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[stamp: ?hotel? letterhead paper]4 VIA DANTE DA CASTIGLIONE, FLORENCE, ITALY[/stamp]

Florence Nov. 7th 1891

Dear Mrs. Stanford,
I have much pleasure in thanking you for your kind favor of Oct. 19th, the photographs which have arrived in good condition, and also for the bill of exchange for $1585.40 received from Mr. Lathrop, payment in full upon the Sphinx -- I am sorry you will not be ablt to see these figures when they are placed, for I had hoped to get a line from you soon telling me what you thought of them.
With regard to the family group for the Museum, believe me, I should not only be greatly pleased to undertake the work, but put my whole haert in it and give you the benefit of my best effort.
I have carefuly preserved the moulds and model of your son's bust and haed, which will be of infinite value in constructing his statue. After thinking over the matter of placing the figures in the group, it seems to me, were you and the Governor seated in two handsome chairs, and your son standing in an attitude that would indicate his having just stepped from between you, would be very appropriate -- As I conceive it, this idea carries with it dignity throughout to father, mother, and son. Of course regarding the detail: that will have to be carefully thought out in constructing the studies and designs.
On a rough estimate it will take about three years or more to make the three portrait statues, and but