Painful, therefore, as is the task imposed upon me, I cannot shrink from it, but shall endeavor so to perform it as rather to parry the blows that have been aimed at me than to inflict any in return.

If what I say shall wound, it shall be from the severity of the simple truth itself rather than from the manner of setting it forth." In the year 1846 there still remained one panel in the rotunda of the Capitol at Washington to be filled by an historical painting.

It had been assigned to Inman, but, that artist having recently died, Morse's friends, artists and others, sent a petition to Congress urging the appointment of Morse in his place.

Referring to this in a letter to his brother Sidney, dated March 28, he says:-- "In regard to the rotunda picture I learn that my friends are quite zealous, and it is not improbable that it may be given me to execute.

If so, what should you say to seeing me in Paris?
"However, this is but castle-building.