System Number: 00188
Date: 8 October 1890
Author: W. Craibe Angus[1]
Place: Glasgow
Recipient: JW
Place: London
Repository: Glasgow University Library
Call Number: MS Whistler A187
Document Type: ALS
J. Macniel [sic] Whistler Esquire
21. Cheyne Walk
S. W.
159, QUEEN STREET, GLASGOW.
October 8. '90.
Dear Mr. Whistler,
I had been watching the Hawk[2] incident, as have been all your friends who visit us, with a lively interest. I hunted my Burns[3] for a passage, I forget where it occurs, that would have commended your action at Drury Lane. I may yet find it. I am greatly obliged for your favours, which come too late for notice in the daily papers, who overlook much that is of abiding interest to make place for the cackle of the moment. Quiz[4], comes out to-morrow, and I'll send you [a] few copies with my interpretation of the affair. If, as is likely, you think I have taken too much liberty just with your good name, send me a your last word on the subject for next week's issue; and, if you would send photograph, at same time, it would be reproduced on same page as the letterpress.
The hawk of Natural History, is a bird of the sky, and being an ornithologist myself, I had to do something to vindicate the character of a favourite species. I never liked a wasp, altho' I know how to carry off a wasp's nest without being stung, so in substituting wasp for hawk I took care to [show?] him Moore[5] of the virtue of the wasp - the sting. You may not like what I have written - I hardly think you could, [p. 2] but the opportunity to put the matter in better form is yours and I hope you will take advantage of it.
I am not sure when I may be in town, but I'll let you know before hand. I am, with kind regards to yourself and MrsWhistler[6],
Yours truly
W. C. Angus.
This document is protected by copyright.
Notes:
1. W. Craibe Angus
William Craibe Angus (1830-1899), Glasgow art dealer [more].
2. Hawk
The Hawk had published what JW considered a libel of Edward William Godwin (1833-1886), architect and designer [more]. Excerpts from it were published in the St James's Gazette on 10 September 1890. See #09460, #13260, #13194, #13195 and #09461, which were published in 'Mr. Whistler and the St. James's Gazette', Sunday Times, 14 September 1890. An apology was printed in the St James's Gazette on 16 September 1890.
3. Burns
Robert Burns (1759-1796), poet [more].
4. Quiz
Not located.
5. Moore
Augustus Martin Moore (d. 1918), journalist and acting manager [more].
6. Mrs. Whistler
Beatrix Whistler (1857-1896), née Beatrice Philip, artist [more].