SAMUEL PROUT, ARTIST. 289 
My pen is always a runner, and I have given it an extra jink, 
being obliged to hurry into Town. 
You must not forget my kind remembrance to Mrs. Johns and 
Ball. Yours very faithfully, 
Samuel Prout. 
A. B. Johns, Esq., Old Town Without, Plymouth. 
Brixton Terrace, London, Nov. 18th, 1815. 
My dear Sir, — In spite of the success of friends, and satisfac- 
tion in hearing of their good luck, my strongest feeling on reading 
your kind letter was displeasure at the unhandsome manner in 
which I have been treated by the directors of the Plymouth Exhi- 
bition. They must have wished my name not to have appeared 
amongst the worthies of Plymouth. No doubt they have succeeded 
in their wishes, almost mean, certainly ungentlemanly. There was 
time to ask my consent ; and as my reputation for a twelvemonth 
depended on it, it would have been but just. First impressions are 
lasting, so I shall not hope for what I should have been proud to 
have obtained at my first appearance, when I appear in paintings 
and in person next August ; for I hope to see you next summer. 
I am glad Ball has made so good a beginning. I hope 'twill be a 
nail driven in a sure place. Give my kind regards and warmest 
congratulations ; also to Eastlake, who will make his way most 
honourably. I am painting every day with hopes of standing 
with you at the Institution. 
I could not understand what stopped our correspondence ; but I 
shall be always ready to renew it, and most cheerfully render you 
any assistance. 
I intended writing you a longer letter, which would have looked a 
little more friendly, but I must beg a truce till the next opportunity. 
Whenever Mr. Carter sends a letter to Ackerman, a letter to me 
will be forwarded immediately. 
I have troubled you with a letter for Brockedon, to be dropped 
into the post ; also one for my Father, which I will thank you to 
have the goodness to deliver. Mrs. P unites in kind remem- 
brances to Mrs. Johns with, 
Dear sir, yours most truly, 
Samuel Prout. 
To A. B. Johns, Esq. 
VOL. VII. T 
