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July 7th, 1937

nevertheless they are still somewhat the reigning family of Philadelphia and an excellent start off for making contacts as there are always interesting people at their house.  No doubt this will please you a great deal knowing how much I resent and dislike Philadelphia.  I also visited in Philadelphia, an old friend of mine, Mr. Charles Johnson who is very well acquainted and who is going to visit me here in New York in about two weeks and he will furnish me with some contacts for that city.

BEATRICE CARTWRIGHT -- I had a long cable from her informing me that she is leaving this Saturday for Budapest and then on to the Cap Antibes.  Have you seen her at all in Europe, or do you intend making a little appearance on the Riviera?  If so, do look her up please.

It might interest you to know that I went last Saturday to one of the most beautiful parties I have ever been to in America.  Mrs. Joan Shipman Payson gave what one might call a real Fête Champetre--about 400 people with really la crème de la crème of Long Island.  Mrs. Hearst had given, prior to her party, a dinner for 150 people.  Of course, from a business point of view my visit to Mrs. Payson is nil.  However, I was interested to go to keep up the contact and improve my position there. Furthermore it was one of the events which it was important to be present at and be seen as everybody scrambled and tried their best to get a bid to her house.

FRANK HOUSTON -- Rang me up long distance yesterday and told me that he could easily introduce me to Mr. Peck and Mr. Sherry and that I should come up to Providence as he might have one or the other interesting prospect; so I am leaving Friday for Providence and shall probably spend a week or ten days there and in Newport where I want to see Schuyler Parsons and a few other people.

July 8th, 1937

I just had the visit of Rodman Edmiston.  We had a very frank heart-to-heart talk which finally ended up by his saying, "Well, I think you better call me Rodman and I'll call you Hans".  He also gave me the information that he had the complete schedule of Mr. Taylor's movements and that Mr. Taylor will be in Paris at the Hotel Lancaster on July 29th.  Edmiston is of the opinion that César should get hold of Bill Taylor as he is in the market and he thinks that he would be interested very much in the Degas racing pictures, either the pastel or oil.  If any one of you should take Mr. Taylor out for lunch with the idea of showing him pictures afterwards, you may be guided if I suggest not to give him too many cocktails as Bill Taylor is one of these unfortunate people who fit the old saying, "He has only to sniff an apple to get drunk" and that might spoil any business.

I am off in a few minutes so my next letter will be in about ten days when I shall report to you about Providence, Newport, etc.  I hope you are having a nice time, and with every good wish and kindest personal regards, I am

Always faithfully,

R. H. Waegen

PR. This letter was dictated by Mr. Waegen, but not read.

Germain Séligmann, Esq.
Suvretta House, St. Moritz

Transcription Notes:
---------- Reopened for Editing 2024-02-08 12:45:26 ---------- Reopened for Editing 2024-02-08 15:23:03 fixed typos, added ê , è ---------- Reopened for Editing 2024-02-18 12:18:56