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Gift of Mr. T. Kenneth Ellis
Alvan Fisher Personal Papers (SC-33). Gift of Mr. T. Kenneth Ellis. VMFA Archives, Richmond, Virginia.
Transcription:
PAID
Charles H. Hall Esqre
Newyork
To the care of Thos H. Smith
Charleston
Alvan Fisher
December 24th, 1822
Recd January 2d, 1823
Charleston 24th Decr 1822
Charles H. Hall Esqre,
Dear Sir, your letter of the 11th Just was this day recei’d. I am sorry to find that I did not mention in my former letter that Mr Wright is a resident at this place, particularly as much time is lost thereby.
In order that you may form some idea of Mr Wrights style of engraving, I have enclosed an impression of an animal owned in this place called Twig he is by regular descent one of the decendants of the Godolphin Arabian, this print (which is a strong likeness) will, I think convince you that his claims are good, to the honour that I have mentioned.
I will observe respecting this engraving, that it was executed merely for the purpose of putting at the head of Bills, (the horse being kept for a [?] horse) and done in so much haste that Mr Wright had no impression taken from the plate white executing, an omission not common among engravers even on subjects of less importance. Notwithstanding the haste with which it was done I think you will not fail to observe the beauty and firmness in the lining [?] of the animal as well as beauty of the etching of the ground and sky. I am inclined to send this specimen as it is the largest of the animal kind that he has done. I have no doubt should you think proper to give Mr W. the engraving of the plate that he would give you something far beyond this specimen.
Mr Wright is still willing to do it on the terms which I stated in my former letter. It is impossible for Mr Wright to say say definately what he should charge as he does not know the size of the plate desi-red nor if there is to be figures and Land-scape introduced. He recei'd thirty dollars for engraving the plate of this horse. If he engraves it he will engrave it in the line manner, he executes in no other manner.
Mr W. wishes to do this rather as an introduc-ction to Newyork than anything else, as he contemplates settling in that place next spring.
The eclat which ""Old Ironsides"" gained in the late race pleases me much. I assure you that I laugh without mercy at these boasting ""Southoons"" [?] in consequence of our Northern Victory. It is nuts for me, and I crack them open the arro-gant assumption of this people. I sincerely hope that the North will retain the character which they have gained for superior speed and which they have always had for bottom - this last remark will apply to the sciences and general literature.
This place is very dull buisness generally stagnant. the late attempt at insurrection has cast a damp upon many. much slave property will be disposed of this winter, and its owners will remove to the North.
I am Dear Sir,
Yours respectfully
Alvan Fisher
