Breckenridge to R.H. February 2, 1892.

My dear Henri

Since the receipt of your very interesting letter, I have been writhing

"between two fins" --the first whether I should write you therewith
causing you to run the risk of acting almost loathsome disease with which
I have been suffering for three weeks ---or whether I should deprive you of
a very uninteresting letter ---but as in most cases our selfishness is generally
the victor - my case likewise.

So beware for the disease is nothing less than the damnable blues - a
disease which tests ones physical and spiritual endowments to the utmost.
and the fight that has been going on in my mind between duty and will has
left me a very miserable subject. It is needless to tell you that the will
conquered in explanation of the fact that I have not done anything in the
art line for sometime.

I started a three quarter length portrait of a young fellow in town. Have
compelled myself to paint on it four times, and my consolation is that it
comes nearer to being a finished thing than anything I have done before.
What I want now is a sharp spur from Kelly or Anshutz --then I probably could
keep it going or last but not least one of your criticism which did me so
much good in the class. But here I am crammed down in a God forsaken little
town (I mean regarding art) all alone and with nothing but my own miserable
convictions as to whether one can make a living at art or not, as my only
companion

But enough of this --doubtless you have been there yourself and appreciate
my state of health. Judging from the present outlook nothing short of an
earthquake will keep me from being in Philadelphia by the 15th of March.
Ye gods that it were today. My people are all getting well now and I hope
that my services will not be needed much longer.

Was glad to hear of Grafly's success and sorry that Reddy is not one of
the festive throng any more. I suppose though you are making it up in good
work.

Remember me kindly to Mrx Anshutx and Kelly and please let me hear
from you soon.

Yours sincerely