Re: Illustrator Wanted

[Jacques Michaud]

January 11th, 1888

Dear Mr. Darrow,
I am writing in regards to your posting for an illustrator. I have been an artist for many years and have some professional experience though I currently work in the music retail trade due to family circumstances.

These days, I practice my artistry for the enjoyment of it and would be very happy to have a new project on my hands that sounds as interesting as this might be.

I have enclosed a sample portfolio of some of my work and hope to hear from you soon.  

Sincerely,
Jacques Michaud

@'J. Alfred Darrow'

  

[J. Alfred Darrow]

12 January 1888

Mr. Michaud,

Your portfolio was quite satisfactory. Thank you for sending samples of your work. I would be quite happy to engage your services, should the project seem acceptable to you.

You may have read in the paper several months ago about the return of two shipwrecked survivors from the ill-fated Sycorax expedition; I am one of those survivors. We set sail in 1882 with the intention of discovering new and exotic lands in the Great South Sea. A few week's journey past the western coast of South America, we were mislaid by a storm and forced to turn back, where a navigation error saw our ship beached on a portion of the Andes mountain range (it was, if I have not already mentioned, a flying ship as opposed to a conventional sea-bound one). Following the crash we set out to try and make it by foot to Rio de Janero, but were mislaid and lost the majority of the crew to a variety of causes.

I have log entries kept by myself and, during his lifetime, the Captain, which I should like to turn into a book. It is a somewhat formidable task as the span of time covers nearly five years, but I do think that it would benefit greatly from the accompaniment of illustration, and I hope that you would at least find the subject matter rather interesting to work on.

If this sounds amenable to you, I would be happy to meet so that we can outline more specific ideas.

J. Alfred Darrow

  

[Jacques Michaud]

January 13th, 1888

Dear Mr. Darrow,
I did read about that, I believe. It sounds like you have been through quite the adventure. And a flying ship! Color me impressed, I have not heard of such a thing before. Then again, the only places that I have been are France (my home country), here and Portugal.

This is definitely something that I could sink my teeth into. It is something unusual, interesting and definitely not in the realm of boring.

Provide me with details of where we may meet and I shall be there promptly.

Sincerely,
Jacques Michaud

@'J. Alfred Darrow'