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The Coburg Hotel,
Carlos Place,
Grosvenor Square.W.

July 22nd, 1903.
11 P.M.

My dear Colonel:-

The newspaper clipping enclosed herewith, will in a conventional way tell you of the external ending of the first chapter of a life which will be famous in the coming centuries. It says nothing of real interest for it deals only with things of a public moment that followed. The real events of the day were hidden from public view, as were the personal characteristics and intentions of the truly great man.

The ladies of Mr. Whistler's family are heroines, but, still, in the execution of his wishes and of their own selection, they have honored me with responsibilities of the gravest importance. Loyal to his request and cheerfully acceding to their desires, I have done what was required in my feeble way. Today, we did the last thing possible for his dust. And on Saturday next, I had expected to start homeward, especially because of Frank's serious illness. But a message received from Watson tells me of her slight improvement, and this good news rather tempts me to postpone my return one week longer, so as to help Miss Birnie-Philip and Mrs. Whibley to arrange certain details in which they are very anxious for my assistance.

I shall cable Watson tonight, again asking the advice of himself and Anna, about my return. If they think it proper for me to stay here until one week from next Saturday, I will remain to aid those for whom I feel the deepest respect, and whom in turn, for reasons of various kinds, would like me here a little longer.

Thus far, I have used about two thirds of my letter of credit (For £5,000) but I imagine I shall, 'ere my return, exhaust practically the entire amount. Will you in your own good judgment, kindly sell of my bonds to provide funds. Kindly consider this letter as for you alone and my reasons for asking this consideration will I know be understood in a sympathetic way without explanations.

Faithfully
Charles L. Freer

Long hand.