New York,
January 1st,
2008

To: Mayor of Lisbon, Dr. António Costa

Dear Mayor Costa,
I would like to begin by congratulating on your election last July. I wish you the best in achieving the goals you set forth in your campaign.
I am writing in hopes to gain your cooperation on an endeavour that only your office can help me accomplish.
My name is Susana Gaudêncio I am an artist, born in Lisbon, living and working in New York City. I would like you an the city hall to consider the possibility of lending me the D. José I equestrian statue from Terreiro do Paço. This monument has been there since 1776, following the urban renewal led by Marques de Pombal after the tragic earthquake.
I would like to borrow the statue for one month, the length of time it would take a horse to trot from Lisbon to the nearest desert.
I am aware of the high esteem in which you regard the arts. I hope you will reflect upon my request and invest in the wishful thinking of an artist.

Yours sincerely
Susana Gaudêncio