Transcription:
Martinez, California Aug. 10, 1904. William Trout. Dear old friend: Your kind letter of Aug. 2d came yesterday laden
with Meaford memories auld lang syne in general, and with it came the draft that has given you so much trouble. This closing
a transaction 40 years old, illustrating moral integrity patience of a kind far from common in financial annals. The news
of your coming to visit me is delightful. I have many visitors thousands of friends, but those of the old days have for me
an immortal charm wanting in others however high honorable flattering. Often often I look