Ozias Humphry, Calcutta, Bengal, to Mary Boydell, at Mr. Alderman Boydell's, Cheapside, London

RA Collection: Archive

Reference code

HU/3/36-37

Title

Ozias Humphry, Calcutta, Bengal, to Mary Boydell, at Mr. Alderman Boydell's, Cheapside, London

Date

7 Aug 1785

Level

Item

Extent & medium

2 pieces

Historical Background

William Pitt passed an Act in August 1784 creating a Board of Control and bringing British subjects in India further under the control of the British State.

Content Description

He arrived safely and has been able to get a few lines into a homebound package almost immediately. They had as good a voyage as possible. Anecdotally he has heard it is not a good time to make a fortune in India. The return of Mr. Hastings, the death of Mr. Wheler, every person of property seeks to return immediately due to Mr. Pitt's bill. Mr. Macartney has declined the government, Macpherson will continue for now. Mr. Smart has made very clear his intention to come and his friends will reserve their commissions for him. He can't wait receive their portraits from Mr. Smart. Even so, he has received many miniature commissions in Calcutta, he will send money as he gets it. He is impatient to hear of them.

It has been raining with a violence unknown in England, this prevents him delivering his letters of introduction. Someone has told him he will be able to dispose of her Uncle's prints.