System Number: 00351
Date: 7 May 1895
Author: JW
Place: Paris
Recipient: The Trustees, Boston Public Library[1]
Place: [Boston]
Repository: Glasgow University Library
Call Number: MS Whistler B127
Document Type: ALdI
110. Rue du Bac. Paris.
May 107 -. 1895 -
Gentlemen -
It has long been my intention to write and state officially, what I, agreed verbally, my acceptance of the proposal to paint the panel offered to me in the Boston Library -
Verbally this was quite understood by Mr McKim[2], and Mr Abbott[3] -
It was thoroughly settled that I should have carte blanche both as to time and subject - And as far as renumeration went, I made it clear to those gentlemen that taking into[4] consideration the gratifying compliment paid to me by their proposal I was willing to recieve [sic] whatever sum the Authorities in Counsil [sic] should have at their disposal to apportion according to their judgement of the worth or importance of what I might do for them -
I beg therefore now to lay before you Gentlemen this, my letter renewing, officially, my agreement to this undertaking upon the above terms, as settled with McKim Messrs McKim & Abbott -
And I have Gentlemen
the honour to be -
Yr Obt. Sert
J M W—
I beg Gentlemen to be I would also wish also take this [illegible] Gentle[men] to acknowledge my deep sense of the high compliment paid me in the choice by my offer to (occasion offered) me of [aft?] proposal itself that was to place work of mine to take a place part among such distinguished confreres, in this most beautiful building -
This document is protected by copyright.
Notes:
1. The Trustees, Boston Public Library
This is a belated attempt to restore a possible commission that the Trustees had cancelled on 18 April 1895, #0030. JW did not complete the design; see Study for three decorative panels representing 'The Landing of Columbus', 'Queen Isabel la Catôlica of Spain', and 'Queen Elizabeth of England' for Boston Public Library, Massachusetts (M.1356), and Study for Three Decorative Panels Representing 'The Landing of Columbus', 'Queen Isabel la Católica of Spain' and 'Queen Elizabeth of England' (YMSM 396). The Trustees replied on 13 June 1895 that there were no further funds available, #00352.
2. Mr McKim
Charles Follen McKim (1847-1909), architect, of McKim, Mead and White, New York [more].
3. Mr Abbott
Holker Welch Abbott (1858-1930), poet and connoisseur [more].
4. taking into...proposal
Written at the top of the page and connected with a line to the relevant text.