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Sherwood Studio Bdg.,
58 West 57th St.,
New York

9th November 1895

To the Gentlemen of the Council
National Academy of Design.

Dear Sirs

Having explained to Mr Wood, the president, and to Mr George Smillic the reasons which force me to decline becoming a member of your honorable body, which reasons they will lay before you more completely than I can in this letter, it only remains for me to thank you for the honor your invitation conferred upon me and to express my earnest desire to serve the Academy and my hearty wish for its prosperity

Believe me
Very respectfully

J. Carroll Beckwith