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I was among the multitude to witness an interesting Spectacle, My father had constructed at Grays Ferry a Triumphal Arch of Evergreens, Flowers were profusely strewed over the entire Bridge by a procession of forty young Girls, as Washington, ona superb White Horse attended by General St. Clair, advanced to the Bridge, my Sister, Angelica, who held the string, lowered a Crown of Olive leaves from the centre of the Arch, directly over the General's head, as he halted to receive the address of Welcome by the mayor and City Authorities.

  On every occasion that afterwards offered, I was among the crowd to gaze upon him - especially once, on a Review day, when my eyes followed him in every movement, sometimes at the risk of my limbs... I mention this because it exercised a beneficial influence at a subsequent period, which will find its plan in my narrative ...It was a Sham Battle on the Commons, then called the Centre Square of Philadelphia,

  The morning was foggy, and there was no Sun to produce strong lights & shadows. Young as I was in the mysteries of my future art, I was struck with the peculiar effect of this misty atmosphere on the visage of Washington, His cocked Hat threw but a narrow shadow on his forehead, but his projecting Brows cast a filmy shade over the large Orbit of his eyes, which thus appeared deeply sunken. The impression remained on my memory for future benefit. My father's first acquaintance with Washington began in the year 1772. when he was invited to Mount Vernon to paint a Portrait of him. This Portrait, the first for which he ever sat, represents him, at the age of 40. as Colonel of the Alexandria Militia, in the British Uniform - Blue turned up with Red.

Here we have Washington, antecedent to the Revolutionary Contest, before the calmness of his brow had become depressed and corrugated by the mighty Cares, under which he was oppressed, as no Patriot Chieftain (sic) ever was...

  The habitual silence of Washington is indicated in this Portrait by the smallness of his lips - The Original is at Arlington House. Dr. Craik, Washington's earliest & latest Physician, always thought it was a better likeness than any other Portrait. My father, at Mount Vernon, also painted several Miniatures, and 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 Burgoyce, by a Letter which Aid de Camp, Col. Tilghman presented him. On opening it, he hastily read