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[[strikethrough]] of half an hour [[/strikethrough]] on the sofa. It was an Oil portrait required life size - to be quickly executed, to be forwarded to his son for packet to Europe. The sittings as far as the time afforded here lastime. Mr Pratt left and the picture was to be finished as quickly as possible and sent on. All of which was done. Early one morning in about as short a time after as it was possible for it to go & return from Philadelphia - a ring came to the artists door - while he was at breakfast in the Basement room - from which he could see who was at the front door. There stood a gentleman with the identical portrait in his hands. The Artist in considerable trepidation remarking to his wife - Well there is I suppose a dead failure - and I shall give myself no blame if [[strikethrough]] there is [[/strikethrough]] such is the case - It could not be expected to be a success under the circumstances - and [[strikethrough]] I went [[/strikethrough]] I head to the parlor to receive my fate- The result was amazingly far otherwise tho, the Canvass was nearly cut [[strikethrough]] all across just [[/strikethrough]] through in the lower part by two well scratched in initials - It was pronounced a perfect success - And Mr Pratts daughter had [[strikethrough]] run her pen knife across the [[/strikethrough]] cut her initials in the picture declaring - It should be hers - And to make sure of it - as she said, as she only wanted the head, she would put her mark on it in such a manner that nobody else would want it. It was returned to be immediately copied - The copy to be sent by the next packet - as the next best & only thing that could be done. And please all parties 
  
It is scarcely necessary to say, how greatly surprised and pleased the Artist was! - The next and almost immediate order was for 12 copies in miniature of the work, & soon after a dozen more - for relatives - Subsequently more were wanted but Mr P. wrote [[strikethrough]] on [[/strikethrough]] that he realy felt as if he must give Philadelphia a chance and give Mr Lambden a portion of the work - Who was a tenant of his - Subsequently it was engraved by Mr Sartin in Mezzo tint [[strikethrough]] August [[/strikethrough]] for continuance of distribution to friends - How many pictures Mr C painted of others from that success it is almost impossible to say, but certainly know a great many and none more successful than Mr Masters - Mr Pratts agent in the above named transaction [[strikethrough]] named transaction [[/strikethrough]]

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