ca. July 12 1875 [added in pencil]

No. 25, Rue de la Charite, Bruxelles, Tuesday

[Note in corner]

I’ve rec- this moment a letter from “Donny” [Charlotte Adams] sent to me at Frankfort beseeching me to be in U Baden & gaum [hang out]. Dated July 2. Of course I couldn’t have gone.

My dear Chummeke!

As the mountain won’t come to Mohammed, Mohammed must go to the mountain. So I shall probably be with you on Saturday. Can I get a nest somewhere in your vicinity for a day or two? Since you have written me that you can’t come I have given up all my plans and shall come immediately to London. The state of affairs is this I have miscalculated on expenses so shall not have enough to keep me here till the Exposition opens on the 15th of August. I must either go directly to America or else raise money to stay. It is certain that I can’t raise a cent here in [page 2] Belgium and perhaps I can in London. I have got two hundred francs left beside my expenses home that I was going to use up in a trip to Holland with you. As for me I have seen Holland and can do without it. I must get some garments for I have none. And 200 fr. won’t suffice even to pay my bills here and get clothes in London. If you had come I would have given up the old rags – Now you are not to come I feel the need of ‘em again. There is then “only” one thing that will keep me here a few days longer that is the possible arrival of the Adamses who may come in by Thursday. I have heard from them in Baden Baden quite contented they were too and I don’t think they will come on here just yet.

I’m sorry you couldn’t have seen my pictures but if I get [page 3] money we will come over from London to see them. I am gratified to find that they rather astonish the chaps here and I am much praised for them both. The nigger and the Naples boat. I have just come from a breakfast with Mrs. De Winne, the best Belgian portrait painter – painter to Royal family etc. etc. – and am in a good artistic circle, friends of Jules Breton whose dancing peasants you will remember at Paris Salon.

If the large picture has success in the exposition as they seem to think it will I want to get it put in an illustrated paper and hope you may know someone who will help put it through. I shall bring you a photograph when I come. It has been a struggle with me, old fellow, to give up in one short hour all the plans we have been forming for months.

[Page 4] But what is to be done? Your letter squashed everything. I had been expecting you hourly via Ostend. The letter came & I didn’t have to read it to know that you wouldn’t be here.

Tis a great pity but now can’t be helped. And please, dear Chummeke, write me a line directed to me at Hotel du Nouveau Jardin, Rue aux Lits, Antwerp, and I shall get it by Friday morning if you write at once. Tell me if I am to come to 11 Museum Street. At all events I shall come there and get you before I go looking for lodgings. So Saturday I am quite sure we shall meet. If I don’t come you will get a letter by Friday night or Saturday morning. I shall get to London I think about noon. I’m awfully disappointed. What can I do though?

With very much love from

Frank