Gavin Hamilton, Calcutta, to Ozias Humphry, Crayon Painter to His Majesty, No.37 New Bond Street

RA Collection: Archive

Reference code

HU/4/90-92

Title

Gavin Hamilton, Calcutta, to Ozias Humphry, Crayon Painter to His Majesty, No.37 New Bond Street

Date

10 Jan 1794

Level

Item

Extent & medium

3 pieces

Content Description

He was glad to receive Humphry's letter of the 13th June as it reassured him of Humphry's health and success. He is grateful for the Rowlandson etchings. The Miss Harveys reside at Sir Robert Chambers's, one is a proficient miniaturist. He has always been backward with the fairer sex.

Poor Alefounder means to return to England due to his lack of success. Devis would do well if he worked harder, he has completed a fine portrait of Lord Cornwallis, now hanging in the council room. A young new arrival called Mr. Hudson is to "make a scraping of it". Hudson has also begun to paint small crayon portraits at sh.100 each. Grenbrand[?] has laid down the pencil, picked up the shuttle and settled at Luckipoor. Devis journeyed to Madras to finish a large picture of Cornwallis receiving the hostage Princes. He is sorry he cannot send any more of his drawings at present. He has laid down his pencil, partly because he could see no improvement and partly through other occupations. He assures Humphry that he will like Daniell's drawings. He wishes him a safe journey as he was a pleasant man and a fine artist.

He laments the news sent to him of France. He rails against the ministry as they have only one frigate, the Minerva, and that is not sea-worthy, nor is its captain. Upwards of 20 ships have been taken by French privateers from Mauritius.

He apologises for spilling ink all over the second page.