The West Coast Years
(1910 to 1931)
| George Himes to Theo Gegoux, September 4, 1920 | ||
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September 4, 1920 Dear Theo Gegoux: I had a call from two Catholic priests a few days ago, Rev. W. A. Daly and Rev. Franois R. Black, and they sharply criticised your great painting -- or, rather the description of it, as noted in the circular which I enclose which I have marked in purple. They say, what I am satisfied is true, that Rev. F.N. Blanchet was not present at the meeting on May 2. 1843. The historian of the Romart Catholic Church in Oregon is Rev. Edwin V. O'Hara, as I understand from these priests, take the same view. All things considered, in my judgment it would be better to omit the Blancher figure, as the presence of it certain to provoke criticism. Destroy all the circulars you have, and I will destroy all I have. Then I will print another lot with the lines omitted that I have underscored in red. Or you can add some words to fillup that space if you care to do so. These men have heard the painting spoken of very highly, but as one of them said, "It ought not to represent something which we know is not true." If you agree to this, then change the title as as you suggested the other day when Mr. Scott and I was there. Yours truly, George Himes |
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