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have in eliciting further efforts and improved talents in every native Artist aspiring to honourable distinction - For it is only by opportunity and encouragement they can demonstrate their ability to adjust in adding spendour to our National Glory, or in confirming the influence of principles inseperable from the character & history of our Revolution. Our public Edifices have been constructed by native architects & are beginning to do honour to their genius. It is true the costly Sculpture which decorates them is all from foreign hands - but shall not their walls be animated by the pencils of Americans who, otherwise, must look to Europe for a home? If so much has been done under discouraging circumstances, how much greater talent & more useful demonstration of it may not be expected when excited by the highest emulation for national patronage. The wealth of Individuals cannot yet afford much to the costly productions of the Arts, yet our public bodies, in the mere furniture of their Halls, have ample means to cherish all the talent in the Country, which could aspire to distinction abroad. Though I might not be permitted to speak in praise of my own performance as a work of Art, I am justified by the approbation of distinguished judges, in offering this Portrait as a true & characteristic likeness of Washington - and would