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remained at the hospitable mansion two or three weeks—thus becoming familiar with the domestic countenance of the man who was destined to become the Leader in the military and civil career of his country. In 1776 he painted a half-length portrait of Gen. Washington for John Hancock—of which Col. Trumbull made a copy. In the winter of 1776, enthusiastic in the cause of Independence, my father commanded a company of volunteers & was in the battles of Trenton & Germantown.

In the recesses from military duty, our "Soldier Artist", as Mr. Custis loved to call him, painted another portrait of Washington, & several of his officers—and thus commenced his gallery of distinguished characters; many of which now adorn the Hall of Independence.

It was at a farm house in the Jersies, in a room so small that with his table near a low window, the artist sitting on the only chair which could be placed at the table, the General was obliged to sit on the side of his bed--There my father painted a miniature for Mrs. Washington, while thus engaged Washington received intelligence of the surrender of Burgoyne, by a letter which his aid de camp, Col. Tilghman presented him on opening