| Description | (Directed to William Matthews’, and noted "To be deliver’d soon as possible.")
Sir,
By Mr. Fothergill's desire I send you enclosed a letter received from Mr. Magellan in answer to the one I writ to him by your direction, and which you saw. You will perceive he is agreeable to pay half the cost of the hones. As you probably will see said gentleman, and in that case no doubt this subject will be mention'd, you will by this information judge what to say to him. It certainly will be better to take £3. 12. 6 than have them return'd upon your hands.
As it is likely that if Mr. Stuart shou'd by any means hear you are in town he will endeavour to see you, I beg leave to inform you that he wishes to have two or three of the larger kinds of paintings, he having a proper room to shew them and thinks he could dispose of some. Now, as there are many large pieces finish'd and many in the dead color'd state that may be finish'd by Mr. Wilson, &c., perhaps you would deem it not amiss to send a few pieces for tryal.
On looking over in order to take an inventory of the goods from Mr. F. E.'s house, I am astonished and sorry to see what quantities of your property there are that lay buried almost in oblivion: many pieces finished, such as small landscapes, bird pieces, &c., that come low, and such as I apprehend might and will sell if properly exposed; others in part finish'd, sorted good and bad; others of various kinds almost good for 000. I find it a very tedious affair to assort and enumerate those things, but hope in a day or two to have finished. I am obliged to attend the daily occurrences of the accompting house and warehouse, and what little time I have to spare I dedicate to the Japan Room.
Mr. Barney, not being able to learn that you left any direction what he was to do in particular, purposes gong on with some of the pieces for your own apartments. He has just been about one painting for Mrs. Montagu, which is now nearly ready to send off. Next he will proceed, with Mr. Wilson, in executing the small paintings order'd for Sir Sampson Gideon.
As there is little or no probability of the large quantities of japan and paper trays being disposed of in a reasonable time unless some vigorous methods are used to effect the same, would it not be well if some person could be found in London to take the charge of 'em and sell them by auction or any other adviseable means? If time and business will permit, you probably may hear or project some plan to turn them into money, for they now lye year after year (few sold) getting worse and more out of date.
Per waggon are forwarded several trays with plated borders for the inspection of Monsieur Cavalli; they would have been sent some time ago, but was not able to come at their regular prices till lately. No doubt many of these kind of trays might be sold if with good paintings and well executed. Some dozens of borders, as well as plates, are finished, but very few will fit or match, owing to improper management.
The concern I have for your interest induced me thus to write my suggestions, and believe me to be with the utmost deference to yourself and family, honoured sir, your much obliged and most obedient servant,
Jno. Hodges
[Edited transcript.] |