2117. DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE, Pictures of.—
Mr. Barralet's
sketch of the ornaments proposed to accompany
the publication of the Declaration of Independence,
contemplated by Mr. Murray and yourself,
has been received. I am too little versed in
the art of design to be able to offer any suggestions
to the artist. As far as I am a judge,
the composition appears to be judicious and
well-imagined. Were I to hazard a suggestion,
it should be that Mr. Hancock, as President
of Congress, should occupy the middle and
principal place. No man better merited than
did Mr. John Adams to hold a most conspicuous
place in the design.—
To William P. Gardner.
Ford ed., ix, 377.
(M.
Feb. 1813)
