Buchanan, William: Memoirs of painting: with a chronological history of the importation of pictures by the great masters into England since the French Revolution (Band 2) (London: Ackermann, 1824)

MR. BUCHANAN’S IMPORTATIONS.—italy. 127
In furtherance of his instructions, Mr. Irvine
wrote to Mr. Buchanan the following letter, dated—-
Rome, 13th April, 1803.
“ In your letter of 18th February you seem in-
clined to possess Fagan’s collection also. The last
time I heard of it I think he said he had sent
them to Naples. He formerly asked about £2500
if I remember right, but for this and other parti-
culars I refer you to Mr. Gordon, to whom I wrote
the whole. I strongly object to this purchase at
present, as it would entirely ruin the Genoa
business, for which there is now left rather a
limited sum, considering the great drains which
the purchase of C.’s share and Sloane’s collection
must occasion. I beg you will write to me immedi-
ately, to the care of Messrs. Heath and Co., Genoa,
the extent to which I may go on the supposition
that the purchase of a half share in Sloane’s takes
place, that I may regulate myself accordingly. I
am now seriously preparing for my journey, after
making a trip to Subiaco, where, by what I can
learn, there is little prospect of success. I wish
you had particularised the place where I could find
this supposed Domenichino. I forgot to mention
that the Queen’s letter is put into the case with
the picture of Charles the First, as the safest con-
veyance, and because if the picture is lost the letter
is of little consequence. It is wrapped in a paper