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45

April 28, 1914.

Dear Mr. Johnson:
Your valued letter of April 20th reached me here recently, and I have read it and its enclosures most carefully. I recall our various pleasant meetings of several years ago, including the one on the Berkshire train, and hope that some time err long we may be privileged to renew our acquaintance, say, in New York.

You are most kind to invite to my co-operation in the splendid work planned for the Academy, and I appreciate both the offer and opportunity, but, unfortunately, I do not see a way to render the enterprise any material assistance. As you know, the greater part of my life, and, I may add, my means, have been spend in the cause of Art, while all of the more recent years and practically my entire income received during that period have been most willingly devoted to developing and advancing the collections of the National Gallery at Washington. My remaining funds fortunately are sufficient to complete the chosen part of that work and are already appropriated accordingly. The small remainder will help to meet my share in a few minor projects to which I am already pledged. Therefore, I regret to say I cannot undertake further financial responsibilities- no matter how attractive.  I must add the unpleasant truth that during the last three years my health has been most uncertain and irregular. My present stay here is for the purpose of trying to recapture a little of much long-lost nerve-control.

Trusting that you are keeping very well, believe me to be, 
Very sincerely yours,

Robert Underwood Johnson,
Permanent Secretary, 
American Academy of Arts and Letters,
327 Lexington Avenue,
New York City.