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Dampfer „Schleswig”

Norddeutscher LLoyd 
Bremen.               
July 24th, 1909.

Dear Colonel Hecker,
Your letter of July 7th and telgram "Strathvoy, Skyish", were both received at Naples. Many thanks for all of your kindness.

After Berlin, I visited Dresden, Milan, Rome, and Naples in order mentioned.

In the first three cities named, I visited galleries and private collections, but at Naples aside from a couple of hours spent at old St. Martino I gave up the two days to visiting with Tom Jerome and Coleman. They are both well and both seemed happy. Tom is much pleased with the progress he is making on his proposed book and he is again taking deep interest in his work. I believe he will produce a book worth while and one which will reflect credit upon his name.

Coleman is the same charming old boy --- full of enthusiasm and sunshine.

I am quite well again, and find that the heat I have been ejoying the last ten days has driven the remnants of lingering tinges of pain out of my old bones and made me years younger in feelings.

Your full letter of June 30th reached me at Berlin just before my departure and should have had earlier reply but for lack of opportunity. Your disposal of the L.S. Bonds was most satisfactorily done and all your goodness in looking after many financial transactions places me under many obligations. I am glad that you and Louise found the large Persian bowl beautiful. Those enroute from London are also very fine. I hope that when Watson and Anna are returning from their Mackinaw visit you will take them and Louise and Mrs. Hecker over to my house and have Stephen show you all my recent purchases. They are good and my only excuse for the shocking extravagance is that I cannot withstand a certain kind of temtation. Day after tomorrow, I shall reach Cairo, and there awaits selections made for me from the famous Sinadino Collection --- the very best private one in Egypt --- now being dispersed. I saw the whole collection intact last year and selected and purchased a number of its masterpieces --- but when the matter of parting with the things came up --- the sons of