The Winterthur Library

 The Joseph Downs Collection of Manuscripts and Printed Ephemera

 

 

OVERVIEW OF THE COLLECTION

 

Creator:          Thomas Sully, 1783-1872                                           

Title:               Papers

Dates:             1826-1872

Call No.:         Col. 164          

Acc. No.:         [various – see detailed description]

Quantity:        1 box

Location:        17 A 4

 

 

 

BIOGRAPHICAL STATEMENT

 

Thomas Sully was a portrait, miniature, and figure painter.  He was born on June 19, 1783 in Horncastle, Lincolnshire, England, the fourth child of Matthew and Sarah Chester, who were both actors.  In 1792, the family emigrated to the United States and settled in Charleston, S.C.  Sully began his professional life in the office of an insurance broker.  Although he and his employer soon realized his aptitude was for artistic endeavors, the time spent in the business world served Sully well as he was astute in his later financial affairs.  Next, he was placed under the tutelage of Jean Belzons, his brother-in-law, and in September of 1799 he joined an older brother, Lawrence Sully, a miniature and device painter, in Richmond, Virginia.  In 1801, he began his independent career in Norfolk, Va.  Sully married his sister‑in‑law in 1805, after the death of his brother, and they moved to New York City.  Two years later he moved on to Hartford, Connecticut, and Boston, Massachusetts, but in 1808 settled permanently in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

 

From 1809 to 1810, Sully was in England receiving instruction from Benjamin West and Sir Thomas Lawrence.  Upon his return and the subsequent deaths of Charles Willson Peale and Gilbert Stuart, he became the leading portrait painter in the United States.  He knew most, if not all, the leading artists of the day, both in America and abroad.  In 1837, the Society of Sons of St. George commissioned Sully to paint a portrait of Queen Victoria.  He traveled to England with his daughter, Blanche, and returned in 1838, having done many portraits.  After returning to Philadelphia, Sully averaged 35 to 40 portraits a year for the remainder of his life and made occasional professional visits to Baltimore, Boston, Washington, D.C., Charleston, Providence, and Richmond.  Among his subjects were Thomas Jefferson, Lafayette, Charles Carroll of Carrollton, Andrew Jackson, King Charles, Benjamin Rush, and Washington Irving.  Sully died in Philadelphia on November 5, 1872.  Of his nine children, six survived infancy and all were either amateur or professional artists, while one of his step‑daughters married the portrait painter, John Neagle.

 

 

SCOPE AND CONTENT

 

This is an artificial collection made up of Sully manuscripts acquired over a period of time.  The highlights of it are the two volumes of “Letters from England” (84x130) and a volume that Sully entitled “Memoirs of the Professional Life of Thomas Sully Dedicated to his Brother Artists, Philadelphia, November 1851” (91x19).

 

The letters in the two volumes of “Letters from England” were written by Sully and his daughter, Blanche, during a trip to England in 1837 and 1838. The memoirs were begun in 1851.  The letters from England discuss the Sullys' social activities in London, while Sully's memoirs are more concerned with technical details of painting.  Together, these items offer Sully's comments on the world of art and his fellow artists. 

 

Additional material includes an inventory of Sully's possessions at his death and a codicil to his will, a certificate entitling Sully to a share in the property of the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (1831), an admission ticket to a Royal Academy event, a letter to Robert P. Smith, dated November 8, 1834, declining a dinner invitation and including a toast for the dinner, two checks from the Bank of the United States, a letter to an engraver about copying a painting, a note about recanvassing and repainting an early Sully portrait (1854), a letter to M. Carey discussing his brother's ability as an artist with mentions of Washington Allston, and a receipt for a frame made by M. Williamson.

 

A card file that indexes names of people, places, and objects in the Sully letter books has been created; there is a separate file for each volume.  Indexes to personal names only is appended to the finding aid, as is a summary of the contents of each of the 28 letters.

 

A summary of contents has also been compiled for Sullys' memoirs.  A portion of the memoirs was published as Hints to Young Painters and Processes of Portrait Painting after Sully's death.  A copy is in the Rare Book Room (RBR ND1262 S95).

 

           

ORGANIZATION

 

There is no particular order to the items in the collection.

 

 

PROVENANCE

 

Acquired from various sources.

           

 

 

ACCESS POINTS

 

            People:

                        Allston, Washington, 1779-1843.

                        Sartain, John, 1808-1897.

                        Victoria, Queen of Great Britain, 1819-1901.

            Sully family.

 

Topics:

            Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts.

                        Art criticism.

                        Portrait painting, American.

                        Portrait painting - 19th century.

                        Inventories of decedents' estates.

                        Inheritance and succession.

                        Artists' tools.

                        Artists' materials.

                        Artists - Social life and customs.

                        Painting, Modern - 19th century - History.

                        Letters.

                        Estate records.

                        Inventories.

                        Checks.

                        Receipts.

                        Artists.

                        Painters.

 

 

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE COLLECTION

 

Location: 17 A 4

 

 

Folder 1:

 

56 x 13.6.1      Inventory and appraisal of Sully’s possessions at his death, 1872.  Also includes a list of bequests to various people of art objects and related tools such as brushes, palettes, etc.  His daughters received money.

 

56 x 13.6.2a-b             Codicils to will of Thomas Sully, 1865-1866.

                         

 

Folder 2:

 

65 x 76            Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts certificate made out to Sully, 1831, entitling him to one share of property in the institution.

 

Folder 3:

 

65 x 98            Sully's admission ticket to the Royal Academy.

 

68 x 48            Two checks from the Bank of the United States, one made out to Sully, 1826, and the other endorsed by Sully, 1830.

 

Folder 4:

 

68 x 17.4         Sully sends his regrets to Richard P. Smith on November 8, 1834, for not being able to accept a dinner invitation.  He includes a toast.

 

68x152            Letter to Mr. Hart from Sully, Philadelphia, November 17, 1863, in regards to a set of letters. (#3095)

 

73 x 190          Letter regarding a painting that an unidentified engraver [John Sartain, perhaps] would like to copy, 1847.  Sully suggests a painting of a child asleep with a rosebud.          

 

74 x 421          Letter from Sully to M. Carey, 1834, discussing Carey's brother as an artist.  He also mentions Washington Allston.

 

78 x 5              Letter from Sully to "My dear Koecker" on recanvassing and repairing a portrait, 1854.

 

79 x 299          Receipt for a frame, signed by Sully.

 

Ph1343            Note to General Nicholas Ridgely about a portrait which Mr. Peale is to varnish and the frame for the portrait, August 5, 1818;

                        on same sheet: receipt signed by Rembrandt Peale, acknowledging Ridgely’s payment, October 1, 1818

                        photograph of original document at Hampton House, Towson, Maryland

 

 

Folder 5:

 

69x46    Group of letters to John Sartain, Philadelphia engraver, from Sully:

 

.1         May 28, 1844.  concerns Mr. Wilcock's agreement of terms for and engraving of the “Hoqua”; asks for criticism of new painting.

 

.2         March 16, 1858.  Sully declines an invitation to be on a committee representing the Academy of Fine Arts at a convention in Washington.

 

.3         March 19, 1865.  Requests West portrait to varnish while the Academy of Fine Arts is closed to mount an exhibit.

 

.4         January 10, 1866.  Introduces Mr. Price and requests Sartain to show Price an engraving he did of Sully's painting “Rose-bud.”

 

.5         October 28, 1871. Asks Sartain if he has engraved Trumbull's portrait of Washington.

 

.6         November 28, n.y.  Sully thanks Sartain for loan of picture.

 

.7          n.d. Letter to Mr. and Miss Sartain from Sully's daughter, Blanche, requesting they accept a bust of Venus D'Arles owned by her father.

 

 

Folders 6 and 7:

 

84 x 130.1 - .2.            Two volumes of manuscripts containing the text of letters Sully and Blanche wrote to family in Philadelphia during their stay in London, 1837-1838, while Sully painted the portrait of Queen Victoria.  The two volumes include copies of fourteen letters from each of the two Sullys.  The letterbooks were compiled by Jane Sully, another of Thomas Sully's daughters; the original letters have apparently been lost.  Each letter is lengthy and full of detail about where the Sullys lived in London; their encounters with the British art establishment of the 1830s and with other American artists; dining with members of the Audubon family; a trip to France; portrait commissions, including the one negotiated with Queen Victoria; viewing art exhibitions; the experiences of a young woman abroad for the first time; and domestic considerations relating to clothing and the household routine.  Also included is a plan of the rooms of the house on Great Marlborough St., London, where Sully and Blanche stayed in 1838.  

 

                                    A summary of the letters and indexes to the names mentioned in the letters (an index for each volume) are appended to this finding aid.

 

 

Folder 8:

 

88x215.7, .12, .13, .25            Four small engravings of Sully paintings by various engravers, all depicting children.

 

 

Folder 9:

 

[unnumbered]  Photocopy of typescript entitled “Thomas Sully's Hints for Pictures,” noted as having been “copied August-September 1921, from the original manuscript in the possession of Mrs. M.H. Sully, 102 Cambridge Place, Brooklyn, New York City.”   There is no indication as to who did the transcription; it may have been T. Lawrence. 

 

 

Folder 10:

 

91 x 19            “Memoirs of the Professional Life of Thomas Sully…”

                       

                         Thomas Sully's memoirs cover two areas of his professional life: the techniques of his artistry and his recollections of some of the painters that he knew.  In the preface to this manuscript, Sully writes that through his work as an artist, he collected hints and gained experiences that he wanted to pass on to other painters.  Among the painting techniques that Sully wrote about were the most important facial features that a portrait needed to highlight, how to paint backgrounds, the usefulness of sketching and modelling in clay for the painter, and how to most effectively arrange a palette.  Sully reconstructs a palette that he considered "the best I have tried" and another that he customarily used for a third portrait sitting.  Reflecting his admiration for Gilbert Stuart, Sully records two of his palettes, one of which was designed specifically for painting flesh.  Sully also addresses different ways in which varnishes were used and provides formulae for paints and varnishes.  He even includes a color chart to show how primary colors were mixed to produce other colors.  Sully used small drawings to augment his thoughts.  One of his illustrations depicts John Trumbull's small exhibition room on Barclay St., New York City, while another relates to the use of light in portrait painting.

 

Sully comments on painters of his and other generations and critiques their work.  Artists including Gilbert Stuart, Thomas Gainsborough, Henry Fuseli, Charles Willson Peale, Benjamin West, Joshua Reynolds, Washington Allston, Thomas Lawrence, C.R. Leslie, and J.M.W. Turner all come under Sully's scrutiny. Of West, he notes: "I need not say how much I reaped from the services of this good man; he treated me as if I had been his son."  Sully also remarks on a study group in which he took part while in London and his activities with other artists everywhere.

 

In 1873, a short edited version of these memoirs, Hints to Young Painters and the Process of Portrait Painting, was printed under Sully's name as a posthumous publication.  F.T.S. Darley, Sully's grandson, was the editor.  The manuscript contains Darley's penciled‑in editorial revisions.  After Thomas Sully's death, this manuscript was probably passed on to his daughter, Jane Darley.  F.T.S. Darley had earlier given it to Thomas Nash of New York, as evidenced by a title page inscription: "The property of Thomas Nash, New York, given him by F.T.S. Darley."  In 1991, it was "discovered" in a safe deposit box maintained by a descendent of Thomas Sully, and subsequently sold at auction. 

 

A typed summary of the memoir is appended to this finding aid.

 

The memoir is also available on microfilm, Mic. 2930.

 

 


Related Thomas Sully items in other collections:

 

57 x 18            Mrs. Joseph Carson Collection, (Col. 66),  features manuscripts from artists. Sully is represented with items .208, .224, .227, .229, .209, .210, and .259.

 

62 x 33            Norris family scrapbook (Fol. 241), in which Sully is mentioned on pages 150, 153, and 156.

 

64 x 8.2            John Stevens Cogdell discusses Sully at some length (Col. 252).

 

67 x 112.3       Sully mentioned in a printed letter (Col. 361, Miscellaneous Letters).

 

67 x 121          Scrapbook of portraits at the Union League Club, New York City, compiled by T. B. Clarke shows some of Sully's works: pages 12, 24, 69, 71. (Col. 315)

 

69 x 9             Mentioned in a pamphlet of the proceedings of the National Convention of Artists, 1858, pages 4 and 15.  (Rare Book stacks N21 W31)

 

69 x 46.1-7      A letter to John Sartain from Sully and daughter, Blanche, 1840s, in the John Sartain Papers (Col. 398).

 

72 x 123           Correspondence about paintings in the form of several letters to Miss Eunice Chambers (Col. 451).

 

72x359            Lawrence Park Papers (Col. 96), discusses Sully in work on colonial art.

 

81 x 453          Mentioned in the Mantle Fielding Papers (Col. 207), boxes 1 and 2.

 

87 x 65            Details of Sully's friendship with fellow artist, Jonathan Mason, Jr., in Mason's Recollections (Doc. 30).

 

Ph1305            Broadside announcing a meeting of the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, 1812, with Sully mentioned.

