The following letter from Mr. Philips to Dr. Wright is of interest:—

“Manchester, Nov. 18, 1797.

“Dear Sir,

“You will receive herewith a dozen copies of my account of your late worthy Brother, which I have got printed more carefully than was the case in the magazine, in which several errors had escaped correction. Some few still remain as they were printed in London, & I had no proof-sheet sent down. I will thank you to present a copy to Mr. Holland when you have an opportunity, with my respectful compliments. I have only to lament my inability to do justice to the character of my much-valued friend, as it requires abilities much beyond my scope to point out the beauties of his works, which go far beyond every modern effort of art, & I do not expect to live to see them equalled.

“Believe me, with great truth,

“Dear Sir,

“Your faithful, hble. servt,

“J. LEIGH PHILIPS.

“P.S.—My friend Tate brought me a mourning ring, for which accept my grateful thanks.”

“Derby, Irongate, 27 Nov., 1797.

“To Mr. Philips.

“Dear Sir,

“I was honored with the parcel last Monday containing the copies of Memoirs of my late Bro’s Life. I return you my most grateful thanks for them, and think myself much obliged for the very great attention you have shewn in publishing the History of my Brother’s Life, wherein you have exhibited with great judgment and accuracy everything needful to adorn his character and abilities. The errors you have corrected in the Magazine are considerable, and make the production more valuable.

“RICHD WRIGHT.”

Prefixed to this notice of Wright, by Mr. Philips, was an engraved portrait of the artist by Blake.

JOSEPH WRIGHT. Etched by himself.

Amongst the effects of the late Mr. Geo. Cumberland, who was an intimate friend of Blake’s, was found an etching, evidently the one that served Blake as his copy, on which is written, “Wright, of Derby; etched by himself.” This is the only instance known of Wright having used the etching point.

I am indebted to Mr. Wm. Edkins, not only for this information, but for the unique etching itself, which is here reproduced.