UNIVERSITY of GLASGOW

System Number: 10971
Date: [November 1886?]^[1]
Author: JW
Place: [London]
Recipient: Elisabeth Lewis^[2]
Place: [London]
Repository: Bodleian Library, University of Oxford
Call Number: Department of Western Manuscripts, MS Dep. c. 838, fols 124-25
Document Type: ALS

I am in despair dear Mrs George! -

A cough - or a cold - or an ill known possibly to the usual mortal, but of course a stranger to me, keeps me a prisoner - and miserable and foolish, away from your brilliant gathering on the night of the triumph of your beautiful guest -

This is naturally no moment for messages - [p. 2] but at another time you might say that I only live through the crisis in order to paint Mrs Brown Potter^[3] - and to thank you! -

I had also hoped to have heard a word of gracious interest in the coming Exhibition ^[4]of my people in Suffolk [Street] from His Royal Highness, who is so kind! - but the Gods have deserted me and the doctors have got me -

However remember you will all come on Saturday - though this is not interesting to you tonight -

Always devotedly Yours

[butterfly signature]

This document is protected by copyright.

Notes:

1.  [November 1886?]
Dated by reference to exhibition (see below)

2.  Elisabeth Lewis
Elisabeth Lewis (1844-1931), née Eberstadt, wife of G. H. Lewis [more].

3.  Mrs Brown Potter
JW did not, as far as is known, paint Cora Urquhart Brown-Potter (1857-1936), née Urquhart, actress, socialite and collector [more].

4.  Exhibition
JW had invited Albert Edward Saxe-Coburg (1841-1910), H.R.H. The Prince of Wales [more], to attend the SBA private view, possibly for Winter Exhibition, Society of British Artists, London, 1886-1887.