Letter from David Wilkie, Cults, to Sir George Beaumont, 1807 August 2 : autograph manuscript signed.

Reporting that he is now recovered and expressing his hope that Sir George has recovered as well; describing his "...experiments in painting on mill-board making use of it as an absorbent ground, but altho' I am sensible of the advantage that is gained by the clearness and purity of the colours, yet I find as much difficulty in preserving that correctness of tint and neatness of touch as easily acquired by the other method that I am almost inclined to doubt the expedience of the process, particularly when I reflect that time itself will in all probability perform the office of an absorbent ground. I have not as yet done much in the way of sketching here indeed I have been prevented from doing so much as I ought by the want of proper materials[.] I expect however to get some from Edinburgh soon which is the only place here where articles of that kind may be had. I am at present in the habit of hearing from my friend Jackson who from his own account is going on briskly with a large group of portraits composed of the members of the Jennerian Society. He says he has already had two sittings from the Marquis of Huntley and expects the Duke of Bedford to sit soon. I honestly hope that Mr. Jackson may finish this Picture;" adding that he had hoped to visit his friend Haydon on his way back to London but is not sure he will be able to do that or that he will be able to visit Sir George in Keswick as it will be too late in the season; sending compliments from his parents and his compliments to Sir George and to Lady Beaumont.