Letter Advocates Artist Daniel Huntington For Capitol Rotunda Painting: As All Works Of Art Should Be Done By Those Who Will Do Honour To Our Country

WILLIAM B. COZZENS (1787-1864). Cozzens was a hotelier in New York City, giving him social and political connections. In 1812, Cozzens ran the Tammany Hotel, which was a headquarter for Democrats. By 1846, he managed the American Hotel which was considered one of the most elegant and exclusive hotels in the country.ALS. 1 pg. February 18, 1846. New York, New York. An autograph letter signed Wm B Cozzens to John Rockwell, a U.S. Representative for Connecticut, about a painting for the U.S. Capitol Rotunda. Dear Sir Mr Huntington the best artist in the United States is an applicant for the Picture that Mr Inman was to have painted for the Rotunda of the Capitol. he is a very modest unassuming man and is not much known by the members of Congress it not being in their line. As all works of art should be done by those who will do honour to our country, I think if he should be the person selected the members who vote for him will never have cause to blush when they see the effort of his genius. If you do not know him you may recollect his beautiful Picture of Mercy's Dream & Christiana bought for Mr Edward Carey of Phila (by my son) who had them engraved and for his annuals. he has lately painted a picture and Mr Raub of New Orleans has given him $1400. it has been the admiration of all who have seen it. Many thanks for your kindness in thinking of me my respects to Mrs Rockwell Respects Yours Wm B Cozzens. This letter vouches for the artist Daniel Huntington, a prominent portrait painter, to paint a mural for the Capitol Rotunda, after the death of artist Henry Inman. Inman died in 1846 before completing his work depicting Daniel Boone emigrating to Kentucky. William Cozzens would have been connected to politicians through his work as a hotelier in New York City. Ultimately, Daniel Huntington was not chosen, despite Cozzens's advocation. William H. Powell overtook the project, changing the subject from Daniel Boone to De Sotos discovery of Mississippi. This letter is in fine condition with mailing folds.