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133

make one pay for another and time will gain what I shall lose

I will take you at your word on condition that you will allow me to repay you from the first fruits of the exhibition of my second Eve in America. and until that is done you shall hold the Statue itself responsible. Send me a paper or allow me to send you one to that effect, and I will sign it and return it to you with a thousand thanks for your kindness. What I want is money enough to supply me one year in advance, and with what I can now command, that would be about three thousand dollars. I might be able to do with less but that rests with your own convenience. The Statue would be commenced at once and finished without unnecessary delay. I wish this to be a secret beyond the necessary witnesses.

I have now opened my mind to you, but not without much reflection. Your kind letters have given me entire confidence in your friendship and should circumstances present your compliance with my wishes you may rest assured that my confidence will not be shaken. You have proved enough already to satisfy me of your hearty good will.

Jan 7.1847. Wrote, if nothing yet done, do nothing, get on without it [[strikethrough]] credit here with 3000 dolls at command sufficient, still if he has remitted. I may use it. [[/strikethrough]] Something about Lester and [[?]] - and the Presidents Message, also about Kellogg. told him I should exhibit the Slave instead of Eve. ready in about 8 months. apologised for writing the above letter. told him I had secured nothing from him in reply except the letter relative to Mr Sargents order,

See page 135.