Thomson, Alfred Taddy London, 24 December, 1875

Acknowledging receipt of the National Gallery's catalogue, charts of the Spanish school of painting and the Illustrated Australian News. Has accepted Sir James McCulloch's request to undertake selection of pictures for the colony, which he will carry out simultaneously with his work for the Agent-General. Increase in the price of paintings has made it impossible to purchase any with the sum allotted. Suggests concentrating on new artists whose reputations are not fully established, or obtaining replicas by eminent artists. Important collections left to the nation. Death of C. J. La Trobe. Death of Mrs. Childers. (6 pages)