| Description | Letter dated 3 April 1881 to Macdonald from George Reid, R.S.A., 7 Warwick Gardens, Kensington, London, regarding visit to see J.C. Hook's paintings 'all are good but one "Cornish Diamonds" is superb!', argument with Hook over whether or not he is old, and Hook's threat to play leapfrog over him, brief descriptions of some of the other pictures, painting a portrait of the Lord Justice General: 'He has a really capital leg and ankle', visit from 'Johnnie' who is looking 'wee'er and more weary-like than ever, but perhaps the east wind has something to do with it as well as the cares of office and his Edinburgh electioneering expenses', comments on political situation: 'What a mess Gladstone, Bright and Co. are making of it, to be sure. Feeling is growing very strong on the subject here', remark that Fox White has bought Hook's and Leighton's pictures this year. |