| Description | Letter dated 31 March 1883 to Macdonald from George Reid, R.S.A., 40 Heriot Row, Edinburgh, regarding delivery of portrait of Cassie for copying, some remark which means he will probably not be painting a portrait of a Duke, but they can have it done in London, portrait of Mr. John Smith, projected portrait of Sir Wyndham Anstruther and his son, and Mr. Curle from Melrose is also sitting, departure of Mr. Field from Aberdeen, and difficulty in replacing him as business partner, annoyance at 'these shipmaster society people' who are quarrying or stoneworking near Kepplestone, visit from Gibson with Lady Balfour of Burleigh, Lord Breadalbane did not turn up for a final sitting so the portrait is unfinished, 'I haven't heard a single joke or good thing of any kind for a long time past . Humour is, I fear, dying out and soon C. Keene will find it hard work to provide his weekly supply. It's all along of your earnest Liberals'. |