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RW:P

November 18th, 1929.

My dear David,

I returned from Europe about a week ago and had in mind this last few days to write to you and say 'hello', but conditions were to say it mildly, rather enervating and hectic, so I hurry today and communicate with you, hoping these lines will find you in the best of health and spirit and that you had a very pleasant summer.

I am very sorry not having seen you at all over there; we could have had a very nice little motor trip or something of the kind together. I donot remember, as old as I am, having had everywhere such perfect weather conditions, which naturally is of great importance to one's mental condition.

All the details about my summer I shall tell you when I see you, which I hope will be soon. I am also very anxious to learn of all your latest news and what has transpired in Washington. As a matter of fact, I should like very much to come to Washington and pay you a little visit and I just wonder whether you will be there during the next week and which day would suit you best to see me. 

First, I have here on my desk a number of letters regarding the Metternich portrait by Thomas Lawrence, which we had sent on view to Mr. Mellon and regarding which I should like to talk to you. At the same time, I should like to show you some photographs of a few magnificent new acquisitions we made this summer, which are very fine in quality and might interest Mr. Mellon.

By the by, I just heard that the Secretary bought this last week a very fine Moro from Sir Joseph Duveen and that Mr. Mellon had paid something like $750,000.-- for it. Is that true?