Letter from David Wilkie, Southill, to Sir George Beaumont, 1806 August 20 : autograph manuscript signed.

Concerning the painting he is doing for Sir George; saying " I have now got your Picture entirely finished, and have shown it to several people who have flattered me with the Idea that I am very much improved. Lord Mulgrave in a letter which I lately received from him requested me to take it to Yorkshire with me, but the distance, and the fear of its being damaged have inclined me to let it remain in London. As to the kind offer which you formerly made and now repeat of doting me with money I return you my most sincere thanks, the reasons which I then gave I believe would be sufficient to excuse me for not accepting of the offer, but as the picture is now finished one of these reasons is removed, although I am still not at all in need of money;" saying he left London with Mr. and Mrs. Opie and is now at Mr. Whitbread's where Mr. Reynolds is as well; adding that he will go to Lord Mulgrave in a few days "...as Lord Mulgrave has desired me to come as soon as I can independent of Mr. Jackson as his business will not allow him to leave London before the end of this month[.]...I have often had in my mind the advice you have often giv[en me] of improving myself as I go on. I am sensible of still having a great deal to learn I have been again attending the Royal Academy in the hope that my improvement is not yet at an end."