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Ayuthia of a short time - in all probably three or four weeks from Hongkong back to Hongkong or Shanghai-

I want if possible to get definite information concerning Siamese pottery and bronze of early dates - which I now think more Chinese than Siamese. I enjoyed the receipt of your letters of 10/29 and 11/9 with their interesting news.

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Denbys defeat is a real loss in many ways- Pennells attempt to take advantage in my absence is just like him, and displays his methods of getting information to which he is not entitled, - he has another book on Whistler in preparation! His remarks concerning Miss Birnie-Philip are like those he used in court, cowardly, untrue. His opinion about the portrait of Whistler shows how little he understands the Master's work. I hope that he will be fool enough to call the portrait a "forgery" in his forthcoming book. I am glad that you and George and Stephen gave him an icy front. He's a much greater jackass than those with longer ears! Webaten I don't know and don't care to meet. I think you did wisely in refusing to loan your Music Room to Morris for his Roman Exhibition - I shall refuse to send anything. I don't love Morris quite as much as I do love things he wants to borrow. He too loves the paintings more than me. I am very sorry of the setback to little Louise - she was so well when last I saw her, her temperment is most susceptable to all sorts of influenzas, then her various activity is intense and altogether it is very hard to know what is best for her. I hope that the Doctors can help Anna to decide on plans that will prove wise. Quiet conditions seem to me very important. And how to keep up her strength the great enigma.

I hope that my frequent calls for cable - remittances have not bothered you - your very prompt responses have surprised my Chinese creditors and caused them to open their go-downs. Silver is very dear, freight rates are soaring, real works of art are threatening here to rise somewhere near their actual comparative value. When this happens my purchases of recent years, will have financial as well as artistic consideration - foolish though it seems to mention it.

With all good wishes to you and yours,
Charles L Freer

P.S. This letter begun early this morning, has been written between visits to the Imperial Palace and elsewhere. Its now midnight after a pleasant Christmas.