to the Salon of
J. William Fosdick's 1902 Letter
to Charles M. Kurtz

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Letter to Charles Kurtz From J. William Fosdick, May 16, 1902 Adapted from a microfilm image, reel 4817, slide 0728, Charles M. Kurtz papers in the collection of the Smithsonian American Art Museum, National Portrait Gallery Library, Washington, D.C.

The Transcription

J. William Fosdick wrote his letter to Kurtz in his capacity as Secretary of the National Mural Society during the tenure of John LaFarge, its president.

Unfortunately, Fosdick's letter, as can be observed above, suffered some damage over time and is no longer entirely legible.

His reference to "Ives" in the last sentence refers to Halsey C. Ives, the artistic director of the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago. Kurtz was assistant director and reported directly to Ives during that period. As a result, there were many letters from Ives to Kurtz found in the Kurtz papers of that period.

Following is the transcription of Fosdick's letter to Kurtz:

---

"NEW YORK, May 16 1902

Chas M Kurtz Esq :

Dear Sir :

Your resignation was accepted with regrets at the last meeting of the Society

If the Secretary may be permitted to express his own feelings he would say it is too sad.

I take this [illegible words] of informing you as [illegible] is a little [illegible words] responsive than the usual thing

I have just been over persuaded to take this secretary ship again. I am also in charge of the Architectural League Exhibition Decorative Dept for next winter so I have my hands full

Remember me to Ives when you see him.

Most truly yours

J. William Fosdick
—Secretary."

If you have either any questions to ask or any information to offer regarding J. William Fosdick's works or biography, please e-mail the E-Museum Curator.

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