It was a novel and valuable experience for the young man. Devonshire is noted for its scenic beauty and healthful climate: so the trip not only gave the hard-worked student a beneficial change of air and scene, but also put money in his purse, and quieted the fears of possible failure which had occasionally disturbed his peace of mind.
Once again Fulton himself shall tell us, through this quaint and delightful letter to his mother, of the pleasant change which had befallen him:
Devonshire, Jan’ry 20th, 1792.
My dear Mother,
This morning I rec’d a package of letters from Philadelphia among which were one from you, one from Abraham and two from Mr. Morris, one of which was for Mr. West. In Consequence of my leaving London on June last for to do some business for Lord Courtney In Devonshire which is about 200 miles from London The letters by some accident have not reached me till now. As you rely on it I should have answered them by the first Conveyance—But I Rec’d them with Infinite pleasure as they come from you and Informed me of your good health. And now I will attend to the particulars As I am well convinced every Incident Relative to my life will Communicate pleasure to you. You express much desire to know how my pictures were Rec’d at the Royal Academy—this I believe I answered before but possibly the letter has miscarryed You will be pleased to hear that I sent eight pictures which Rec’d every possible mark of Approbation that the Society could give, but these exertions are all for honor—there is no prophet (profit) arising from it. It only tends to Create a name that may hereafter produce business.
My little tour through France proved very agreeable and was of some service to me as a painter in as much as I saw the works of some of the most able masters in the art, which much improved my eye and taste.
Mr. West and me are on a very familiar footing and when he is in town pays me much attention which is extremely agreeable as we live near each other.
… And I must now Give Some little history of my life since I came to London. I brought not more than 40 Guineas to England and was set down in a strange Country without a friend and only one letter of Introduction to Mr. West—here I had an art to learn by which I was to earn my bread but little to support whilst I was doing it. And numbers of Eminent Men of the same profession which I must Excell before I Could hope to live. Many, many a Silent solitary hour have I spent in the most unnerved Studdy Anxiously pondering how to make funds to support me till the fruits of my labours should be sufficient to pay them. Thus I went on for near four years—happily beloved by all who knew me or I had long ere now been Crushed by Proverties Cold wind—and Freezing Rain—till last summer I was Invited by Lord Courtney down to his Country seat to paint a picture of him which gave his Lordship so much pleasure that he has introduced me to all his Friends. And it is but just now that I am beginning to get a little money and pay some debt which I was obliged to Contract so I hope in about 6 months to be clear with the world or in other words, out of debt, and then start fair to Make all I Can.
You see dear Mother this is very different from being Rich(?) not that I can say I ever was in absolute want. Heaven has been kind to me and I am thankfull—hoping now to go on Smooth and happy as the absence from my friends will admit of—I am happy to hear that all my relations are well. I shall write to them separately. I enjoy excellent health which I hope will Continue till I may have the happiness of seeing you. Please to remember me kindly to Mr. Smith and all friends And may Heaven Continue its blessings towards you is the most unfeigned wish of your Obedient Son,
Robert Fulton.