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436
113
#33 Ferry Avenue,
Detroit, Michigan,
December 22nd, 1905.

Dear Mr. Mayer:--
Since the arrival of your letter accompanied by your statement of account, I have seen so little of Detroit that I have had no opportunity to give attention to a settlement of the same until this morning. I regret the delay but, unfortunately, it has been unavoidable. I take much pleasure in enclosing herewith the draft on London, payable to your order, for 183 pounds, in settlement of the statement as rendered. I think, however, that there is one other item as yet unsettled, namely: that of packing and forwarding the oil painting by Whistler, recently received by you for my account, from Miss Birnie-Philip. Will you be good enough to send me a bill for this at your earliest convenience so that settlement can be sent?

I need not tell you that I am pleased that Whistler's portrait of IRVING fetched a proper price. It shows that appreciation is gradually making its appearance even in the auction room.

I had mailed to you recently some newspaper clippings concerning my proposed gift to the Government. The matter is still under consideration, but by degrees the officials of the Government and myself are coming to a nearer understanding. It looks as if my gift will be eventually accepted, but there is