In response to your recent enquiry, I regret to inform you that we are unable to shed much light on the provenance of your eighteenth-century oil painting. Members of our curatorial staff believe that the piece was executed sometime between 1755 and 1770, and suspect it is the work of either Roger or Samuel Coleburne. The two were brothers who created a respectable body of work during the third quarter of the eighteenth century. If you are interested in pursuing this further, I can suggest the names of several reputable art historians who would undertake additional research for a small fee.

I would, however, like to call your attention to another item that is part of a sale scheduled for our South Kensington gallery on September 2. The item, an oil on canvas by John Williams, is a portrait of Mrs. William Blake (Fanny Rawlins), commissioned in 1782. Mrs. Blake, as you are no doubt aware, was the wife of the first owner of Stoney Grove. The market for Williams portraiture is a bit slow these days, so we’ve estimated that the piece will fetch in the range of 12500-13500 pounds. I have enclosed an image of the portrait, and the sale catalogue, for your perusal.

I am yours sincerely,
Reginald Artemaine
Director of Sales
Christie's
www.christies.com

I cannot thank you enough for your kindness and hospitality to my uncle Roderick when he intruded upon you in your home, and your efforts to revive him. The doctor said that he went quickly and without much pain. I know it must have been a quite upsetting for you and your family, and I apologize for not having come for him sooner. I’d been away from home, you see, and no-one was able to contact me until it was too late. The funeral is tomorrow. If you’d like to make a contribution or send flowers, I know he’d have appreciated it.

Most sincerely,

James Dinnell

Enclosed please find an outline of the history I’ve researched for the Rawlins family of Nevis. I have not documented all of the family line, but instead have concentrated on those who took ownership of the Nevisian estate at some point in their lives. I hope this helps you in your search for information about your home in West Sussex. If you have additional questions, please contact me directly at Sugartree Estate, Willets Bay, St. Kitts, Eastern Caribbean.

Yours sincerely,

Tia Hamilton