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ROYAL HOTEL,BRISTOL.

July 23/05.

My dear Colonel:-

I am having a peep at Southwestern England and its old cathedrals and houses. It's enjoyable in many ways and a new page of England to me.

The Cathedrals at Salisbury and Bath are truly fine --- the one at Wells remarkably beautiful. Here, there is not much to see comparatively speaking:- the cathedral, excepting its Norman Chapter house, being rather below those of first class standard. The Church of St. Mary's Radcliff, however, is extremely beautiful.

When you have a chance kindly thank Mr. Pendleton for the Whistler clipping and tell him that the nocturne has been actually purchased for the National Gallery by its unofficial friends - Good! It's a beauty! I offered the same figures for the masterpiece £2,000 but preference was justly shown to the Nation. However, my offer made them hustle! I have only today learned of this latter fact. I made no effort to get the picture as I was glad to have it go to the N.G. but I did propose to protect the price - a very low one.

With all good wishes

Very sincerely yours
Charles L. Freer

Long hand.