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616 (476) 33 Ferry Avenue, Detroit, Michigan, August 19th, 1896. Mrs. Tatsu Yajima, Gion Hachiken Shinkomichi, Kyoto, Japan. Dear Madam:-- I have your letter of July 30th and thank you kindly for having sent my letter to Mr. Nose. In answer to your inquiry I would say that, in America, the summer is the season when very few art purchases are made. This because during the hot months wealthy people close their city homes and go to the sea shore or mountains. During the latter part of September and early part of October, rich people return to their city homes, and from that time until about January first many purchases are usually made. From January first to May first more or less buying of the fine arts is done in accordance with the prosperity of the country; of course when money is scarce and many people idle, the rich economize as well as the poor, so it is difficult to tell accurately about business very far in advance. In America, we have what is known as a “Presidential Year”, every four years. Presidential Year, means the year in which our people elect a president. “President”, in this country, is the same as “Emperor” in yours. We will have an election of this kind this fall, about three months from now, and between now and the time of election business will be very poor. After election, if the right man is elected, the leading business men of our country think that prosperity will reign during the next four years. If this good luck should happen, our American people would probably buy liberally of Japanese art. If, however, business does not revive after election, I think Japanese art would not bring good prices in America. Should you decide to send your daughter to America, I would be glad to call upon her upon her receipt of her American address, or, if she should pass through Detroit and will let me know in advance, I would meet her at the railway train and show her our city. I am indebted to you for delightful hospitality and other courtesies during my stay in Kyoto, and I would be glad indeed to extend like courtesies to your daughter while she is in America. Wishing you the best of good health and happiness, I am, Cordially yours, Charles L. Freer
