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(Peale's retained copy)

Washington Jan y. 13, 1825

Sir

As Chairman of the Committee to whom is referred the letter offering to Congress my Equestrian Portrait of Washington, let me request of you to make the Committee acquainted with a few sentiments in reference to it, which I submit to their consideration.

The design of this Picture was conceived some years ago and the introduction of Lafayette & other figures was suggested by the arrival in our country of a man who possessed the power of carrying back, with affection & gratitude, the minds of millions to a period when the genius & virtue of Washington & the devoted ardour of his adopted son were connected with its salvation & its glory. Washington is represented as having suddenly checked his well-trained charger, and is in the act of giving command to some one who is supposed to be approaching on his right, toward which point his head, his hand & the head of his Horse are energetically directed, producing a concentration of design & effect required in the language of mens of which the Painter addressed himself to the Spectator. The Horse submits to the restraint, but crouches & paws the ground, as if impatient of delay. It is