- More
Robert Field Autograph Letter Signed. Signed: Robt. Field, two pages with integral address leaf, 8" x 9.5", Annapolis, J...
Click the image to load the highest resolution version.
Description
Robert Field Autograph Letter Signed. Signed: Robt. Field, two pages with integral address leaf, 8" x 9.5", Annapolis, July 30, 1800. Written to John Leeds Kerr, a young lawyer and close friend of Francis Scott Key. Field was a long resident of America where he painted portraits of George and Martha Washington as well as many other famous people, and was widely known and celebrated as a miniaturist. Some portraits attributed to Gilbert Stuart are widely thought to be by Field. In this letter he talks about what he has been doing during the three months he spent in Annapolis, and discusses at length and rather amusingly the coarse level of plebian patriotism which revolts against legitimate authority and responds only to a drink of liquor! "I would long since have written could I have found any other subject to talk about than myself, a subject too dull for fancy and too barren for speculation...I have been here three months, have been pretty well employ'd, have been introduced into much good company, have spent my time for the most part pleasantly, have been in love and have gotten out again, and would have gone to Georgetown yesterday if the damn'd stage driver had not gone before his time...Now, sir, let's talk about you a little. I hear you have been speechifying to the monster, you might as well f-t against the thunder as oppose sentiment or argument to the 'howl of plebian patriotism.' To be insolent to our betters, to revile all legitimate authority, to misrepresent every act of administration, to destroy all subordination, to bring everyone down to the level of a coarse and brutal rabble...this is patriotism, such patriotism as the most powerful eloquence will never be able to subvert - cease therefore to reason with those who cannot understand, or to use the powers of persuasion to those who cannot feel. Depend upon it there is no effectual mode of convincing the sovereign people but grog! grog! grog!...I am still deaf to the voice of ambition, and care not if my name should never be mentioned by posterity, in the same century with Lyon and Gallatin, with Duane and Jefferson...'. In fine condition; light overall toning; small hole on the first page from original wax seal; usual folds are present.Shipping, Taxes, Terms and Bidding
Calculate Standard Domestic Shipping
Sales Tax information | Terms and Conditions
Bidding Guidelines and Bid Increments
Glossary of Terms
Auction Info
Buyer's Premium per Lot:
19.5% of the successful bid (minimum $9) per lot.
Floor auctions
Open for bidding: (View All)Fine Art
Ends on 05/24/2018
Fine Art
Ends on 05/31/2018
Comics & Comic Art
Ends on 06/02/2018
Historical
Ends on 06/02/2018
Photography
Ends on 06/05/2018
Fine Art
Ends on 06/07/2018
Fine Art
Ends on 06/08/2018
Decorative Art
Ends on 06/08/2018
Old West
Ends on 06/09/2018
Arms & Armor
Ends on 06/10/2018
Luxury Accessories
Ends on 06/10/2018
Jewelry & Timepieces
Ends on 06/11/2018
US Coins
Opens about 05/25/2018
Comics & Comic Art
Opens about 05/29/2018
Fine Art
Opens about 05/29/2018
Fine Art
Opens about 05/29/2018
Fine & Rare Wine
Opens about 06/01/2018
Ethnographic Art
Opens about 06/05/2018
Luxury Real Estate
Opens about 04/27/2018
Currency
Opens about 06/08/2018
World & Ancient Coins
Opens about 06/04/2018
Decorative Art
Opens about 06/08/2018
US Coins
Opens about 06/22/2018
Fine Art
Opens about 06/27/2018
Sports Collectibles
Opens about 06/27/2018
Entertainment
Opens about 07/02/2018
Heritage membership
- Past Auction Values (prices, photos, full descriptions, etc.)
- Bid online
- Free Collector newsletter
- Want List with instant e-mail notifications
- Reduced auction commissions when you resell your
winnings
- Cash Advances
- More Bidders
- Trusted Experts
- Over 200,000 Satisfied Consignors Since 1976
Learn about consigning with us
This was my first time dealing with an auction house, and I am 100% completely impressed with Heritage. There is not an aspect of this process that I have a critique for.View More Testimonials
HA.com receives more traffic than any other auction house website. (Source: Similarweb.com)
Recent auctions
