2 2 ANIMAL PAINTERS 



pendence of character which underlay his brusque 

 manner is shown in the following verbatim copy of 

 a letter to his aunt, Mrs. Woodley. The original 

 is in Miss Lanham's possession : — 



April 2nd, 1839. 



Dear and Respected Aunt, 



As I find there is to be a general letter writing to you, 

 I present what cannot well be called a letter but a bit of 

 mark'd paper, for I have nothing to write about. I go on the 

 principle of Sir Abel Handy. (If you have anything pleasant 

 to say I will thank you for it. If not hold your tongue and 

 make yourself pleasant that way.) 



In the first place I must thank you for your kindness to 

 Ellen when at Childr'y. She was quite delighted with her 

 visit : it has been food for conversation ever since, and I have 

 no doubt but that it will last much longer. 



All I can say about myself is that I keep grinding on in 

 this world with but little change except that I grow older 

 every day (work) and none the forwarder— but I thank God 

 and my own exertions I go on without having to ask favour 

 of any person or accepting it when offered, for I do not choose 

 to be a slave to any one however high in rank. 



I often propose to myself to spend a few days in Childr'y, 

 but I am always disappointed not being able to spare either 

 the time or money ; it has been put off from year to year ; 

 perhaps if I lived at Kensington instead of Kentish Town I 

 might have made a start. 



I must not trouble you with more nonsense. Maria has 

 been very poorly for some time, but as I never have a doctor 

 in the house she is now much better and joins with me in love 

 to dear Lyd and duty to yourself. 



I remain, my dear Aunt, 

 To Mrs Woodley, with all duty and respect, 



Childr'y, Your neppew, 



Berks. H. Alken. 



