6050. Frederic Leighton to RB

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 32, 312–313.

The Athenæum

[?10] [May 1868] [1]

Dear Browning

At the Dinner of the Gen. Art. Ben. Inst next Saturday [2] O’Neil [3] will propose the toast of Literature & will couple your name with it in token of respect & admiration.

We all trust you will be present to answer; indeed O’Neil has asked me to use what little weight there may be in old affection to induce you to come. Meanwhile

In haste

Ever yours

Fred Leighton

Publication: None traced.

Manuscript: Armstrong Browning Library.

1. Dated by reference to letter 6053, which discusses this letter.

2. The Artists’ General Benevolent Institution was founded in 1814 by members of the Royal Academy to financially assist visual artists and their families. “The 53d anniversary of this charity was held on Saturday night, at the Freemasons’ Tavern” (The Morning Post, 18 May 1868, p. 7).

3. Henry Nelson O’Neil (1817–80), historical genre painter.

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