1327. Benjamin Robert Haydon to EBB
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 7, 246–247.
London
July 18 1843
Now My dearest Friend /
I hope you are convinced now, my convictions are founded.
The second decision is more ridiculous than the first, perfectly ridiculous, and I am again left out, [1] as a marked Man– I told you so—the Court hate me because I oppose the Germans the Academy because I brought them before a Committee [2] —and Sir Robert [Peel] because I perpetually put him in mind of his duty to the Art—the Artists join & Society back the Artists but I defy them all—if the people stand by me, for whose information I have devoted my Life–
I never felt better—you know I was prepared for this—you know what I said.–
I am only wounded at the Cruelty of my Species & its hatred of Truth–
I am dearest Friend
B R Haydon
Miss B Barrett
Publication: EBB-BRH, pp. 127–128.
Manuscript: University of Vermont.
1. As the admission receipts far exceeded expectations, the Commissioners decided to award an additional ten prizes of £100 each; Haydon was again passed over. (See The Times, 18 July.)
2. The Select Committee on Arts and Principles of Design, in 1836 (see letter 1239).
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