Joanna Hiffernan 1843-1903

Letters of James McNeill Whistler 1863. 31st May 1863. 7 Lindsey Row Old Chelsea. Sunday

Dear Sandys [aged 34] -

You have done the proper thing thoroughly and I only wish I could accept your jolly invitation and do the yachting and eat the dinner which I have no doubt will be stunning -

but it's of no use - I must stick to a couple of pictures, commissions! for I am just about cleaned out - and tin will be forked over on their completion -

Your "Vivien" is splendid in tone and colour especially the head - of course it is badly hung -

One of my pictures [is] refused and one put on the floor - You will perhaps be pleased to hear that the "White Girl" is a real success in Paris - and already I have had a letter to know if it may be possessed for gold! -

Adieu mon cher - Remember me to Tom Geckyl [aged 35] -

Jo [aged 20] says many things aimables - and if ever I lent her to anyone to paint, it should certainly be to you mon ami -

Adieu again - and success to the trip -

Ever yours,

J. Whistler [aged 28]