Rembrandt used to
pass much of his time in the studio, and in 1786, when the best of
the portraits was painted, he stood at the back of his father's
chair watching the operation. In 1795, when he was but seventeen
years of age, he had himself become a good painter, and Washington
then honored him with three sittings of three hours each. The
young artist, who was naturally timid and nervous in such a presence
and at such a work, got his father to begin a portrait at the same
time, and to keep the General in conversation while the work went
on. The study of Washington's head then painted by Rembrandt Peale
served as the basis of the famous portrait of him which he afterward
painted, and which was pronounced by contemporaries of Washington
his best likeness. It was exhibited to admiring crowds in Europe
and the United States, and in 1832 was purchased for two thousand
dollars by the Federal Government, to be hung in the Capitol.

Rev. Charles W. Upham, who represented the Essex district of
Massachusetts in Congress, was at one time a victim to our copyright
laws. He had compiled with care a life of George Washington, from
his own letters, which was, therefore, in some sense, an autobiography.
The holders of copyright in Washington's letters, including, if I
am not mistaken, Judge Washington and Dr. Sparks, considered the
publication of this book by Marsh, Capen & Lyons, of Boston, who
had no permission from them, as an infringement of their copyright.
The curious question thus presented was tried before Judge Story,
who held that it was an infringement, and granted an injunction
against the sale of the book. The plates, thus becoming worthless
here, were sold to an English house, which printed them.

Jullien, the great musician, gave two concerts at the National
Theatre, Washington, in the fall of 1853, with his large orchestra
and a galaxy of glorious stars. The effect of many of their
performances was overpowering, and the enraptured multitude often
for a moment appeared to forget their accustomed restraints, and
arose to wave their scarfs or hats in triumph, or blended their
shouts of applause with the concluding strains of the "Quadrille
Nationale," and other entrancing pieces. The solos were all
magnificent and the entire performance was a triumphant success.

[Facsimile]
Thaddeus Stevens
THADDEUS STEVENS was born at Peacham, Vermont, April 4th, 1792;
was a Representative from Pennsyvlania, December 3d,