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Carl F. Biele, Esq.

order to you are - the poorly finished metal work on this large makimono case and the height of the 16" wide cases - and I have come to the conclusion that the best course to pursue is to lay the whole matter before Mr. Freer. 

While you state and also the Smithsonian Institution state that the plans show the show cases are made in accordance therewith, I beg you to refer to your letter of February 23, 1911 wherein you say: "As to the heights this was shown to Mr. Freer as per the full sized end view sent you. The 18" wide cases show 36" height at the back and the 16" wide cases are made so that all cases may line up in front and have the same height table underneath x x x x x as shown in our original sketches and as made appears to be the only way and agree with Mr. Freer's views."

In your letter of August 2, 1910, in which you enclosed revised cross sections of the show case showing a case which measured 18" on the slanting bottom and in which letter you also quoted price of the eleven makimono cases and stated your understanding as to the sizes thereof, you added to postscript saying "Regarding the height - we understand you wish 36" from floor to top of show case at back. Is that not rather low? It seems to us that it should be higher."

My recollection is that your letter of August 2nd was written after the consultation between you and Mr. Freer in New York and upon Mr. Freer's return to Detroit on August 4th, he wrote you upon that same day, returning the drawings, and stated therein "Concerning the height, I quite agree with you that the three feet looks rather low x x x in view of these facts I think it is wise to leave the makimono cases at three 

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---------- Reopened for Editing 2023-05-26 20:44:33