They were sometimes misled by these descendants, who themselves, often great-grandchildren or more removed by ties and time, assumed that a given portrait represented the particular person in demand, because in their own uncritical minds a tradition was as good as a fact.
The members of the "Club," then, did the best they could with the assistance and standards of their time.

The following extract from a letter written by Gratz to Emmet, November 10, 1885, reveals much that should be better known.

He wrote very frankly as follows: "What you say in regard to Rosenthal's work is correct: but the fault is not his.

Many of the photographs are utterly wanting in expression or character; and if the artist were to undertake to correct these deficiencies by making the portrait what he may SUPPOSE it should be, his production (while presenting a better appearance ARTISTICALLY) might be very much less of a LIKENESS than the photograph from which he works.

Rosenthal always shows me a rough proof of the unfinished etching, so that I may advise him as to corrections & additions which I may consider justifiable & advisable." Other correspondence shows that Rosenthal received about twenty dollars for each plate which he etched for the "Club." The following arrangement of data follows the order of the names as signed to the Constitution.