 

Mic. 101          Charles N. Bancker papers, number .27: Sully wants to paint a portrait in the Bancker collection.

 

Mic. 791 and reels following.  Pennsylvania Academy papers.

 

Mic. 892-894     Mentioned in Artists in New Orleans, compiled by the WPA.

 

Mic. 913          Mentioned in a dissertation on John Neagle, 1959.

 

Mic. 2930        “Memoirs of the Professional Life of Thomas Sully” (acc. no. 91x19)


Acc. 91 x 19    “Memoirs of the Professional Life of Thomas Sully…”: a page-by-page summary (original in folder 10)

 

Spine title: Private Memorandum.

 

Inscription on title page: “The property of Thomas Nash, New York, given him by F. T. S. Darley.”

[note: the 1877 New York City directory identified a Thomas Nash as an engraver.]

 

In his preface, Sully wrote that through his work as an artist, he had collected useful hints and gained experience that he wished to pass on to other painters.  Sully assembled this volume from his memoranda, not trusting his descendants to choose what they thought was important from the memoranda.

 

Page 1: Discusses early years in Britain and first instructions in painting from his brother Lawrence.  Worked at the New York Theater managed by Thomas Cooper.  Visited Gilbert Stuart in Boston in 1807 and acquired much information from him.  In 1808, went to live in Philadelphia, his present home.   Mr. Trott, a painter of miniatures, observed that Gilbert Stuart recommended that a portrait highlight the best side of the sitter's nose. Sully disagrees, saying that the mouth is the most important feature.

 

Page 3: Draws Stuart's palette for painting flesh. Mastic varnish and drying oil mixed together - called macguilp - in equal parts moistened colors. Writes about going to London in June of  1809.

 

Page 5:  In London met Benjamin West, among other painters, and shared quarters with Charles King.  Before going to London, Dr. Benjamin Rush suggested that Sully keep a journal and that he write only on every other page - the left side - so that later comments could be penned in on the right side. Studied under Henry Fuseli in London.  Thanks John Powell for helping him in London and Benjamin Wilcocks, who assisted with a financial scheme to support his trip to London.   Critiques William Owen in his use of color and tone and approves.

 

Page 7:  Talks about how Thomas Gainsborough's work resembles Stuart’s.  Disappointed with Joshua Reynolds: “did not come up to my warm imagination of his excellence.”  Talks about Opie, J. S. Copley, Thomas Lawrence, Benjamin West, Fuseli, and John Russell.  Visited Miss Linwood’s rooms in Leicester Square, furnished with pictures.

 

Page 9: Describes West’s house, gallery, and painting room.  Of West: “I was much surprised by the ease with which any one can obtain access to this excellent and unaffected man. Though surrounded by visitors, he yet went on with his painting.”  Ramsay Reinagle paints with oil on paper. Describes how to prepare drying oil and mastic varnish. Repeats earlier discussion of macguilp.

 

Page 11: Reports that beeswax was mixed by English painters with mastic varnish. Writes about how Sir William Beechey tempered his colors and varnished. Sully thought the process Beechey used for varnishing would darken the picture.  Best portrait by Joshua Reynolds was Lord Heathfield.  Sir Martin Archer Shee advised to use the simplest materials as vehicles in painting; John Trumbull agreed.

 

Page 13: West’s steps: sketch on paper with middle tint with a reed pen, paint in with burnt umber, brush with size, retouch with oils. Shee condemns the use of yellow “oker” in painting flesh and believes glazing should be used sparingly. West thought Correggio was an ideal colorist. Talks of colors of Titian and Rubens.

 

Page 15: Lawrence outlines very well. Dark red seems to be the favorite wall color of studios of English painters. Toning the whole picture is commonly done by English painters; Trumbull condemns the practice of toning, preferring to use white paint to define hues. Writes more about coloring.

 

Page 17: Returned to Philadelphia in 1810. Discusses the best kind of varnish he has come across and the use of dryers.

 

Page 19: Allston once spoke of using colors ground in skimmed milk.  “Alston preferred an old picture frame to the glairing glitter of a new one.”  Writes about precautions to be taken before varnishing a picture. Formula for “Painter’s Cream.”   Describes how he sent a not quite dry painting from Washington to Philadelphia.

 

Page 21: Formula for egg varnish. Copies a letter written in 1820 by Lawrence to Robert Gilmore of Baltimore which accompanied portraits that Lawrence did of Mr. and Mrs. Gilmore. The letter discusses varnishing the portraits, how to best display them in the light, and the colors that ought to surround them.

 

Page 22 [actually the page facing 21, breaking the pattern of writing on the left hand page only]:  Letter from Lawrence to Gilmore continued. Lawrence on Reynolds:

            Believe me that the most valuable present you can make to a young man of real talent, is the works of Sir Joshua Reynolds, I mean his Discourses, and his journal to the Low-countries. These, which are in no part infested [Sully struck out the word affected and replaced it with infested] with idle, fanciful theories, will elevate his motives to the true philosophy of art….”

 

Page 23: Sketch of instrument to draw straight lines on a wet picture.  Discusses where to place different parts of a portrait on the canvas.  Sully records prices he charged for portraits from 1803-1837. Visited Allston in Boston in 1836.

 

Page 25: Continues with Allston visit.  Notes that he admires Reynolds.  “Head of St. Peter” the best example of Allston’s work.  Sketches window of Allston’s studio in Cambridgeport, Massachusetts.  Thinks some pictures by Titian and Paul Veronese were started in watercolors and then finished in oils.  Writes about the use of the color red by Titian in painting flesh.

 

Page 27:  A picture by Velazquez of a deer hunt is quite Titian-like.  Writes about retouching flesh tints.  West noted that while painting, artists benefited from having suggestions and criticisms from observers who were present in the studio.  He did not advise that painters shut themselves off from visitors while at work.

 

Page 29: “I think Copley is in all respects but one, equal to West.  He has not so great dispatch; but he is more correct; nor does he so often repeat his ideas.”  Repeats use of skim milk in mixing colors.

 

Page 31:  Allston’s recommendation for painting flesh colors.  “Any opinion on the subject of painting from Alston is entitled to grave consideration.”  Stuart Newton preferred portraits by .Reynolds to those of Lawrence.

 

Page 33:  Horace Walpole preferred portraits to landscape and paintings of historical events. Johnson said that portraits were for family and loved ones, rather than for the subject who is depicted.

 

Page 35:  Draws skylight of Trumbull’s studio in Barclay Street, New York, November 1832.  Quotes from a story called “The Lay-Figure,” describing a scene of horror.  Writes of Henry Westmacot’s practice of painting over plaster of Paris models.  Lawrence criticized for flesh colors. Aristotle: “Poets should imitate good painters.”

 

Page 37: Talks of retouching a portrait that he originally did in 1809, commenting that his good canvas preparation meant that the paint did not crack. Records Charles Willson Peale's mode for preparing a canvas.  Writes about painting on poplar boards.  Preparation of colors.

 

Page 39: Color chart featuring red, yellow, and blue and colors derived from mixing them.

 

Page 41: Writes about facial expression and color. 1828 visit to Boston: went to see watercolor copies of paintings of old Masters in the possession of Mr. Douse; critiques.  Records Rembrandt’s surface preparation.

 

Page 43: Continues Rembrandt comments. Recalls a visit to the Angersteen collection.  On Trumbull: “Trumbull has applied a coat of Bees-wax dissolved in spirits of turpentine (so that it is thick as jelly when it becomes cold) and painted over the back of the pictures which he executed for the Capitol at Washington; which he thinks will defend them from the dampness of the wall.”  Quotes from Northcote’s life of Reynolds.

 

Page 45: Continues from Northcote. Quotes from the diary of Ennuyee about Raphael.

 

Page 47: 1831, from Allan Cunningham: an artist who assigns no merit to the looks of an important individual.  Mentions Stuart Newton’s thoughts about Lawrence and then crosses passage out as being repetitious. Quotes Lawrence who remarked that proportion was very important to the ancients.

 

Page 49:  Writes about painting a snow scene.  Boston, August 1835, visiting Allston who recommended using the simplest means to produce an effect of color.  Allston prefers not to use raw umber in flesh tints; Sully uses the color a lot.  Allston remarks that waves always break in an angular way, and Sully illustrates with two small drawings.  Critiques the works of Allston.

 

Page 51: Following Allston’s suggestion, Sully has stricken raw umber from his palette.  To London with daughter, Blanch, in November of 1837 to paint Victoria.  Records prices for portraits while in London.  On November 8th, visited painters with friend, Leslie.  Walls in studios of English painters were usually red.  Sat in painting chair once used by Reynolds; draws chair.  Describes a typical painting room of an English painter.

 

Page 53: Went to the “British Institution” and commented on a painting by Velazquez once owned by Reynolds.  Visited Cattermole, Alfred Chalon, Healy [Thomas F. Heaphy?] (will make an excellent painter), and Doughty.

 

Page 55:  Doughty removes grease from paintings using Irish potatoes, then washes and dries the painting. Meets David Wilkie.  Appreciates Wilkie’s talents, but does not admire his work. To National Gallery.  Meets W. Beechey, now 85, for the first time since 1810. Thinks Beechey's recent works should be destroyed so that his reputation will not be tarnished.

 

Page 57: To Turner’s gallery.  Comments on “Gala day in Venice.”  Muslin covered the sky light of the gallery to deflect direct light.  Meets Samuel Rogers.

 

Page 59: Writes about Titian’s work.

 

Page 61: “A Rembrandt, notwithstanding its vulgarity, is solidly painted, careful, and true in the colouring.”  Critiques Reynolds’ work.  December 12th, to National Gallery where two works by Correggio were disappointments.

 

Page 63:  Writes about Reynolds’ work once again.  Portrait of a Jewish merchant by Rembrandt is his best work in portraiture; discusses more of Rembrandt’s work.  January 14, 1838, at Leslie’s looking at facsimiles of designs for Sistine chapel, by Michelangelo.

 

Page 65: February 5, 1838, is varnishing day at the “British Institution.”  Describes Turner varnishing his paintings. Assesses Landseer.  Goes to gallery at Bridgewater House.

 

Page 67:  More on Bridgewater House and its contents: paintings by Titian, Rembrandt, Raphael.

 

Page 69:  Writes about Landseer again: good portraitist, but wanting in the practice of painting flesh.  Visited Henry Pickersgill whose daughter painted good miniatures.  March 6, 1838: described Reynolds pictures owned by Sir F. Baring.

 

Page 71: Writes about “the late Stoddard” and how he was unappreciated in his own lifetime.  Comments on Lord Ashburton's collection.  On March 9th, went to the Sketching Club at Leslie’s.  On March 14th, began Victoria’s portrait at Buckingham Palace.

 

Page 73: “The owners of excellent pictures in London are quite unwilling to have them copied. They think it lessens the value of the originals.”  Critiques Rubens.

 

Page 75: Visited Mr. Evans, a pupil of Lawrence, who explained the practice of his teacher.  Examined the collection of paintings owned by Miss Rogers.

 

Page 77:  May 4, 1838, went to National Gallery exhibition where Landseer’s works claimed most interest.  “The works of Turner grew upon me.”  Attended watercolor exhibition in Suffolk Street.

 

Page 79: Whitehall: Rubens painted the ceiling, “but its glory has departed.” Called on Wilkie who was painting a portrait of a woman using reflected light. Draws chair on a platform, tilted mirror, and window.  Sees Sir Robert Peel’s collection.

 

Page 81: Continues with Peel.  Impressed with the Elgin marbles at the British Museum.

 

Page 83: Off to France. In Rouen during July 1838. In Paris on July 6 when visited the Louvre. Attracted to the pictures by Rubens; found collection of Spanish paintings prodigious.  To the Luxembourg Palace.

 

Page 85: To Palais Royale where admired Horace Vernet works. Returns to London and visits Holland House to see pictures there.  Hampton Court: “The celebrated beauties of Charles the 2nd’s court, painted by Peter Lely, disappointed me grievously.”  Discusses other Hampton Court sights.

 

Page 87: Continues observing Hampton Court.  In Philadelphia again, 1839.  Greuze is the foremost of French colorists. Reynolds formed his system of coloring based on those of .Rembrandt, Reynolds, and Titian.

 

Page 89: Edward Miles, an English painter of miniatures, is a good contrast with Sully because he was not particular about keeping records on how he painted.  Writes down the Italian recipe for drying oils.

 

Page 91: Writes about the use of varnish and tampering with madder lake.

 

Page 93: Writes about the kind of white paint in use. Critiques Stuart: “Stuart rarely excelled in painting the female face.  His excellence lay chiefly in delineating strong and vigorous character.”

 

Page 95: Discusses how time and fire change colors and gives the recipe for Japanner’s gold size.  Titian painted on a red ground when doing flesh colors.

 

Page 97: “But the spirit of art in this country [England] has been constantly depressed by false criticism, foreign revilings against its genius, and the domestic outcry of want of patronage for works of magnitude, as if size were synonymous with merit.”

 

Page 99: In portraits, all should be kept subordinate to the face.  Quotes from the memoirs of Wilkie on Reynolds and his representation of female character.

