Volume 1

The Farington diary / edited by James Greig.

  • Joseph Farington
Date:
[1922?-1928]
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: The Farington diary / edited by James Greig. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    104/464 (page 62)
    *794 A Glorious 1st of June July 16.—Mrs. Gardner [Admiral Gardner’s wife] told me she was on board the Queen Charlotte [Howe’s Flagship] (being invited by Lady Howe) when the King & Queen came on board [after Lord Howe’s victory, referred to in the XVIth chapter]. Lord Howe reed, the King with his Hat on.—The King made a gracious speech to Lord Howe, and presented him a sword. Lord Howe then taking of his Hat, kneeled, & kissed the Kings Hand. July 17.—Called at the Navy Office, & spoke to Mr Margetson abt. payment for the picture [of Deptford Yard that Farington painted]. He said that the minute of the agreed price had not been presented to the Board ; but He would mention it again. I told him the price agreed for was 60 guineas. [Farington had much trouble before the Office settled his account. He was told on July 23 that his picture of Deptford Yard was not “ so well approved of as the Chatham.” On the following day he was informed that payment for the Deptford Yard was ordered, “ but must pass the Board twice.” Then on August 4 he wrote], Went to the Navy Office, and reed, in Mr Davis’s office, an order for the payment of .£63—the fee here 10s. 6d.—It was noted in another office, fee 5s. I then carried it to Mr Slades, office, the Pay office,—no fee here. The draft he gave me was on Coutts [a ludicrous example of “ red tape ”]. The late Bond Hopkins supplied Bowyer with money to carry on his History of England, for which He was to have a certain share of the profits. Since his death the Executors have behaved handsomely to Bowyer in giving up claims of profits, and allowing him time to repay the money advanced.—Bowyer is afraid of employing Romney, on account of the unpopularity of his Tempest picture in the Shakespeare Gallery.—He is also afraid to employ Fuseli on acct. of the great inequality of his works. July 18 .—Lord Howe had reason to expect the Garter which was given to the Duke of Portland. Indeed the new arrangement of an administration being afterwards settled Ld. Howe was applied to to give it up, which He did, to suit the convenience of the political parties.— What an instance of his moderation.—Lady Howe told the Admiral