American Furniture, Folk and Decorative Arts

In the letter to "To his Excellency Governor Mifflin of the State of Pennsylvania Philadelphia" Robineau offers his services as a painter of Standards and Colors to the Militia of Pennsylvania writing: "Having been appointed by the in Chief and Genl Officers of the State of New Jersey, to paint and complete the different Standards & Colors for the Redg.s Battalions & Squadrons of the same, according to a Law past (sic) by the Legislature, have how finished them and I believe to the Satisfaction of the Officers. I take the liberty to write to his Excellency as the New Militia Law is going to take place in the State of Pennsylvania & should it be similar to the one past in this. I should humbly beg to come under the patronage of the Governor, to his employd in executing the Said Colours & Standards.

I beg leave to make some Observations, the Painting on Silk requires a great deal of caution for more than any other painting and must be differently treated & handling the same,consequently requires Patience. I flatter myself therefore by having been employed a considerable time in said work that I should give general satisfaction to the Governor and the rest of the Officers, better perhaps than some other person that has not had that opportunity. I should also be albe to do the work on lower terms and ina a more Uniform and Miltary manner, should his Excellency think proper to answer my letter on this subject will return it as a great favor. I am his Excellency's most humble and Obt Serv. Frances Rabineau," ink on laid paper.