Richmond Palladium

Anecdotes of Washington Allston--The strong devotional feelings of this distinguished artist, formed one of the most prominent traits of his beautiful character. Connected with this character is a remarkable incident in his life, which has been related to us by one of his intimate friends. Mr. Allston was a member of the Episcopal church. Although in early life he was ever a constant attendant, he was not strongly attached to religion, nor eminent for his piety. It would be too much to say that he was an unbeliever, or even skeptic in his views, but he was wont to speak slightingly of religious things, and even to enjoy jests at the expense of holy subjects. His feelings, however, underwent a remarkable change in consequence of a singular event in his life, which made a very strong impression, and was even regarded by him as direct Divine interposition in his behalf.

Not long after his marriage with his first wife, the sister of the late Dr. Channing, he made his second visit to Europe. After a residence there of a little more than a year, his pecuniary wants became very pressing and urgent--more so than at any other period of his life. He was even, at a time, at a loss for the means of purchasing the necessaries of life. On one occasion, as he himself used to narrate the event, he was in his studio, reflecting, with a feeling of almost desperation. His conscience seemed to tell him that he deserved afflictions, and had drawn them upon himself, by his irreligious neglect of religion, and of his want of due gratitude for past favors from Heaven. His heart, all at once, seemed filled with the hope that God would listen to his prayers, if he would offer up his direct expression of penitence, and ask for divine aid. He accordingly locked his door, withdrew to a corner of the room, threw himself upon his knees, and prayed for a loaf of bread for himself and his wife. While thus employed a knock was heard at the door. A feeling of momentary shame at being detected in his position, and fearing lest he might have been observed, induced him to hasten and open the door. A stranger inquires for Mr. Allston. He is anxious to learn who was the fortunate purchaser of the painting of "the Angel Uriel," regarded by the artist as one of his master pieces, and which had won the prize at the exhibition of the Academy. He is told that it has not been sold. "Can it be possible? Not sold? Where is it to be had?" "In this very room here it is," producing the painting from a corner and wiping off the dust. "Is it for sale? Can it be bought?" was the eager interrogatory. "It is for sale--but its value has never yet, to my idea of its worth, been adequately appreciated--and I would not part with it." "What is its price?" "I have done fixing any nominal sum. I have always exceeded my offers. I leave it to you to name the price." "Will four hundred pounds be an adequate recompense?" "It is more than I have ever asked for it." "Then the painting is mine." The stranger introduced himself as the Marquis of Stafford--and he became from that moment, one of the warmest friends of Mr. Allston. By him Mr. A. was introduced to the society of the nobility and gentry--and he became one of the most admired among the many gifted minds that adorn the circle to which he was thus introduced, but in which he was never fond of appearing.

Instantaneous relief, thus afforded by the liberality of his noble visitor, was always regarded by Allston, as a direct answer to his prayer, and it made a deep impression upon his mind. To this event he was ever after wont to attribute the increase of devotional feeling, which became a prominent trait in his character.