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American artist and inventor (1791–1872) whose development of the telegraph revolutionized worldwide communication. ALS signed “Sam'l F. B. Morse,” four pages on two adjoining sheets, 5 x 8, September 9, 1864. Handwritten letter to William Stickney, a co-founder of the Columbia Institution for the Deaf (now Gallaudet University). In part: "In reply to yours of the 7th just received, I would say that I am less in the way of knowing who among the various artists to recommend to you, than you suppose. I have been for so long a period separated from Art, that I have not been well posted in the abilities of a new generation of artists who have arisen around me, and more than made good the generation whom they succeed.
Huntington, my former pupil and now the Prest. of the Academy, is an excellent painter, who would execute such a portrait well, if his engagements will allow him to undertake it. H. P. Gray is another. Baker is the best portrait painter of the males that I know in the country, but I fear he has too many commissions already, to allow him to undertake it. I commissioned him to paint my daughter nearly two years ago, but he has not yet commenced her portrait.
There are others I have no doubt who would do such a commission justice, but without special inquiry which I will make for you when I go to New York, I am at present unable to direct you to any but those I have mentioned. Congratulate for me, Mr. Kendall, on the Chicago nominations. Under the circumstances of the country, none better could have been made. If McClellan & Pendleton are the successful candidates at the November election, I shall have hope of the country. If Lincoln is reelected, I shall despair." In fine condition.
An interesting letter in which Morse acknowledges his 'past life' as a successful painter, renowned for portraits of the likes of John Adams, James Monroe, and the Marquis de Lafayette. Here, he recommends three artists for a potential commission: Daniel Huntington and Henry Peters Gray, both of whom had studied under Morse; and George Baker, an excellent portrait painter and popular miniaturist.
He also opines on the forthcoming election, which saw the incumbent President Lincoln square off against the Democratic ticket of George B. McLellan and George H. Pendleton. In spite of his anti-Lincoln, pro-slavery views, Morse's invention—the telegraph—revolutionized military communication in the United States and played a leading role in the Union Army's organization and success in the Civil War.
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