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you see bad work of an artistic nature
on your Art Museum further expenses
would simply be involved by removing
it and having better put in its place.

The best marble for the statues
is the kind I am using for the Sphinxes
from Carrara which is almost as hard
as flint and singularly enough the
longer it is exposed to the sun and air
the harder and whiter it becomes. A
block of this marble that would cover
an eight feet statue could not be bought
for less than 2000 francs or $400.

I do not remember of ever
having seen the terracotta statuettes you
speak of but should it ever become
necessary for me to make studies of
these distinguished men the greatest
pains will be taken to get their
likenesses from the most authentic
source.

Regretting exceedingly I cannot give
you a more satisfactory reply to
your questions believe me dear
madam

Yours very truly
William Couper

Florence May 25th 1891