John Trumbull’s 1841 Autobiography with Original 1824 Autograph Note Regarding Washington’s Resignation Painting
An exceptional association copy of John Trumbull’s celebrated autobiography, enhanced by an original handwritten communication from Trumbull concerning one of his most important historical paintings: General George Washington Resigning His Commission.
John Trumbull. Autobiography, Reminiscences and Letters of John Trumbull, from 1756 to 1841. New York and London: Wiley and Putnam; New Haven: B. L. Hamlen, 1841. First edition. 439 pages, illustrated with Trumbull’s portrait, maps, views and other plates.
Tipped into the book is a remarkable 1824 autograph note written and signed by Trumbull in the third person as “Col. Trumbull.” Addressed to the Select Council of the City of Philadelphia, it expresses his gratitude for permission to exhibit his newly completed painting of Washington surrendering his military commission in the historic Pennsylvania State House—now Independence Hall.
The note reads:
“Col. Trumbull presents his most respectful thanks to the Gentlemen of the Select Council of the City of Philadelphia for the favor they have conferred upon him in granting him permission to exhibit his painting of the Resignation of General Washington, in the Hall of Independence—and solicits as a further favor that they will do him the Honor to view the picture on Wednesday next.”
It is dated Monday, November 15, 1824. A contemporary docket on the reverse identifies it as a letter from Colonel Trumbull thanking the Select Council for the use of the Hall of Independence for the exhibition of his painting and records that it was read on November 25, 1824.
The communication was therefore written at precisely the moment when Trumbull was publicly presenting the completed painting. Created between 1822 and 1824, General George Washington Resigning His Commission was the last of the four monumental Revolutionary War paintings commissioned from Trumbull for the United States Capitol. It depicts Washington’s historic resignation before Congress at Annapolis on December 23, 1783—an act that affirmed civilian authority and astonished the political world. The painting remains installed in the Capitol Rotunda. Architect of the Capitol
This copy is especially compelling because the manuscript is preserved inside Trumbull’s own life story. The autobiography recounts his service during the Revolution, his encounters with Washington and other Founders, his European studies and the creation of the paintings that established his reputation as the “Painter of the Revolution.” The first edition contains 439 pages and numerous illustrations based on Trumbull’s work. Google Books bibliographical record
Bound in handsome half leather with marbled boards and endpapers, raised spine bands, gilt rules and a red leather title label reading “Autobiography of Trumbull.” The volume bears an institutional stamp of the New England Historic Genealogical Society, adding an additional layer to its provenance.
Historical Importance
This is considerably more than a signed book. It unites three significant historical elements:
- Trumbull’s definitive first-person account of the American Revolution and his artistic career.
- An original 1824 manuscript in Trumbull’s hand.
- A direct documentary connection to the public exhibition of one of the great paintings of George Washington and the peaceful transfer of military authority.
The third-person form—beginning “Col. Trumbull”—was a formal nineteenth-century convention. Although it does not contain a conventional subscription at the end, Trumbull identifies himself by name in his own handwriting, making it properly describable as an autograph note written and signed in the third person.
Condition
The binding displays expected age and shelf wear, including rubbing along the leather extremities and some wear to the marbled boards. The pages show scattered foxing, toning and occasional offsetting consistent with an 1841 illustrated volume. The tipped-in manuscript has old folds and light age toning but remains exceptionally clear and highly legible. Institutional embossing and markings are present. The binding remains attractive and serviceable. Please examine all photographs and the accompanying video presentation for a detailed visual assessment.
Details
- Author: John Trumbull, 1756–1843
- Title: Autobiography, Reminiscences and Letters of John Trumbull, from 1756 to 1841
- Edition: First edition
- Publication date: 1841
- Pagination: 439 pages
- Manuscript: Autograph note written and signed in the third person
- Manuscript date: November 15, 1824
- Subject: Exhibition of General George Washington Resigning His Commission
- Location referenced: Hall of Independence, Philadelphia
A museum-worthy association volume connecting the personal history of America’s foremost Revolutionary painter with the creation and first public exhibition of one of the nation’s defining historical images.
