“I have seen Mr. Catlin’s Collection of Indian Portraits, many of which were familiar to me, and painted in my presence at their own villages. I have spent the greater part of my life amongst the tribes and individuals he has represented, and I do not hesitate to pronounce them correct likenesses, and easily recognized: also his sketches of their manners and customs, I think, are excellent; and the landscape views on the Missouri and Mississippi, are correct representations.
“K. M‘KENZIE, of the Am. Fur Co. Mouth of Yellow Stone.”
“We hereby certify, that the Portraits of Seminoles and Euchees, in Mr. Catlin’s Gallery, were painted by him, from the life, at Fort Moultrie; that the Indians sat or stood in the costumes precisely in which they are painted, and that the likenesses are remarkably good.
“P. MORRISON, Capt. 4th Inft.H. WHARTON, 2d. Lieut. 6th Inft.
J. S. HATHAWAY, 2d Lieut. 1st Art.F. WEEDON, Assistant Surgeon.
Fort Moultrie, Jan. 26, 1838.”
“Having examined Mr. Catlin’s Collection of Portraits of Indians of the Missouri to the Rocky Mountains, I have no hesitation in pronouncing them, so far as I am acquainted with the Individuals, to be the best I have ever seen, both as regards the expression of countenance, and the exact and complete manner in which the costume has been painted by him.
“J. L. BEAN, S. Agent for Indian Affairs.”