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[[underline]] EXHIBITION [[/UNDERLINE]] With NINETEEN Manuscripts, all of the highest quality, it would seen that we are missing a very important opportunity, if we do not give serious thought to an Exhibition which could redound to the credit of the entrepreneurs (you and me) of this enterprise.  As to where, I would say that the [[underline]] GROLIER SOCIETY [[/underline]] would welcome the opportunity and would cooperate in putting on a wonderful show.  They not only have precious books of their own, but are accustomed to put on fine exhibitions.  Their membership is solid with men like Houghton and all the erudite crowd.  The only drawback is that the place is a bit grubby, as I remember the big room in the groundfloor rear.  We could ask to have it cleaned up and brightened, as a prerequisite and I think that they would agree that it's high time to do it.  They are well equipped with cases, vitrines, etc.  Holmes's men could be retained for a ten day period to guard the rare Exhibits.  The publicity could be well worked up and as the Grolier Society is known internationally, we might expect plenty of correspondence.  Of course, the Morgan Library (property of the City of New York) is also a possibility.  The N.Y. Public Library puts on great and important shows, but the two latter libraries seem to present a question as to whether anything would ever be sold from the group.  The Grolier Society is of course non-commercial but the members are ardent book collectors just the same.  And then, there is the frankly commercial establishment of J.S. & Co., which might be the best bet of any.

EN BLOC [[underline]] PURCHASER [[/underline]]  I have been wondering whether there is the most remote possibility of finding a purchaser for [[underline]] the collection [[/underline]], say at a quarter of a million dollars, for presentation to a library, in something of the manner of the Folger Library (Shakespeare) in Washington or to divide among two or three libraries or Museums. It would bring fame to any individual who would do that, just as Mr Folger will go down in history for his great gift to the Nation.  It is still my understanding that the original family name must be carried on in some matter, but that would add attractiveness to a gift.  The wealthy Mr. Cullen at Fort Worth crosses my mind, his favorite benefaction being theUniversity there, to which he has given millions.  And he proposes to give them millions more, quite openly.

Enough for this time.  I will be seeing you soon and felt that I ought to get these thoughts down on paper.  Sincerely, [[signed]]John[[/signed]]
John Cunningham

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