MR. PEALE, of Philadelphia, has lately received a number of
donations for his Cabinet of Curiosities. Among them were
Likenesses of the King and Queen of France, executed on white
satin, and each produced by a single spark of
electricity.--Presented by WM. TEMPLE FRANKLIN, Esq.----And
The Finger of Mr. Broliman (a provincial officer in the
British service, in the war before the last) who was executed
at Philadelphia for the murder of a Mr. Scull. This
unfortunate gentleman, soured by some disgust, became weary of
life. In this temper of mind, he one morning rose earlier than
usual, and walked out upon the common of the city, with his
fusee in hand, determined to shoot the first person he should
meet. The first person he saw was a very pretty young girl,
whose beauty disarmed him. The next presented was the late Dr.
Cadwallader--The Doctor, bowing politely to Mr. Broliman (who,
though unknown to him, had the garb and appearance of a
gentleman) accosted him with "Good morning, Sir! What sport?"
The Officer answered the Doctor very civilly; and was so
struck with his gentlemanly manner and pleasing address, that
he forebore to execute his desperate resolution: Impelled,
however, by the same gloominess of disposition which actuated
him when he first set out, he repaired to the Centre house,
where some gentlemen were engaged at billiards--The tack of
one of the players happening to strike his hat, the wretched
man, eager for an opportunity of accomplishing his desire to
leave the world, instantly shot Mr. Scull, one of the company,
who died of the wound.
This little story affords a striking proof, that amiableness
and politeness of manners are not only pleasing, but useful,
in our commerce with the world.
Salem always was famous for its collections of natural and historical
curiosities, and many of its houses are now well stocked with such things.
Among these collections we may mention Mr. Geo. R. Curwen's antique family
portraits, china, clothing, and furniture; Mr. M.A. Stickney's rare coins,
old paper money, and books, autographs, etc.; Mr. H.F. Waters's rare
ancient furniture (Mr. Waters is now in London, engaged in historical
research in reference to American families); Mr. John Robinson's
remarkable collection of Chinese coins, and scarce views of old houses of
Salem; Mr. T.F. Hunt's valuable collection of Chinese books and pictures;
Rev. Dr. Bolles's fine collection of works on London; Rev. B.F. McDaniel's
collection of engravings, etc.; Mr. N.J. Holden's and Mr. F.P.
Richardson's collections of illustrated books, autographs, etc.; besides
numerous minor collections. It is not too much to say that Professor E.S.
Morse's collection of Japanese pottery is certainly not surpassed in the
world; the South Kensington collection in London, which is the best in
Europe, does not approach it in size or importance. One of the best
museums of our country was started in Salem in the latter part of the last
century, and that collection is now, as is well known, in charge of the
Peabody Academy of Science. Its objects of natural history have in recent
years been carefully classified and arranged under the direction of Dr.
Henry Wheatland, Professors Morse, Putnam, Packard, and Robinson; and its
cabinets, together with those of the Essex Institute, now contain probably
more unique and valuable specimens than are to be found elsewhere in this
country.
* * * * *
The "silhouette," or cheap portrait cut in black paper, was much in vogue
in New England some seventy or eighty years ago. The process was named
from M. Silhouette, an honest French minister who about 1759 was noted for
his advocacy of economy in everything relating to the public welfare. He
received a great deal of ridicule, and hence all inexpensive things were
said to be _à la Silhouette_. At the rooms of the Essex Institute, and in
many houses in Salem, there are numerous silhouettes of former citizens of
the place. Those who remember the originals consider the likenesses often
very striking.
_CORRECT PROFILE LIKENESSES._