In a letter to his brother Richard before leaving Europe he had thus given expression to his fears:-- "I have frequently felt melancholy in thinking of my prospects for encouragement when I return, and your letter found me in one of those moments.

You cannot, therefore, conceive with what feelings I read your offer of a room in your new house.

Give me a resting-place and I will yet move the country in favor of the arts.

I return with some hopes but many fears.

Will my country employ me on works which may do it honor?
I want a commission from Government to execute two pictures from the life of Columbus, and I want eight thousand dollars for each, and on these two I will stake my reputation as an artist." It was in his brother Richard's house that he took the first step towards the construction of the apparatus which was to put his invention to a practical test.