John Constable: Toward a Complete Chronology. - Reed College

from me for a twelvemonth to come. But I have declined
making him any promise whatever—though I do not tell him
that I never intend doing a job for him, when it is perfectly
convenient to myself. . . . I saw the Exhibition for the last
time on Monday. . . . I shall get my pictures thence to day."
According to Leslie, J.C. has been engaged by Dawe to paint
a landscape background in a portrait of the famous tragic
actress Eliza O'Neill (later Lady Bacher) in the character of
Juliet. Lucas notes, "He painted the passion flowers and other
accessories in the background." (JCC II, pp. 142, 144; see
also JCC IV, p. 42)
1815 June 30 Letter from J.C. in London to Maria in Putney: "I hope it will
be equally convenient for you to see me Monday next. . . . I
have done at Mr. Dawe's. . . . I am now going to send home
Mrs. Fitzhugh's picture of Dedham [showing the valley from
the Old Hall]." (JCC II, p. 145)
1815 Letter from uncle David Pike Watts in London to J.C. in
ca. June 28 London. (JCC IV, p. 42)
1815 ca. June Mr. Bicknell takes a cottage at Putney, on the Roehampton
side of the heath, where J.C. pays occasional visits. (JCC II, p.
141)
1815 July 3 Small drawing of Wimbeldon Park, dated Monday the 3rd July,
on the back of a visiting card. (JCC II, p. 145)
1815 July 3 Visits Maria in Putney. (JCC II, p. 145)
1815 July 6 J.C. "back to the country, and there he remained, except for
a week in London during November, till the end of the year. .
. . the weather was exceptionally fine and remained so well
into the autumn." (JCC I 1962, p. 128)
1815 July 6 Farington records: "Constable called He having prepared to
leave London this day in the afternoon for the Season. He
meant to pursue his studies from nature at His Fathers near
Dedham in Essex." (Farington XIII, pp. 4662-63; see also JCC
II, p. 145)
1815 July 13 Letter from J.C. in East Bergholt to Maria in Putney: "On
Monday 31st. inst. I am going for a day or two from home to