In 1826 Trumbull’s life-size versions of four history paintings—The Declaration of Independence (1832.3), The Surrender of Lord Cornwallis at Yorktown (1832.4), The Surrender of General Burgoyne at Saratoga (1832.7), and The Resignation of General Washington (1832.8)—were installed in the newly built Capitol Rotunda in Washington, D.C. The successful integration of architecture and paintings in the rotunda spurred Trumbull to try for another commission to fill the hall’s remaining four empty niches. Hoping to complete his "Hall of the Revolution," Trumbull spent several months lobbying his cause in Washington. Trumbull painted this portrait of Henry Williams Dwight in 1827 as part of a group of miniatures during a period of hopeful enthusiasm. Unfortunately for the artist, a second federal commission never materialized. Dwight supported Trumbull’s bid for a second federal commission and engaged in politicized debate in Congress on the subject. He held the rank of colonel in the War of 1812, serving as an aide-de-camp to Major General Whiton. In 1818 Dwight was elected to the Massachusetts State Legislature and served in Congress from 1821 to 1831.