The Life, Studies, and Works of Benjamin West, Esq. | Page 8

in his first and juvenile essay, which, with all his subsequent
knowledge and experience, he had not been able to surpass.

Chap. II.

The Artist visits Philadelphia.--His second Picture.--Williams the
Painter gives him the works of Fresnoy and Richardson.--Anecdote of
the Taylor's Apprentice.--The Drawings of the Schoolboys.--Anecdote
relative to Wayne.--Anecdote relative to Mr. Flower.--Anecdote
relative to Mr. Ross,--Anecdote of Mr. Henry.--The Artist's first
Historical Picture.--Origin of his Acquaintance with Dr. Smith of
Philadelphia.--The friendship of Dr. Smith, and the character of the
early companions of West.--Anecdote of General Washington.
In the course of a few days after the affair of the painting, Mr.

Pennington paid another visit to Mr. West; and was so highly pleased
with the effect of his present, and the promising talents of his young
relation, that he entreated the old gentleman to allow Benjamin to
accompany him for a few days to Philadelphia. This was cheerfully
agreed to, and the Artist felt himself almost, as much delighted with the
journey as with the box of colours. Every thing in the town filled him
with astonishment; but the view of the shipping, which was entirely
new, particularly attracted his eye, and interested him like the
imaginary spectacles of magic.
When the first emotions of his pleasure and wonder had subsided, he
applied to Mr. Pennington to procure him materials for painting. That
gentleman was desirous of getting possession of the first picture, and
had only resigned what he jocularly alleged were his just claims, in
consideration of the mother's feelings, and on being assured that the
next picture should be purposely painted for him. The materials were
procured, and the Artist composed a landscape, which comprehended a
picturesque view of a river, with vessels on the water, and cattle
pasturing on the banks. While he was engaged in this picture, an
incident occurred which, though trivial in itself, was so much in unison
with the other circumstances that favoured the bent of his genius, that it
ought not to be omitted.
Samuel Shoemaker [Footnote: This gentleman was afterwards
introduced by Mr. West to the King, at Windsor, as one of the
American Loyalists.], an intimate friend of Mr. Pennington, one of the
principal merchants of Philadelphia, happened to meet in the street with
one Williams, a Painter, carrying home a picture. Struck by the beauty
of the performance, he enquired if it was intended for sale, and being
told that it was already disposed of, he ordered another to be painted for
himself. When the painting was finished, he requested the Artist to
carry it to Mr. Pennington's house, in order that it might be shewn to
young West. It was very well executed, and the boy was so much
astonished at the sight of it, that his emotion and surprise attracted the
attention of Williams, who was a man of observation, and judged
correctly in thinking that such an uncommon manifestation of
sensibility in so young a boy, indicated something extraordinary in his

character. He entered into conversation with him, and enquired if he
had read any books, or the lives of great men, The little amateur told
him that he had read the Bible, and was well acquainted with the
history of Adam, Joseph, David, Solomon, and the other great and good
men whose actions are recorded in the Holy Scriptures. Williams was
much pleased with the simplicity of the answer; and it might have
occurred to him that histories more interesting have never been written,
or written so well. Turning to Mr. Pennington, who was present, he
asked if Benjamin was his son; advising him at the same time to
indulge him in whatever might appear to be the bent of his talents,
assuring him that he was no common boy.
This interview was afterwards much spoken of by Williams, who in the
mean time lent him the works of Fresnoy and Richardson on Painting,
and invited him to see his pictures and drawings. The impression which
these books made on the imagination of West finally decided his
destination. He was allowed to carry them with him into the country;
and his father and mother, soon perceiving a great change in his
conversation, were referred to the books for an explanation of the cause.
They read them for the first time themselves, and treasuring in their
minds those anecdotes of the indications of the early symptoms of
talent with which both works abound, they remembered the prophetic
injunction of Edmund Peckover.
The effect of the enthusiasm inspired by Richardson and Fresnoy may
be conceived from the following incident. Soon after the young Artist
had returned to Springfield, one of his schoolfellows, on a Saturday's
half holiday, engaged him to give up a party at trap-ball to ride with
him to one of the neighbouring