 

Page 101:  If a portrait is refined too much the identify of the subject is lost.  Writes about egg varnish. Explains that kit kat is a size of a portrait [somewhat less than half-length].

 

Page 103: Recipe for “Painter’s Butter,” white varnish and “Incomparable varnish” which was used by van Dyke.

 

Page 105: More varnish talk. Describes sittings of Lawrence.

 

Page 107: “In 1851 my present practice in painting, and has been such for many years, the following.”  Sully then describes his process of portrait painting including sittings, technique of canvas work, and what his palette. looked like, draws palette.

 

Page 109: Discusses more about his palette and colors. Describes what goes where on his canvas.

 

Page 111: Depicts palette for the third sitting and writes more about the different sittings and coloring.

 

[Sully stops numbering his pages here, so all following page numbers have been assigned.]

 

[Page 112:]  Sully writes on February 4, 1858, from Philadelphia, and recalls events of his life.  In Richmond, Virginia, he witnessed Washington’s funeral.  First attempt to paint from nature was portrait of brother Chester.  A coach painter set him straight on what oil to use for grinding colors in 1802.  Sully liked Richmond very much.  An itinerant artist named Boudet did not give him the hints that he hoped for.  Mentions death of brother Lawrence.  Hoped to study in Europe,  but moved to New York instead, where Thomas Cooper offered so much assistance.  Visited Stuart in Boston.  To Philadelphia.

 

[Page 113:] Acknowledges kindnesses of Philadelphians Richard Rush, Joseph Denny, and Sansom Levy, the director of the Academy of the Fine Arts, who supported Sully's idea for acquiring financial 5upport for a trip to London.

 

[Page 114:]  Mr. Wilcocks, because the Academy did not have the funds to sponsor a London trip, suggested an alternative whereby Sully would copy paintings for patrons for $200.00, $100.00 of which would be paid in advance to cover London expenses.  The balance would be forthcoming upon Sully's return. Off to London via Liverpool and Birmingham, where his grandmother Peter lived.

 

[page 115:]  In London on July 19, 1809 and called on Charles King. Lived on bread, butter, milk, and potatoes to save money.  Called on Benjamin West who made a most favorable impression.

 

[page 116:]  Of West: “I need not say how much benefit I reaped from the services of this good man; he treated me as if I had been his son.”  Discusses others met in London.

 

[Page 117:]  In another hand, page is headed “Introduction.”  All other text is in Sully’s writing. Dated September 21, 1859. Opening lines:

 

            My friend Dr. Koecker suggested to me that by overhauling my various memorandums, I might revive some reminiscence of events, that might possibly be interesting to my son; and from which he might select matter for publication.  I have accordingly set down various occurrence that have recurred to my recollection.

 

Some repetition, though talks more about Cooper.

 

[Page 118:]  Writes again about going to London.  Visited Stuart in Boston.

 

[Page 119:]  Depicts Stuart’s palette in 1807.  Restores a portrait of Garrick by Pine.  Did a painting for James McMurtrie in 1812, who gave it in turn to Dr. Dorsey on the condition that the Sully family be given free medical care for their lifetimes.  Some other portraits done.

 

[Page 120:]  Writes about West retouching “Raising of Lazarus” after it had been damaged in shipping, Writes about 1837-1838 London visit to paint Victoria.

 

[Page 121:]  Draws the palette that he has used for many years and discusses it.

 

[Page 122:]  Repeats what he wrote about the kindness of West.  Sully never witnessed excess drinking by Stuart, but did observe that he procrastinated too much.


Summary of letters from Thomas and Blanch Sully in England (letters in acc. 84x130.1-.2; original volumes in folders 6 and 7; indexes to the volumes follow this summary):

 

Volume 1:

 

New York, Oct. 9, 1837

From: Blanch

To: Mrs. Thos. Sully

 

Brief description of New York, setting sail on Tuesday (Oct. 10, 1837).

 

Note by Thos. Sully

To: Mrs. Thos. Sully.

 

“I am well - but of course a little heart ache.”

 

Portsmouth, Nov. 3, 1837

From: Thos. Sully

To: Mrs. Thos. Sully

 

“I have dated my letter in advance, because I shall put it in some Ships letter-Bag when at Portsmouth to morrow.”  Describes the gale winds, passage of the Isle of Wight, and the mainland, takes aboard a pilot who hadn't witnessed such a storm in 40 years; suffers from sea sickness, Blanch even more than her father.

 

Signed Thos. Sully

 

Thursday morning, Nov. 1, 1837,

on board the Quebec

From: Blanch

To: Mrs. Thos. Sully

 

Passed the entrance to Southampton and dropped anchor in sight of Rye, three miles from Portsmouth.

 

Friday, Nov. 2, 1837

From: Blanch

 

Went ashore this morning to board a pilot boat for Portsmouth; then to the customs house; at noon boarded a stage for London.  Describes their travel through the country side.  Passed Milford, an old abbey called St. Catherine’s and Lord Grenville’s Castle.  Had dinner at 7:00 in Guilford. Arrived in London at 9:00 pm; stayed at the Hotel Hatchett.

 

Saturday, Nov. 3, 1837

From Blanch

 

In London, went by omnibus - elegantly lined with green velvet - to visit with Charles Robert Leslie [1794-1859], the painter, who found some cheap lodging for us.

 

Monday Nov. 5, 1837

Howland St., Fitzroy Square, From Blanch

 

Enjoyed the accommodations, went to church at Westminster Abbey: “Heavens and earth! (forgive the expression) who can describe it.”  To St. James Park, Piccadilly and the Lord Nelson Monument.  Returned to their quarters to find an invitation from Mr. Leslie and Mr. Audubon.

 

Tuesday, Nov. 6, got up late this morning; wrote home.

 

Wednesday, Nov. 7, Father came home from a long walk through Cornhill, Templebar and the Strand.  Went to Cavendish Sq. and had dinner at the Audubon’s; “saw plenty of pictures.”  Next morning off to Oxford St., to the Pantheon or Bazaar, a beautiful building like the front of our bank. Described the many items on display and for sale, went through Regent Street, continued down to Charing Cross, to Whitehall - saw the spot where Charles was beheaded - had a view of St. Paul’s, Somerset House (a palace of a palace), and Covent Garden Market.

 

“Thursday morning--Yesterday.  Mr. Leslie called for Father, took him to Martin Archer Shee [1780-1860], the painter, and from thence to see Challon [Alfred Edward Chalon, the painter, 1780-1860].  We went to Portland Place, a splendid street, so wide that four coaches were riding a-breast, saw the latest fashion for bonnets and called on Mr. and Mrs. Victor Audubon.”

 

Signed Blanch

 

November 9, 1837

From: Thos. Sully

To: Mrs. Thos. Sully

 

London is enormously expensive and unless I get some few portraits to paint I must not only give up my intended French trip but take passage home next Spring, for I perceive with the strictest economy my cash cannot last longer….”

 

Signed: Yours as ever. T Sully, 9 November

 

 

Letter 2d, London, November 11, 1837

From: Thos. Sully To: Sarah

 

Describes their present lodging at No. 17 Howland St., Fitzroy Sq.  “We manage to keep house in a very economical manner, yet London is so expensive a place to live in, that with all our saving my cash will not allow us to stay here longer than next April.”  Mentions the kindness of Mr. Audubon and family.  Saw Thomas Doughty [1793-1856] and George Peter Alexander Healy [1813-1894].  Healy is greatly improved and will make a first rate artist.  Sir Martin A, Shee remembered me and gave me a friendly reception and a ticket to the rooms of the Royal Academy of Lectures. Hoping for a few commissions.  “I may rely upon one portrait, Miss Bates whom I visited last evening--and if I receive another I shall remove at once ....”

 

Signed: Yours ever, Thos. Sully

 

 

Blanch's first letter

On board the Quebec, “at sea,” Oct. 25, 1837

 

Describes life on board ship and their fellow passengers.

 

Thursday, Oct, 26, 1837

From: Blanch

 

Still on board ship; nasty weather.

 

Monday morning 30—“Too sick on Friday to do anything but talk and laugh.  Saturday squally but fair wind - the ship going like a race horse ... Dream of home every night, live on brandy peaches - prevents my being sick.”

 

Tuesday Oct. 31 – “The mate says to morrow we shall see land!!! huzza.”

 

Wednesday, Nov. 1,  “Yesterday was really and truly sick. This morning saw Land !!! yes land.”

 

Next day, Nov. 2,  A pilot came aboard ship, got into the Channel in the afternoon, passed the Needles, the Isle of Wight, the Castle in which Charles II was imprisoned, and Norris” Castle - belonging to Lord Henry Seymore - now the residence of the Duchess of Kent and Princess Victoria.

 

Signed: I am still your Yankee Blanch.

 

 

Blanch's third Letter: Nov. 10, 1837

No. 17 Howland St., Fitzroy Square, London

To: Dear All.

 

Describes the Queen's procession. Next morning visited the British Museum at Montague House. Thos. Sully visited Mr. Doughty and Mr. Healy; strolled through London sightsesing.  “Forgot to say in every music shop, you see Jim Crow or life in Philad., all the boys in the street are humming it, 'tis arranged as a quadrille and danced at Almac’s.”

 

Sunday, Nov. 12, 1837. Went to and described St. Paul's; passed the monument and statue of Sir J. Reynolds; met Mr. Leslie and his son.  Went by omnibus to see Sir David Wilkie who resides at the edge of Kensington Gardens.  “A lady came in to invite us into the drawing room to partake of some luncheon, whilst eating Mr. [Sir Edwin Henry] Landseer was announced.”  Lively discussion about the arts followed.

 

Monday evening, Nov. 13, 1837. Dined with Mr. Stewart.  The following morning received a note of introduction from Sir. D. Wilkie to Sir Peter Laury.  Described Guildhall.  Met Wm. Oldmixon and went to the Royal Academy: “what a palace of palace.”  Saw some pictures by the old masters – “of course Father was in ecstasies.”  Sir Martin A. Shee gave Father a permit to attend the Lectures - the first one this evening.

 

Wednesday, Nov. 15, 1837. Yesterday went to see Sir William Beechey who “received us kindly - took us into his painting room what detestable daubs his pictures are to be sure.”  Found Mr. Leslie, Mr. Doughty, and Mr. Healy waiting at home; went to see Mr. Turner.  “What an Artist! What a nasty looking fellow he is, looks as though he had not an idea - beside that so careless and dirty in his life dress that I would not pick him out of the gutter - yet he can paint so magnificently.”  Went to the theater later on. Visit by Thos. Sully to Mr. Jaudon. The boys here are constantly whistling “The light of other days” and “Jim Crow.”  How the folks stare at my cape - I bet they take me for a squaw.

 

Signed: Blanch - the Yankee as I'm called.

 

 

London, Nov. 22, 1837.

From: Thos. Sully

To: Neagle

 

“I find that much good management is to be used in regard to getting the Queen to sit to a foreign artist - however, my documents are in our ambassador’s hands, and he has entered warmly into the business; in a month or two I shall know the result. In the meantime I have a prospect of doing well. Four portraits are engaged - I want but two more - and if urged to paint others they shall pay well for it. To morrow we remove to a better apartments and a more fashionable street. No. 46 Great Marlborough Street.  I believe poor Newton once occupied the very rooms.”  Talks in detail about the various styles of M.A. Shee, Howard Pickersgill, Howard, Wilkie, Challon, and Turner. Attends a lecture on anatomy at the Royal Academy and plans to go to others on statuary, architecture, and other subjects as well.

 

Signed: Thos. Sully.

 

 

Father's third letter to Mother.

 

“On Thursday next 23 of November we are to remove to No. 46 Great Marlborough Street - where you will in future direct all letters to me.  I shall get my painting apparatus in order and on the following Monday begin the portrait of Miss Bates.  The charges for portraits are not so high as I thought they were, and I find it would be imprudent to charge more than 50 Pounds - that is 250 Dollars.  But for Mr. Todhunter it will be my usual charge of 200 Dollars and I expect to paint two for him and two for Bates and have prospect of more. Making enough commissions on the different portraits to pay for a trip to Paris next June or July. Tell Mr. Sill it was fortunate that he gave me a copy of the memorial [letter addressed to the young Queen, dated at Philadelphia October 6, 1837], as otherwise the one intended for the Queen could not have been received as it was sealed.  Our minister has it in his possession to deliver at the proper time and I am assured that there is little doubt of her sitting to me, tho’ it is probable that I shall have to attend her at Windsor - I dread the expense.”  Reminisces about activities at home and family. Blanch is reading Gil Blas in French to prepare her for the expected visit to Paris; Healy sent it to her.

 

Signed: God bless you all--Yours ever T. Sully.

 

 

London, Nov. 16, 1837.

Blanch's fourth letter.

To: Her mother.

 

Mr. Bates says we are too far west; the Nobility would not be driven there for anything, so this morning we found delightful lodgings in Great Marlborough St. and Berner St.; have not decided yet which will suit. Engaged in various social activities and outings to London theaters and visited and described the Tower.

 

Friday. Yesterday Father has secured lodgings in No. 46 Great Marlborough St. so in a week we move there.

