Joseph Farington, R. A., was an artist of the 18th Century. Being a prominent member of the Royal Academy, though an indifferent painter, he came in touch with nearly all of the elite of his time, in France as well as in England. From July 13, 1793, to Dec. 30, 1821, he kept a diary* in which he recorded a wealth of information about his period and the people in it. The Diary was found in 1921 by a firm of auctioneers in London and was later bought by the Morning Post for 110 guineas (about $500). Throughout the year of 1922 the Diary appeared in the Post in serial form. Now it is published in book form.* For the personal side of history, Farington's diary is undoubtedly the most absorbing work that has appeared on the latter Georgian period in generations. No one who is interested in art, artists, politicians, politics, kings, queens, lords and commons, Englishmen and Frenchmen, history and literature, soldiers and sailors, will be able to read through these two large books wirthout asking for more. As a chronicler, Farington has been compared to the great Samuel Pepys. The comparison favors Farington if viewed from an informative standpoint; but as literature, using the word with meticulous precision, the Diary falls far below the immortal works of Pepys.
George III.—"He [King George]—asked West [President of the Royal Academy] what would Washington do were America to be declared independent. West said He** believed He would retire to a private situation. The King said if He did He would be the greatest man in the world. He asked West how he thought the Americans would act towards this country if they became independant. West said the war had made much ill blood but that. Washington, Lawrence, Adams, Franklin, Jay were favorable to this country which would soon have a preference to any other European Nation. During this conversation the Queen was much affected, & shed tears."
Admiral Nelson—He wrote to Lady Nelson that he shd. allow her £1800 a year, but did not wish to see her again.—They are now quite separated in consequence of his attachment to Lady Hamilton. . . . Masquerier shewed me 4 pictures. . . . One of Lady Hamilton which he understands is to be sent to Lord Nelson. He thinks Lady Hamilton is abt. 40 years of age, & very fat."