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Detroit, Michigan , 
November 25th,1899.

Mr. Stanford White,
160 Fifth Avenue, 
New York City.

Dear Stanford:-

A group of twenty of Detroit's leading professional and business men met at Senator McMillan's residence here an evening or two ago,for the purpose of discussing a memorial to be erected in commemoration of the two hundredth anniversary of the settlement of the city of Detroit. 
A number of ideas were advanced concerning the sort of object to erect, and, perhaps unwittingly on my part, I stated to the gentlemen that Lawyers, Merchants, and Manufacturers were hardly the kind of men to determine so important a question, and that in my opinion the wisest thing to do would be to obtain advice of men properly trained and experienced in such matters, and I took the liberty of mentioning the names of yourself, St. Gaudins, MacMonnies, Dewing, and Tryon, as a group, who stood for the best of American art, and a party of American artists, who, if they would, could tell this city what to do and how to do it.
Earlier in the evening, one of our leading citizens had suggested that inasmuch as Detroit was settled by the French, and as nearly all of the leading French explorers had visited this locality, that the Government of France would be glad to co-operate in any scheme,having for its object the glorification of the early voyageurs, and that the French Government would help in the selection of artists to design the memorial.  I pointed out the fact that this country was not dependent upon the French for architects, sculptors, or painters, and that this city should recognize what the intelligent people of the world have already found out, that American art is second to none, and whatever the city and its people do in connection with the memorial, should be done by Americans. The result was that every gentleman present approved of my suggestion, and a committee of five, of which Senator McMillan is Chairman, was appointed to ask for an interview with you, and to learn if, in your opinion, the co-operation of the gentlemen named can be obtained, and if you and they, collectively, would be willing to favor us with your suggestions. 
At a meeting of the Committee of five held yesterday, a sub-committee, consisting of Senator McMillan and myself were delegated to represent the committee of five, hence my telegram to you of yesterday.
Yesterday evening your courteous reply came and I thank you for the same. 
The Senator and I will be in New York on Friday next, December first.  My Train is due at about eleven o'clock in the morning and I would like to see you if possible, for a few minutes before

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