Chapter C: Brumidi

According to endorsed vouchers and Time Book entries preserved by the Government of the United States in the Architect’s office of the Capitol, actual payment in money was made to Mr. Brumidi of something over $80,700 during a period of twenty-five years. While an average of $3,200 a year from 1855 to 1880 was not over-payment for Mr. Brumidi’s services, yet, by the same reasoning it cannot in truth be termed under-payment for those same years.

Brumidi’s American Wife and Children

Every proof that my government was not responsible for Mr. Brumidi’s last hard years helped to focus my interest on the artist’s family, the family that should have eased the burdens of their benefactor.

I remembered that in a letter written to the Capitol Architect by Brumidi, the same year, 1874, that the artist prepared the statement, “Relative to his Employment at the Capitol,” is a reference to his temporary residence at Marine Hall. This letter contains also the artist’s first reference to a physical disability:

“You would be surprised for having not seen me more at the Capitol.

“The large drawing or cartoon is done at Marines Hall where I have
a temporary residence in the same building.

“It was my intention to commence the work as soon as the plasterer
is ready, but Sunday last, a painful rheumatic attack at my knee on
the left side obliged me to remain in bed for some time.

“Yesterday the same rheumatic pain is come also at the other knee,
that does not permit me to walk any step around my room without
assistance.

“This deplorable incident, very strange at this season, compels me
to postpone the work, hoping in some weeks to be able to do it.”