Gainsborough, Thomas (1727-1788) Autograph letter signed

Gainsborough, Thomas (1727-1788) Autograph letter signed Addressed to his 'Sister Dupont' (Sarah), dated 29th September 1783, 2pp, 18.5 x 22.5 and 18.5 x 20cm The letter refers to Gainsborough's brother, John, known to the family as 'Scheming Jack' due to his unreliable nature and constant failed attempts at moneymaking schemes ["Gainsborough - A Portrait", Hamilton, 2017]. Gainsborough asks his sister to be the caretaker of half a crown per week for their brother: "I promised John when he did me the honor of a visit in Town, to allow him half a Crown a week; which with what his good Cousin Gainsbro: allow him, and sister Gibbon, I hope will (if applied properly to his own use) render the remainder of his old age tolerably comfortable; for Villainously old he is indeed grown – I have herewith sent you 3 Guineas, with which I beg the favor of you to supply him for half a year..." A post-script gives news of Gainsborough's wife and beloved daughter visiting family in Bath; split along the fold of one sheet, some slight foxing and a light dampstain to upper corner Qty: (1) Note: A highly unusual letter signed by Thomas Gainsborough, giving a touching insight into his family life.