Documents associated with: Webb, William
Record 13 of 352
System Number: 01744
Date: [23/25 May 1878?][1]
Author: JW
Place: [London]
Recipient: Edward William Godwin[2]
Place: [London]
Repository: Glasgow University Library
Call Number: MS Whistler G110
Document Type: ALS
I suppose Godwin mon cher that you have got no rise out of any of 'em - Well all right I thought it all over after leaving you and felt that there was but little hope in any of the steps you seemed to contemplate - so I again fell back on my own [illegible word, deleted] resources - made a sudden flank movement - reserved my fire until I "saw the whites of their eyes", as was the practice of Genl Jackson[3] when he whipped the Britishers before, and then let fly - and brought down the Chairman[4] immediately! - bang! down came the flag instantly!
The fight is now in full go - but for the first time [p. 2] they have had to acknowledge their ennemy [sic] and treat with him diplomatically and with show of decency. - Vulliamy[5] quite out of it! retired I should think - pensioned off on the Qua[r]termasters department! - We will not go to Webb[6] this morning - I wrote to him yesterday -
I enclose also copy of letter to Nightingale[7] - Correspondence with Board of Works I will send you tomorrow - require it myself this morning -
In case the appointment with Webb had been settled John[8] will send off the telegram he brings -
Only do be ready today or tomorrow if required to meet the Surveyor at the house - Of course would telegraph -
Ever Yours
J A McN. Whistler.
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Notes:
1. [23/25 May 1878?]
Dated from sequence of letters about JW's new house, the White House in Tite Street (see below).
2. Edward William Godwin
Edward William Godwin (1833-1886), architect and designer [more].
3. Genl Jackson
Andrew Jackson (1767-1845), seventh U. S. President [more]. As a Major General in the Tennessee Militia he defeated the Creek Indians, British allies, at Horseshoe Bend in September 1814, and the British in the Battle of New Orleans in January 1815. 'Old Hickey' was a Southern hero, leader of the Democratic Party, and President from 1829-1837.
4. Chairman
Sir James Macnaghten McGarel Hogg (1823-1890), first Baron Magheramorne [more].
5. Vulliamy
George John Vulliamy (1817-1886), Superintending Architect with the Metropolitan Board of Works, London [more].
6. Webb
George Webb (b. ca 1835), of G. and W. Webb. lawyer [more], and William Webb (b. ca 1851), of G. and W. Webb, lawyer [more], JW's solicitors. Two letters from JW to the firm describe the dispute with the Metropolitan Board of Works over the granting of the lease (#06160, #06163).
7. Nightingale
Benjamin Ebenezer Nightingale (b. 1838), builder [more]. Nightingale had written to JW on 22 May (#04302) but his reply has not been located.