Autograph Letter Signed ('John Linnell Sen.') from the English portrait painter John Linnell to the Glasgow picture dealer Thomas Lawrie, regarding the verification of a picture ['The Woodcutters'] and describing work he will have for sale.

2pp., 12mo. Bifolium. 28 lines of text. In fair condition: aged and a little ruckled. Docketed 'The Woodcutters' (a theme around which Linnell produced several paintings). Linnell writes that he has just received Lawrie's 'half note for £5 - and will not fail to attend to your wishes about The Verification'. He explains that he usually requires, in addition to the fee, 'an assurance that I shall not be called upon personally to give evidence respecting the work said to be mine. I am writing to give my written testimony but personal attendance at a Court of Law I should refuse at any cost.' He does not 'anticipate any danger of the kind' in the present case, but thinks it best to 'let everyone know this who applies to me on such matters'. A thirteen-line postscript respond to Laurie's 'enquiries "If I have any work for sale"'. Linnell has 'several works in hand' which he expects 'will be among my best & not yet engaged size 39 x 28'. He also has his 'picture of "The lost Sheep" which was in the R.A. 1869. 53 1/2 x 38'. He invites Laurie: 'Should you be in London this season or at any time I will show you what I have with pleasure - but you are not likely to see them any other way unless sold'. He concludes: 'I am only half an hour from London.'