Thomas Gainsborough, Bath, to William Jackson, Fore Street, Exeter

1 piece

Thanks for the letter and the music lessons received. When they meet Gainsborough will play extempore. Abel has had to go to Paris for six weeks. He has dined with Duntze, hoping to see Miss Floud play. He is sick of portraits and wishes to wander off to a village with his viola de gamba. He also rails against the sociability needed when their are daughters to marry off; that he remains "in harness" while others enjoy the view from the wagon. However, he has three Jaye's and two Barak Norman's with which to console himself.

The wrapper also holds some pencil notes, the longer of which comments upon the composition of a landscape painting. It is uncertain whether they are written by Gainsborough.