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CT ES

March 1, 1929

Dear Mr. Kelley,

Please do not think I am attempting in any way to rush you in the matter, but I should esteem it a very great favor if you could let me know at your convenience if you have come to any decision regarding that very beautiful RAEBURN which we hung is your house lat week.  It is needless for me to say anything more to you of its obvious quality , as it is undoubtedly on of the most interesting and finest portraits by RAEBURN that has come to this country in many years, and hanging it where it is in your library, I think it looks simply perfect.

The sole reason for my writing you this letter is because it is the most important small 18th century English portrait that we have, and oneof [[one of]] Mr. Seligmann's clients who saw it just before you did is anxious to try it in his own house.

You probably know that children's portraits by RAEBURN are exceedingly rare and James Greig, the great authority on RAEBURN's works and who has written several books about this Master, considers it to be the finest portrait of RAEBURN's middle period which was undoubtedly his best.

Anyhow, it is just a question whether you like the painting or not, and as I said before, I would esteem it a great favor if you would let me hear from you as soon as it is convenient to you.

In the meanwhile, thanking you for your courtesy and with my kind regards to Mrs. Kelley and yourself, believe me to be

Yours sincerely,

Cornelius F. Kelley, Esq.,
907 Fifth Avenue,
New York City.