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Hotel Des Indes
La Haye

July 17th, 1902.

My dear Colonel:-

I have your cablegram reading "Marchant and Cottier shipments received perfect condition - Lovewell" and have this day wired you "Thanks for cable. Kindly mail Marchant, London, a draft his order one thousand pounds. Whistler better. Lovewell".

I am delighted to know of the safe arrival of the pictures made in the two shipments mentioned, as is Mr. Whistler also, who sends to you his compliments and kind regards.

Shortly after my arrival in London last May, Mr. Whistler advised me to purchase from Mr. Way, an early painting by Whistler of three girls in white, and a small drawing of the central figure. Well, the story is a long one, too long for a letter but it shall be told you when we meet, but the end of it is the receipt of a letter today from Mr. Way's son telling me that the picture and the drawing is mine, they having accepted my offer of £1,000 for the two. Now, the £1,000 which I asked you to remit to Marchant today will upon receipt be turned over by him to Way and he Marchant, will receive the two pictures and hold same subject to my order. The painting is unfinished although a very early one, and it is one of Mr. W.'s supreme things -- the drawing too is remarkable. In many ways the purchase is the most important one artistically that could be made of Mr. W.'s work and I am delighted to get it closed up and in this Mr. Whistler joins. He (Mr. W.) is better today and has allowed his apprentice Mr. Addams to call upon him this afternoon -- the first visitor he has seen.

I hope I shall not have to bother you for any more money this trip and I also hope the custom house troubles and similar details are now practically at an end.

My movements are still uncertain -- all depending upon Mr. Whistler's condition.

Your good letter of July 1st came a few days ago and gave me much pleasure upon its receipt. I sent Hance a line of congratulation upon the splendid showing made by the Trust Co. during the first six months. It's very fine and I am glad for all of you gentlemen who have devoted so much thought and time to the institution as well as us more selfish fellows