A native of Massachusetts, Haskell was a Major in the Continental Line of Massachusetts from 1776-1784. He then settled in South Carolina. Fraser's miniature is a copy after a portrait by Walter Robertson now in the Carnegie Museum, Pittsburgh. Fraser followed the original in general, but altered the position of the body so that it is straighter and less lively. In addition. Fraser's brushstrokes are more prominent. Fraser noted in his account book under 1826 "Copy of Robertson's picture of Mr. Haskell . . . $35."
Notes:
This text is adapted from Martha Severens "The Miniature Portrait Collection of the Carolina Art Association" published by the Carolina Art Association, 1984