1To Thomas Jefferson from Charles Willson Peale, [after 3 December 1791] (Jefferson Papers)
Was I under a mistake in expecting the favor of your sitting at One O’clock this day? You will oblige me in appointing the time that will be most convenient, to yourself. I have a great desire to exert my abilities in this portrait, and your indulgence will grately obligate Honored Sir your very Humble Servt., FC ( PPAP : Peale Letter Book); in Peale’s hand; undated, but the letter immediately...
2To John Adams from Charles Willson Peale, 13 December 1796 (Adams Papers)
The American Philosophical Society, desirous of expressing due Regard for Preeminence in Science and Virtue, have directed an Eulogium to be prepared to the Memory of their late President Dr. David Rittenhouse ; which is to be pronounced before the Society on Saturday next, the 17th instant, in the Presbyterian Church, in Market Street, at 12 o’clock. With the highest Deference, it is...
3To Thomas Jefferson from Charles Willson Peale, 6 February 1797 (Jefferson Papers)
Last June I received a Letter from you, respecting an exchange of the Subjects of Natural History, that the Hereditary Prince of Parma was desireous of making. I answered your Letter in the same month (which I hope was received) and although I have had other avocations, such as Bridge building &c., yet I have made a beginning in this work and I have preserved such subjects as have occasionly...
4To Thomas Jefferson from Charles Willson Peale, [13? December 1791] (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of sitting today will oblige Your very Hble Servt., FC ( PPAP : Peale Letter Book); in Peale’s hand; undated except as above, but the letter succeeding this one was written after an illness and apparently after some lapse of time on 12 Jan. 1792. The one immediately preceding it is the note to TJ printed at 3 Dec. 1791. Neither Peale’s two notes nor TJ’s presumed replies are...
5To George Washington from Charles Willson Peale, 27 June 1790 (Washington Papers)
I wish to be settled near Congress, and my Museum under their Patronage, having just heard that the office of Post master General is Vacant, if my abilities may be thought sufficient to do justice to such an appointment, I would use my best endeavours to be a faithful servant. Excuse me if I have made an improper tender of my service to fill such an office. I would not in the smallest matter...
6To Thomas Jefferson from Charles Willson Peale, 22 June 1796 (Jefferson Papers)
The first object of my Life is the inrichment of my Museum, In this view, I mean to continue my labours of preserving Duplicates of American Subjects for the purpose of exchanging them for those of other Countries, altho’ I have been rather unfortunate in an attempt of this kind with Sweden —It is 6 years since I sent, by the recommendation of my friend Dr. Collin, some preserved Birds: This...
7Charles Willson Peale to Tobias Lear, 23 March 1792 (Washington Papers)
Museum [Philadelphia] 23 Mar. 1792. Oblige me by using the enclosed cards at your leisure, and I will be pleased if my labors can contribute in the least to your amusements. “I have now the prospect before me that by the assistance of Gentlemen of science, and by the Aid of a Generous Public to be enabled me to spend the remainder of my time in bringing the Museum into such perfection and...