1To John Adams from Joseph Delaplaine, 29 May 1813 (Adams Papers)
I have commenced the publication of engraved portraits of the eminent men of our country, by Mr: Edwin and Leney, in their best style. Have the goodness to inform me, whether there is an approved likeness of you, by whom painted, and in whose possession it is. And be pleased also to grant me permission to have it engraved. The portait of Dr. Rush, from a painting by Mr. Sully, is in the hands...
2To John Adams from Joseph Delaplaine, 6 December 1815 (Adams Papers)
I had the honor of writing to you nearly 2 years ago & was favoured with your reply on the subject of your portrait.—You mentioned that you would feel gratified in receiving a portrait of Mr. Jay & Dr Rush. I now take the liberty of enclosing one of each, which I beg you to accept as a token of my great respect. My work of the biography & Portraits of distinguished Americans is progressing &...
3To John Adams from Joseph Delaplaine, 24 December 1815 (Adams Papers)
I have received you very obliging favour, & thank you for you kindness in promising to sit to Mr. Morse, for your portrait for me. I enclose a letter for him in which I have requested him to wait on you at Your house, and I will pay every expence attending his journey. Do me the favour of sending it to him enclosed in one from yourself, in which be pleased to invite him.— I am extremely...
4To John Adams from Joseph Delaplaine, 9 January 1816 (Adams Papers)
I had the honor of receiving your very obliging favour of the 1st. instant, giving me a sketch of your life, which is highly satisfactory, & for which be pleased to accept my sincere thanks. I shall have the pleasure of speaking to young Dr. Rush, with whom I am acquainted respecting the sketch which you have mentioned. I am glad you have settled the plan with Mr: Morse, to whom be pleased to...
5To John Adams from Joseph Delaplaine, 10 February 1816 (Adams Papers)
I received your last obliging letter, & thank you most sincerely for the information it contains. I beg leave at the same time to tender my acknowledgments for the kind & prompt manner with which you have answered my several letters.— The Revd. Dr. Morse informs me that his son’s portrait of you for me, is acknowledged to be the best likeness ever taken of you. I am very happy to hear it. I...
6To John Adams from Joseph Delaplaine, 27 February 1816 (Adams Papers)
You had done me the honour of answering my letters to you, so fully, that I had supposed I should never again, perhaps, trespass on your time and attention. I am induced, however, once more, to trouble you. I this day received an anonymous letter, under no date, and bearing the Boston Post office mark. It is very well written, and appears disinterested. It is respectful, liberal, and evinces a...
7To James Madison from Joseph Delaplaine, 15 May 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
15 May 1812, Philadelphia. Solicits JM’s “patronage to the Emporium of Arts & Sciences … not for the pecuniary value of the subscription, but for the honor of [his] name.” “Mr. Jefferson has favoured me with his name,” as have several members of Congress. Requests JM, if he approves, to write his name on the same paper. If JM declines, requests the return of the prospectus. Also asks that...
8To James Madison from Joseph Delaplaine, 23 May 1813 (Madison Papers)
I have commenced the publication of a series of Engraved portraits of the emminent men of our country, by Mr. Edwin & Leney, in the best style. Have the goodness to inform me whether there is an approved likeness of yourself, who painted by, & in whose possession it is. Mr. Edwin & myself have talked on the subject. He has shown me a small painting of you which I fear is not an approved...
9To James Madison from Joseph Delaplaine, 18 November 1814 (Madison Papers)
It gives me much pleasure to inform you that Mr. Edwin, in a conversation with him this day on the subject of your portrait, feels every disposition to have it brought out in a proper & unexceptionable manner. Accordingly I have placed the picture and also the plate engraved by Mr. Jones, in his hands for the purpose of alteration. Mr. Edwin says he can readily make such improvements as will...
10To James Madison from Joseph Delaplaine, 31 January 1816 (Madison Papers)
Although I caused a Copy of your portrait to be taken for the purpose of having an engraving taken from it, yet, as it has not been executed, and as Mr. Wood our distinguished portrait painter goes to Washington to paint your portrait for me, I think it will serve my work better to have one of you at this age & from the life too, than a mere copy & from a picture painted many years ago. Have...