Hugh Breckenridge to R.H.

June 24, 1892.

Leiburg Virginia.
Leesburg

Dear Henri.

I have been thinking of writing you for some time but you know
what a difficult thing it is to do when there is nothing to write about.
At any rate I want to tell you I will be in Philadelphia about July 13,
and would like to see you if you happen to be there. also I want to give you
a photo of myself if you care to send it.
And Henri, will you give me the address of the Arts students Hotel in Paris
where English is spoken -- the place where Hallangs out. Is it 203 Boulevard
Respaill.

I suppose you are doing plenty of outdoor work now - I have done no
painting whatever since I have been here - but have made a little money all
of which counts very much. Have you heard anything from Fox. I hope he is
getting entirely well. If you see him or any of the fellows please remember
me to them.

I am sorry you could not get down to spend a while with me - I should
have enjoyed talking with you very much. By the way I think I am good for
more than two years abroad -- if all goes well as I anticipate.

Well Henri I hope I will see you before I start and hope you will be
able to go over to New York whikuxuxx to see us off.

With best wishes and sincerely your friend.

Hugh Breckenridge.

Hugn Brekenridge to R. H.

11/ Notre Dame des Champs

Paris, France,

Dec.2, 1942

My dear Henri

By this time Henri, I suppose you have passed the "Why the devil doesn't
we write - what ails him"問題 state and have arrived at the most force
ful one "devil take him - he need not write ---but the east way out of
it is to tell you the truth.

I wrote you a letter two months ago, but like a wide man did not send it
fearing I might regret displaying my opinions, emotions etc. until I was sat-
isfied I knew what I was talking about. I have simply been undergoing changes
from one time I landed here up to the present. I have damned the French
even Paris in some respects and kicked and kicked until at last my wasted
strength has left me where I realize that" a great deal that glitters is
gold"

To begin with I was disappointed in the Luxembourg somewhat --most decidedly
so with Julian's -- the work I mean. Out of all this chaos one thing delighted
me and that was the Louvre -- or which I shall never get tired. It is needless
for me to say anything about it for you have been there, but I would like to
mention one thing and one portrait by Courbet of himself called
"The man with the blackhat" (Leathern Belt). I should like to know if it is one
of your favorites.

The Luxembourg though has become one of the pleasures of Paris to me. It is
closed now for the reception of several new pictures among them being Sar-
gents "Carmencita" which I suppose you have seen

I started in unde Bouguereau and Ferrier, but on November first deserted to the Doucet class. Doucet is a fine man and his criticisms are as thorough as they can be. I like him very much and feel satisfied that I am under the right man. At first I did quite a bit of painting, but after a few of my bright feathers were trimmed off, I got the idea that perhaps it would be well to draw occasionally. That is what I have been doing ever since. Have gotten some very favorable criticisms and think I am moving along gradually.

It is quite funny the stages a fellow passes through when he comes over
here to study. He walks in with a bold and daring step, plants his easel
firmly in a good place and proceeds to show them a thing or two, but darn it
the charcoal is bad - not the kind he had been accustomed to - the paper is
the meanest kind -oh yes he says those fellows who come over here and then go
back to Phila. simply blow - -if I were in a place where they didn't make such
a racket and among more congenial companions it wouldnt be this way. Well,
things go on from bad to worse until a thought takes hold that perhaps he is
an ass or perhaps a little stupid. Then the cloud clears away from his dimmed
ision and he decides to climb down a few steps and take a fresh and different
start. It is needless to say that he then has some chance of learning

Was quite delighted a few days ago to see Reddy walk in looking like some
railroad millionaire. He and Schofield went down to Brolles Brolle last
Tuesday for two months --The "Salon" is in the wind I imagine. I have no
aspiration in that direction for this year. I want to get all of the good sol-
id stuff out of the school that I can this winter.

Of course you know Mr Anshutz and Kelly are with us in the same room at
the school and working right along. Paul Peel is dead --this time it is
unfortunately true. Your friend Williamson has gone back to America. Have
seen Couse whom you know --seems to be a very cleaver fellow.

Now Henri let me hear something about yourself. Reddy told of some good
things you had done at Atlantic City, and I also see with pleasure that your
curch decorations have not been unnoticed. I am sorry you did not go in for
the Art Club Prize. It must have been a picnic from Reddy's description.

Please remember me to all the fellows and let me hear from you soon.