Whether there will be war or not, the beginning of the year will show; it is, I think, more than probable; there is no probability of the Americans giving up Mason and Slidell. If we do fight, it will be agreeable to feel that we are supported by the sympathy and approval of _all Europe_; that we are entirely in the right is _universally_ recognised, even by those who have no love for us. Sooner or later, a war with America was, I fear, unavoidable. There is a limit to what even we can overlook. All this need not prevent your coming to England that I can see; it won't stop the Exhibition, nor make any perceptible difference in anybody's doings, except perhaps the picture buyers.--Your very affect. brother, FRED. _Sunday, 1862._ Arrived here safe and sound on Thursday night, and began my work on Friday. I am making studies[23] for the "Eastern King" which I shall begin to paint shortly after New Year. I found the frame for the large "Johnny" on my return. It improves the picture very much, and looks very handsome. I also found a letter from Henry Greville waiting for me. He says the Queen bears up admirably, because, she says, _he_ would have wished it, but that she always talks of her earthly career as at an end. The equerries, &c., will remain attached to the court. In 1862 Leighton sent eight pictures to the Royal Academy, and six were accepted. Before the sending in he writes to his father:-- 1862. DEAR PAPA,--I am afraid I don't take exercise _very_ regularly, still, I walk a _little_ nearly every day. With regard to the volunteering, the zeal for the matter is necessarily not what it was when every third man really expected to be called to defend the country. Nevertheless, the movement is not dead, but has found a level on which I fancy it will remain; the _shooting_ will keep it together a good deal. We (the artists) shall join the great business at Brighton on Easter Monday. Had I thought you would have taken my remark about the M. Angelo and the Johnnies so much to heart, I should have thought twice before I made it. Against what I said you must set the paragraph in the _Athenæum_ two or three weeks back--my doubt is not whether they will be admired--I think they will be _that_--my only question is whether they will be _cared_ for. Mrs. Austin admires and likes the M.A. beyond anything, and if she could afford it would, I believe, buy it at once.