“The Spirit of ’76” [Illustration] “The Spirit of ’76” Some Recollections of the Artist and the Painting by Henry Kelsey Devereux [Illustration] Cleveland Privately Printed for the Author 1926 _Copyright 1926, by Henry K. Devereux_ To my father, JOHN HENRY DEVEREUX I would dedicate this little volume--a man whose loving-kindness so true; whose godliness, faith, and devotion--strengthened by firmness always fair--has ever been an inspiration Contents PREFACE 15 ARCHIBALD M. WILLARD, A BRIEF SKETCH 21 THE FIFER--HUGH MOSHER 39 THE DRUMMER BOY--HENRY KELSEY DEVEREUX 47 AN EARLY ACCOUNT BY J. F. RYDER 61 THE PRELIMINARY SKETCHES AND REPLICAS 71 Illustrations THE SPIRIT OF ’76 _Frontispiece_ Reproduced from the original painting now hanging in the Town Hall at Marblehead, Massachusetts. This reproduction is accurate as to details, and reproduces the original colors as closely as possible. Some years ago, on account of the demand for reproductions of this painting and the danger of damage to the valuable original, by a vote of the town of Marblehead, action was taken that no further reproductions from the original should be permitted; hence, many of the reproductions now available are not reproductions of the original painting but of one or other of the later replicas. These replicas differ in many respects from the original, both as to details and coloring. ARCHIBALD M. WILLARD 23 “YANKEE DOODLE” 29 Willard’s original conception for the humorous painting submitted to J. F. Ryder, as reproduced by Willard in 1898 and presented to The Reverend William E. Barton, in whose possession it still remains. HUGH MOSHER 41 HENRY KELSEY DEVEREUX 49 THE REVEREND SAMUEL WILLARD 63 THE FINAL PRELIMINARY CRAYON STUDY SKETCH 73 Showing one of the stages in the final evolution of the finished painting. Believed to be the only study sketch now in existence. Presented by Willard to Doctor Barton and still in his possession. Preface