System Number: 02599
Date: [18/25 July 1877?][1]
Author: JW
Place: [London]
Recipient: Frances Leyland[2]
Place: [London?]
Repository: Glasgow University Library
Call Number: MS Whistler L133
Document Type: ALd[3]
Dear Mrs L -
May I beg that you will if you see fit you will [sic] show this note openly to the family[4] -
Mr. Leyland[5] in one of his numerous letters[6] states that you ordered me out of his house - To this I replied that ["]Mrs L - never ordered me out of his house - never uttered a discourteous word to me in her life" -
He again answered that he had been told so and should continue to believe that such was the case -
I am greatly grieved to cause you a moments distress but I am sure your own sense of what is just fair will make you willing to write at once to me a clear stateme statement that I am right and that you never did order me out of your house -
I feel bound to address my self directly to you in order that with your note, I may free my self utterly from any the every such imputation disgrace implied by such a charge -
I
[p. 2, drawing[7]]
[p. 3][8] The meaness of bringing This settles that mean matter
So the ring of your brag is even false -
Your son[9] dined with me at my own table since the visit in question of Tom Layland[10] and myself at your house Princes Gate - and I returned with your son at his request to his mothers house where I passed spent the evening - Since then I he has himself often brought often brought me [I?] have several times receivedthereof through him many the courteous invitations that I have been honored with - So even meaness fails you I have been honored with many courteous invitations and transmitted through him [to?] me
Theatrical in your threat - Ridiculous in your rage - Fuming in your frill, I refer you to the Cartoon[11] opposite you at dinner, known to all London as "L'Art et l'Argent" or the Story of the Room - 'or [...]
This document is protected by copyright.
Notes:
1. [18/25 July 1877?]
This draft letter probably dates from shortly after F. R. Leyland's letter of 17 July 1877, in which he told JW not to meet his wife (#02585).
2. Frances Leyland
Frances Leyland (1836-1910), née Dawson [more].
3. ALd
This is one of several drafts of letters to Leyland regarding their quarrel (see #02583, #02584).
4. family
The family consisted of Frederick Richards Leyland (1832-1892), shipowner, his wife Frances, and their children Frederick Dawson, Fanny, Florence and Elinor.
5. Mr. Leyland
Frederick Richards Leyland (1832-1892), ship-owner and art collector [more]. The quarrel arose partly over money but escalated when JW invited the press to visit Leyland's house and view his completed decoration of Harmony in Blue and Gold: The Peacock Room (YMSM 178).
6. letters
See Leyland's letter to Whistler, 6 July 1877 (#02581) and 17 July 1877, in which he told JW not to meet his wife (#02585).
7. drawing
Fighting Peacocks (M.583).
8. [p. 3]
The rest of the sheet contains drafts of a letter to F. R. Leyland, probably written in reply to Leyland's letter of 17 July 1877 (#02585).
9. son
Frederick Dawson Leyland (b. 1856), son of F. R. Leyland [more].
10. Tom Layland
Thomas Layland (b. ca 1838), architect and surveyor [more].
11. Cartoon
JW drew a Cartoon of rich and poor Peacocks (M.584) which was transferred to a large panel and painted to match the rest of the dining room, Harmony in Blue and Gold: The Peacock Room (YMSM 178).