Documents associated with: Gilbert, Alfred
Record 6 of 46
System Number: 02213
Date: 24 July 1887
Author: William Henry Hurlbert[1]
Place: London
Recipient: JW
Place: [London]
Repository: Glasgow University Library
Call Number: MS Whistler H309
Document Type: ALS
Sunday 24 July '87
121, QUEEN'S GATE,
S. W.
My dear Mr Whistler,
The Secretary[2] will doubtless have told you today of the letter he impounded. I think I understand what it means - and I have taken the necessary steps today to ascertain what needs to be done. So pray do [p. 2] nothing till you hear from me again - which shall be at the very first moment after I have my hand on the key of the situation.
I hope you had a charming time & have brought back "the British fleet[3] a-riding at anchor, And Admiral Lord Nelson[4] K C B E!"
[p. 3][5] Ever Faithfully Yrs
Wm Henry Hurlbert
[p. 4] [sketch of a fleet of ships[6]]
Home! D
Home! D
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Notes:
1. William Henry Hurlbert
William Henry Hurlbert (1827-1895), journalist and author, editor-in-chief of the New York World from 1876-1883 [more]. Hurlbert wrote to JW again on 27 July (#02214).
2. The Secretary
The Secretary of the Admiralty
3. the British fleet...K C B E
JW did indeed make a series of etchings of the Naval Review on 23 July (see the Secretary's invitation, 14 July 1887, #13103). It is possible this is a cryptic reference to Gilbert and Sullivan's popular opera HMS Pinafore, which extols the virtues of the British sailor.
4. Admiral Lord Nelson
Admiral Lord Horatio Nelson (1758-1805), naval commander [more].
5. [p. 3]
Page 3 was written at right angles to the main letter, and page 4 is written the opposite way up to the main letter.
6. sketch of a fleet of ships
Ships (M.1143). This drawing appears to have been done by JW, since it bears some resemblance to his etching, The Fleet: Evening (K.326). The writing below is also in JW's hand.