258 Josiah Wedgwood CHAP, xix 



for a position as a portrait painter, requesting a loan of 

 30 from Wedgwood ; which the potter, with his gener- 

 ous disposition, immediately sent him. Hoppner at 

 length struggled up the hill of difficulty, and was made 

 a Eoyal Academician in 1795. 



Amongst Wedgwood's other correspondents about 

 1785, were Mr. Pitt, at Downing Street (making an 

 appointment), Mr. Wilberforce, Mr. Sheridan, John 

 Hunter, Granville Sharp, Sir Eichard Arkwright, and 

 Thomas Day ; but their letters convey no special in- 

 formation. Before we conclude this chapter, we may 

 append the copy of a letter from Benjamin Franklin 

 to Wedgwood, in acknowledging one of his valuable 

 presents : 



Philadelphia, 15th May 1787. Sir I received the 

 letter you did me the honour of writing to me on the 

 29th of February past, with your valuable present of 

 Cameos, which I am distributing among my friends ; in 

 whose countenances I have seen such marks of being 

 affected by contemplating the figure of the Suppliant 

 (which is admirably executed) * that I am persuaded it 

 may have an effect equal to that of the best written 

 Pamphlet in procuring favour to these oppressed people. 

 Please to accept my hearty thanks, and believe me to be, 

 with great esteem, sir, your most obedient servant, 

 B. FRANKLIN." 



1 The Suppliant, "Am I not a man and a brother?" was designed 

 by that admirable artist Hackwood, for the benefit of the Society for 

 the Abolition of Slavery. 



