My Dear Guterres,
S. S. "Lowther Castle"
Hong Kong 4th February 1907.
456
I was very much surprised and extremely sorry to hear that you have had to resign, through what, I am sure are false and malicious charges, and I have not the slightest doubt, that anyone who knows you and has had dealings with you will say the same. Your absence will be greatly felt by all the shipmasters passing through this port for the very able and expeditious manner in which you handled the paying off, and signing on of crews, made it a pleasure to make the port headquarters for that purpose and nothing seemed to be any trouble to you, that would afford dispatch, your equal, in a successor will be hard to find.
You have always looked after the interests of Masters and Seamen that I have always known you to do, and I know every man has received to the cent what was due to him, and you have always listened to and rectified complaints from men with all justice, and the Seamen will lose a kind friend, if I can possibly be of any service to you,
I shall be only too pleased to do anything in my power and
Yours very sincerely
(Signed) W. Lightaller
Master. 9/5."Lowther Castle"
True copy