Robert Cornelius, Daguerreotypist

Robert Cornelius (1809-1893)
John McAllister, Jr.
Sixth-plate daguerreotype, May 6, 1840
Prints & Photographs Division (125.2)

John McAllister, Jr. was the first patron to be photographed "as a Matter of business" at Robert Cornelius's studio, the first commercial daguerreian gallery in the country. In his letter reminiscing about the May 6, 1840 sitting, McAllister wrote "I called at the Room...in order to inform Mr. C. that I would be there very early on the next morning. 'Well,' said he 'I have all ready and if you will sit down I will take it now.' To this I readily agreed."

John McAllister, Jr.,
to Paul Beck Goddard
March 15, 1864
Page 2
Holograph letter
Manuscript Division
Gift/purchase from
Marian S. Carson, 1997 (125.2)