16. UPPER SEYMOUR STREET,
PORTMAN SQUARE,
13. Sept. 1858.

I forget what I told you of my doings: after Knowsley I went to Liverpool, & then to Manchester where the kind Sir John Potter1 took me in. Coming back by Derby, I saw the “Corfu” in its place, & I passed my Sunday at W. Nevill’s — the 7th house I have seen beadornamented by my own paws.

My dear boy, — I cannot go to Dudbrook.2 My straight plan now, as soon as I get the pictures unpacked, is to WORK. I cannot work with my mind frittered by agreable society. A painter must be a painter. If you are writing to Lady W. say I shall write: And both you & she may be sure that my not going is because I want to do her Pictures WELL, also Lord Clermonts.

You will be glad — not to say skipping to hear that Holman Hunt has seen the sketches both of Masada & her view of Jerusalem & is thoroughly pleased with both. It is the funniest thing to talk over all those places with him. — When you are coming to town let me know. I long to see you again. I keep in lodgings here, but shall paint elsewhere. — At present I am all upside down — nohow — bebothered — & can only write this much. Did I tell you had written in all 5 new poems? {114}

  1. The member for Manchester, and first Mayor of the City. [↩]
  2. In Essex. One of Lady Waldegrave’s houses. [↩]