58 ANNUAL MEETING. 



The Keport of the Librarian was read and accepted 

 and ordered to be placed on file. 



The Report of the Auditor was read and accepted and 

 ordered to be placed on file. 



The secretary read the following letter from Mr. Ross 

 Turner donating an oil painting executed by himself. 



To the President and Members of the Essex Institute:— 



Some years ago while visiting the Navy Yard at Charlestown, Mass., 

 I saw the hulk of the old Niagara, moored out in the stream in the 

 last stages of dilapidation and ruin. The sight of this noble ship im- 

 pressed me so much that I began a picture of that subject; although I 

 do not wish to convey the idea that I intended to make a literal por- 

 trait of the old Niagara, but to paint an old, worn-out vessel anchored 

 to her last moorings, lighted by the glowing light of sunset. This 

 picture I entitled " The Last Haven,'" and with your permission I wish 

 to offer it as a gift to the Art Department of the Essex Institute, as a 

 sort of memorial of the ship that assisted in laying the first Atlantic 

 cable. 



With much respect I am yours, 

 Ross Turner. 

 March 31, 1887. 126 Bridge Street, Salem, Mass. 



The following letter was also read : 



Salem, May 16, 1887. 



To Capt. G. M. Whipple, 

 Skc'y Essex Institute. 

 Dear Sir: 



I have been commissioned by a much admired artist, long time res- 

 ident at New York, but a native of Salem, Miss Fidelia Bridges, to 

 tender in her name, to the Essex Institute, the charming picture of 

 "Pastures by the Sea" painted by her and now for the first time 

 shown to the public; and to beg its acceptance as a token of her con- 

 tinued regard for her native city and as an earnest of her interest in 

 the new career upon which the Institute is entering. 



The picture measures fifteen by twenty-nine inches. It shows the 

 correctness of manner and delicacy of touch which characterize the 

 work of this artist. Its merits speafa for themselves, and entitle it to 

 a conspicuous place among the works of art which will adorn the fut- 

 ure home of the Institute. 



I am, respectfully yours, 



ROBERT S. RANTOUL. 



