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95th Pursuit Squadron, 
Kelly Field #2, San Antonio, Tex.
Jan. 24, 1920 

Messrs Banks & Smith, 
Gentlemen: 

I'll say you two are live wire artists the way you've torn into the incorporation work. I know the tendencies of one H.F. Banks, and judging from my brothers' good opinion of C.Oren Smith Esq., and my own estimate of the letters I have so far received from you two -- you're there! 

Mr. Longs' letter is not much good. Looks as though his company doesn't know just where it stands and is afraid to get tied down to a specific agreement. Where, may I ask, does he get that stuff about "operating rights"? We can't be restricted to any particular countryside he might say...

The Michigan--Ohio tract is a good bet for a summertime territory;futhermore the Bishop-Barker people are pretty good to tie up to in my opinion. As Smith himself well knows, there is at and around Detroit a bunch of fellows already [[strikethrough]] b [[/strikethrough]] in the game. Ray Foley, The Detroit Aviation Co., etc. But with Avros we could more than compete. Also that country out there is fine -- land almost anywhere. Tres bon! 

Working South in the Wintertime is the only way to do, obviously. I've lately heard of any number of flying boat companies starting business for the Bermuda or Havana coast trade. These appear to be $100,000 companies, though. Right here in San Antonio todays! paper tells that a local taxi concern is out to start a bunch of Orioles within a few months. 

I haven!t [[haven't]] a thing to say about the Charter. Doesn!t [[Doesn't]] seem to be anything left out of it. Very comprehensive. 

Go right ahead. I have sent power of attorney to my brother and my check for $150. The latter came hard . 

I'll get out some letters to people around Framingham and in the main they will pave the way for you to call and get the cash. That question of security is a hard nut. None of us has anything to put up besides the machines and I doubt the sensibility or desirability of anything like a promisory note. If we can get one machine , coin a couple of quick thousands in Framingham and vicinity, and show contracts or schedules for further business I'm sure we can get up to the full 12 thousand you contemplate. Enough to make the start is what I hope for. 

The name doesn't matter too much with me. For euphonious reasons BROOKS BANKS & SMITH might go in the same manner as, for instance BAILEY BANKS & BIDDLE. Some suggestion such as "Aeroplanes and Accessories" shouldbe included. 

A petite histoire is enclosed, for use in my write-up. Don't spread it too thick. 

Still busy as th [[the]] devil, and hobbling around with a cane. 

Good Luck,,,

Very Truly 

Arthur R. Brooks.

Transcription Notes:
Wasn't sure what to do with the upside-down text at the top. It is the same as the text that is right-side up