202 On the Early Life of Sir Thomas Lawrence, P.R.A. 



his portraits. That of the Q,ueen by this artist, is certainly a performance ot 

 which Vandyke himself would have been proud." 



London Evening — " Lawrence hath improved since last year, astonishingly ! 

 His portrait of Miss Farren yields to none in the room — That of the Queen has 

 already been mentioned by the public ; and these, with the other portraits, speak 

 him one of the most promising geniuses of the age. That Lawrence bids fair to 

 be the first portrait painter, in the kingdom, is not saying too much." 



The Times to-day, (with which I will conclude) says of the portraits, — "-those 

 of the Queen, by Lawrence and Russell, and that of Miss Farren likewise, by 

 Lawrence, appear to be the best." 



You will perceive by the catalogue the great number of artists, and then judge 

 of the grateful surprise of 



Rev. Dear Sir, your most devoted Servant, 

 30th April, 1790. THOS. LAWRENCE. 



Rev. Dear Sir. — I this morning met B. D., Esq. 1 He has not been wanting 

 in his polite attention towards us, consequently communicating your good 

 wishes. 



We went together to the Royal Exhibition, where I communicated to him a 

 little of my intelligence extraordinary, and he in return uttered his thoughts 

 respecting when the town would have occasion to mourn his absence, which 

 would not be these 4 or 5 days, and that he would call at 57, Greek Street, in 

 the intermediate space. 



He was going to visit at the habitation of the Prime Minister, where I, having 

 no pretensions, we on that account agreed to bid farewell. 



I cannot sufficiently express my satisfaction, and you believe me, at the great 

 name my son has so deservedly acquired : he is, in a manner, become the theme 

 of every applauding tongue. But more of this when I shall have the grateful 

 pleasure of waiting upon you where your last favor was addressed, and where I 

 hope you will sleep with the most pleasing composure, and attended with the 

 most grateful welcome by all. 



I am, Rev. dear Sir, ever your's, 

 4th June, 1790. T, LAWRENCE. 



P.S. We have no encouragement to return for any impertinent enquiries 



that may be made. I will (may I not ?) hope for the favor of seeing you very 



suddenly. 



Tom is going this day, to drink the health of his Majesty, where Sir Joshua 

 will be the toast maker. 



The Rev. Dr. Kent,* Whisley, Devizes, Wilts. 



1 B. D., Esq., I suspect, is meant for Bernard Dickenson, of Bowden Park, near Devizes, who was 

 intimately accquainted with both Dr. Kent and Mr. Lawrence. 



* It appears that Dr. Kent died in 1799, and was buried at Potterne. In the elegant parish church 

 of that place we find a marble monument erected to his memory, from which we have extracted the 

 following . — 



Henry Kent, D.D., died 27th Dec., 1799, aged 81 years. 



After a long life passed in literary pursuits, his end was accompanied by acts of benevolence, of 

 which his relations and friends were partakers. 



Nor were the poor omitted in his bequests, as the divers sums given by his last will to the hospi- 

 tals of Sarum and Bath, to the Society for the benefit of Clergyman's Widows and Orphans in this 

 Diocese, the needy in this and the neighbouring parishes, besides other charitable donations, bear 

 testimony. 



He left also to Merton College, Oxford, of which he was formerly fellow, all his valuable and 

 extensive library, together with a handsome sum for its augumentation. 



