His brother, Edward, goes as Pursar to India and brings a box for Humphry, which includes three coats from Joe Green and bundles of letters from
Mary Boydell. His says several of Humphry's friends met at the
Alderman's and enjoyed a fine haunch of venison from his
brother. His friend
Edwards has sent a packet of letters with all the news. Mrs. Hodges died about the time Humphry left England, but [
William Hodges] has already consoled himself with another marriage. He has chosen Miss Carr, a pretty girl but no fortune. The death of
Cipriani. There has been a "rage" for India among the artists that has now subsided, although
Carter sails imminently.
Webber has been elected Associate, which he is very pleased with, he is busy with
Loutherbourg on a work for
Covent Garden, based on
Cook's voyage.
Sir Joshua Reynolds is as assiduous as ever.
West and his family well, as are
Sandby and Sims, who has just come back from France, fertile ground for a "ship painter".
Copley has suffered the loss of two children over a "putrid sore throat".
Poggi is preparing prints of the seige of Gibraltar and
Jones is not going back to Italy and is "fatter than ever".