Flaxman-1-17

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Oct:^r 17: 1798

Dear and Kind Friend !

Since I heard from You last I have seen M:^r Ray (a relation of the late Alderman Sainsbury) who used to take great notice of my worthy friend Thomas when he came to see the the [sic] progress of M:^r Sainsbury's Monument; upon his enquiries, I informed him of the present State of poor Thomas's health, which he heard with great concern, but withal gave me hopes that all may yet be well in a great measure; A Daughter of M:^r Sainsbury's about 17 or 18 Years old, whom I have seen repeatedly, has for some Years past been afflicted with the same Malady and has a similar Curvature in the Spine, however by keeping a Constant Issue in her back, and following the directions of \the late/ M:^r Pott She is, and has been for Years past in excellent health, I mention the case because the Young Lady seems to have been preserved by Medical skill, and likewise because You may if you should think proper, consult the Surgeon who always

assisted

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M:^r Pott in this Case, and as I understand in many other Cases of the same kind for which he has the reputation of great ability, this Gentleman is M:^r Blicke, Billiter Square,

Fenchurch Street

M:^r Ray will be out of town untill [sic] the Second of next Month but on his return he will with pleasure give You any information or reference concerning the Case or treatment of the Young Lady that you can desire;

I am very much obliged to You for desiring Lord Egremont to call upon me, and I am much obliged to His Lordship for giving me that attention, unfortunately I was not at home when this great Man called, but gone to pay my respects to another great Man, and thus I was deprived of the Satisfaction of Shewing and explaining General Dundas's Monument myself, I wish my engagements had been more conveniently arranged;

I shall be very thankful if You will either be so good as to favor me with the addresses of Captain Montagu's brother and Sister or to send a Note to either of them with my compliments and direction, saying that

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His Majesty has been pleased to appoint me to execute the National Monument to their late Brother's memory which is to be erected in Westminster Abbey; and that they will render an essential service to the work, as well as confer a particular obligation upon me, if they will procure access \for me/ to the best portrait's [sic] existing of that Gentleman, and likewise favor me me a particular description of his person and proper dress;

We shall be heartily rejoiced to see You in town, and so with kindest wishes from Nancy and Myself to Worthy Thomas and You

I have the honor to remain
Dear and Kind Friend
Your ever obliged
and affectionate

John Flaxman

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William Hayley Esq:^re
Eartham
near Chichester
Sussex