 

Sunday. Yesterday Mrs. Bates and our American Minister and his wife called on us. Thos. Sully attended another lecture at the Royal Academy.

 

Signed: I am your affectionate Blanch.

 

 

Fifth letter

Nov. 21, 1837.

Howland St. Fitzroy Sq.

From: Blanche

To: Her mother

 

Visited the captain of their ship Quebec, and the next day saw the Audubons.

 

Thursday, Nov. 23, 1837. No. 46 Great Marlborough St., Soho Square:  “Here we are snugly fixed in our new lodgings”; describes it.

 

Friday, Nov, 24, 1837. Suffers from a cold, canceling all activities.  The man in whose house we live has a beautiful gallery of pictures: a Corregio which father says is the best he ever saw, some Claudels, two Gainsboroughs and lots of others equally good.

 

Saturday, Nov. 25, 1837. Another visit to the theater.  “We sallied out to the Paint man in Oxford St. for all his materials”; on Monday Miss Bates sits.

 

Monday, Nov. 27, 1837. Visit by Mr. and Mrs. Price; she will sit for a portrait. Many social engagements and walking tours of London.

 

Wednesday, Nov. 29, 1837. First sitting by Mrs. Bates.

 

Saturday, Dec, 2, 1837. Last Thursday for the first time we remained indoors all morning.  Father painted and I played on the dearest little piano you ever saw. Mr. Leslie called to take us to see Rodgers [Samuel Rogers?] the poet. A lively description of this visit, the house, and its furnishings including many portraits and the gentleman himself, Asks for the Philadelphia papers to be sent to them.

 

Signed: Love to all--everybody--Yours Blanch.

 

 

London, Dec. 24, 1837.

Letter from Father

 

Writes about family matters and talks again about the style of portrait paintings, coloring, and various tints of flesh “by the best of painters here.”

 

Unsigned.

 

 

sixth letter

London, Dec. 4, 1837.

From: Blanch

 

Monday - a foggy day. Last Saturday another sitting from Miss Bates. On Sunday visited a Unitarian church in Portland St. and an Episcopal church. Tuesday - dinner at Mr. Price’s; and, an account of the invited guests.

 

Wednesday - Arose early because of Mr. Todhunter's sitting right after breakfast [John Todhunter, bust painting begun December 5, 1837 and finished December 26, 1837].

 

Thursday - Yesterday not quite “zackly” well so remained at home all day. On Tuesday evening dined at Mr. Vaughan's where we met a lady and gentleman just returning from Italy where the cholera rages frightfully.

 

Saturday - Yesterday more social activities, dinner at Count Survellier's, another visit to the theater by Blanch.

 

Sunday morning - Went to the Unitarian church in Portland St.  In the evening, dinner at Mrs. Bates's where introduced to the Belgian Minister, with his star and garter (by the way, he has the most handsomest legs I ever saw).  Father has been elected a member of the Garrick Club - a great honor.  Petty Vaughan took father to hear a lecture on the art of calico printing.  More tea and dinner invitations and music parties.  Met a Mr. Sepio and son, opera singers who in the spring will embark for America to give concerts.  Invited to a music party at Mr. Stewart’s where heard some musicians from the Italian Opera who performed exquisitely.  Had a long talk with Landseer--can't say I like him.  Describes a visit to the Opera, seated across from the Queen's box and talked about the ladies in waiting, their dresses, and the poor Lords in waiting, standing the whole time.  Saw the Queen's foot-muff: royal purple velvet lined with ermine.  The little I saw of her, gave me the idea of a good- natured, fat face, ugly likeness of Mrs. J. Butler.

 

Signed: Love to all--Blanch

 

 

Ninth Letter.

London, Sunday, December 24, 1837.

From: Blanch.

 

Only to think dear folks at home! that this is Christmas Eve, father and I dining together; Miss Bates took her last sitting yesterday.  “Went for a walk, saw some turkeys exposed for sale at a fowl-mongers dressed to death in ribbons for Christmas.  Must say that the preparations here are not equal to ours - save the turkeys.”  Describes activities during Christmas Eve in London.

 

Called on Mr. Cousins [Samuel Cousins, 1801-1887], the engraver, but he was not at home. Played some old English games, among them Snap Dragon which is always played on Christmas eve.

 

Tuesday, December 26: Yesterday got up quite early it being Christmas day; describes a visit to the village of Camberwell.  Finished Miss Elizabeth Anne Bates’s painting. [Bust, begun November 29, 1837 and finished December 26, 1837.]

 

Sunday--Last Wednesday walked all the way up to the "Kings Cross", went for dinner at the Audubon's.

 

Thursday--Mr. Samuel Jaudon took his first sitting [bust begun December 28, 1837 and finished January 2, 1838].  “Good News!!! The Queen consents to sit most willingly, think of that! the news came through Lord Melbourne - she is now at Windsor Castle ... and as soon as she comes to town she sends word, that she’ll gratify Mr. Sully.”

 

“Sunday Morning and the last day of the year--time flies--so much the better- - we’ll be the sooner home.”

 

January 1, 1838--A glorious day; went for a long stroll.  More visitors and diner invitations.

 

Thursday--called on Mr. Healy, saw a portrait of Lady Essex, and a scene from St. Patrick's Eve.  Just as we were leaving, a Mr. Jordan - editor of some magazine here - walked in.  Got home and dressed to go to Sir David Wilkie's [1785-1841] where we were introduced to Allan Cunningham, the author and intimate friend of Sir Walter Scott.

 

Signed: Blanch.

 

 

Eighth letter

London, January 7, 1838,

No. 46 Great Marlborough St.

From: Blanch.

To: Dear All.

 

Continuous social engagements; saw Mr. Doughty and some of his paintings-- father thinks he has improved.

 

Sunday and the following days. Cold weather; visit Mr. Leslie.  It is so cold “that the water in my pitcher had a cake of ice floating on top. Went to see Sir David Wilkie, he received us most cordially, initiated father in all the formalities observed at court, saw some of his pictures, only to think he has a black waiter, whom be introduces in many of his pictures.  I suspect he came from Africa.”  Visits the Pantomime theater.  Sits by Mrs. Price who is dressed in a green velvet dress and is with her little dog.  Cold weather persists; “indeed my paws are so cold must stop to warm them.”

 

Thursday night--our piano is getting tuned.  Last night a dreadful fire burned the Exchange down to the ground.  At Mr. Lewis’s dined in great style and met the American Consul's family (Aspinwalls); like them much.  Mr. Lewis showed us an original letter from General Washington to Mr. Stewart - what a treasure - how I would like to have stolen it.  At twelve we took our leave.  Today three degrees colder.  Mrs. Price sat in the most splendid black satin brocade I ever saw, covered all over with gorgeous flowers.

 

Friday, Jan. 11, 1838 and the following days. Visited the Jenkins: music and dancing.  Describes household chores, people skating, and Marquis of Hertford’s beautiful villa, built in the Italian style.  Passed the house of Sir Walter Scott which he occupies while in London; quite a palace - in fact, all the dwellings around the park look more like palaces than anything else.  Dinner at the Audubon's.

Today, Sunday--snowing like fury.  Father is getting his pictures ready to send to the Academy tomorrow; in a few days ‘twill open to the public.

 

Monday--Yesterday Mrs. Audubon called for me to take her to Waterloo House, a famous shop.  I never saw such a place more like a bazaar than a shop.

 

Thursday--A bitter cold day.  The Thames frozen across - such a thing has not happened for twenty years.  Another dinner at the Audubon’s with a description of some of the guests.

 

Saturday--Mr. Jaudon sat this morning; brought a great pile of Philadelphia newspapers to read.

 

Signed: With love to all, I remain yours, Blanch.

 

 

Ninth letter.  

London January 28, 1838

Sunday Morning just 10 minutes after 10:00.

From: Blanch.

To: Her mother.

 

Dined with Mrs. Price and the Audubons; talks about other social activities.  Father is making such a beautiful picture of Mrs. Price who is delighted with it.

 

Monday--A beautiful mild day, like April. Father went out to buy some blacking at Day and Martin's palace.

 

Today, Tuesday--dark and damp.  We can have all sorts of weather here.  Father says do send him a little day light for he can scarce see to paint.  Just heard that the two daughters of our landlord are ill with the measles - thank fate I have had it.  Mr. Thacher from Boston paid us a visit.  He is here writing a book on the manners and customs of the English - I hope he'll do his best.

 

Thursday--This morning Mrs. P. took her last sitting.

 

Friday--Last night Mr. Thacher brought us some New York papers to read, which we did with avidity.  Had to go to the dentist to have a plug put in that fell out a week ago.  By the way he gave me the oddest brush to use. Just dined and I'll declare I feel as if Mr. K was stretching open my mouth and pressing on my tooth.  My mouth hurts so; must give over for the night.

 

Dad went to the Pall Mall exhibition to see the artists varnish and retouch their pictures, as this is the day they are privileged to go inspect and alter their works before the public exhibition which soon takes place.  He told me of the exhibition which he thinks decidedly fine.  About the odd situations of the artists: some dangled between the floor and ceiling varnishing, others were flat on the floor retouching - all in fact with palette in hand.

 

Saturday, Feb. 10, 1838: More visitors, invitations, and dinner parties.  “Went with father to Bridgewater House to get Lord Egerton's letter, [Francis Egerton Ellesmere, 1800-1857]. He lives in a splendid mansion to be sure; from thence to the Marquis of Landsdown’s - gave the letter then decamped.”

 

Sunday morning--Last night Father came home from a dinner party at Mr. Murray's (Lord Byron's friend) where he met the great Captain Back, Moore the poet, his son, Landseer, and a Mr. Smith, an author.  The conversation was so delightful that Dad has committed to paper many of Moore's remarks.  What a treat!

 

Signed: Blanch.

 

 

Ninth letter.

London Feb. 5, 1838,

No. 46 Gt. Marlborough St. Soho.

From: Thos. Sully

To: Jane and Hal

 

“This being the varnishing day at the British Institution, I received a circular from the Keeper, and accordingly went down early not to varnish my pictures, that being already done, but to look around me. I met Wilkie; Turner was seated on a plank suspended aloft, by a large step ladder, and was retouching a sea piece with I think water colours. (I don't mean a pun here). I admire Turner’s pictures, but I must say that the present picture is not a fortunate application of his new gorgeous style. I saw Landseer balancing himself, standing on a tall slender counting-house stool. Doughty has a clever picture here, so has Healy and Osgood - but Landseer has some animals, that are all but living - there is more talent displayed in this exhibition that I expected to meet. I returned our Murray’s call this morning and saw the elder gentleman, the publisher of Lord Byron's works ....  If you mean to go through with the task of copying all the letters we write home I pity you!  Take advice and be content to make such extracts as you may wish to revive.  In regard to the New York invention about the Queen’s intended portrait, I am not much surprised, people are so fond of being “mystified” - Mr. Hill at Mr. Murray’s, explained to the company, on a question being asked me on the same subject - that one of the States had sent me over the Atlantic to execute the portrait - by & by we shall find that I am sent by Congress or Van Buren - as he is a single man....  When we are located in Paris I’ll be sending you a sketch of our rooms there, that you may be with us as much as you can.”

 

Feb. 10--Yesterday dined at A. Ralston’s.  Among the dinner guests were Strickland, Bates, Jaudon, King & nephew, Hutchinson (late of Philadelphia, now consul at Lisbon) & 20 other gentlemen.  Visit to the Garrick Club with Price.  They want a portrait of Forrest and I have resolved and indeed promised to paint them one on my return home.  [Bust begun Sept. 19, 1836 and finished Oct. 26, 1839.]  Severe cold weather.

 

Feb. 14--l have kept this letter open hoping to tell you at the close that I had begun the Queen’s portrait but the day is not yet fixed.  I am told it will be arranged this month.

 

Feb. 17--Yesterday I went with the Audubons to see Hayter’s full length of the Queen painted for the City.  It is too large, too old, in my judgement rather vulgar.  I do not fear entering into competition with it.  Lord and Lady Lansdowne sent me an invitation to dinner for the 24th; of course I accept for I am desirous of seeing something of Nobility in London.

 

Signed: God bless you all is the prayer of Yours Thos Sully.

 

 

Tenth Letter.

London, No 46. Gt Marlborough St. Soho, Square

From: Thos. Sully.

 

Talks about dinner at the Murray’s in the company of author Mr. Smith, T. Moore and son!!!, E. Landseer, and the famous Captain Back.  Moore altho’ unwell showed himself to be that gorgeous, sparkling mortal I have always thought him to be.  His wit, his short stories were so pat to the occasion.  Invited by the Marquis of Lansdowne to visit his gallery.  Visit by Lord Egerton; we talked much of the arts, America, and Mrs. Butler.  He invited me to see his collection at any time.

 

Monday, the 12th--Went to see the Marquis of Lansdowne. Quite impressed by the manners and style in which the gentleman lived.  He has but a few pictures and they are of the best kind.  His most valuable works are in marble.  Leslie told me that the John Smith I dined with at Murray’s was his brother, Horace Smith, the author of “Rejected Addresses.”  Does Furness know what a favorite William Ellery Channing is here as an author?  I am told that the Queen takes great pleasure in his writing.

