'The boat picture' is unidentified but was evidently painted as Wells's Royal Academy Diploma work following his election as an Associate in 1866. He had been painting at Airsaig as early as 1857, when he exhibited a picture at the R.A. entitled The Airsaig country, on the north-west coast of Scotland, the islands of Eig, Rum and Muck in the distance. 'The volunteer picture' is Volunteers at a Firing Point, exhibited at the R.A. in 1866 (no.374) and still in the Academy's Diploma collection. The R.A. catalogue lists the names of those represented, Edward Ross being the figure standing prominently in the foreground. He reappeared in Wells's picture of the Earl and Countess Spencer visiting the rifle ranges at Wimbledon, shown at the R.A. in 1868.

'The Astleys' must refer to the family of F.Dunkinfield P. Astley; Wells exhibited a portrait of him at the R.A. in 1867, and portraits of his children in 1856 and 1862.