CHAP. 
VII. 
Observations on Zllr. West's Intercourse with the King.-.. 
 Anecdote of the American War.-- Studies jbr the His- 
torical Pictures at Windsor Castle.  Anecdote of the late 
Marquis of Buckingham.  Anecdote of Sir Joshua Rey- 
nolds ; and of the Athenian Marbles.-Election of 
Mr. lVest to the Presidency of the Royal Acarlenzy.  His 
Speech to the Acadelmicians on that occasion.  
WHILE Mr. West was engaged on the series of 
religious and historical works for the King, he 
had frequent opportunities of becoming ac- 
quainted with political incidents, that a man 
less 
intent 
OI1 
his 
aft: 
and 
more 
ambitious 
of 
fortune, might have turned to great advantage. 
This was particularly the case during the 
American War, for His Majesty knowing the 
Artist's connections with that country, and 
acquaintance with some of the most distin- 
guished 
of 
the 
rebels, 
often 
conversed 
with 
him on the subject ; 
and 
O11 
different '0ccasi0ns 
Mr. West was 
enabled 
to supply the 
King with