 

 

Volume 2: continuation of 10th letter from Thomas Sully

 

Friday 16th--Occupied in painting on “Charity”; talks about their visitors, change of maid, and other daily activities.

 

Saturday 17th--Blanch sat for me for the drapery of my picture - how I miss my lay figure! Went with the Audubons to look at Hayter’s whole length of the Queen which is painted for the city; there are some passable parts in it, but I do not like it altogether. It is too large and seems a woman of twenty- three or more with some what of a care-worn expression. I prefer Chalon’s, especially the head. He said: “I shall find the Queen an excellent sitter and affable in her manners.”

 

Feb. 18th--Visit by Doughty who considers embarking for home but suffers from a lack of funds, very little hope of replenishing them here in London since landscape painting is a drug here. Rand, the painter, is ill with smallpox; remarkable how many persons there are in England who are marked by the severity of this disease.

 

Signed: God bless you all. Yours truly Thos. Sully.

 

 

Tenth letter

Monday Morning Feb. 12th 1838

No. 46 Gt. Marlbro’, Soho Square London.

From: Blanche

To: My dear Folks.

 

Talks about various visitors and a stroll in London (Hyde Park, Green Park, the entrance of Tattersalls, passed the Queen’s Garden and Buckingham Palace, St. James Park, walked up the terraces of Carlton House and reached Waterloo Place and the statue of Lord Nelson).  Lord Francis Egerton came by, remarkably handsome; owns a great collection: the Stafford Gallery. Water still frozen in the pipes.

 

Wednesday--Yesterday father went with Mr. Humphreys to a lecture given in the Adelphi; tickets given by Petty Vaughan. More invitations, visitors stopping by and the arrival of a new maid.

 

Friday--Yesterday invitation by Mrs. Audubon to a turkey dinner.

 

Saturday--Blanche once more sitting for more than two hours for drapery. The following day more invitations and social chit-chat. Visit by Capt. Levy with some advice on how to live economically in Paris.

 

Sunday 25th--Invitation by Mr. Todhunter and Miss Webber.

 

Tuesday night 27th--Father is in rapture with his visit to Lansdowne House; all particulars are in his letter.

 

Thursday March 1st--Visit by father to Lord Egerton’s gallery where he was met by Lord Egerton and led through the house.  Blanche prepares herself to go to Scotland by the middle of April.  The Queen is getting ready to go to Brighton to spend Easter.  She does not like either Brighton or Windsor, because when there she can't go to the theater or opera amusements she is particularly fond of.  I like her taste.

 

Signed: Yours ever Blanch.

 

 

Letter 11,

London Feb. 20th 1838.

Gt. Marlborough St Soho Square.

From: Thos. Sully.

 

Continues to paint on “Charity”; planning to go to Paris after the 20th or 27th of June.  Dinner invitation by Lord Lansdowne postponed a few days, as Her Majesty had commanded him and Lady L. to dinner with her on Saturday.  Called at Lough’s the sculptor.

 

Friday 23--Weather still miserable - how I miss the bright clear days in my painting room!  I observe that the English painters excel in painting smoke and fog.  Visit by Captain Levy who insists on my being presented at Court.  He will have me paint Louis Philippe when I go to Paris; this I shall have to decline. Visit by an elderly gentleman and his daughter - no introduction was made - he said he was induced to call on me after seeing “Beatrice” I had placed in the Exhibition.  Requested to see more of my painting and to know my prices; paid me lots of compliments and civilly before taking his departure.

 

Sunday 25th--Still raining. Mr. Dixwell called on us. Strickland and daughter, who were his fellow lodgers, have set off for Paris.

 

Monday 26th--It rains hard but I contrive to get through with my “Charity” and the picture is finished. I called on Stevenson about the Royal portrait and he recommended to get Lord Lansdowne to take the matter in hand.  Describes dinner at the Lansdowne House, the guests, including the painter Eastlake, their conversation; there is an union of humanity, benevolence and courtesy in good breeding.  Still has not met Stephanoff, the painter, but I will describe each artist I meet with.  Still no word from the young Queen on a sitting.  Visit by Sir D. Wilkie; he complimented my picture “Charity”; Healy wants me to exhibit “Charity” in the Exhibition at Suffolk St. and offered me the loan of a frame. Dinner at Lord Francis Egerton’s. Describes his collection and some of his paintings, such as Landseer’s family picture, Turner in his old style, and a chef-d’oeuvre by De la Roche.  Charles insulted by his guards.  Went with Brett to Pickersgill, watched him at work, then went on to see Mr. Hurlstowe who is somewhat like Pickersgill, but inferior - I don't mean the man, but the pencil.

 

Thursday March 1st - I called on Stevenson who has written a letter to the Lord Chamberlain to ask if he would consult the Queen on her inclination to sit for me as was stated in Lord Melbourne’s letter and to mention the time agreed upon.  Had I been able to have guessed that it would have caused me so much delay & bother I would not have hampered myself with the commission.  The money to be paid for it will be but a scant allowance for the trouble.

 

Friday 2d--Rained all night and is still at it. I went with my letter to the Lord Chamberlain, bought some lead pencils, some sealing wax, and the steel pen with which I am writing.

 

Saturday March 3d--This completes the fourth month since our landing in England and six more are to pass before we can expect to land in America. Visited Mr. Cartwright's rooms to see all his fine pictures; an exquisite piece by Landseer is the best in the whole series.  Invited to Lord and Lady Egerton’s. I strolled through the rooms and soon discovered that I was rubbing elbows against the Nobles of the land!  Princes of the blood, Dukes, Duchesses in scores and Lords in numbers; Lord E. would join me and point out remarkable personages: that is the Duke of Wellington, the Duchess of Cambridge and of Cumberland, Sir Robt. Peel, Lord Brougham, Duke of Sussex, &c.  The dresses I thought them gorgeous, feathers, turbans & diamonds in profusion.  How strange that I should leave my quiet, humble circle at home to visit London and mix with the elite of the Court who are only next in rank to the Queen herself!!!

 

Signed: God bless you all. I shall commence another long letter to morrow. T. Sully.

 

 

Letter 11th,

March 4th 1838.

Gt. Marlborough St. London.

From: Blanch

 

Went to a needlework exhibit by Miss Linwood [Mary Linwood, 1755-1845] in Leicester Square and then saw a Panorama of Mont Blanc.  One can easily imagine himself in Switzerland.  Then to Mr. Cartwright’s, a dentist, who had some beautiful modern pictures.  Still raining, and my tooth started to ache once more.  Father went to the Egertons and told me this morning about all the Dukes, Duchesses, and Earls he met there; the Duke of Wellington is such a miserable little man.

 

Monday went shopping with Miss Webber; Tuesday a noble day worthy of America, the following days more visitors and dinner invitations.

 

Thursday--Yesterday left with Mrs. Hillard for the Institution.  The portraits are most wretched; father’s shine and the “Beatrice” is universally admired; some tolerable landscapes and some animals painted by Landseer so natural looking that they almost make you scream with delight.

 

Friday 8th--Yesterday, more visitors and dinner invitations; one from Lord and Lady Dacre to dine with them next week.

 

Saturday 9th--Yesterday went to Bath House, the residence of Lord Ashburton; describes his collection and the interior of the house.  Continued to the great print-setter shop of Boys, Hodgsons and Greaves.

 

Sunday went for a walk and saw the rail road, precisely like ours, and the Zoological Gardens.

 

Tuesday 13th--Father is painting.  I went with Mrs. Audubon to Waterloo House and the Pantheon.

 

Signed: Love to every body - Yours truly Blanch.

 

 

Letter 12th

March 4th 1838

London, Sunday

from Father

 

Weather still unpleasant, not very much to do, visit by Todbunter and the two Audubons.

 

Monday 5th--The Marquis of Conyngham has received his request relative to the Queen's portrait and would attend to it, so I suppose that business is now in progress.

 

Tuesday 6th--This morning we have blue sky and the brightest sunshine I have seen in England.  I employed myself this morning with the picture Audubon has lent me.  Went to see Sir T. Baring’s collection; quite interesting; it consists chiefly of Lawrence and Reynolds.  I found much to admire in Lawrence: fine flowing outline, force and richness, but in his flesh he is often harsh, either falling into the brick dust hue, or the charcoal.  Reynolds, on the contrary, whether his tone be warm or cold is always true to nature; his breadth is very apt to have the fault of being vague or bold.  Lawrence defines better, but I cannot like the figures and heads being larger than

life.  Reynolds made them exact and I find it better in every respect.  Two excellent landscapes by Vernet.  Dinner at Pickersgill’s; it turned out that he and I were fellow students under Henri Fuseli [1741-1825].

 

Wednesday 7th--Until I came to London I had no idea of the late Stothard’s ability as a painter.  Mr. Pickersgill has a small picture representing Venus asleep that is drawn with the purity of Raphael and colored better than any picture of Titian that I have seen.  His industry must have been prodigious, a person who is collecting engravings from his works has amassed five thousand and has not yet completed the series.  Now that he is dead the public is beginning to find out be was a great painter.  Went to Finden, the noted publisher, to borrow some Reynolds picture that I hope to copy at a later date.  It is curious how little display these men of extensive business make; you would scarcely guess that his house was the depot of so many valuable works.  In a new publication - I think it is called the Historical Gallery - he borrows or buys pictures by the best modern English painters.  Before they are engraved they are copied in watercolors so beautifully that they are only second to the original.  These will form an extensive and valuable collection, and he expressed a wish that they could be purchased for America.  Received a polite note from Lord Ashburton saying that his gallery will be open to me.  Lord Dacre called and left his card.  Mr. Todbunter took me to dine with some friends at a club house! The dinner was plain and simple, but I am at a loss to discover what can induce a married man who has a happy home to pass so much of his time in a tavern.

 

Thursday 8th--Visits and receives visitors.

 

Friday 9th--Invitation from Lord and Lady Dacre for dinner next Saturday.  I accept of course for I am curious to see more of high life.  Went to see Mr. Finden but he still hadn't procured the Reynolds which he had promised.  Visited Lord Ashburton's collection and house. Called on the publishers Hodson and Greaves and selected 16 shillings worth of Sir Joshua's works.  After dinner we were put down at the “Wheat and Sheaf” by an omnibus.  I was at once sent into the painting room where the artists were assembled; each person had before him a drawing board with clean paper stretched upon it, charcoal, pencils, watercolors in saucers, and all materials for work.  This was the evening for the Sketching Club.  The subject given to design from was the affecting story of Inkle and Yarico as given in the Spectator.  I started to work with some trepidation.  I might have done better, but for the ill- timed civility of Mr. Bone who wanted to talk to the stranger from America.  The members of this most delightful and improving association, which is many years old, has numbered some eminent artists in its time; the present list consists of eight and never more: Chalon and Chalon, Jr., Stanfield, Bone, Partridge, Stump, Uwins, and Leslie.  Strange that we all should have chosen nearly the same point of time in the story.  Later on, some refreshment was served and afterwards the host, seated at the end of the table, held up each drawing in succession for criticism.  He had no voice in the matter. Description follows.

 

Saturday 10th--Returned to the Quebec, saw our captain, and picked up some precious parcels; lost no time going home to read the numerous letters.

 

Tuesday 13th--Yesterday I colored a copy from Sir Joshua Reynolds from a very excellent copy made by Healy when Rodgers lent the picture to the British Institution.  This will enable me to advance the work so that when I visit Rodgers for the purpose, I can soon get through the copying, and it keeps me employed.  Dinner at Lord Egerton’s; describes guests, including Mr. Landseer accompanied by a Mr. Babbage, a well know scientist.

 

Wednesday 14th--Finished a water color sketch from Mr. Philips fancy picture.

 

Thursday 15th--Talked about the London Club House, its fees and purpose; considers it well for a bachelor, but entices married men from their domestic circles.

 

Friday 16th--Blanch went out to buy a new dress and when we get to Paris she means to launch out. Mr. Brett has just left us; it seems he has had the kindness to be busy in my interest respecting the Royal portrait. It was hinted to him some time ago by Pickersgill that I ought to be on the alert as he was sure that there were many persons who would rather I should not paint the portrait.  He spoke to me and I assured him that I had taken every step I deemed proper and should leave the rest to others.  He brought me a note from Lord Chamberlain addressed to Stevenson: “The Lord Chamberlain paid immediate attention to the letter he had the honor to receive from his Excellency the American Minister, and an answer will be communicated to his Excellency without delay.”  St. James's Place, March 3d.  This Mr. Brett considers conclusive in regard to her sitting.  It is, however, now certain that I shall not be able to get ready for the exhibition at the National Gallery, but of course I shall make a finished portrait of the head.  Brett asked Stevenson if I had not better be presented at Court but I thought that would not at all aid the matter and perhaps would give me an erroneous notion of the Queen's manner.  I trust my next letter will tell you of this most tiresome and consequential business having been brought to a finish. It will be a great weight of my mind.

 

Signed: Farewell to you all for a time - Yours ever T. Sully.

