Jun 21, 2016 - Sale 2420

Sale 2420 - Lot 58

Unsold
Estimate: $ 500 - $ 750
(ART.) Catlin, Putnam. George Catlin's father discusses his education. Autograph Letter Signed to Steuben Butler. 2 pages, 12 1/2 x 7 1/2 inches, plus integral address leaf marked "Paid 15" in manuscript; minor wear. (MRS) Hop Bottom, PA, 3 May 1815
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George Catlin (1796-1872), the great painter of the Plains Indians, was raised in rural Pennsylvania by a Revolutionary War veteran named Putnam Catlin (1764-1842). George initially pursued a law career in nearby Wilkes-Barre, under the mentorship of newspaper publisher Steuben Butler (1789-1881). This letter from Putnam Catlin to Butler is largely dedicated to young George's prospects:
"I have the pleasure of reading your letter by the last mail in the behalf of Geo. The friendship you express for him, while it evinces the goodness of your heart, will be considered by me as a proof of his merit while under your immediate notice. I confess, sir, that I am at this time much perplexed in deciding how to manage as to the education of George as well as the rest of my children. My funds are so limited that I cannot do as I wish. . . . With all my pride and partiality for my children I am obliged to consider myself as a mere farmer, republican farmer, beech woods farmer, without a hired man in this hurrying season of the year. How then am I to spare George and James? I admit that your reasoning is just in regard to George but I know not how to spare him at this time. I shall not be able to give him a public education. If he shall persist in the choice of law, he will have to glean for himself an education in some law office. Perhaps I may indulge him a year at Litchfield. . . . So good a friend ought to have good and sufficient reasons why George is not more indulged at this time." Parts of this letter were published in The Historical Record of Wyoming Valley, page XII:129, although with the incorrect date.