The two Brumidi letters kept through the years by Laurence will be quoted in full, as they are further proof that Brumidi was paid by the Government of the United States for his work on the Rotunda frieze designs during his last years even when confined by illness to his studio. Brumidi’s conscientious effort to make each day profitable to his government as well as to himself is also a part of the following letter:
Washington, D. C., August 26, 1876
“Martin mentioned to me that you wished my report for the month. I lost two days, those consumed in traveling, the remainder of my stay was spent working on the cartoons.
“Now I have completed the Treaty of William Penn and the Settlement of New England, all ready for transfer in full size.
“With many thanks for your kindness and obligation.”
The following 1879 letter to Architect Clark is the only one found written by the artist himself after his almost fatal fall from the frieze on October 1, 1879:
“For answer to your desire for making the report of the time worked in the present month of Nov. 1879, I can tell to have employed all the working days in drawing the cartoons for the frieze now in progress in the Rotunda of the Capitol, and having completed the subject of Oglethorpe, and the Muskogee chief, with a portion of the Insurrection of Lexington.
“I work sometime with difficulty when I am troubled by the asthma, but after some rest I proceed with my work. I hope you will be very kind in recommending my petition to the Honorable Committee.”
C. Brumidi
Senator Morrill’s friendship for Brumidi is forever recorded in the following two letters written to the artist: