Documents associated with: nationality, US
Record 1 of 26
System Number: 05245
Date: 7 January [1868][1]
Author: William Michael Rossetti[2]
Place: London
Recipient: JW
Place: [London]
Repository: Glasgow University Library
Call Number: MS Whistler R141
Document Type: ALS
56 Euston Sq. N. W
7 Jany.
Dear Whistler,
Here is the note[3] I proposed last night: whether its insertion in the appendix[4] w[ou]ld be reasonable or advisable I am by no means prepared to affirm.
One of the points I was thinking of yesterday, but [p. 2] wh. slipped my memory at every right moment, is the one put into words in the fly-leaf. I incline to think that something on that point - & probably not more full or elaborate than the enclosed - w[ou]ld be apposite.
Yours always,
W. M. Rossetti.
This document is protected by copyright.
Notes:
1. 7 January [1868]
Year date from #05246, a draft note by JW, written in the hand of W. M. Rossetti.
2. William Michael Rossetti
William Michael Rossetti (1829-1919), civil servant and critic [more]. JW had recently been in trouble with the Burlington Fine Arts Club of which both men were members. A row in a Paris café with Francis Seymour Haden (1818-1910), surgeon and etcher, JW's brother-in-law [more], in April 1867 over the death of James Reeves Traer (ca 1834 - d.1867), partner in F. S. Haden's medical practice [more], prompted Haden, a fellow member of the Club, to start a campaign to expel for JW. By May 1867, Haden had brought to the Club's attention several alleged previous incidents of assault involving JW (JW to L. Huth, #02240, JW to W. Boxall, #00498). JW was asked to resign on the threat of expulsion in June 1867 (see R. N. Wornum to JW, #10442). Aggrieved with the summary way in which he felt the Club had treated him, JW refused to entertain the charges against him, claiming that the Club had no right to interfere in a private matter (see JW to L. Huth, #02240). Despite his protests, he was expelled on 13 December. Undeterred, on 16 December, he declared his intention to draw up 'an explanation and refutation of the charges brought against me' (JW to W. M. Rossetti, #09390). In January 1868, he appealed to Vittorio Emanuelle Taparelli (1816-1890), Marquis D'Azeglio, Sardinian Ambassador and collector [more], President of the Club (the Marquis had been absent from the Club meeting on 13 December), (see JW to the Marquis D'Azeglio, #00448). This letter follows on from JW's apparently unsuccessful appeal.
3. note
This is probably a reference to #05246, in which JW defends his honour as a Southerner and a gentleman in relation to the allegations of assault against him brought before the Burlington Club by Francis Seymour Haden (1818-1910), surgeon and etcher, JW's brother-in-law [more].
4. appendix
This and the note referred to above may have been intended to form a part of a publication of JW's correspondence with the Burlington Club Committee. Haden had already published Paris Jurors - A Letter to Henry Cole Esq CB, a defence of his actions towards J. R. Traer.