UNIVERSITY of GLASGOW

System Number: 01661
Date: 19 November 1890
Author: Alfred Gilbert^[1]
Place: [London]
Recipient: JW
Place: [London]
Repository: Glasgow University Library
Call Number: MS Whistler G27
Document Type: ALS

"The Avenue"

Nov 19. 90 -

My dear Whistler -

Spare me my scalp and extend to me your forgiveness, for having neglected till now to acknowledge your Gift of the book on the "Gentle Art^[2]." I intended day after day to come to [p. 2] thank you in person, and eat your proffered luncheon but I have been kept away from these parts by unavoidable causes.

I have read, marked and inwardly digested, [p. 3] most thoroughly, this wonderful work of yours, and I feel myself quite qualified to "peddle" the plums from it in the Provinces were I given to such ways.

I can understand the irresistible temptation, or at least in a measure forgive it [p. 4] those who fall into it, of quoting the dainty sayings, and sympathize in their chagrin at their inability to have invented them ^for themselves.

You I congratulate most sincerely, and thank for your delightful book of endless amusement.

Yours ever

Alfred Gilbert

P. S.

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Notes:

1.  Alfred Gilbert
Alfred Gilbert (1854-1934), sculptor [more].

2.  Gentle Art
Whistler, James McNeill, The Gentle Art of Making Enemies, London and New York, 1890.