 

 

Letter 12th,

London March 15, 1838

From: Blanch

To: Good folks at home.

 

Talk about daily activities, visits and visitors, and sight seeing trips in London.  Had a visit from Mr. Brett who brought a message from Mr. Stevenson about the Queen: I am in hopes the time will be soon appointed - poor little thing has already said this twenty seven times; she must be quite tired of it.  Father went with Mr. Leslie to the sketching club at Mr. Stanfield’s.

 

Thursday--We went yesterday to Sir Francis Legatt Chantry’s [1781-1841].  Describes his gallery and work room with large marble statues.  Passed Buckingham Palace with the gates open and saw the Queen and her entourage leaving in their carriages, the Queen’s was so begilded and becarved, so covered with gold and the coachman and footmen likewise that it was really one glitter.  The window happily down, I had such a view of the little creature that I even saw her teeth.  She is fat, white and innocent looking, a mixture of Rose and Louisa Campbell, the complexion and chin of the latter with nose and eyes like Rose - we think her pretty - a coronet of diamonds, stomacher and necklace of the same, was all we would see of her dress. Went home and dressed for a dinner party. When we got home we found two letters for father, one from Lord Egerton stating the Queen appoints tomorrow (that’s to day) to sit, the other from Mr. Stevenson to the same effect.  This morning Jane told me that the servant was in such a haste to deliver it that he begged her to tell him where we were that he might immediately see father.  She could not tell him, but gave him all our notes and cards of invitation.  He took a cab and drove from place to place, to no purpose of course, so he returned and left the note with Jane (Father had just gone to Lord E’s to be taken to the Palace); of course I am breathless until he returns.  I almost forgot to say that just as we were leaving Chantry’s, we caught a glimpse of him talking to Allan Cunningham. Chantry is fat and jolly looking and I think a little on the butcher order.

 

Signed: Love to every body - Blanch.

 

 

 

Letter 13th,

March 19th - Saturday

London

From: Father.

To: Dear Household and all its connections.

 

Description of visit to the Coliseum. Another visit to the Sketching Club where a full meeting was going on in the same order that was observed the last time.  The Club seems to be harmoniously composed; one assurance of this is that they have been associated since 1808.

 

Sunday 18th--Dined with Lord and Lady Dacre: nothing can exceed the perfection of manners of the English Nobility.

 

Tuesday 20--March weather; rained and stormed all night.  Received a letter of introduction from Leslie to Sir Francis Chantry.  More invitations and visits followed.  At home found on my table a note from Lord Egerton and this morning, Thursday 22, one from Stevenson with an appointment with the Queen. At the hour fixed I attended at the palace and have taken my first sitting.  On my return home I dictated to Blanch all that I remembered in order that you might be as much present with me as possible and know something of a person independent of her elevated situation who deserves to command the hearts of all her subjects.  I will confess to a little nervousness while waiting for her, but her affable manners, which evidently arises from great humanity & benevolence, soon put me at ease.

 

Friday 23--Bought a portable paint box, easel, canvas, &c. Dined at Finders -  Stanfield my favorite was there.  The Queen was the subject of conversation and I was much congratulated on having commenced my work.  They said they would have grieved on account of their American brethren if I had gone home without it.  Worked at home, modelling my first sitting of the Queen on canvas.

 

Signed: Yours ever. Thos. Sully.

 

 

Letter 13th,

March 25th.

London

From: Blanch.

 

Friday—“Dad dead-coloured the Queen.”  Strolled through London to St. Catherine Docks.  The porter did not want to admit me (I wonder if females are contraband articles?).  Only after telling him we were going to the Quebec, were we allowed to go on.

 

Wednesday 28th--Dinner at Mr. Uwins(?) where met some delightful people.

 

Saturday--Had the honor of meeting the Mr. Lockhart; it was some time before I could realize it, for I had pictured Mr. L. rather an old man; very entertaining and of course highly intellectual.

 

Saturday 31st--Yesterday, according to appointment, father went to the Palace; but no Queen.  The page told dad that she had not returned from riding and that he would let him know when she could sit. So, father took his leave, not over pleased.  On his way home he encountered Paul Pry. Oh! my dear Mr. Sully are you not pleased to see your name flourishing in all the papers in town? Why sir, even in the Times, sir, which I can tell you, sir, is not a favor granted to all.  Father was highly amused, but judge Paul’s surprise when father told him he had not seen a paper.

 

Monday April 2d--This morning directly after breakfast father received a message from the Palace so he is off to wait on Royalty.  Today being rather cold, I suppose her Majesty prefers sitting to riding.

 

Thursday 5th--Father had his third sitting with the Queen.  Received an invitation for a rehearsal of a new opera at the Grand Opera House.  When the music commenced I was transfixed with wonder and delight.  Visited Mr. Pickersgill, the painter; disappointed, cannot paint ladies.

 

Sunday 8th--Spent an evening at the Stevensons where introduced to a Mr. Livingston from the North River, New York, who told us he was presented the day before and after all his trouble had not the face to look at the Queen (what a goose).

 

Signed: I must say good bye with Love to all - Blancb.

 

 

Letter 14th,

March 24th

London, Great Marlborough Street.

From: Father

To: Dear Friends.

 

Have just returned from a visit to Capt. Hebord on board the Quebec. Tell Sally I did not forgot to mark my TS in the top drawer of the bureau in my former state room, No. 12, and if she has a chance to visit the ship next June she may see it.  I have conditionally engaged to return by him next August and he is to retain our state rooms for our use unless I write him to the contrary one week after his arrival.

 

Monday 26th--Went to Finders who shewed me the Times of today in which is published the fact of Her Majesty having sat for an American artist for her portrait.  Mr. T [Todhunter] said that such a paragraph was to be considered a mark of respect and told me to procure a paper and send it home.  Went to Mr. Uwins [Thomas Uwins, painter, 1782-1857] at Paddington Green. He took us to his painting room. His ability far exceeded my expectation: fine composition, good drawing, and sweet rich colouring - very much like Wilkie.  He has resided some time in Italy and we saw some landscape sketches.  He also showed me his portion of the Club Sketches, among which were some by Leslie, that were truly sublime and we both agreed that no man in England could surpass them; Chalon next and Mr. Uwins our host was next in rank.

 

Wednesday 28th--I am obliged to return to the use of a goose-quill pen so you ,will for the future find my writing of larger characters.  The steel pen is an offence to me!  This afternoon I am to take another sitting from Her Majesty.  Last night I received the following note: “Her Majesty will give Mr. Sully a sitting at half past four to morrow (Wednesday). The room will be ready for Mr. Sully as early as he pleases to make the necessary preparations L. Lezhen, Buckingham palace Tuesday.”  This was brought by a page, not the light figure and fantastically dressed person of our novels and plays, but a plain dressed middle aged man - the only uniform I saw at the palace amongst the household and porters.

 

Thursday 29th--At three yesterday I took a coach which also carried my easel, canvas, and paint box and was conveyed to Buckingham House. Dismissed the hack and was shown into the painting room.  While I was arranging my palette the Baroness Lehzen entered in her riding habit, well besplashed, to inform me that the Queen felt too much fatigued with her ride to sit for her picture and requested it might be deferred until Friday at 3.  So, I left my things and made my bow.  I should have mentioned in its order that as I was threading the long passages of the Palace in charge of the attendants to my allotted room the word was quickly given: “The Queen, the Queen!” and a quick movement to their places immediately followed.  It put me in mind of what I had so often seen represented in a humble way on the stage.  On leaving my room I saw by some open door the principal drawing rooms.  My curiosity prompted me to enter.  I was somewhat surprised at the splendor of the palace and its vastness and the long room filled with exquisite pictures, including Rembrandt’s “Burgomaster” & “Mistress at her Toilet,” Reynolds’ Dido, and 2 Iphegenia were amongst them.  The principal room seemed to me at least 300 ft. long by 80(?) and 30 ft. high.  It was arched at the top and the light was admitted through circular windows in the bend of the arch.  In the center of this room were two opposite and open doors that led to front and back rooms, commanding a view of the garden and grounds and, in the front, the Park.  I shall try to stray into those rooms again and gain a more accurate knowledge of their treasures.  I walked out of the Palace with some difficulty, not having an attendant.  The place is very intricate and the doors in some of the rooms I had to return by made a part of the wall and surbase, so that you must search for a thumb spring to open the door.

 

Friday 30th--Impatient to return home, talked with Koecker about how miserable he would feel if he had to stay another year.

 

Saturday 31st-- Took a cab to the Palace and once again was told that her Majesty would not sit that day.  The Baroness would have sent me word but was not apprised of the Queen's pleasure in time; she would let me know when she would receive me.  Alas! for the precious time one loses in dancing attendance on Royalty.  Saw a lost dog on his way out in the corridors, one of the pages pitied him and continued onward.  I have seen enough to convince me that the English are a humane people, some instances to the contrary notwithstanding.  Conversation with Rodgers.

 

Sunday April 1st--April has set in cold and stormy; in fact, we have had flakes of snow falling thro’ the day.  Met sculptor Henry Weekes [1807-1877] who made a capital bust of the Queen. I have bespoken a plaster cast to be sent to Philadelphia.  Weekes is quite young - about 26 years of age - and his manner of work is very like Chanrty. Invited to Samuel Rogers' where I met his sister for the first time. He remarked that sensible people were the best and most patient sitters for their portraits. Now, pray what sort of a sitter do you find our Queen?  I replied that if good sense were to be tested by patience in sitting to a painter, her Majesty must be one of the most sensible persons, for there could not be a better sitter.  Turner, Wells, and Jones, brother artists and men of good conversation, were part of our guests.

 

Monday 2--Have just returned from the palace and write to you all about it, but recollect for you only as I would not on any account have others read what they would deem silly stuff!!  At nine, I received a note from the Baroness Lehzen to say that Her Majesty has commanded her to acquaint me that she would give me a sitting at eleven o'clock.  I answered by the Page in a note that I would be there at ten to prepare myself.  Changed my dress and reached the palace at ten, via cab.  I found my way without help to my quarters in the Palace and set my palette and all in apple pie order long before the Queen entered with the Baroness and a pet dog - a republican dog - so independent in his taste that he turned a deaf ear to the Sovereign of England when she called the audacious animal to her - in the most endearing terms - and when the whim took him, he would mount the throne and lay his head in her lap to be fondled!!  Two ladies entered by request and that the conversation between them and the Queen might not divert her from the proper position, they were seated according to my wish close to my right.  Am I seated properly, said the Queen?  Yes, I replied but I am not so I removed my easel.  The tiara that her Majesty had put on was of the most suitable shape and proportion and she seemed pleased with my approval and its reason. Pray Mr. Sully what have you on that other canvas (the blank canvas I had brought to cover my sketch).  The Baroness enquired how it had happened that Saturday had not been used.  Did I not say that we should expect you then?  I reminded her that I was to wait until I heard from her the pleasure of the Queen.  Oh! I am quite in fault, but the Queen waited for you ever so long.  Her Majesty laughed playfully and good naturedly at the blunder.  Thought one good turn about is fair play; I too have been disappointed.  In her conversation with the ladies I had a rare opportunity of seeing the Queen throw off all constraint and talk and laugh like a happy girl of eighteen.  Long! long may she have that light and happy heart. In speaking of some lady’s personal beauty she used an odd application of term, “very clever eyes ....”  The Baroness asked my opinion of Hayter’s portrait of the Queen and I was obliged to confess my disapproval, tho’ I knew it would be unacceptable, but I must speak my opinion even tho’ it may displease Royalty.  I cannot give you more than three quarters of an hour this morning Mr. Sully, but on Wednesday I will give you a good long sitting.  The Queen left her chair to look at what I had done.  I begged their candid remarks and I must be allowed to say that they warmly approved my beginning, particularly the mouth which is a nice point to achieve in her portrait.  The ladies remained to look at the picture and at my earnest request said that the face was rather full and the shape under the lip rather strong.

 

Tuesday 3d--Received a letter from Lord Francis Egerton to say that the Travellers Club House was open to me and to explain his action on the subject of the Queen's picture.  I find as I expected that it has been principally through his help that the business has been brought to a conclusion.  Got a note from the Baroness saying the Queen would sit at eleven tomorrow.  Entering the Palace I met the Baroness and told her I came early to be ready.  In fixing the throne, I placed the curtain on the best position for length and shade.  Near twelve, Her Majesty ascended the steps, placed her feet in the foot-muff and observed that I had changed the position.  She is a good sitter.  If one might judge by her manner, I should conclude that in governing, she will have much her own way.  Sir D. Wilkie came with a picture of her Majesty's first council, but he had to wait until my sitting was over.  She looked at the picture and seemed satisfied.  The Baroness afterwards brought me the Regal crown to paint from and it kept me busy.

