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Houghton Library, fMS Eng 1331 (12). ALS; 3p. . Previously published: Benjamin Robert Haydon: Correspondence and Table-Talk. With a Memoir by his son Frederick Wordsworth Haydon, 2 vols (London, 1876), I, p. 349.
These letters were edited with the assistance of Ian Packer and Lynda Pratt
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It is very gratifying to know that you are satisfied with my good endeavours, – & the more gratifying inasmuch as
xxxx xxx the paper having been delayed nearly two years in the Editors hands, has suffered considerably by mutilation on
its way thro the press.r Gifford has more than once promised me that he
would not take these unwarrantable liberties with my papers, – but I believe he might as well promise to abstain from food, as from the
exercise of his editorial authority.
The subject if treated by itself would only have filled three or four pages. – I thought it better therefore to
xxxxx introduce it at the end of a paper considerable in length & treating of other important things; – sure of
gaining thereby this advantage at least, that those persons who should be impressed by the facts stated, or the arguments adduced in
the earlier part of the essay, would be disposed to agree with the writer throughout, & thus follow him with willing minds to the
end.
The press has great power for producing immediate evil, – much less for bringing about any immediate good. But tho truth & good principles make their way slowly, they are sure to make it at last. And I have no doubt that whenever the Government finds itself at ease concerning the revenue the Arts will feel the benefit. The disposition is not wanting.
You have great subjects in hand, – & if any man can be equal to them – you are.success <reward> may be, your great object is attained, – you have proved the
excellency of British art, & secured that triumph for your country.