Letter from Lady Catherine Ashburnham to Rupert Gunnis

Would like RG to give a talk to the servants. Has forgotten the catalogues of the 1850 sale. Her grandfather bought a great many pictures, some of which are still here. Her father sold the Rembrandts, ? Turners, etc. Refers to the story of Uncle John Ash[burnha]m and his Rembrandt, and the article in the 'Athenaeum' accusing grandfather of exhibiting magnificent pictures, afterwards withdrawn at impossible prices. The catalogues are annotated with the prices. Mentions the price paid for the self-portrait by Murillo, and 'The Horn Book' by Schedone, which is still 'here' and was a most famous picture from the Capo di Monte collection. Dick [John Richard Bickersteth] has taken the name of Gunner Latter and promises to go and see the men and ask them fishing. Is concerned about the fate of a former kitchen boy [Theo], who was in the Ist Airbourne Division and has not been heard of. Discusses her attitude to the war. Asks RG to bring Sybil over for a meal, also Lady Margaret Loch. Dick [John Richard Bickersteth] has not heard of the unpleasant rumours regarding 'our very distant cousin' Lord Burgh, so hopes that RG's memory is mistaken.