Bakkehussamlingen

Bolton Gardens Russellsqr
4. November 1860

My dear M^me. Jerichau.
            The exquisite group which M^r Jerichau has so kindly sent me is arrived & we are delighted with it for it is a remarkable work of art. 1^st for the general composition as a group, so well [found?], such varied lines & contours so graceful // 2^nd. then again the sentiment is so moving. The stern courage of the man. The maternal agony of the [Lauther?] & it firce rage. & 3^rd. the expression of the man & his calmness. And there is so much novelty, that it does not recall any other group ancient or modern, as a “motivo” or “inspiration”; but stands alone by itself.
We beg you to thank your kind Husband the Director, & to tell him // how much charmed we are to possess so fine a work of art & so rare a one.
            It was delivered here free of all chasse . We have perched a full xxx glass & stand for it, & are now only deliberating, as to where we shall place it most worthily & advantageously.
            For the last 2 months there has been quite a bull in the artistic world. Every one has been away from London either for health or pleasure or for study (as the Landscape Painters). But now People are returning, the learned Societies are resuming their meetings, & I suppose that for the next 8 months, all will be hurry & bustle & strife – again //
            Pray did you receive the Paper, which I sent you, containing a notion (too short an one) of y^r. picture at Manchester? I derived also M^r [Janbairn?] to forward you a Catalogue, which I presume he did. Your Friends the Tennants are returned to Jade. M^me Donaldson begs me to ask you, if you ever received her letter with my full length photographic portrait, as a visiting Card.
Our James is now at Hamburgh with his future Bride & mother-in-law, both of whom have been unwell. We expect them back in a week or two.
I should like to know M^r Jerichau’s opinion of a very remarkable political declaration by L. xxx Russell just addressed to C^t. Cavour on the Italian [In…tion?]. It will not be very palatable to some of the Continental Potentates. It is very strong on the rights of the Peoples, & the duties & responsibilities of xxx. M^me. D unites with me in affectionate regards to yourself & M^r Director Jerichau & trust you & all around you are well & happy. Believe me ever most sincerely & truly y^r Friend T. L Donaldson.