 

Saturday 7th--Rained all night.  Ten o'clock went to the Palace and got everything in order by eleven, besides glazing and preparing the portrait.  The Queen entered at twelve; a little more and she would have caught me asleep, for I had shut my eyes so long a time to test them that I became quite drowsy.  She led the way, the Baroness following.  Her dress was of blue velvet with flowers spotted over it; her hair was neatly braided.  She spoke to the Baroness about the coronation crown, not wanting it to be made “too high and bulky,” for nothing is so absurd as to see a small person with a large head ornament.  I opened the door leading to her apartments; she curtsied and disappeared.  So, I put away my colors for a fortnight or more, thanked fortune I was not ordered to Windsor, and walked home thro’ the rain.  Talked about entering the portrait of Mrs. Price in the Royal Academy.  Bought a box of moist water colours to use at Rogers’.

 

Signed: Yours TS

 

 

 

Letter 14th,

Good Friday, April 13, 1838.

London,

From Blanch

 

More visits and visitors. Drove to Whitehall. It being Maundy Thursday, all the Queen’s Beefeaters and all the very old people of London assembled in Whitehall Chapel. The Beefeaters were to receive their pensions and the old people a trifle; several purses contained as many medals of the Queen as her age - of course they each contained just eighteen. The poor are allowed to sell these purses and they generally get a great deal for them. The Beefeaters were dressed a la Harry the Eighth.  What a shame they have converted the banqueting room into a church.  There is the window from which poor Charles was led to his execution.  Of course, I went up to the window and stood there some time for it really is classic ground on the altar.  In this room stood a huge plate of solid gold with the Lord's Supper, richly wrought in the center.

 

Unsigned.

 

End of volume 2.


Name index to volume 1 of Sully letters (acc. 84x130.1, in folder 6)

 

A., Mrs. (sister of Mr. Oldmixon) 60

Adelaide (Queen)      41

Allinson, Mr. and Miss     121

Anne (Queen)       35

Aspinwall (American consul) 109

Atherston, Mr.     82

Atherstons, Misses   121

Audubon, J.    124

Audubon, J.J.  20, 31, 132

            (referred to as Mr. A)

 Audubon, Lucy  62, 124, 125

            (referred to as A., Mrs.)

Audubon, Mr. & Family   22, 62, 76, 112, 116, 119

Audubon, Mrs. 15, 20, 54, 71, 90, 97, 113, 114, 116, 117, 124, 130-132, 145

Audubon, Old Mr. 116, 117

Audubon, Victor 20, 129

Audubons   137, 139

 

Back, Captain  133, 141

Baird, Col.    46

Barnet, J.     144

Bates       137

Bates, Miss   25, 49, 65, 71, 75, 80, 90

Bates, Mr.    42, 52, 56, 69

Bates, Mrs.    50, 56, 65, 69, 71, 80, 90, 92, 99, 102

Bedford, Duchess of   87

Beechey      47

Beechey, Sir Wm. 41

Berg, Mae       61

Blessington, Countess 92

Blessington, Lady 62

Braham, [Mr.]     42

Branwell, George 67

Bret, Mr.   90, 104, 108, 113, 115, 131, 133

Bristow(e)   76, 80, 83, 105

Brough       146

Brough, Mrs.   34

Butler, Fanny (Kemble) 5, 99, 105, 123, 131

            [see also under Kemble]

Butler, Mrs.     76, 84, 143

Butler, Mrs. J.  37, 86

Byron, Lord    71, 132, 135

 

C-wl-d, Judge  51

            [i.e. Cadwalader?]

Calighani’s   34

Camberwell     67, 94, 126

Campbell, Mrs.    43

Campbell, T.      138

Carey, E.       134

Carey, Henry    21, 48

Carey, Mr.     35

Carey, Ned   105

Challon, (Mr.)      45, 47

Channing, [Ellery] Dr.    34, 63, 146

Chantry         71

Chip     123, 136, 145, 146

Coffin, Mr.       113

Cooper, Sir Astley 77

Corbit, Mr.    44, 51, 104

Coxe, Dr.       141

Cunningham, Allen 103

Cramer's        80

Cousins, Mr.   91

 

Darley     4, 26, 51, 61, 104

Darley, Ellen    123, 131

Darley, Mrs.     75

Day & Martin     37, 121

D'Orsay, Countess 92

Doughty, Mr.   22, 34, 41, 68, 99, 101, 105, 115, 120, 131, 135

Dragonetti    86

Dunlop   137

            (referred to as Mr. D.)

Dunlop,  Mr. & Mrs. 122, 136

Dunlop,  Mrs.   43, 92, 118, 119, 137

 

Earle    51

Egerton, Lord     132, 143

Ellen       120

Ellen and Julia   75

Essex, Lady        103

Esther     83

 

Flaxman           70

Forrest [actor]  127, 138

Forrest, Mrs.     73, 92

Frazer, Mr.       101

Furness       146

Furness, Mr.      69

 

Gainsborough      64

Gamble, Miss      122, 137

Garrick Club      80, 130, 137

Gay, Mr.      107

George IV (King)  140, 141

Gerald, Mr.   78

Golding, Mr.   120

Goldsmith, Miss   28

Gordon, Mrs.   115-117, 124

Gower, Misses     58

Graham, Mr.       98

Grenville, Lord   10

 

Harrison    49

Hartford, Marquis of 112

Haydn      93

Haydon (artist)   16

Hayter (artist)    139

Healy,   Mr.    22, 34, 41, 51, 54, 57, 68, 101, 103, 135

Hebard, Capt.    133

Henry & Lindsay     108

Hill, Mr.       136, 143

Hillard, Mr. & Mrs. 143

Hillard, Mrs.    78, 87, 105, 131

Holmes     81, 102

Horn, Mr.     42

Howard       45

Howell   114, 132

Howqua  (tea)      69

Hughes, Mrs.    76

Hughs, Mr.     117

Hutchinson    137

 

Inman, Mr.    100

 

Jack       130

Jane     123, 129

Jane (Neagle?)    51, 72

Jaudon        137

Jaudon, Mr.    43, 98, 117

Jaudon, Mrs.   50, 54, 68, 104

Jenkins, Miss    41

Jenkins, Mr. & Mrs.  43, 52, 97, 110

Jenkins, Mrs.    139

Jenkinson, Miss      33

Jones, Mr.      127, 128

Jordan, Mr.    103

Julia      123

 

Kean (actor)     115

Keeley family  14, 15, 18, 42, 120

Keeley, Mr.     57

K[eeleyl, Mr. & Mrs. 79, 119

Keeley, Mrs.  43, 52, 53, 57, 58, 60, 65, 68, 78, 80, 82, 90, 91, 97, 100, 105, 108, 116, 119, 121, 129

Kemble, A. (Miss)    84

Kemble, Adelaide     85

Kemble, Charles      76,  81

Kemble, Fanny        146

            [see also under Butler]

Kemble, Miss    108

Kemble, Mr.     84, 116

Kemble, Mrs.    119

Kembles        80,  82, 84, 99

Kent, Duchess of      31

King (Mr.)    132, 137

Knowles       59, 63, 65

Koecker, Dr.    81, 85

Kruex, Mrs.  50

 

Landseer, E.      141

Landseer, Mr.     38, 86, 133, 135

Langley, Mr. & Mrs. 50

Langley, Mrs.      78, 82, 85, 123

Lansdowne, Lord   132, 144

Lansdowne, Lord and Lady 139

Lansdowne, Marquis of   132, 143

Laury, Sir Peter    39

Leley (?), Sir Peter 141

Leonardo devinci [i.e. da Vinci]  40

Leslie    139, 142, 143

Leslie, Ann (Miss)   41, 53, 65, 119

Leslie, Mr. 11, 12, 19, 37, 38, 48, 49, 66, 70, 77, 90, 106, 119

Leslie, Mr. & Mrs. 65, 103

Leslie, Mrs.    65, 103, 110, 114, 118

Leslies   146

Lewis, Mr.  104, 108, 109, Ill

Lewis, Mrs.   119

Lindley       86

Lough, Mr. & Mrs.  77, 92, 119

Lucas, Eliza    61

 

M., Mr.       67

M., Mrs.      69

Macready, Mr. 69

Malibran    84, 85

Manning, Mr. 127

Martineau, Miss  17, 36, 63, 68, 99, 122

Mary (Queen)   56

Matthews, Farren C.    79

Matthews, Mr. 58

Melbourne, Lord  98, 146

Milford     10

Miller, Mr. 35

Milton, [John]  71

Mitchell, Ann  94

Mitchell, C.  144

Mitchell, Mr.  42, 60, 62, 67, 126

Mitchell, W.  94

Mitchells  130

Moore (and son)  133

Moore, T.  141

Morgan, Lady      99

Mother and Jane 118

Mulgrave, Countess of    86

Murray, Miss     79, 140

Murray, Mr.    35, 52

Murray, Mr. (publisher)  100, 132, 135

Murray, Mrs.     140

Murrays   140, 142, 143

 

Neagle (letter to)  44-48

Neagle, Mr.    58

Neagles   5, 26, 51, 58, 61, 104, 118, 123

Nell       124

Nesbitt, Mrs.    63

Newton   43, 45

Nixon, Mrs.    41, 53, 56, 68, 82

 

Ogden, Mrs.     80

Oldmixon, W.    26, 60

Oldmixon, William    40, 59

Osgood, Mr.       130, 135

Osgood, Mr. & Mrs.     15, 42

Osgood, Mrs.  23, 36, 68

 

Patterson, Miss    116, 119

Physic, Dr.    117

Pickersgill 45

Pickersgill, Mr. (&  Family) 115

Pickersgill, Mrs.    115

Pogue, Mr. 117

Powel, Mr. 140

Power family    34

Power, Mr.  38, 41, 56-58, 101, 103, 120

Price      137-140

Price, Mr. 112, 127, 128

Price, Mr. & Mrs. 66, 76, 119, 120, 126, 131

Price, Mrs.  66, 80, 97, 109, 114, 116, 118-120, 123

Pry, Paul    77, 143

 

Raick, Mrs.    62

Ralston, Mr.  132, 137

Ralston, Mr. & Mrs.  130

Rand, Mr. and Mrs.  42, 77, 119

Rembrandt      74

Reynolds       51, 74

Reynolds, Sir Joshua 19, 37

Riviere, Mr.    139

Rodgers (poet)  70, 71

Rodgers, Mr.   77

Rosalie    136

Rose      124

Rose, Miss      118

Rose, Nell, Sally 129

Rosey     130

Rubens    92

Rubridge, Lieut. 99

 

Sally     120

Sally, Tom ... and all    52

Saul, Mr.     68

Saunderson, Mr.     53

Scott, Walter [Sir]     71, 103, 112, 140, 141

Sepio, Mr. and son      85

Seymour, Lord Henry     30

Shakespeare     79, 107

Shee, Martin Archer (Sir)  19, 22, 40, 45, 64

Sheriff, Miss       107

Siddons, Mrs.       71

Sill, Mr.        49, 77

Smith, John       144

Smith, Horace     144

Smith, Mr.        133, 140, 141

Smith, Mr. [2]    100

Smith, Mr. [3]   111

Somerville, Lord  133

Sophy (maid)   82, 84

Stanfield     107, 108

Sterling, Mrs.    42

Stevenson, Mr.   42, 48, 58, 98

Stevenson, Mrs.   50, 66, 92, 131

Stewart, Mr.   38, 54, 55, 80, 86, 101

Stoddart, Miss   114

Stricland, Mr.   118, 132, 137

Stricland, Mr. and Miss   121

Strickland, Miss    131

Stuart, Mr. & Miss  36

Sully, Alfred (son) 136, 138, 146

Sully, Blanch   137, 140, 144, 145

Sully, Sarah [wife]  48

Survelliers, Le Count de    69, 78

Sutherland, Duke of    133

Susan     130

Susan (maid)  65

Sussex, Duke of   37

Sutherland, Duchess of   86

Swain & Edgar    114

 

Taggert, Mrs.    80

Thatcher, Mr.    122, 124

Tilt, Mr.      35

Titian        71

Todhunter, Ben       55

Todhunter, Mr.    38, 53-55, 76, 77, 80, 82, 85, 94, 98, 100, 105, 106, 108, 118

Todhunter, Mrs.  50, 78, 83, 98, 110, 116, 119

Tom        120, 138

Toplady, Mr.    61

Turner       47-48, 134

Turner, Mr.    41

Twiss, Mrs. Horace    77, 141

 

V., Madame    78, 79

V., Miss        66

Vaughan, J.        66

Vaughan, Mr.   66, 126

            [referred to as Mr. V.]

