Letter of Edward Everett, of February 12, 1834, to Davies about Leslie, an artist, becoming a Professor at USMA.

Washington 12th Feby. 1834

  Dear Sir,

I have your favor of the 7th instant, relative to the establishment proposed for Mr. Leslie at Westpoint.- Having much at heart a provision for this gentlemen, which will enable the United States to retain the advantage & honor of his residence among us, I much regret that the Gentlemen of Your Academic Corps should feel aggrieved at that, which has been proposed by the Secretary of War.  It is so difficult, under a government like ours, to extend any patronage to the Arts, that I heard, I confess, with great satisfaction, that in the present instance, something was to be done to fix one of the most distinguished artists of the age, in a permanent residence among us. -

For myself I should cheerfully accede to Your proposal of raising all the professorships to the same footing; but this I fear in the present temper of Congress is impossible.  The whole Institution is assailed with great vehemence; and all the efforts of its friends will be required to sustain it.-  Such a moment is of course very unpropitious for a measure like that which you indicate.-

At the same time I am aware that a very strong dissatisfaction on the part of the gentlemen at the point may prevent the confirmation by Congress of the plan proposed for the establishment of Leslie.  That plan takes nothing from what has been heretofore enjoyed by those gentlemen  Your emoluments are not diminished by the increase of his.-  It is not for me to judge for others how far the point d'honneur is invaded.  But inasmuch as this measure is not intended as a disparagement to them (and intent in nearly all in a case of this Kind) I should hope that gentlemen in other departments would not feel injured by any arrangement, which imparts nothing but a respect to Mr Leslie's talents as a painter. 

One thing only, in the whole case, is certain.  A vigorous opposition on the part of the Gentlemen of the Academic Corps may compel Mr L. to leave the point & probably the Country; but can hardly produce any other effect.-  Whether when all is past & gone by, this will be a result, which you would consider a less evil than that of acquiescing in his establishment as proposed, I cannot undertake to predict.-

Pardon, Dear Sir, the freedom of my reflections, which nothing but my full reliance on you candor would have lead me to indulge.

      I am, Dear Sir, with high regard-

                  Faithfully Yours

Transcription by George Rosenstein.
Web page created December 17, 2000.