He will there enjoy the blessing of liberty in the greatest extent which it is possible to desire in any polished country. He will see himself with an active people.

THOMAS SULLY.

easy in their circumstances, and happy. Every day will bring him to observe a new progress of this new country. He will see it every day take a step toward that strength and greatness to which it is called; towards that real independence which is for a nation the result of having the means of satisfying itself."

The wealthy people of the province were liberal patrons of art. Very many of them had been educated in the European schools, and in the vast collections of the Old World had learned to know a good j)ainting, a meritorious marble, a fine bit of porcelain or glass, or anything commendable in the way of decoration and bric-a-brac. They encouraged native genius and were tolerant of its crudities. In the manor-houses along the Hudson were works of John Trumbull, Charles Wilson Peale, Gilbert Stuart,

HISTORY OF WESTCHESTER COUNTY.

Thomas Sully, Washington Allston and other American painters. The social atmosphere of these great houses possessed a warmth and refinement that were favorable to artistic appreciation. Painters were welcome guests within their walls. Peale made excursions into this region, and Sully visited the home of Governor Daniel D. Tompkins to obtain sittings for the admirable portrait which he produced of the statesman.

The wealthy people kept large amounts of money in their houses. In 1774 a lady, who died in New York, owned estates in Westchester County, and the