Athenæum Club, Pall Mall, S.W.,
November 15.
My dear Leighton,—One line (which you need not answer) to say how delighted I am to see what an excellent choice the Royal Academy has made.
I only hope poor O'Conor may not take advantage of the occasion to plant an ode and a letter.—Ever sincerely yours,
Matthew Arnold.
From Hubert Herkomer:—
November 27, 1878.
My dear Sir Frederic Leighton,—I am just recovering from an attack of brain fever, and although I am not allowed yet to write, I can no longer wait without dictating a letter to express my own individual pleasure at your being the new President.
Three years ago you wrote me a letter after seeing my "Chelsea Pensioners." Perhaps you little dreamt of the tears of joy that that letter caused in a young painter, who will always feel that he owes you a debt of gratitude; and now he glories in your being the chief of that body which attracts to it all the principal art of the country. All England feels that you, from your new position, will give new life to it. Perhaps you will allow me, when I am sufficiently recovered, to come and see you.
In the meantime believe me to be, with most heartfelt congratulations,—Sincerely yours,
A.H., pro Hubert Herkomer.