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City where the natives think I am a buyer for some American Auction house. I allow no one with things to sell, to see me in my hotel, thus preventing the guests in this large and excellent hotel, excepting two or three reliable Americans, to learn my plans or the location of our claims.

It beats California in '49!

I am sorry not to have asked you to send the money through the International Bank, but dared not let the officers of that Bank know of my transactions - they are American and might be over-enterprising and spoil my pudding.

As yet I have seen but little of Peking, but the occasional glances have pleased me greatly. In the Tartar City where I spend all of my daylight hours, the scenes surpass those of the bazaars of Cairo and Constantinople and in their dealings the natives are apparently very reliable. 

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Your good letter of July 29th is rec'd and enjoyed.

I feel much pleased with the Chicago bank consolidation and believe with Mr. Potter, that it will be largely to the interest of the stockholders.

Yes, in the death of our old-time friend Williams the world has lost a rare man - a man of fine instincts, generous nature and unusual modesty. Peace should be his eternally.

I sympathize with your views concerning Ducharme, and you surely did your best to make Ledyard feel comfortable regardless of your own convictions. I am glad you wrote him as you did. If L. were to lay down the reins what would happen - who would take them up?

It is good to know that you and your family and friends are making such good use of your yacht - it is all so sane, healthful and reposeful. In about one week more I shall be able to determine how long it will be to my best interests to remain in Peking and what to do next. 

When it is decided I will cable - But in any event, I hope to see you in Detroit a week, at least, before Christmas.

With cordial messages to all,

Always sincerely yours,
Charles L. Freer 


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