Letter from John Ruskin, England, to Clore?, not before November 1869? : autograph manuscript signed.

Ruskin says that he has informed (the art dealer) Colnaghi's that the "soi disant Turner" is worth nothing, and that Ruskin has examined the picture itself, as it was sent to him (at Denmark Hill). Responds to three points from the "nice letter." First, no painter can paint after fifty as he can before. He may paint better in some ways, but loses for ever many points of refinement. Ruskin counts on eight years remaining. Second, agrees with the estimate of (the writer William Edmondstoune) Aytoun and of Blackwood's (Magazine), but these articles are seriously injurious. Ruskin disdains answering them, and takes any means at all to prevent them, like being teased by midges. He doesn't want to come to Edinburgh, but if the Edinburgh people ever want him, there must be an apology for the last article in Blackwood's on the first page of the Magazine, dictated by Ruskin. Third, he is sorry to hear that Walter Pater is engaged in a critique of this kind. Nevertheless, he does generally agree in the principles set forth in the pamphlet and thought it fairly written, though cannot judge its fairness to particular pictures. "Your kind and frank expressions of feeling are entirely safe with me." Much comforted by account of poor young friend cut off at 91. Remembrances to the children.