1362. Benjamin Robert Haydon to EBB
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 7, 295–296.
London
Aug 29 1843
So you are evidently angry!—you did not like my disloyalty! [1] —you know you did not– I shall send shortly for all my things with which I have encumbered you these 6 months. Books, oil & dissection of the Lion——
After all sorts of changes Alexander is settled in Composition—I have rubbed in Nelson signing the letter at Copenhagen in the height of the Fight– [2]
Mary and my Daughter are in a Farm home at Southall a sweet Village, [3] where the air is like champagne without the sparkle–
I get intoxicated with it—you can get to it in 10 minutes by Train—1s.3d—What Times—
Did you see the precious document signed by Peel & Rogers & Lansdowne[,] their reason for giving Julius Cæsar the Prize– [4]
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O Yes, O Yes, O Yes—this is to give notice—that all Committees or Commissions who wish to learn the art of cutting their own throats with perfect certainty, may obtain advice (gratis) at the Royal Commission of Foul Arts from 10. till 12 Tuesdays excepted[.]
Signed
C. L. Eastlake Secret[ar]y
God save the Queen!
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How do you find yourself?—not a word—you leave me alone in My glory.
Ever yours
B R Haydon
Address, on integral page: Miss B. Barrett / 50– Wimpole St.
Publication: EBB-BRH, p. 141.
Manuscript: University of Vermont.
1. i.e., in the remarks made about royalty in letter 1356.
2. Haydon had told EBB this was done in letter 1324.
3. Some nine miles west of Hyde Park, Southall is now a suburb of London.
4. The premium awarded to Armitage for “Cæsar’s First Invasion of Britain” had been withheld when it was discovered that the work had been executed at Delaroche’s studio in Paris. In accordance with the competition rules, Armitage was required to complete a second work, on a subject chosen by the judges, as proof of his ability. A letter in The Times of 10 August, signed by the judges, said this had been done, and that, being satisfied that both works were from the same hand, the premium had now been paid. Henry Petty-Fitzmaurice, 3rd Marquis of Lansdowne (1780–1863), sometime Chancellor of the Exchequer, was one of the panel of judges.
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