Set your house in order with the Government for arrears of time and paper, and leave vengeance to the Lord, who will forgive my "garbling" Tom Taylor's writing.
The White House, Jan. 8, 1879.
Serious Sarcasm
Pardon me, my dear Whistler, for having taken you au sérieux even for a moment.
I ought to have remembered that your penning, like your painting, belongs to the region of "chaff." I will not forget it again; and meantime remain yours always,
TOM TAYLOR.
Lavender Sweep,
Jan. 9, 1879.