clear space clear space clear space white space
A
 r c h i v e s   o f   M a r y l a n d   O n l i n e

PLEASE NOTE: The searchable text below was computer generated and may contain typographical errors. Numerical typos are particularly troubling. Click “View pdf” to see the original document.

  Maryland State Archives | Index | Help | Search
search for:
clear space
white space
Proceedings and Acts of the General Assembly, 1733-1736
Volume 39, Preface 5   View pdf image (33K)
 Jump to  
  << PREVIOUS  NEXT >>
clear space clear space clear space white space

Letter of Transmission. v

This period has received careful study by Professor St. G. L. Sioussat, of
Brown University, whose monograph in The Johns Hopkins University Studies
for 1903 (vol. 21) entitled "Economics and Politics in Maryland 1720-1750,
and the Public Services of Daniel Dulany the Elder," should be read by every
student of the period.

Our purpose in preparing this volume has been that described by Wordsworth,
when writing to Scott (Lockhart's Life of Scott, II 218): "A correct text
is the first object of an editor, then such notes as explain difficult or obscure
passages; and, lastly, which is much less important, notes pointing out authors
to whom the writer has been indebted,—not in the fiddling way of phrase here
and phrase there (which is detestable as a general practice); but where he has
had essential obligations, either as to matter or manner."

We have held before us, as an example, the diligence of James Boswell, who
wrote, in his enthusiasm for truth: " I have sometimes been obliged, to run
half over London, in order to fix a date correctly: which, when I had
accomplished, I well knew would obtain me no praise, though a failure would
have been to my discredit." (Hill's Boswell's Johnson I, p. 7.)

In Volume 38, at page 288, the naturalization act of Gustavus Hesselius
was printed. He was too distinguished a person to have been passed over
without a word in the preface. Born in Sweden in 1682, he came to the United
States in 1711, and was the earliest organ-builder and painter of repute in
British North America. (Sketches of him will be found in 29 Pa. Mag. 130
and 26 N. E. Mag. 30.) In 1719, he removed to Prince George's County. In
1720, the vestry of St. Barnabas' Parish in that country engaged him to paint
the church, and to paint an altar piece and communion table, and to write such
sentences of Scripture as shall be thought proper thereon. Rev. Jacob
Henderson was the Rector. On September 5, 1721, the vestry gave him
what has been termed the " first commission on record for a work of art for a
public building in America," viz: to " draw the History of our Blessed Saviour
and the Twelve Apostles at the last supper, the institution of the Blessed
Sacrament of His body and blood, proportioned to the space over the altar
piece, to find the cloth and all other necessaries for the same (the frame and
gold leaf excepted, which Mr. Henderson engages to procure and bestow on the
Church)." Mr. Hesselius to paint the frame, for all which the vestry is to
pay him when finished, £17 current money, and Mr. Henderson further engages
to have it fixed up over the Altar at his own cost. " This painting was made,
and, four years later, Mr. Hesselius painted the " altar and the rails of the
Communion Table." Charles Henry Hart wrote " that more than seven years,
prior to the arrival in this country of John Smibert, who is commonly regarded


 

clear space
clear space
white space

Please view image to verify text. To report an error, please contact us.
Proceedings and Acts of the General Assembly, 1733-1736
Volume 39, Preface 5   View pdf image (33K)
 Jump to  
  << PREVIOUS  NEXT >>


This web site is presented for reference purposes under the doctrine of fair use. When this material is used, in whole or in part, proper citation and credit must be attributed to the Maryland State Archives. PLEASE NOTE: The site may contain material from other sources which may be under copyright. Rights assessment, and full originating source citation, is the responsibility of the user.


Tell Us What You Think About the Maryland State Archives Website!



An Archives of Maryland electronic publication.
For information contact mdlegal@mdarchives.state.md.us.

©Copyright  August 16, 2024
Maryland State Archives