712 THE GEORGE CATLIN INDIAN GALLERY. 



Mr. Catlin was moral and religious by nature. He belonged to no 

 sect or creed, but was a devout man. His charity, as shown in his writ- 

 ings and in his private life, were above all things. Assaulted by fellow- 

 workers in the same line, the victim of malice and desire for gain, patiently 

 he held his pen and tongue, and by no word in his writings does he dis- 

 play resentment toward his rivals. 



His manner of speech was vivacious and ready until after deafness 

 came upon him at about fifty years of age. After this time he wrote a 

 great deal in answer to questions. He had been a most accomplished 

 conversationalist, with graphic descriptive powers. After his return 

 to America in October, 1870, he became an object of much interest to 

 American scientists, and received earnest attention from Prof. Joseph 

 Henry. Children became very fond of him, and his greatest pleasure 

 in America in the years immediately preceding his death was to sit in 

 the midst of a party of children, some on his knees, others on the arms 

 of his chair, and amuse and interest them by hours with tales of his life 

 and adventures. In middle life he was a charming man, and in old age 

 a lovable one. Mr. Catlin was always deaf, in one ear, but about 1862 

 he became almost entirely deaf in both ears. This made conversation 

 with him most difficult and rendered him a recluse. He avoided society, 

 and only answered questions asked him in writing. 



His fondness for children was proverbial. 



HIS MANHOOD AND INTEGRITY. 



He had a faculty of attracting men to him and to holding their friend- 

 ship j his moral honesty and integrity were so plain and patent that a 

 desire for better acquaintance resulted. 



Dr. Francis Yinton and Dr. S. Irenaeus Prime, who knew him inti- 

 mately, bore testimony to his virtues and his ability. 



The letters from Mr. Clay, Professor Silliman, and Thomas Sully, which 

 he carried to Europe in 1839-^40, are evidence of his high social stand- 

 ing — a standing that was the result of character and capacity. 



Mentally he [George Catlin] might not be what the world calls a genius, but mor- 

 ally he was beautiful. His simple manners and modest deportment made a favorable 

 impression upon you at the first interview, and this was continued throughout all 

 after intercourse. Along with it you felt a conviction of the incorruptible honesty 

 and truthful sincerity of the man. Among the many public characters I have met, 

 I can remember none who, so much as George Catlin, strengthened within my mind 

 the pleasant faith that, in this world of wicked people, there are still true, amiable 

 men. — Capt. Mayne Reid's Onward, pages 401, 402, May, 1869. 



MR. CATLIN SOCIALLY. 



In the United States, prior to his European journey of 1839 and after 

 his return in 1871, Mr. Catlin was welcomed as the guest and friend of 

 statesmen and scientists. In London and Paris he was much sought 

 for by elegant and refined society. In Berlin he was the associate of 