Vaughan, Mr.     55, 65, 76, 77, 101

Vaughan, Petty   66, 72, 80-82, 126

[Vaughan], Sally  126

Vaughan, Till, Land, & Neagle   5

Vaughan, Wm & Peter     50

Verry's       69

Victoria (Princess)    31

Victoria (Queen)   33, 44, 46, 49, 59, 60, 69, 80, 98, 136, 146

 

Walden, Mrs.     50

Washington, General   109

Wellington, Duke of   37, 53, 146

Westall      16

Wilkie      45, 46, 134

Wilkie, Miss   103

Wilkie, Mr.    37

Wilkie, Sir David  37, 39, 103, 106

William IV (King)  36

Willoughby, Lady     87

Wright, Mr.        98


 



Name index to volume 2 of Sully letters (acc. 84x130.2, in folder 7)

 

Albright, Mr.      15

Alertston, Mary Ann (Miss)    2

Allenson, Mr. And Miss        20

A[Ilinson], Miss    84

Allinson, Mr.      67, 81, 84

A[llinson], Mrs.   84

Allinsons         76, 109

Amherst, Lord     105

Ashburton, Lord   43, 44, 51, 53, 55

Atherston, Mr.      13, 49, 61

Audubon, [J.J.]     50, 62, 82

Audubon, John      82

Audubon, Mr.   12, 13, 42, 81

Audubon, Mrs.   2, 11, 40, 47, 59, 63, 66, 82, 93, 94

Audubon, Victor     2

Audubons    1-3, 10, 18, 31, 32, 40, 48, 51, 52, 66, 85, 88, 94, 109

 

Babbage, Mr.     60

Baring, Sir T.     50

Barnet, Mr.     10, 16, 24, 33, 63,

Bates          11, 116, 123

Bates, Mrs.   2, 11, 14, 18, 20, 100, 111, 123

Berg, Mrs.   15

Black, Dr.    70

Blood, Mr.    4, 14

Blood, Mrs.  101, 121

Bone, Mr.      56

Boyes, Hodgsons and Greaves     44

Bradley, Miss    119

Brett    16, 27, 29, 30, 51, 63, 64, 67,  97, 111, 118

            [also spelled Bret]

Bretts      26, 100

Brougham, Lord      34

Brown(e)s      85, 115

Buckley, Mrs.      49

Butler, Fanny [Kemble]  16, 24, 25, 31, 35, 71, 102    [see also Kemble]

Butler, Mrs.    49, 54, 60, 122

 

C., Mr.      45

Cambridge, Duchess of      34

Campbell, Rose and Louisa   76

Canning     75

Carey        110, 121

Carey, Mr.    123

Carlisle, Mr.   45

Carter, Mrs.   120

Cartwright, Mr.     33, 37

Castelli      98

Chalon     3, 15, 56, 79, 105, 120

Chalon, A.    79

Chalon, Jr.   56, 79

Chalon, Miss   123

Chalon, Mr.    123

Chantry       111

Chantry, Francis (Sir)    82, 83, 111

Chantry's       74, 77

Charles I     124

Chip       10, 25

Claude    29

Coates, Mr.     1, 11, 64, 67, 77

Coates, Mr. & Mrs. 49, 76, 84

Coffin, Mr.   58

Colinghi's    12

Conygham, Marquis of     49

Cooke, G. F.      112

Costa, Signor 98 

Cumberland, Duchess of     34

Cunningham, Allen      77, 84

 

Dacre, Lady       54, 60, 65, 71, 80

Dacre, Lord       53, 73, 80

Dacre, Lord and Lady   43, 54, 81

Dance, Miss    14

Dance, Mr. and  Miss   4

Daniells     121

Darley girls    10

Darley, Mrs.   18

Davis, H.     80

Decharm, Mrs.     6

De La Roche      29

Dixon, Mr.    62, 65

Dixwell, Mr.   16, 93

D’Orsay, Count    15

Doughty      4, 10, 33, 82, 109

Doughty, Mr.   13, 38, 74, 91, 94

Dragonette     99

Dunlop, Mr. & Mrs.  32, 54

Dunlop, Mrs.    6, 41, 123

Dunlop's      42

 

E., Dr.    110

Eastlake      25

Egerton    29, 35, 39

Egerton, Lady     34, 38, 43, 60

Egerton, Lady F.   27, 49

Egerton, Lord   18, 29, 34, 35, 39, 47, 49, 54, 59, 61, 77

Egerton, Lord Francis    8, 28, 84, 116

Egerton, Sir Francis     8

Ellis (maid)        71

 

Findens, Mr.   41, 49, 52, 55, 81, 85, 88, 104

Fitzhugh, Miss    123

Fitzhugh, Mr. & Mrs. 102

Fitzhugh, Mrs. & Miss   122

Forrest, Mrs.    121

Fuseli       51

 

Gamble, Miss    32

Gay, Dr.       20

Gay, Mr.      71

George (Prince)     88

George of Cambridge (Prince)    88

Glazier      64

Gobright    109

Goldsborough, Mrs.      84

Gordon, Lord George   61

Gordon, Mr. and Mrs.  2

Gordon, Mrs.    47

Graham, Mr.     98

 

H., Miss     123

H., Mrs.     122, 123

Haland       33

Halifax, Lord       55

Hamilton, Duke of   100, 118

Handel      95

Havil, Mr.   105

Hayter        114

Healy        59, 82, 116

Healy, Mr.     21, 27, 74

Hebard, Capt.   33, 45, 48, 58, 67, 70, 71, 79, 90,103

Heber, Bishop   111

Henry      10, 36

Herring, Mr.    93, 105

Herring, Dr.    105

Hillard         1, 31

Hillard, Mr. & Mrs.  7, 32, 58

Hillard, Mrs.  8, 10, 41, 49

Hobbima        29

Hobson & Greaves     55

Hoppy, Miss     102

Humphreys       59, 61

Humphreys, Mr.    9

Humphreys, Mrs.    102

Hurlstowe, Mr.    31

 

Irvin, W.        108

[Irving, Washington]  108

 

Jamieson, Mrs.   102, 122

Jane (maid)      11, 36, 77

Jaudon and lady  82

Jaudon, Mr.      83

Jaudon, Mrs.   38, 42, 47, 54, 59, 73, 74, 81, 83, 100, 102, 122, 123

Jaudons      61

Jenkins     11, 12, 42

Jenkins, Miss    64

Jenkins, Mr.     11

Jenkins, Mrs.    2. 3

Jones (artist)   112

Jones      13

Jones, Miss      93, 105

 

Keeley, Mrs.     54

Keeleys         42

Kemble, Adelaide   60

Kemble, Charles      5

Kemble Family        5

Kemble, Fanny        5

            [see also Butler]

Kent, Duchess of     76

King, Mr.       95, 110

Koecker        108

Koecker, Dr.     48

Koecker, Joseph      15

Koeckers       15, 19

 

Landseer       29, 60

Landseer      3, 33, 41

Langley        62

Langley, Mrs.   40, 41, 49, 62, 65, 69, 78, 98

Lansdowne, Lady   24

Lansdowne, Lord   20, 23, 25, 26

Lansdowne, Lord & Lady    11, 16

Lansdowne House   7, 17, 30

LaPorte, Mr.    99

Lawrence     50

Lehzen, Baroness 106, 109, 113, 116, 117, 119, 120

Lehzen, L.      105

Leonard       48

Leslie       56, 79, 82

Leslie, Ann     57

Leslie, Mr.      7, 69, 74

Leslie, Mr. and Mrs.      38

Leslie, Mrs.    6, 14, 20, 45, 123

Leslies       5, 6, 14, 15, 19, 40, 45, 50, 55

Lewis & Allenby’s      40

Lewis, J. D.     31

Levy, Capt.     16, 21

Liddell, Hon. Mr.      94, 109

Lindley       99

Linwood, Miss     33, 36

Liston, Miss      119

Little, Mr.        1, 58

Livingston, Mr.   101

Lockhart, Capt.   108

Lockhart, Mr.     93, 106-108, 124

Lord Chamberlain     31, 32, 63, 64

Lord Mayor of London      99

Lorraine     29

Lough        20, 110

Lough, Mrs.     95

Louis Philippe   21

 

Macready, Mr.      45

Martineau, Miss    2, 45, 55

Mary Rosalie, Miss     92

Mason, Mr. (M.P.)      105

Matthews, C.        93

McCauley, Dr.    76, 84

McMurtrie, Mr.  15, 17, 25, 26

Melbourne, Lord     31, 73, 116

Miller       19, 65

Mitchell       122

Moore, General   75, 83

Morea            98

Morris, Mr.    67, 77, 84

Morton, Mr.     83

Monroe, James [President]    111

Murillo          44, 55

Murray family    38, 54

Murray, John     106

Murray, Misses    93

Murray, Mr.      42, 93, 107

Murphy, Mr.     2

 

Nixon, Mrs.     53, 79

Nolte, Mr.      96, 109, 111

 

O. & H., Mrs.         92

O’Connell        121

Osgood           122

Osgood, Mr.     1

Osgood, Mrs.    8, 40, 46, 49, 58, 116

Osgoods      10, 11

 

P., Mr.       13, 51

Palmerston, Lord    2

Partridge         56

Peabody & Coates   58

Peel, Robert (Sir)    34

Perkins       80

Persiani      98

Philips, Dr.    32

Philips, Mr.   50, 61

Pickersgill       31, 63, 100

Pickersgill, Miss 100

Pickersgill family   51

Pickersgill, Mr.     52, 100

Pickersgills      40, 51, 97, 118

Pickersgill’s son      118

Pitt, [William]        75

Poussin       29

Powel       6

Price    4, 61, 85, 104, 115

Price, Mr.       65

Price, Mrs.    13, 27, 54, 61, 100, 101, 121

Price, Stephen    61

Prices       11, 42, 101, 120

Pry, Paul     95

Puff, Mr.     82

 

Rainy's     39, 49

Rand        4

Rand, Mrs.     109

Raphael       52

Ravensworth, Lord      94, 109

Rawle, Mrs.       72, 73, 81

Rawle, Mrs. & Miss     39, 49

Rembrandt       107

Reynolds    50, 52, 55, 81, 104, 107, 109, 113, 115, 122

Reynolds, Joshua (Sir)   49

Roberts, Mr.      121

Robinson, Miss    64

Rodgers     24, 25, 59, 109, 110, 122

Rodgers, Mr.      93, 108

Rodgers, Mrs.    34

Rogers       112, 113, 122

Rogers, Miss     112

Rogers, Mr.    96, 115

Rogers, Sammy    95

Rogers, Samuel    112

Rowbotham, Mrs.      91

Rubens       29, 44, 55

Rubini        98, 99

Rudol,   Mr.      105

Rudolpho, Count      66

Ruysdale       29

 

Savory , Mr.     31, 33

Scott, Walter (Sir)      17

Sill        4

Sinclair, Mr.       101

Sinclair, Mr. & Mrs.   101, 120

Somerset, Duke of    100

Sophy (maid)       9

Stanfield, Mr.    56, 57, 69, 79, 82 85, 88

Stephanoff      26

Stevenson      116

Stevenson and lady       82

Stevenson, Mr.     23, 30, 31, 49, 64 67, 77, 83-85

Stevenson,   Mrs.     83, 120

Stevensons         101

Stothard     52

Strickland    20

Strickland and daughter     23

Stuart    55

Stump    56

Sully, Mr.    106

Sully, Alfred  10

            (nicknamed Dig)

Sully, Blanch     1-6, 22, 23, 31-33, 35, 49-54, 59, 61, 63, 71, 79, 81, 84, 85, 88, 103, 105, 121

Sully, Jane (sister)    10, 26, 58

Sully, Margaret (“Moggy”)  10

[Sully?], Sally    15, 16, 24, 103

[Sully?], Sarah    1

Sully, Thomas “Father”   10, 14, 48, 88, 93

Sussex, Duke of     16, 34

Sutherland, Duke of      75

Sylvester, Mr.    59

 

Taffy     17

Tagno, Dr.    98

Tambourini    98

Tattersalls    7

Thatcher, Mr.    115

Titian        29, 52, 55, 60

Todhunter & sister     58, 62

Todhunter, Mr.     59

Todhunter, Mr.    7, 16, 23, 24, 42, 46, 48, 53, 99, 104, 112

Todhunter, Mrs.  1, 3, 40, 42, 47, 53, 71, 73, 89, 90, 91, 93, 96, 97, 100, 111, 116, 120

Todhunters   17, 31, 65, 70, 79, 81, 82, 89, 113

Tunno, Miss    119

Tunnos    101

Turner     29, 109, 112

 

Uwins, Mr.   56, 72, 79, 81, 82, 104, 105

 

V., Mr.      123

Valentine   10

Vandykes      44, 55

Vaughan        62

Vaughan, Miss    65

Vaughan, Mr.    18, 25, 40

Vaughan, P.     80

Vaughan, Petty    9, 77, 120

Vaughans       41

Vaux, Mr.     101

Vernet      51

Vernon, Mr.   32

Victoria (Queen)    2, 5, 18, 26, 35, 44, 49, 64, 65, 72, 76, 84, 85, 88, 93, 94, 97, 101, 105, 109, 111, 113, 115, 117

 

Walton        95

Webber, Miss    16, 20, 23, 39, 40, 46, 49, 50, 73, 89, 91, 93, 123, 124

Webber, Mrs.    1

Weeks     111

Wellington, Duke of   34, 39, 88

Wells        112

Wiggens      85

Wiggin, Miss    83

Wiggins, B.  31

Wiggins, Mrs.  55, 58, 74, 82

Wilkie     26, 105

Wilkie, Miss    121

Wilkie, David (Sir)    17, 27, 117, 121

Williams, Misses      58

Willing, Tom          18

Wriggen, T., and daughter  82

Wright, Mr.   17, 41, 49, 50, 52, 55, 85