Viewing page 10 of 332

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

send to by a peny post letter or a Porter. the old Cups & Spoons are a Comision from my Wiffe who desires you wil be so good as to get her a Silver tea pott of the midle size but rather [[inclinging?]] to ye large & weighty of fashion, she leaves intirely to you only would not have the top with hinges, but to take of.  I have sent a Sketch of ye arms which I know you wil take care to get done by a good engraver with proper Ornaments.  I do not expect the old silver will pay for the tea pott which I would have a pretty one. what remains of ye money after paying for those articles and al changes on Board please to lay out in gold leaf.

     I am sorry the State of the Virtu is at so low an ebb. if the arts are about to leave Great Britain I wish they may take their flight into our new world that they may, at least remain in some part of the British Dominions. remember me to al my old friend among ye painters.  I would willingly have acknowledged your favours by something from this Country but can think of nothing worth sending that is our own produce. amongst the pictures with you my Nephew tell me he thinks you used to like ye Venus Nymphs etc by Poolenburgh. be so good as to accept of that picture To remember me by or any other of the pictures you like except the Scipio & if there be any of ye drawings that you fancy pray take them.  when you write me let me know the State of Painting, who makes a figure, & what eminent ones are gone of ye stage.  as for my self I have as much as keeps me employed, has my health better then I could have expected, having near 3 years ago recovered from a dangerous ilnes, but thank God has had no return of it.  I am happy in 4 clever Boys & living as easily as my friend could wish me.  ye affairs of the shop with my Newphew goes on well,  he joins me in respect to your Father & to Messr Knaptons.  I shal not make any further appologys for the trouble now given you only assures you I wil not try your patience every year but only now and then.

I am Sir your most obliged humble Ser.
John Smibert

P.S. please to insure besides ye £150 on the pictures [[?]] at your house, £50 more for the money you lay out in al £200.  I wish you would send [[2?]] copies of a Pamphlet published by A Millar entitled as I remember ye Apostles no Enthustiasts by - Campbell of St. Andrews