breckinridge and Lane mtg at Cooper Inst included Gideon Tucker, Chas O’Conor, Valentine Mott, Geo P Morris, James T Brady, Van Evrie, Aug Schell, Jacob Westervelt, JJ Roosevelt, Alexander Stewart, Mordecai Solomons, Wm H Hallock, John L Graham Sept 6 1860 p1 Art items: Paul Akers of Dead Pearl Diver now exhib at Dusseldorf g had been in Euro to fill order for Belmont, a character in Hawthorne’s Marble Faun, married a well known authoress. Mozier Am sculp in Rome has new statue of Esther in town, reverse decree for destr of Jews, face slightly Jewish but brave, tender and somewhat sad, stately and queen like attitude, modest costume, carefully reproduced dress add greatly to merits, private property, hope will be exhib. Brown’s Bay and City of NY at Crayon Gallery 956 Broadway worth a visit, faithful and vivid representation, admirable atmosphere water and rising sun, exquis coloring, rank among best specimens of Am Art. Sept 13 Wm Redpath, reporter of KS outrages for Trib, in Haiti. Not symp to filibusters. Boston Inst of FA described. Oct 4 p1 Mercantile Architecture on Broadway, conglomerate architecture, Am taste orig, but needs cultivation, white marble is thought best, multiple styles of building are better when blended, ought to copy plans of great artists rather than hiring builders, who may be good mechanices, but must be poor artists. hubard’s copy of Houdon’s state is in City Hall, mostly a press release. Admire John Gough temperance speaker, Mayor Harper greets him. Cover Prince’s visit favorably. Nov 15 p1 Freeman, artist in Rome, small but v choice coll of pics, to be auctioned at Leeds on Nassau st. Sale of Leupp coll, choice, at NAD by Ludlow, crowded by professional pic buyers and private gallery owners, but most went off at low prices, superb marine by Inness for $100, Cole’s Kenilworth castle $500 a Leutze Mrs Schuyler $385, Durand View in Alps for $310. bidding not spirited. Rynders on trial for beating Lewis Tappan. p4 v crit of Bayard Taylor for defending Pope’s governance of Italy. Art Items: 3 disting English artists to take sketches of pictque natural scenery and royal party to document trip. Brown’s beaut pic to be sent over, and Rossiter disting Am artist order for large ptg of Visit at MtVernon. Schaus to exhib Cinderella and Dubufre Adam and Eve at Goupil. Engr after Raphael also on view. Always eager to hear British praise of US. Nov 22 defends agst attack in C&E, senior editor opposed abolit while at NY Observer for 2 ½ years before joining, Journal, rebuked C&E for encouraging abolit mobs, but has never been pro slavery or slave trade but supports constitution and state rights p4 opening of Inst of Fine Arts on Broadway, Derby, gives press release Dec 13 p4 Artists Fund Society annual exhib at NAD, rare and costly workd fr best artists in Euro on exhib too, Schaus has Cinderella, Adam and Eve objectionable as nude appearance, G Hardinge English artist with studio, gd but not extraord, French coll with uller Knaus etc, Duseldorf has new old masters, Haughwout on Union Sq has Swedish Danie much admired tho deficient in drapery Dec 20 p1 moral destitution of NY, not enough churches; Artists Fund exhib pleasing, leading artists contrib to sell for benefit, Kensett Gifford, Suydam, Casilear Hubbard and others, also ptgs on loan fr Church Leutze Huntington. Loves Louis Napoleon.