The Ocean Steam Ship Company Limited
and
China Mutual Steam Navigation Company Limited.
B 4.
S.S.
Port 127
Hongkong Dee 1 + 190/
Date
M2 A Suterres Drippers
Master
M. M. Affün
HongKong.
Dear Sir
In answer to your inquiry, I write to say that during the last 12 years, while in command of my present Company's ships, I have been sailing to Houston. I have always found that you have given the greatest satisfaction both to my Chinese crew and myself when disbursing the money for same has been brought to you.
I have been paying off my crew through your comprador, who has been appointed by the ship's Agent here. I have never been absent while you were paying off my crew. If you had not paid each man regularly his balance due, I should certainly have drawn your attention to it.
Sometimes in the past, I have had to get small change from you when I could not get sufficient from the Bank, but there was no word of percentage. It was done only to obviate trouble sometimes among the Chinese after they have been paid, but that is something this disbursing debt or money saving farding matters.
I am yours faithfully,
Thomadicon
Master