| Description | (Annexed is an account of sales, 17-[29] Oct.)
Sir,
I confirm my last to you of the 17th instant, which hope was duly received. I have now the pleasure to hand you (as above) a transcript of the sales since the 16th instant. You will perceive Messrs. Capper, Palmer, & Co. have had goods amounting to £233. 14. 9, which constitu[t]es the whole of the order for vases and paintings: in a former letter I hinted that a part of said order was likely to be omitted, but they (fortunately) gave us more time.
A few days since, R. Barwell, Esqr., of Ormond Street, London, visited Soho and order'd upwards of £85 worth of pictures; he chose them chiefly from those at your house, and as he wanted them sooner than it was possible to get them up, (by Mrs. Boulton's permission) we purpose taking two pieces out of your room, (i.e.) the Physician Erasistratus, and the large Good Shepherd, which pieces I learn may be substituted again by Mr. Barney better than those; but I have not yet giv'n him the order, and should wish for your determination before I acquaint him of it. Should you have any objection to these pieces of yours being taken, please to inform us directly. Mr. Barwell will pay upon delivery of the pictures.
Sir Robert Herries was here on Friday last, and purchased a painting of the King of Prussia. He particularly desir'd his compliments to you, and said he should be exceeding glad if you would favour him with a visit when you came to town.
Orders for buttons and plated wares now begin to come in and I hope we shall have enough to do. A foreign gentleman (Mr. Peterson, who has dealt with you before) has lately been here and given a pretty good order; it consists of buttons, plated wares, and trays, which latter are to be with plated borders, about 15 sorted small and large; this will take care of some of the japan plates on hand, and also employ the painters some time.
The celebrated Tenducci (recommended by Lord Hope) lately visited here; he laid out about ten guineas in trifles.
Mr. Rehe, Mottram, &c., are yet @ Soho, but I hear they soon purpose returning to London.
I have now only to add that I am with the greatest respect, sir, your much obliged humble servant,
John Hodges
[The account, which precedes the letter, has not been transcribed.]
[Edited transcript.] |