20.
To Thomas Butts.
Felpham Cottage (of cottages the prettiest),
11th September 1801.
Next time I have the happiness to see you, I am determined to paint another portrait of you from life in my best manner, for memory will not do in such minute operations; for I have now discovered that without nature before the painter^s eye, he can never produce anything in the walks of natural painting. Historical designing is one thing, and portrait-painting another: and they are as distinct as any two arts can be. Happy would that man be who could unite them!
P.S.—Please to remember our best respects to Mr. Birch,[1] and tell him that Felpham men are the mildest of the human race. If it is the will of Providence, they shall be the wisest. We hope that he will, next summer, joke us face to face. God bless you all!
- ↑ John Birch (1745-1815), surgeon: chiefly remarkable for his enthusiastic advocacy of electrical treatment. He attended Mrs. Blake several times, and is mentioned more than once again in the Letters.
