Alvan Fisher to Charles H. Hall, Esquire, Feb. 27, 1823

Transcription: Charles H. Hall Esqre Newyork N.Y. Care of Thos. H. Smith [?] Ship Saluda. Charleston Alvan Fisher, February 27th 1823. Recd March 7th Charleston 27th Feby 1823 Dear Sir, I have sent to you by the ""Saluda"" a box containing three paintings, two Bassora’s and one Eclipse. you will please to look at them and If you find any one to please you more than the ones you have, you will make an exchange. I do not know If the ones sent are better or as good as the ones you now have but you will by comparing them be able to judge. Should any of your friends wish for any or all of them I should like to dispose of them. I would sell them low. say sixty dollars each or even at fifty as I am in want of funds to enable me to put in execution a project which I have long had in contemplation. were it otherwise I should not be induced to sell them at the sums I have mentioned - as I at those prices obtain but a living only - In sending these paintings to you I hope not to be misund-erstood. I only perform a promise which I made to you when in Newyork (last), that you should have a choice from any that I might execute while in this place. I hope and trust that I have not intruded too far upon your politeness by desiring you to show them to your friends. If I was less acquainted with your friendly disposition to the arts and artists I should not have taken this liberty. I shall be in Newyork in all twenty days, when I shall do myself the pleasure to call on you. I have nothing to write about unless it be a report that old Eclipse' bottom and speed is to be tried by one of two horses that have recently run here. I witness’d the running of both horses. The Sumpter ran four mile heats with considerable speed. say in 8 min. 5 seconds, but the course was muddy in part - he certainly is a fast horse - but I should bet on Eclipse. The other horse is called Flying Childers he ran 3 mile heats, is a very fast horse but doubt If he can run four miles with the pride of Newyork. he is a short horse but runs very clean. The report here is that one of these animals or one now in Virginia - will run against Eclipse for twenty thousand dollars. when I see you I shall give you more particulars. I am sir, yours respectfully Alvan Fisher Charles H. Hall Esqre