Letter from Paul Rosenberg, New York, to Jos Hessel, 1941 March 24 : carbon copy of a typescript.

Asking if Hessel received the package he sent him. If not, he's going to stop sending packages. If so, he'll keep sending him whatever he would like. (These packages are discussed in almost every letter. Hessel doesn't seem to be receiving any of them. They contain cookies and other sundry items.) Rosenberg is sure that Hessel knows what is going on in Paris. However, he himself has had no news. He says how tragic it is to arrive at Hessel's age, after such an honorable and studious life, but hopes that things will eventually work out if Hessel's health holds out. Rosenberg's health is not good. He has a problem with his leg and very painful stomach ulcers that may require surgery. He is writing articles that are selling well. Rosenberg tells Hessel that he is in possession of the seven works of art Hessel lent to the New York World's Fair. However, even though they are in his hands, they are "frozen" and he does not have the right to sell them without authorization from the American authorities. He says he is in the same situation for his own works, but that the authorization is easy to acquire, as long as the money earned from the sale is put into a special bank account. He reminds Hessel that he asked him to acquire authorization from the American Consul to take possession of the paintings Hessel had sent to Argentina, which are now in the U.S. and thus also "frozen." If he receives the authorization, he will keep him with the others. However, he must decline all responsibility in case of fire or accident. (See Hessel's later letter asking if it would be a good idea for him to take out a fire and accident insurance policy.)