Letter from Sir George Beaumont, place not identified, to Charles Long, 1823 March 30 : autograph manuscript, draft.

Saying that he is not surprised that he has not heard back from Long on the subject of giving his paintings to the British Museum, because "I see with regret the trouble you have had about the King's library -- what a set of people you have to deal with!"; telling Long that he has complete confidence in him and has shared his intentions with no one else; writing "In truth I have no wish but to place them in security, & I think no place so secure & respectable as the Museum -- My only desire is to know whether they are thought worthy[.] I should be sorry to force them"; commenting on how little art is valued: "you well know what numbers of of [sic] people however high in talent & information on other subjects consider works of art as mere toys & playthings. I doubt even ('not to speak it prophanely') whether even Mr Pitt valued pictures as you & I do"; telling Long that, many years ago, he added a codicil to his will bequeathing his paintings to the museum, "but with the proviso that copies should be given to the family -- I own I had no doubt at that time the condition would have been complied with -- But perhaps I overate them"; saying he will wait to hear from Long.