Dear Theo,
It is time for you to hear from me again. I am longing to
hear how you and Uncle Hein are, so I hope that you will be
able to find time to write me.
I suppose you have heard that I am going to London, probably
very soon. I do hope that we shall see each other before then.
If there is any chance, I shall go to Helvoirt at Easter, but
that depends on Iterson, who is away on business. I cannot go
away before he comes back.
It will be quite a different life for me in London, as I
shall probably have to live alone in rooms. I'll have to take
care of many things I don't have to worry about now.
I am looking forward very much to seeing London, as you can
imagine, but still I am sorry to leave here. Now that it has
been decided that I shall go away, I feel how strongly I am
attached to The Hague. Well, it can't be helped, and I intend
not to take things too hard. It will be splendid for my English
- I can understand it well enough, but I cannot speak it as
well as I would wish.
I heard from Anna that you had your picture taken. If you
have one to spare, don't forget me.
How is Uncle Hein? Not better, I am afraid. And how is Aunt?
Can Uncle keep himself busy, and does he suffer much pain? Give
him my warmest regards. I think of him so often. How is
business? I think you must be rushed with work; we certainly
are here. You must feel at home in the business by this
time.
How is your boardinghouse - does it still please you? That's
an important thing. Be sure to tell me more about the
pictures you see. A fortnight ago I was in Amsterdam to see
an exhibition of the pictures that are going from here to
Vienna. It was very interesting, and I am curious to know what
impression the Dutch artists will make in Vienna. I am also
curious to see the English painters; we see so little of them
because almost everything remains in England.
In London Goupil has no gallery, but sells only directly to
art dealers. Uncle Vincent will be here at the end of this
month, and I am looking forward to hearing more particulars
from him.
The Haanebeeks and Aunt Fie always ask how you are and send
you their best wishes. What delightful weather we are having! I
enjoy it as much as I can; last Sunday I went out boating with
Willem 1. How I should have liked to stay here this
summer, but we must take things as they are. And now adieu.
Best wishes and write to me soon. Say goodbye for me to Uncle
and Aunt, Mr. Schmidt and Eduard. I am looking forward to
Easter.
Always your loving brother, Vincent.
Theo,
I just received your letter, many thanks. I like the photograph
very much, it is a good likeness. I will let you know as soon
as I know something more about my going to Helvoirt; it would
be nice if you could come on the same day. Adieu.
-
This was Willem Valkes, a cousin of the Roos family and
a fellow boarder with Vincent.
At this time, Vincent was 19 year oldSource: Vincent van Gogh. Letter to Theo van Gogh. Written 17 March 1873 in The Hague. Translated by Mrs. Johanna van Gogh-Bonger, edited by Robert Harrison, number 005. URL: https://www.webexhibits.org/vangogh/letter/1/005.htm.
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