At last I have heard from my ‘authorities’ with the result that the pretty little story about the Princess Amelia's Piano being in the possession of
Miss Hale appears to be completely disproved.
I am rather sorry for our part, but am pleased for your sake, for this simplifies your problems in connection with the
Christopher Ganer Piano at the Conservatory.
I wrote to the man who had charge of the
Historical Musical Exhibition, held in Horticultural Hall in 1902, under the auspices of
Chickering & Sons, and all that he could tell me of the previous history of the
Christopher Ganer Piano, supposed to have been the property of Princess Amelia, is contained in the little catalogue, copy of which you have.
I also communicated with another one of our former officials, and he, too, is of the opinion that the Piano of the Princess Amelia is either in the Conservatory or in the Art Museum, and feels quite sure that no credence should be placed in the statement made to me (and passed on to you) that
Miss Hale had anything to do with the instrument in question.
He did, however, say that we restored an antique Piano of foreign make for
Miss Hale, but there was no connection between it and the Piano of the
Princess.
In regard to the somewhat ambiguous statement in the
Transcript article, copy of which you have, I am as much at sea as you, for we have nothing other than a copy of the article, exactly like the one which I gave to you. I am sorry that the information I am able to give you is so meagre, but I feel somewhat relieved to be in position to set you right on the question of
Miss Hale's ownership of the
Princess' Piano.
Wishing you success with your work, I am,
Very truly yours,
