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and when Newman left me a note telling me that Betty wanted to see me I knew that she smelled my intentions. Then came a letter asking me to see her, nothing else in it, and I got sore because if was obvious that she had heard of Janis meeting with me and I remembered her impertinent indifference in the past, and how she and Newman and Rothko had worked overtime to keep my departure from her gallery three years ago, top secret from even Pollock and others in the gallery lest it injure their structure, and I said nothing about it except to a very few friends since I did not wish to be malicious, [[crossed out]] and [[/crossed out]] Then one day in Brooklyn I heard over the radio a program at the Art Festival and Betty Parsons and Barnett Newman were speaking about their dedication to ART and FREEDOM, and INDIVIDUALITY and how they were paragons without equal in the cause of all that was good and true and beautiful. And everyone who dared think otherwise ---well. If I remembered the paintings she owned of mine which were in payment for the shows up to that time in her gallery, and the avid seizure of commission on the sale of a picture to Stephan from my studio, a painting she ordered me to take home because she couldn't be bothered with it in her gallery, you will forgive me. I do not like to be called a liar by her or her stooges, either privately or on the radio. Especially when I have at least two letters from her of long past complaining about the character of the paintings I hung, and their unsal[[crossed out]] e [[/crossed out]] ability. Therefore when I received a fish-hag letter a few days ago I pointed up a few issues reminding her of our last meeting, and my conclusion that I felt no responsibility to discuss anything further with her. In fact, in looking back over the whole sordid, confused business I am inclined to think I acted with considerable tolerance. But my inclination to walk away, avoid a cat-fight and go about my own business seems as dangerous as anything I have ever done.

The above is probably very tedious, but forgive me for setting down in detail the facts. All the weapons and lies they have been capable of using in the past are now going to be hauled up against me. I just wanted to document the matter at your expense. God knows she has her life and interests and work and the right to defend them. But by my right first "they" shall not have me without knowing they have met something better left alone. I had not desire to injure them, her or anyone in her group. But I need nothing they have, nor want anything they have. And I do not intend to be their tool or pimp or source. If I sound angry, I am.

I'm sorry about S. Davis being burned up! But I can't do a thing about it. Had no idea of how the work would be shown. But I'm proud of the way you called Betty's act. Thanks a million. As for Devree I'll send him some dark glasses. Always thought his eyes might be a bit weak.