Documents associated with: 2nd Exhibition, Pictures, Drawings, Prints and Sculptures, International Society of Sculptors, Painters and Gravers, London, 1899
Record 10 of 54
System Number: 02913
Date: [2/3] April 1899[1]
Author: JW
Place: Paris
Recipient: Frederick Augustus Maxse[2]
Place: [London]
Repository: Glasgow University Library
Call Number: MS Whistler LB 2/115
Document Type: ALSc
My dear Admiral -
I have been coquetting with the influenza again! - and am more or less in the doctor's hands. -
Why this very short visit - and abrupt departure! - All your Easter will be spent in the Channel!
I do wish you were staying a few days - or I were well enough - that I might have the delight of your dining with me - and we could talk together about "ces autres[3]" in London -
And, my dear Admiral, what is this man[4] that seems to be perpetually alongside in the bumboat[5]!-? and is continually attempting to make fast! and come aboard[6]!! -
I assure you he will never do on the Quarter deck Admiral! - and they wouldn't stand him in the mess! I know - to a man! -
No! no! take my word for it - as I should, of course, yours - for we both know what is due to the ship - and you know, my dear Admiral,
I am, Ever, devotedly Yours
J McNeill Whistler.
Rue du Bac -
April 1899.
This document is protected by copyright.
Notes:
1. [2/3] April 1899
Dated from the reference to JW's health, and to Menpes (see below).
2. Frederick Augustus Maxse
Admiral Friedrich ('Frederick') Augustus Maxse (1833-1900), political writer [more].
3. ces autres
Fr., the others.
4. man
Mortimer Luddington Menpes (1860-1938), artist [more]. See Maxse's reply, 4 April [1899], #02339; and F. Maxse to JW, 30 March [1899], #02337. Maxse sought JW's agreement to invite Menpes to exhibit at the 2nd Exhibition, Pictures, Drawings, Prints and Sculptures, International Society of Sculptors, Painters and Gravers, London, 1899.
5. bumboat
A scavenger's boat, such as was employed to remove waste from ships lying in the Thames. They may also have carried provisions for sale to ships, either in port or lying offshore.
6. aboard
JW was referring to the International Society of Sculptors, Painters & Gravers (see #02339).