BIB_ID
102688
Accession number
MA 3442.1
Creator
Gell, William, Sir, 1777-1836.
Display Date
Rome, Italy, 1818 June 25
Credit line
Purchased, 1980.
Description
1 item (3 pages, with address) ; 19.9 x 15.7 cm
Notes
Partial address panel with postmarks to "R.P. Knight / [Sto]nebrook Cottage / Ludlow." The address panel was originally addressed to Knight at "Soho Square / London" but that has been crossed through and the Stonebrook Cottage address written above it in an unknown hand. The left side of the address panel has been cut away.
Provenance
Purchased on the Acquisitions Fund, 1980.
Summary
Thanking him for the maps of Troy, discussing his views on the position of the Trojan camp; describing a bronze vase that he has sent home and adding "I am so apt to give away my goods, that now in my old age & infirmities I am resolved to sell it, & as I know it is well worth 100£ being I believe quite unique. I have desired Mr. Gaudy to destroy it if I cannot get at least 50 for it as I will not be cheated because I was born a gentleman any more - So if you know of any persons who purchase such articles, or the Museum I shall be glad if you will promote the sale of it;" discussing the status of the excavation of the Roman Forum; adding "...there are some hopes of seeing a great part of the Forum cleared as they have promised to unite the 3 parts already excavated down to the pavement at the Comitia, the arch of Severus & the column of Phoras. My infirmities have increased to such a degree that I do not expect to be able to undertake a journey across the Alps very speedily but the Doctors wish to persuade me the contrary & that I am to get well by magnesia & Rheubarb though it is rather late as I have scarcely been able to walk alone since my last trip to England. I hope you continue well & still have pleasure in your treasures of art in London & nature at Downton."
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