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March 26, 1956.

Dear Mr. Hofmann,

I do not understand your letter.
I Never asked for commission on your private sales.
I have said many times, and I say so again, that we do not want anything to do that will cost you even one penny. The only reason that we built the Gallery is because we admired you as an artist and as a person. This year, I asked Mrs. Hofmann's advice about the artists she wanted in the Gallery. And everyone she wanted, I spoke to and asked them to show their pictures. I told Mrs. Hofmann that I do not want anything that would be bad for you. Now you tell me I am unethical and am not behaving in a correct way towards you. I do not see how anyone could behave more correctly.
In the second place, you and I have never had any conversation about this subject. If other people tell you what I want, how can you be sure that they are not making a mistake?. How can you call me unethical when you have never heard -- or even read -- my own words? I wish that you would ask ant one of our mutual friends about the way I am acting. I am sure that they would say that I am being ethical, and also very respectful towards you. 
I am sure there must be some mistake. I think that we ought to talk, so that we can get the facts right. 

Yours sincerely,