The two following letters show that at this time he was quite unknown to the general public, although he was appreciated in the highest degree by those who knew him and his work:
Worldly Wiseman.
FROM THE "PILGRIM'S PROGRESS."
By J. D. Watson, R.W.S.
By permission of Messrs. George Routledge & Sons.
"62 Gt. Russell St.,
"August 1st, 1863.
"Dear Sir,—Understanding that you are going abroad for a short time, I write to say that if agreeable to you I should like to keep 'The Annunciation' in my studio until you return; for, as I do not exhibit, that is my only way of letting people see what I have been doing. Pray do not take the trouble to answer if this will be convenient to you.