"My dear Mr. Dalziel,—I have just received a letter from Miss Minnie Thackeray to say her sister, who comes to town to-day, is so unwell as to be unable to visit us to-day. Will you have the kindness to let the picture, which has just arrived, remain here for a day or two? and with many thanks,
"Believe me,
"Sincerely yours,
"F. Walker.
"George Dalziel, Esq."
With reference to the following letter from Mr. Allen E. Everet, containing an application from the Birmingham Society of Artists that the picture might be exhibited at their rooms, we were given to understand that the Society awarded Walker their gold medal for the best water colour picture of the year. A like honour was bestowed by the Council of the Paris International Exhibition of 1865; in Dublin also, where it was on view, it was awarded a prize.[18]
"Society of Arts,
"Birmingham,
"2 July, 1864.
"Dear Sir,—I just take the liberty of writing a line to ask if you have been able to obtain for us the loan of your fine drawing of 'Philip,' for our ensuing Exhibition, as all the members of this Society will feel most anxious to see this most interesting work on our walls this autumn? Hoping, therefore, that you will be able to oblige us,
"I remain, dear Sir,
"Respectfully yours,
"Allen E. Everet,
"Hon. Secretary.
"F. Walker, Esq."