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468

(X)

Feb. 18/96.

Personal 
  
Mr. O.B. Grant,
C/o Gen’l Supt.’s Office, Great Northern R’y, 
St. Paul, Minn.

My dear Mr. Grant:

Your letter of 6th inst. reached me yesterday on my return from a three weeks’ absence. I am much pleased to hear direct from you again. Some two months ago I met Mr. McKenna in Chicago and he told me of your whereabouts. I hope that all goes well with you and I particularly trust that the new business enterprise mentioned in your letter will prove a great success and in the end be a stepping stone to an independent business of your own.

I appreciate the opportunity you give me to subscribe to the stock and would be pleased to join you in the enterprise were it not for the fact that I have concluded to rid myself of all manufacturing investments as soon as I can consistently do so. To be frank with you, I feel that I have given as much of my life to manufacturing as I care to, and am now looking forward to the time when I can be master of my own movements, not the slave of business obligations. The old hills back of West Hurley become more attractive to me as the days for enjoying them grow less, and if I could play Rip Van Winkle for the rest of my life, I should like nothing better. This I am writing you in confidence, but feel after your courteous letter it is due you to understand just why I do not wish to subscribe to your stock. 

If you ever get an opportunity to have a Sunday off, telegraph me a day or two in advance and run down to Detroit, where I will be glad to see you and can promise you a very hearty welcome.

Yours very truly,
Charles L. Freer

Transcription Notes:
---------- Reopened for Editing 2023-09-11 09:25:46