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ROBERT FIELD HANDWRITTEN SIGNED LETTERS W/CONTENT

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"I THINK FRANK KEY ONE OF THE FINEST AND MOST AMIABLE"

605. ROBERT FIELD (1769 - 1819). English artist long resident of America where he painted portraits of George and Martha Washington as well as several signatories of the Declaration of Independence and other notables; widely celebrated for his miniatures. Excellent collection of four ALsS, 6pp, 7½"x9¼", Maryland, 1800-03. All are penned to young attorney John Leeds Kerr in Easton, a close friend of Francis Scott Key. Some amusing content, early, undated, apparently meant in jest as Kerr's romantic rival regarding a lady in Oxford. Field apparently visited her, and writes in small part, "...you are dish'd. You have now an excellent occasion to exert your philosophy - consider, its according to the rule of right, and the fitness of things, that superior charms should have superior influence, and therefore as an advocate for religious, moral and physical order, you have no reason to repine...Don't hang yourself till you again have the torment of seeing your happy rival and deadly enemy..." May 4, 1800, Field writes from Shoal Creek, MD, requesting Kerr forward any letters to him to Centerville. "...I have finished little Maria, and after I have painted Mr. Margin's child I mean to see Annapolis so that if you know any clever young man there whose acquaintance is worth having, give me a letter..." The letter provided by Kerr is an introduction to Francis Scott Key. On Jun 27, he again writes to Kerr, mentioning his acquaintance with Key. In part, "I received yours by Mr. Goldsborough and marveled much that you should dub me in love so suddenly. What the devil, cannot an artist look at a pair of black eyes in a professional way [without being] scandalized in this abominable manner. I have you to know that I am superior to the weakness of common mortals...I like this place much better than any I have seen in America, both with respect to the situation and also for the encouragement I have met with...I think Frank Key one of the finest and most amiable young men I ever saw in my life; he is just at that age and has all the poetic fervor of imagination which renders the company of youth so delightful...I return you many thanks for introducing me to him..." Lastly, Apr 10, 1803, Field again writes from Annapolis a lengthy letter to Kerr, apparently at a time he was feeling depressed that he had no one with whom to share his life. In part, "...Whether I have more than ordinary ideas of the felicity of the married state, and of those qualities requisite for so intimate and indissoluble a union; or whether I possess a more than ordinary share of vanity, perhaps time may determine...Yet I live in hope and tho' she has often deceived me I cannot help gazing with delight on her bewitching smiles, and listening to her fascinating song..." Switching to political matters, Field continues, "...I suppose you have heard that Despard and six other traitors have been executed in England, their heads cut off and exposed in terrorem. May such be the fate of all traitors in all countries, and may their ignominious but just and necessary punishment be a warning to those 'troublers of the poor world's peace,' those restless, turbulent and mischievous spirits who, tho' they assume the name of Patriot, delight in nothing so much as disturbing national tranquility..." He closes, "How goes on Masonry, and how far have you and Goldsborough advanced..." All boldly penned and signed, the address panel penned in his hand. Fine examples with revealing content and associations. Est: $200-400

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