[Nella Fontaine Binckley at Washington, D.C., to Robert Morton Hughes at Norfolk, Virginia, September 4, 1928, Box 1, Folder 8: Nellie Brinkley [i.e. Nella Fontaine Binckley], 1927-1937, Robert Morton Hughes Papers, Special Collections and University Archives, Patricia W. and J. Douglas Perry Library, Old Dominion University Libraries, Norfolk, VA 23529]
Dear Cousin Robbie:--
In regard to the portrait of uncle Joe of which you wrote, some time ago.
I should like to make it, and would be willing to do it on approval. If the family should not be satisfied with it, they need not take it. I would keep it myself.
Whatever the artist in Richmond offered to do for $300, I am willing to do.
What size canvas? And what arrangement about the frame? If you will let me know, and select the one of the photos which seems most suitable to the purpose, and send to me, I will get to work on it at once. As I am always busy, this is as good a time as any,
I really would like to do this portrait, -- partly as a matter of pride. For with a perfectly good artist in the family, it would seem rather a slur to have an outsider do it. And I can say without vanity, I think, that I could make a creditable portrait, that would not disgrace us, -- as I understand the present one does.
Hoping you and cousin Mattie are well, and have had a pleasant summer, I am
[Ellen/Nellie/Nella Fontaine Binckley (September 1, 1860- April 27, 1951; she was not born in 1877 as she successfully hoaxed some time after returning from the West Coast to the East Coast in the early 1900s)
Casanella = the artist's name for her haciendas in both Philadelphia and Washington, D.C.
Cousin Robbie = Robert Morton Hughes, Sr. (1855-1940)
Uncle Joe = Joseph Eggleston Johnston (1807-1891)
Cousin Mattie = Martha Louisiana Smith Hughes (1853-1944)]
Many thanks to William Myers, Mary Davy and Sally Young for their ongoing research collaboration; in this case, specifically to William for providing a scan of the original letter, and in turn thanks to Mr. Mel Frizzell, Special Collections Specialist.
"Casanella." 215 B street, northeast.
Washington, D.C. September 4th, 1928.
Dear Cousin Robbie:--
In regard to the portrait of uncle Joe of which you wrote, some time ago.
I should like to make it, and would be willing to do it on approval. If the family should not be satisfied with it, they need not take it. I would keep it myself.
Whatever the artist in Richmond offered to do for $300, I am willing to do.
What size canvas? And what arrangement about the frame? If you will let me know, and select the one of the photos which seems most suitable to the purpose, and send to me, I will get to work on it at once. As I am always busy, this is as good a time as any,
I really would like to do this portrait, -- partly as a matter of pride. For with a perfectly good artist in the family, it would seem rather a slur to have an outsider do it. And I can say without vanity, I think, that I could make a creditable portrait, that would not disgrace us, -- as I understand the present one does.
Hoping you and cousin Mattie are well, and have had a pleasant summer, I am
Affectionately your cousin,
Nella Fontaine Binckley
[Ellen/Nellie/Nella Fontaine Binckley (September 1, 1860- April 27, 1951; she was not born in 1877 as she successfully hoaxed some time after returning from the West Coast to the East Coast in the early 1900s)
Casanella = the artist's name for her haciendas in both Philadelphia and Washington, D.C.
Cousin Robbie = Robert Morton Hughes, Sr. (1855-1940)
Uncle Joe = Joseph Eggleston Johnston (1807-1891)
Cousin Mattie = Martha Louisiana Smith Hughes (1853-1944)]
Many thanks to William Myers, Mary Davy and Sally Young for their ongoing research collaboration; in this case, specifically to William for providing a scan of the original letter, and in turn thanks to Mr. Mel Frizzell, Special Collections Specialist.
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