38 
bined with his knowledge and admiration of the 
merits of the antients that liberality of respect for 
the endeavours of modern talent, 
with which the 
same kind of feeling is but rarely found con- 
nected. After seeing the picture and conversing 
with the Artist, he oH'ered to undertake to make 
him to a certain degree acquainted with classical 
literature ; while at the same time he would give 
such a sketch of 
him 
the 
taste 
and 
character 
of 
the spirit of antiquity, as would have all the ef- 
fect of the regular education requisite to a painter. 
When this liberal proposal was communicated 
to old Mr. West, he readily agreed that Benja- 
min should go for some time to Philadelphia, in 
order to take advantage of the Provost's instruc- 
tions ; 
and accordingly, 
after returning home for 
a few days, Benjamin went to the capital, and 
resided at the house of Mr. Clarkson, his brother 
in-law, 
gentleman 
who 
had 
been 
educated 
at Leyden, and was much respected for the in- 
telligence of his conversation, and the propriety 
manners. 
of his 
XII. 
Provost Smith 
introduced West, 
3.II1OI1g 
other persons, 
to four 
yOung 
men: 
His 
Pupils of