1324. Benjamin Robert Haydon to EBB

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 7, 244.

London

July 13th 1843

My dearest Friend /

My Cartoons are 33. & 118—— You see, I have been active—& pushing the Commission on to do the whole thing with honor–

The plan of private day, Queen, &c was all mine [1] laid before them in March & being unofficial– I think they thought I dictated— Again I fear the diplomacy of Eastlake—he knows the hold I have—of the public & he wants to weaken it– Dont fear me– Nelson sealing the letter at Copenhagen is rubbed in & Alexander settled[.] [2]

B R Haydon

Publication: EBB-BRH, pp. 123–125.

Manuscript: University of Vermont.

1. The Queen, accompanied by Prince Albert and the King and Queen of the Belgians, inspected the cartoons on 30 June. A private viewing, by invitation, was held on 1 July, prior to admission of the general public on 3 July.

2. Haydon recorded in his diary for 13 July: “Began Nelson Sealing the Letter at Copenhagen & improved Alexander” (Pope, V, 296).

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