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great dealers and museums everywhere) we are now friends, I will not let anyone else manage your trip- You and I and our servants and a photographer shall go alone." 

And so our plans stand. 

A distinguished Chinaman, an ex-official of Shanghai, who volunteered to accompany me before I reached here, I cannot take- Nan objects and [[strikethrough]] mine [[/strikethrough]] Ambassador Calhoun agrees with Nan. We hope to start for the interior about Oct. 12 - 15th and we estimate that from five to six weeks time will be taken up by our travels. 
Now, I have told you of the

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social doings simply to let you know that I am getting the best possible assistance for my coming trip - and I need not add that I participate in these functions from purely selfish purposes. You will also be glad to know that seed well sown here last year, is promising a good harvest this year. Already a few splendid specimens are in my little godown - In this hotel I am very comfortable; have my room, table and boys of last year. Have also hired the same little house in the Chinese town; have same servants there and even the same "ricksha" and " ricksha - cooley" - So, I feel very much at home! You and yours are all very well, I trust. Mrs. Hecker has entirely recovered, I hope. To all kindest messages - Charles L. Freer