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#4
20 Shih Fuma Tachieh
Peking
February 24, 1916

My dear Mr Freer,

Mr Hall has made me acquainted with the opinion expressed regarding the painting of the "God of Mercy" which he submitted for your inspection.  I am very glad to learn of [[strikethrough]] a [[/strikethrough]] this judgment (even though it does not coincide with my own), for I still feel convinced that it is by the Master himself.  I am coming to the States next month and should reach New York by April 15th.  If you will permit me to call upon you in Detroit, it will give me very great pleasure to have the privilege of a chat with you there.  Although my eyesight has largely failed me of late,  I do not feel that it has as yet impaired my flair (if I may use the word) regarding paintings.

Fang's collection, which I must show you when we meet. [[crossed out]] A [[/crossed out]] Each specimen is labelled in Tuan Fang's writing and I believe it will give you pleasure to examine the twelve or so paintings at leisure.  

I hope that your health is better than last year and read of the disaster at San Diego with the sympathetic hope that you were not there at the time.  

With kind remembrances,
Yours very sincerely

Edmund Backhouse.

Transcription Notes:
Started with the right side of the two pages since that is the start of the letter. Appears the left side may be out of order with the middle page (see page 5 of the scanned documents).