An exceptional association copy of John Trumbull’s celebrated autobiography, enhanced by an original handwritten communication from Trumbull concerning one of his most important historical paintings: General George Washington Resigning His Commission.
John Trumbull. Autobiography, Reminiscences and Letters of John Trumbull, from 1756 to 1841. New York and London: Wiley and Putnam; New Haven: B. L. Hamlen, 1841. First edition. 439 pages, illustrated with Trumbull’s portrait, maps, views and other plates.
Tipped into the book is a remarkable 1824 autograph note written and signed by Trumbull in the third person as “Col. Trumbull.” Addressed to the Select Council of the City of Philadelphia, it expresses his gratitude for permission to exhibit his newly completed painting of Washington surrendering his military commission in the historic Pennsylvania State House—now Independence Hall.
The note reads:
“Col. Trumbull presents his most respectful thanks to the Gentlemen of the Select Council of the City of Philadelphia for the favor they have conferred upon him in granting him permission to exhibit his painting of the Resignation of General Washington, in the Hall of Independence—and solicits as a further favor that they will do him the Honor to view the picture on Wednesday next.”
It is dated Monday, November 15, 1824. A contemporary docket on the reverse identifies it as a letter from Colonel Trumbull thanking the Select Council for the use of the Hall of Independence for the exhibition of his painting and records that it was read on November 25, 1824.
The communication was therefore written at precisely the moment when Trumbull was publicly presenting the completed painting. Created between 1822 and 1824, General George Washington Resigning His Commission was the last of the four monumental Revolutionary War paintings commissioned from Trumbull for the United States Capitol. It depicts Washington’s historic resignation before Congress at Annapolis on December 23, 1783—an act that affirmed civilian authority and astonished the political world. The painting remains installed in the Capitol Rotunda. Architect of the Capitol
This copy is especially compelling because the manuscript is preserved inside Trumbull’s own life story. The autobiography recounts his service during the Revolution, his encounters with Washington and other Founders, his European studies and the creation of the paintings that established his reputation as the “Painter of the Revolution.” The first edition contains 439 pages and numerous illustrations based on Trumbull’s work. Google Books bibliographical record
Bound in handsome half leather with marbled boards and endpapers, raised spine bands, gilt rules and a red leather title label reading “Autobiography of Trumbull.” The volume bears an institutional stamp of the New England Historic Genealogical Society, adding an additional layer to its provenance.
Historical Importance
This is considerably more than a signed book. It unites three significant historical elements:
- Trumbull’s definitive first-person account of the American Revolution and his artistic career.
- An original 1824 manuscript in Trumbull’s hand.
- A direct documentary connection to the public exhibition of one of the great paintings of George Washington and the peaceful transfer of military authority.
The third-person form—beginning “Col. Trumbull”—was a formal nineteenth-century convention. Although it does not contain a conventional subscription at the end, Trumbull identifies himself by name in his own handwriting, making it properly describable as an autograph note written and signed in the third person.
Condition
The binding displays expected age and shelf wear, including rubbing along the leather extremities and some wear to the marbled boards. The pages show scattered foxing, toning and occasional offsetting consistent with an 1841 illustrated volume. The tipped-in manuscript has old folds and light age toning but remains exceptionally clear and highly legible. Institutional embossing and markings are present. The binding remains attractive and serviceable. Please examine all photographs and the accompanying video presentation for a detailed visual assessment.
Details
- Author: John Trumbull, 1756–1843
- Title: Autobiography, Reminiscences and Letters of John Trumbull, from 1756 to 1841
- Edition: First edition
- Publication date: 1841
- Pagination: 439 pages
- Manuscript: Autograph note written and signed in the third person
- Manuscript date: November 15, 1824
- Subject: Exhibition of General George Washington Resigning His Commission
- Location referenced: Hall of Independence, Philadelphia
A museum-worthy association volume connecting the personal history of America’s foremost Revolutionary painter with the creation and first public exhibition of one of the nation’s defining historical images.
