Correspondence of Lieut.- Col. J. L. Philips. 19 



(1725 — 1809), who is said to have been the first English 

 artist to infuse nature into topographical drawing and the 

 first to etch and engrave in the style known as aquatint. 

 The secret of this method was purchased by the Hon. 

 Charles Greville from a French artist and communicated by 

 him to Sandby. Many of Sandby's drawings were pur- 

 chased by Sir Joseph Banks : — 



Deai Sir 



I laid Dr. White's request before the president at the first meeting of the 

 Council of the Royal Academy which was soon after I received your Letter, 

 it was then agreed he should have a Cast from the large Anatomical figure, but 

 I was desired not acquaint you of it till the minutes were confirmed by 

 a second meeting, which did not take place ill last night. I have now the 

 pleasure of acquainting you that I have obtained leave to get one cast soon as 

 convenient, I desired Mr. Corline to get one out of the mould soon as 

 possible, but he said the cold weather was much against it, but promises to let 

 me have one soon as it can be done with safety and that I shall only pay 

 the expense of the Plaster please to signify the same to Dr. White and that 

 the President and Council readily granted it as they wish to cultivate the Arts 

 thro' the Kingdom, at the same time I can assure you no Academician has yet 

 obtain'd a Cast of that perfect figure, — I have been under anxious uneasiness for 

 the long delay, as it might appear I was neglectful, the cause was the illness 

 of Sir W m Chambers our Treasurer whom we was happy to congratulate last 

 night on the recovery of his health, and like Old Dons we ended, and began 

 the New Year which my head yet tells me was only fit for young folks and New 

 Stile, please to present my Respects to Dr White and Mr. Kershaw &c. 



I am Dear Sir 



with great respect your 



much obliged humble serv* 

 London Jany 12 P. SANDBY. 



1787 



The allusion to " Moreland " in the following letter is 

 probably to Mr. Patrick John Mc.Morland, miniature painter, 

 who was born in Manchester in I74i,and died in Liverpool 

 in 1 841, being then in his one hundredth year. He was an 

 intimate friend of Mr. Philips's. The letter, like many 

 others in the collection, testifies to the open-handedness 

 which seems to have been a conspicuous trait in Mr. Philips's 

 character : — 



