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March 15, 1944

My dear Mr. Warner:

I am glad that your newly acquired Marin means more and more to you and Mrs. Warner. It will continue to grow on both of you as time goes on.

Thank you for your kind words about myself. I give all of myself virtually to everybody and do my very best for all. I don't think I have been much of a success. In so many instances I have been very gauche. But I suppose that's the way I am. And I don't much love it. [[crossed out]] And [[/crossed out]] I make every effort to remedy the shortcomings without destroying the true essence.

So you are up against it. Infernal taxes. No one knowing where they are at. Least of all the government. But the government can afford to make mistakes. Not so the individuals. So at least it would seem. You've had to work with shoddy, you say. Putting all your best self into what you were doing and well knowing that the material was not what it should be. And now you are to start all over again. A new period. Better material. More pleasure in the work. But the going will not grow easier. At least so I see it. Not easier for anybody in our whole country. Probably the world.

As for the Marins I am selecting three or four of former years, any one of which, or two of which, or three of which, would be additions to your little Marin Collection. How much money you should put aside I really don't know. It is a most difficult position I am in. Either you trust me completely or you don't trust me at all. I have your interest at heart quite as much as Marin's. And I think somewhat of the Place. Merely the Rent Fund and Andrew ! the Faithful One. For without him there would be no Place. And without the Place Marin would not be the Free One that he has been for the last 34 years since he and I came together.

The pictures I have selected have ranged in "price" from $3500 to $1800 in the past when on exhibition here or elsewhere. For you there will be a reduction of at least 25 to 30 per cent. You are bound by nothing. I repeat you must trust me completely or not at all. Maybe you will prefer to tell me what amount of money you wish to appropriate for some new Marins and let me see then what I can do. Or maybe you would prefer to wait till you come to New York in April to see what you want to do.

With the most cordial greetings to you and Mrs. Warner.

Alfred Stieglitz 

P.S. The O'Keeffe's come down on 20th and the Dove's go up. I will miss the O'Keeffe's. So will the people. But the new Dove's are a grand lot. I don't know if you will ever like Dove.