Letter, 1839 Oct. 14, Logansport, to J. Slocum

Description:	Handwritten letter (copy) , incomplete From: [George Winter], Logansport, Oct. 14, 1839To: J. SlocumAL, 3 p. (one sheet, folded) Discussing difficulties with receiving proper payment for his portrait of Frances and her daughters. He journeyed to Peru and waited there to meet Slocum, who never appeared, in order to settle with him upon a price for the prospective portrait. He was distressed that Slocum had given a Mr. Miller only $20 to pay G.W., an insultingly small amount. G.W. paid his visit to Frances at an inconvenient time for him, but felt that the uncertainty of her health and Slocums limited time in Indiana dictated an early trip. G.W. made the journey alone and on foot, which was very tiring in the hot weather. Frances and her family then refused to be painted, as they had expected Slocum to return with G.W., and in his absence doubted G.W.s legitimacy and feared they would be charged for his work. Only under great pressure did Frances consent to sit, but the daughters would not let themselves be painted. He would also have liked to sketch the grandchildren, the log house, and the scenery, and indeed attempted to sketch the house but was forbidden by Frances. Indians are superstitious about having their likenesses made. G.W. went then to Chief Godfroys where Godfroy and Brouriette both saw and approved of the portrait. G.W. will charge Slocum no more than he would have for a portrait done in his own studio; the canvas will measure 29x36 inches, which will allow him to include Frances hands. The charge will be only $75, even though due to his absence he lost the chance to paint the son of Walker (Ewings partner). He will begin the work the next day and hopes to do credit with it to his reputation as an artist.
Origin:	1839-10-14
Created By:	Winter, George, 1810-1876;
Contributor(s):	Slocum, Jon;
Publisher:	Tippecanoe County Historical Association
Source:	http://earchives.lib.purdue.edu/cdm/ref/collection/gwinter/id/687
Collection:	George Winter
Copyright:	Images in the George Winter Collection should not be used without written permission from the Tippecanoe County Historical Association. To obtain reproduction rights and prices, contact the Tippecanoe County Historical Association at info@tippecanoehistory.org
Subjects:	Winter, George, 1810-1876--Correspondence Slocum, Francis, 1773-1847 Painting Indians of North America Superstitions Business & finance

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