Philadelphia Oct 14 1856.

Page 1

Dear Marsh,

As you are strong be generous & forgive me for not answering your brilliant jewel of last month before this.

The most important news I have to communicate is, Mrs Healy & all the little Healies, including Grandmama are to be in New York on the 7 of next month, on the Fulton from Havre: I am on my way to join them. -- Yesterday I completed a half of Hyman Grattz of this city, which is perhaps the best thing I have done. These people want me to settle here, which shows they do not know Chicago!

I shall meet you in Washington some time next January, I want Congress to give

me an order to paint the Franklin subject like the sketch; which hangs beside the large picture, should this be done, I intend to remain in the country a year or 18 months longer to make my family comfortable! & then in case of accident to the old thing himself, they would be .

Should you or Mrs. Marsh be in New york within the next 3 weeks drop me a line care of Colonel Thorn 8. West 16 N.y. I trust to be able to start for the Chicago the 15 of next month.

When we meet I shall tell you all about my doings in the west. Give my affectionate regards to Mrs. Marsh & George &

believe me as everMost Sincerely yoursGeo P A Healy

P.S. I shall call on Mr & Mrs Pain in N.Y.

References in this letter:

The American portrait painter, George Peter Alexander Healy (1813-1894), was one of the most popular artists of his time. He is known for his paintings of presidents, statesman, and members of Society on both sides of the Atlantic. A native of Boston, he studied in France under Antoine-Jean Gros and established a studio in Paris. In 1840, the U.S. Minister to France, General Lewis Cass, introduced Healy to King Louis Phillippe, and his reputation was established in Europe. In all, Healy made thirty trans-Atlantic trips but settled in Chicago at the behest of a wealthy Illinois businessman, William Butler Ogden.