714 THE GEORGE CATLIN INDIAN GALLERY. 



The following are of interest : 



Mr. Clay's letter of introduction for Mr. CatUn to Lord SelJcirlc. 



Washington, July 7, 1838. 



My Lokd : Mr. George Catlin, a citizen of the United States, who will present this 

 letter, has been engaged many years among various Indian tribes who inhabit this 

 continent, and collected a mass of valuable information touching the habits, usages, 

 and laws, and the state of society among them, surpassing that which was probably 

 ever possessed by any man, or what is to be found in any books. He has also made 

 a large and most curious and interesting collection of articles of manufacture and 

 wearing apparel, instruments of war, &c., in use among the Indians. To all of which 

 he has added many Indian portraits, landscapes, views, &c. 



(Mr. Catlin) * * * embarked in the hazardous enterprise which has led to these 

 results with the greatest enthusiasm. He is a most interesting and highly intelligent 

 gentleman. He goes to Euro pe for the purpose of exhibiting and possibly selling his 

 rare and curious cabinet. 



I shall be greatly obliged by any friendly attentions which your lordship may find 

 it convenient to tender to him. 



I have the honor to be, with high respect, your lordship's obedient servant, 



H. Clay. 



Earl Selkirk. 



Prof. Benjamin Silliman's general letter of introduction for Mr. Catlin in Europe. 



United States, North America, 

 Yale College, New Raven, Octoier 14, 1839. 



George Catlin, esq., of New York, is personally known to me as a gentleman of 

 great intelligence, respectability, and worth, and in this character he is advantage- 

 ously known to great numbers of his countrymen. 



Although trained in the profession of jurisprudence Ms taste led him to the pencil, 

 and a spirit of adventure sustained by a noble enthusiasm led him to traverse the 

 region of the remote West beyond the Mississippi, the Missouri, and the Rocky Moun- 

 tains for the purpose of rescuing from oblivion the still numerous aboriginal nations 

 of whom there is too much reason to fear that there will be too soon no other memo- 

 rial. Among these nations Mr. Catlin lived on friendly terms for seven years, and the 

 result is contained in his splendid gallery of original portraits, nearly five hundred 

 in number — ^numerous with sketches of scenery, of manners, costumes, geological 

 structure, &c., illustrated by a large and varied collection of weapons, utensils, 

 dresses, &c., which together form a most interesting and instructive exhibition, en- 

 tirely original and unique in character. 



These things serve as a text for Mr. Catlin's spirited and very attractive conversa- 

 tions and lectures. 



As he is about to visit Europe with his works, I beg leave to recommend Mm to all 

 persons who may have any knowledge of geological specimens. 



Benjamin Silliman. 



SOME REMINISCENCES OF MR. CATLIN. 



The following reminiscence of Mr. Catlin was in a letter written by 

 George Harvey, the artist, to the New Tork Post, from E"©. 82 Fifth 

 avenue, December 23, 1872 : 



I have just received a telegram * * * of the death of George Catlin. 



« ff # 4> * « « 



Poor Catlin ! How oft have I grieved in his straits and trials while trying to plead 

 the cause of the red Indian, both in his native country and in Europe. Catlin's life- 

 long labors will now be appreciated. Death bars the doors of jealousies and envies. 



