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July 18th, 1903.
The Coburg Hotel,
Carlos Place,
Grosvenor Square.W.

My dear Colonel:

The message I sent you by cable this afternoon contained news which may have reached you earlier through the press. Sad news! sad in many ways to many hearts, and yet as there was but one way, and as that way was suddenly and easily found, the sadness is mingled as he would have had it, with joy.

The end came on Friday afternoon and I deferred telegraphing you until after I could find time to cancel my passage on the "Kaiser Wilhelm der Grosse", and seek out other accommodations for my homeward passage. If the attentions here, which I am priveleged to render are completed, I shall sail for America one week from today on the S.S. "New York". If more work - (pleasure) is allotted to me and if Frank's condition warrants, I may remain here two or three days longer, say another steamer after the "New York" starts.

I am well, but I need not tell you that unusual strength has been demanded by the exigencies of un-looked for circumstances.

Your warm sympathy with the art of Mr. Whistler will, I am sure, as it continues to grow, bring you lasting joy, and so it is with pleasure, that I tell you for your personal information, (which the world knows nothing about) that up to the last moment there was seen and felt that same old-time knightly but gentle acceptance of all things fine and true.

Freer.

P.S. Need I say that in all things of perfect refinement of beauty the greatest masters are now all gone - at least all known masters.

Long hand.