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New York 31 July, 1829

Gentlemen

For several years past I have strictly devoted myself to the profession of the Liberal arts and flatter myself that my efforts have not been [[detrimental?]] their interests. The reason why or wherefore I, an American Artist, bearing with me an unblemished moral reputation, should have been selected by both American Academy of Fine Arts, as well as the self-denominated Academy of Design, appears mysterious and illiberal, and not in accordance with the principles of religion or democracy. Had not an enthusiastic love of and devotion to the Fine Arts guided my reason, at this day I should have become one of the most inveterate enemies to both institutions. Philosophy has