Dear Mr* Holmes: 
You are aware of the fact that sometime since a 
formal decree was rendered Tahidh declared that the Smithson- 
ian Institution was, in law and in fact, the National 
Gallery of Art, and that the collection of the late 
Harriet Lane Johnston was, therefore, awarded to it. 
This decision, together with the acceptance of 
the Freer Collection hy the Board of Regents last winter, 
marks a genuine step in the development of art interests 
in the Institution, 'which will, of course, require a 
definite organization. 
Pending such action as may he taken in the 
future by the Board of Regents, or as subsequent develop- 
ments may demand, and in the hope that I am not unduly 
burdening you in view of your many duties, I ask that you 
will temporarily accept the designation of Curator of the 
National Gallery of Art, and will give as much of your 
time as possible to the hanging of the Harriet Lane 
