AND STIELINGSHIRE HUNT 



you speak of my knowledge of his character and peculi- 

 arities — Will read it "propensities." "Ma propensities, 

 what can his Grace mean by ma propensities," and then 

 he went into roars, I have only, since Will left, dis- 

 covered that the word is peculiarities. 



I am, I hope, getting on well with him. I think Will 

 seems much satisfied. He says " Noo I dinna want you 

 to mak me just as I am, but what I used to be, for, for 

 some years back, I have only just been an apology for a 

 Huntsman." — 1 am, ever my dear Duke, yours very truly 

 and obliged, Fkan. Grant. 



The next letter refers to the termination of the 

 *' sittings," and to the introduction into the picture 

 of some of the hounds as well as the horse " Sam 

 Slick." It also refers to Will's deafness. 



27 Sussex Place, Regent's Park, N.W., 

 Nov. 2 [1862]. 



My dear Duke, — You will be glad to hear I am done with 

 Will, and I think it is very successful. He seemed much 

 pleased himself. I have arranged with him to have some 

 hounds up to Melton the first good frost, when they can 

 be spared. He talks of coming with them himself — he is 

 so much interested in the picture. 



He was very amusing — his anecdotes numerous. When 

 he left me, I always got a cab to the door for him, when 

 he invariably roared out to the cabman, "Do ye ken 

 a place caa'ed ' Belgrave Square.' " When the cabman 

 assented, and succeeded in making Will hear, he said, 

 " Weel, I want to be taken to a hoose there, No. thirty- 

 seeven." — I am ever, my dear Duke, yours truly, 



F. Grant. 



P.S. — This letter needs no answer, but 1 thought you 

 would be glad to hear that we think we have been success- 

 ful. He is very anxious that the likeness of Sam Slick may 

 be attended to. 



79 



