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New York 22, New York

November 5, 1965

Dear Bill:

Your good special delivery letter of November 4 arrived a few moments ago and I immediately wired you as follows:

ANSWERING YOUR LETTER NOVEMBER FOURTH ORPHEUS BY MOREAU WILL LEAVE BY AIR EXPRESS IF NOT TODAY LATEST MONDAY MORNING STOP PAINTING INSURED BY ME WHILE IN TRANSIT AND IN YOUR MUSEUM

The packer was not quite sure he could send it off today but gave me the assurance that it would be shipped the latest Monday morning.

You are correct in mentioning today's selling price of "Orpheus" - by Gustave MOREAU, as being $18,000. However, realizing how anxious you are to acquire this lovely painting, I will quote you the very special figure of $15,000 (FIFTEEN THOUSAND DOLLARS), but please consider this as confidential should it not become part of your Museum's collection. 

As per my telegram my Firm is taking care of the insurance while the canvas is in your custody and in transit both ways. All packing and shipping expenses are equally assumed by my galleries. It is my understanding, as you write, that these charges will be reimbursed by you should the painting not remain in St. Louis. 

A prompt decision would be much appreciated and, meanwhile, with kind regards, 

Sincerely yours,

Germain Seligman


Mr. William N. Eisendrath, Jr. 
Curator
Department of Art 
Washington University
Steinberg Hall
St. Louis Missouri 63130

P.S. I assume you have kept the data [[strikethrough]] referring to the [[/strikethrough]] painting I forwarded last year. However, should you be in need of a duplication do not hesitate to let me know. 

CC. O.P.

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