Letter – James Smith to Diana Beaumont – 1 Jul 1808

Subjects of the Bas reliefs at Bretton Lodges – built 1808



Madam,

      The Subjects of the Bassreliefs for the Lodge at Bretton Hall are taken from the Roman History one representing Corriolanus at the head of an invading army before the gates of Rome where he was met by his Mother & family who in tears beseech him to spare the City, overcome by their entreaty He exclaimed Mother you have prevail'd; but in saving Rome you destroy your Son

      The second Commemorates a singular instance of patriotism M[arcus] Attilius Regulus a Roman Consol being taken prisoner by the Cartheginians & <used> with great severity during a Long Captivity, they at length being tired with a long <and expensive> war in which they <had exhausted  their <… … > treasure <made> an offer of Liberty to him on Conditions of using his <intrest> with the Senate to obtain for them a peace, he accepts the offer and departs with their ambassador to Rome for that purpose, but when in the Senate he made the following Speech, Tho' I am a Slave at Carthage I am a free man at Rome, & as such I exhort you not to agree by any means to their proposals for their army is dispirited & treasure exhausted so that they must shortly yield to your Successful arms, he further added as I am now grown old & useless I wish you not to bestow one thought upon me, for I must return to Captivity according to my promise & let the Gods take care of the rest. The Senate endeavoured by all possible means to retain him, but all to no purpose nor that of his nearest friends nor even of his Wife & Children to dissuade him from keeping his word & returning to his Confinement.



      which is the point of time the subject is taken  [arrow - pointing at drawing perhaps?]



      <.... …..> your obedt Humbl Servant

      James smith