“April, 1797.
“To J. L. Philips.
“I have sent in a large tin case by to-night’s conveyance, four Dozen of the very first impressions of the ‘Dead Soldier,’ and one Dozen proofs. This number is more than you have at different times ordered for yourself and friends, but as I have raised the price to
and as they are choice impressions, I should suppose they will not stick on hand. If they should, you can at any time return them. A few of them have the same date of publication as the proofs, and consequently in the earliest state. I have met with more success than I had hoped for in such times as these. It is universally talked of, and I have orders for between 2 & 300 from the trade only.
“J. HEATH.”
“Aug 20, 1797.
“To J. L. Philips.
“A few days ago I sent an India proof of the ‘Dead Soldier.’ I should have sent you one before, but as the India paper was not good, I did not take above three impressions, the best of which you have. I have sent by to-day’s coach seven ‘Dead Soldiers.’ Respecting the two pictures of Wright’s, of ‘Hero’ & ‘Leander,’ I mentioned it to Ld. Lansdowne, who has promised to procure them for me if he can. Have you heard how Wright is lately. If he is not dead, I shall think there are hopes he may recover sufficiently to paint a companion for me.”
“1797.
“To J. L. Philips.
“I received (1797) yours with the bill enclosed. I am very sorry to hear of Wright’s death, as I do not know now who to get to paint a companion to the ‘Dead Soldier.’ I wish you would say who you think would do it best. I mean to get the pictures of ‘Hero,’ &c., as soon as Ld. Lansdowne comes to Town, and with respect to Sterne’s ‘Old Man and Ass,’ I think it would be a good thing to engrave. Mr. Corbould would be the man to put the back ground to it.
“J. HEATH.”
“June 14th. 1798.
“To J. L. Philips.
“I wish you would get the two pictures of ‘Hero’ & ‘Leander’ for me. I should like to engrave them very much. I have mentioned them to Ld Lansdowne several times, but he seems to hint that there is a family coolness which prevents him from asking for them.
“The ‘Dead Soldier’ continues to sell very well, indeed so much so, that I am very desirous of going on publishing for myself.
“J. HEATH.”