I received your letter of the 10th inst & also the plans of the niche for the statue of St. Joseph. I am sorry you have changed your mind regarding the model – it is the same thing for me to make one or the other of the proposed two models – but I believe you will have better satisfaction in taking the one I offered you at $65. & it is much cheaper than the other one at 45.00 which an old statue & I am afraid to displease you in sending this latter. I would rather allow you a special disct of 5.00 on the fine model & thus let it at 60.00 than make statues that would discredit my firm. The reason I would have you take the best statue is that it will be placed in view of everybody & I consider that if the statue is nice, it will attract the attention of the visitors & thus make me good advertisement – and in the meantime you will have credit for having placed such a nice statue. I would like to have both of the statues finished & then you to come and see them & I am sure you wouldn’t hesitate a moment. Good and artistic work is always preferable & it is why I most particularly insist in placing pieces of real religious statuary, and I am convinced it is the only way to keep a good reputation as statuary.
However, I will await your reply though I am convinced you will overcome this little difficulty – and you will easily find a generous donor that will be glad to pay the difference in the prices.