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October 8, 1946

Dearest François Gerard:

First a word on business:  Maurice Stern is in Paris; I do not know where but I suppose you can reach him through the Museum of Decorative Arts.  I saw his wife a few moments ago and hear that the works of art of the family are coming back slowly from Germany.  I do not suppose that they will ever go back into their house, and I would not be astonished should he want to part with some of the things.  His mother is still alive and from what I understand is as difficult to handle as ever.

In answer to your letter of September 30:  Thank you for going to all the trouble.  I am afraid that this invasion of your house is not agreeable and hope that it will be very temporary.

I had written you previously a letter that I hope you still have because I do not find its copy.  In that letter I was suggesting to you to sell most of the things and send very few over.  Should you have lost this letter, I would have to recompose it and send you a copy.

I remember that I was asking for various items: all the silverware, all the carpets, all the books excluding medicine books and music notes.  I had suggested that out of the proceeds of the sales you by for us some 19th or 20th century painting or paintings, but as it is for mother, I do not think she would like cubist.

I imagine that the wise thing, from what you write, for Peck to hire some servants,provided he would be able to keep an eye on them to prevent them from stealing too much, to have things cleaned before they are sold.  This applies, to my feeling, to all the drawing room furniture and dining room furniture, which must be just now under "housses"and for that reason better protected.

Everything that needs restoration certainly have restored even if modern and you think is worthwhile.  I certainly prefer to spend a little money to collect a lot.

There is no duty to get things into the United States provided they are part of a household.  I do not know the little tables you are referring to.

Delighted that you have the intention to sell the things very quickly because I suppose the longer we wait the less the second-hand things are worth.

I am again re-investigating the Gainsborough situation; until now it does not seem to materialize.



Mr. François Gerard Seligmann
23 Place Vendome
Paris, France