Trumbull, John

Autograph letter signed ("Jnº Trumbull"), 2 pages (10 x 8 in.; 254 x 204 mm), Philadelphia, 12 January 1819, to his English wife, Sarah Hope Harvey; integral address leaf with wax seal remnant and skillfully repaired seal tear.

Trumbull's Declaration of Independence installed in Philadelphia. In 1817, Congress commissioned four paintings from Trumbull for the Rotunda of the United States Capitol. The first completed was The Declaration of Independence  which was then exhibited in New York City, Boston, Philadelphia, and Baltimore in the autumn of 1818 and early winter on 1819 before making its way to Washington. Trumbull's letter herewith to his wife whom he always addressed "My dearest friend," provides valuable insights on the exhibition of his painting in Philadelphia. He reports: "I have great pleasure in telling you that the picture is safely put up, and all ready for the World tomorrow: — it looks as well as it did in Boston, and the Room is neat, commodious & perfectly accessible: in the best Street; and in the Centre of the City: with all these fine advantages however, if the weather continues as it is, I must expect very few Visitors tomorrow— the Streets are as dirty as possible, & a constant drizzle ..." Trumbull continues his letter  the following day and provides positive news: " The Weather was cloudy in the morning, & the Streets damp & dirty. It cleared about noon, & has been fine since. Three hundred & thirty four persons have visited us. $83.50— the first  day in New York gave $38.50.— the first in Boston $55.75.— I believe all went away pleased . . . ."