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Samuel A. Williams
72 West Adams Street
Chicago, Illinois 60603

March 10, 1973.

Dear Inez:

I tried to reach you by telephone about a month ago but you were out of the city. Since then I have tried to write but found it so very difficult--the news is so unpleasant. 

Florence, whom you last saw in 1968 when she was already show-signs of mental degeneration, continued to get worse. Medication and hospitalization did not help and tests showed that there was arteriosclerosis of the brain and no hope of correction. I kept her at home for over a year, with two nurses at all times, but finally had to place her in a nursing home where she has been for the last sixteen months. Her physical condition is very good although she weighs only 95 pounds. She does not remember me nor anyone, nor is she aware of her condition or her surroundings. 

Inez, it is tragic to watch this happen to one you love so much--one who was so vital and so beautiful. We have been married over 50 years and I simply cannot accept what has happened--though I know I must. 

Now I need your help. You may remember the portrait Diego Rivera painted of Florence in 1943. I am sending you a black & White photo of it for your files and would like you or your gallery director to give me an official appraisal of its value. I need this for tax and insurance purposes as it has just been accepted by the Art Institute of Chicago for its permanent collection.[[left margin]] as a gift [[/left margin]] The only other portrait by Rivera is the one of Madame Marcoussis in their permanent exhibit of his works. The size of the Florence Arquin oil on canvass is 21" high by 17 in. wide. 

I am sure Florence would have been pleased for she spent over forty years of her life in that museum--even to the last few years went there almost every day. The museum committee seemed very pleased to get it and I, too, am happy about it.

Now I must start planning what to do with other paintings, etc. we have. I am 74 years old and don't want to leave things now that Florence cannot enjoy them with me. We have some oils by Orozco, Paalen, Merida; some drawings by Rivera, Paalen, Alice Rahon, Mendez, Olga Costa, Montenegro; some Brazilians et al.

Transcription Notes:
Added the "as a gift" text as left margin; unsure of placement so added where it appears next to the text.