I'm a day late with today's post...but I couldn't pass up the opportunity to post this short but enjoyable letter that gives a little of the competition between galleries. On this day (August 13) in the year 1846, the Boston daguerreotypist G.S. Chase penned the following letter to the partnership of Southworth & Hawes, also of Boston: - - - - - - - - - - - - Boston Aug. 13th 1846 Gentlemen I understand that you have some miniatures at your rooms which you exhibit as specimens of my workmanship, not doubting but that we have taken some poor pictures in common with others, and if you have had the opportunity of taking them over again, I think it altogether unfair, and ungentlemanly to exhibit them to the public. If you cannot establish your reputation in a more manly way than this, I think your case a desperate one. No one has heard me speak ill of your pictures, and I know not why you should seek to injure me in such a manner. If you will take the trouble to send them to my shop I will pay you for your trouble. If I have been misinformed upon the subject, I should be happy to know it, and I will make all due reparation. Yours respectfully G.S. Chase Messrs Southworth & Hawes 257 Washington St (Cited from the original letter now in the collection of Matthew R. Isenburg.) -------------------------------------------------------------- 08-13-98