System Number: 04697
Date: [14 January 1897][1]
Author: JW
Place: London
Recipient: Rosalind Birnie Philip[2]
Place: Paris
Repository: Glasgow University Library
Call Number: MS Whistler P337
Document Type: ALS[3]
[monogram:] WH[4]
4, WHITEHALL COURT.
S.W.
You are quite wrong Major -
though I know that women have always a better instinct than men - and the Major ought to know better than the General - only, by accident, I understand these people -
You say they are all "Frenchies" - and of that race, even the criminals are sentimental creatures -
If Mrs Willis[5] were caught red handed in robbery, of course, after the manner of her countrymen, she would go drunk to the gallows - silent, sodden and uncomplaining.
But mine are in full drama - grief stricken - and keenly feeling all that concerns the honour of the old Father.
[p. 2] It is no "cheek" my dear Major on the part of Louise[6] that makes her wish this or that for Mademoiselle - but simply the best feeling of her heart - the sort of thing that here you don't expect from a servant - and if you did, it would be ridiculous - for gin dont give it -
Now the prosecution business must be stopped - Tell Bunnie[7] that Wobbles[8] might say this to the Commissaire.
If there be the least hitch - though I doubt it - for clemency will be appreciated - then Ratier[9] will manage it - or, if necessary, I will come over - Of course this would be very trying to me - and perhaps serious -
The lithographs[10] you might pack nicely - quite flat - and send over to me at once - You say nothing about them - therefore, I suppose they are bad - I mean badly printed -
I shall write to Constant[11] or Louise or get you to do so directly - Meantime you had better send to Louise as I told you -
Always affectionately with many charming things to your Mother[12] -
The General -
I do hope you have a servant - I am in full British squallour [sic] and filth -
This document is protected by copyright.
Envelope:
'JAN. 14th 1897'
Mademoiselle Birnie-Philipaux soins de
Monsieur McNeill Whistler
110. Rue du Bac
Paris
[stamp:] POSTAGE AND REVENUE / ONE HALFPENNY
[stamp:] POSTAGE AND REVENUE / 6d
[postmark:] BEDFORD ST (SO) W. C. / 9 PM / JA 14 / 97
[envelope, embossed on verso:] 4, WHITEHALL COURT, S.W.
Notes:
1. [14 January 1897]
The postmark confirms the date added later by the recipient on the envelope.
2. Rosalind Birnie Philip
Rosalind Birnie Philip (1873-1958), JW's sister-in-law [more]. JW called her 'Major' and himself 'General'.
3. ALS
The letter was written in pencil.
4. WH
The embossed yellow monogram on the notepaper of William Heinemann (1863-1920), publisher [more]. His address is in blue on the envelope.
5. Mrs Willis
Mrs Willis, JW's housekeeper at 8 Fitzroy Street [more], who apparently liked to drink gin.
6. Louise
Louise, JW's servant at 110 rue du Bac [more].
7. Bunnie
Ethel Whibley (1861-1920), née Philip, JW's sister-in-law [more].
8. Wobbles
Charles Whibley (1859-1930), writer and journalist [more].
9. Ratier
Antoine ('Antony') Ratier (b. 1851), lawyer and politician [more].
10. lithographs
JW had more or less given up lithography, but a few prints of models and of the Birnie Philips were made in 1897, ie. Portrait of a Young Woman [Miss Seton] (C.171), and Afternoon Tea (C.173).
11. Constant
T. C. J. Constant, JW's servant and valet [more]. JW had dismissed him, and apparently he threatened to sue JW.
12. Mother
Frances Philip (1824-1917), née Black, JW's mother-in-law [more].