Note 58 — TRAVELS IN THE INTERIOR OF NORTH AMERICA, IN THE YEARS 1832, 1833, AND 1834 (continued 2)

James R. Lambdin was born in Pittsburg (1807), studied under Thomas Sully, of Philadelphia (1823-25), and began painting in his native town. Later he made professional visits to the chief towns between Pittsburg and Mobile, and started a museum of art and antiquities at Louisville, Kentucky, where he lived several years. From 1837 until his death in 1889 he resided principally in Philadelphia, but painted much at Washington, executing portraits of all the presidents from John Q. Adams to James A. Garfield. Lambdin was appointed by President Buchanan (May 15, 1859) as one of the three members of the Art Commission provided for by acts of Congress on June 12, 1858, and March 3, 1859, for the purpose of a survey of the public buildings at Washington and submitting a report on the system of decorations hitherto used, and recommending plans to secure a harmonious effect in the future. For this report, dated February 22, 1860, see Executive Documents, 36 Cong., 1 sess., No. 43.—Ed.