I often think back to my first station. I suppose it should not have come as a surprise considering all of the time I invested in climbing the social ladder. Even the artists adored me back in those nights. How fondly they would laugh at my humor and offer their enthusiastic support. If memory serves, it was a slight rumor which took me to such a position at such an early age. Let it never be said that blood is thicker than a sharp tongue.

I have been partaking in delightful correspondence to entertain my spirits. One might even begin to think that he considers me a mentor. Let us consider him family, a nephew of sorts. Youth which minds it's elders hold a certain charm to this old traditionalist.

He writes, "Dear sir, I am troubled. We live in desperate times. If only you would come out of exile and rally your brothers. If only you would lead us!"

I find myself reflecting on what it was like to blush. Here is my response.

Dear boy, Your zeal holds more than a little illumination to your addressed "desperate times". You will find these moments come and go more and more as you age. The less you concern yourself with the dramatics, the better off you will be able to lead yourself. I for one have witnessed the same theatrics time and time again. Inevitably you will come to a similar understanding. Leave the pomp and circumstance to the rabble and artist.

And yet they revile me. I am called racist and elitist. What fools they are to condemn a man who has yet to reach his prime. I am a gentleman. My name is not to be mocked by the rabble. Those precious few who knew my Seattle would weep. I am a builder. My influence may be felt in all major business districts of the world. I was and still am a force to be reckoned with. You may think your words wound me Julius. You may even think you are winning. I am hardly impressed with your simple intellect and juvenile strategies. Perhaps one night you will come to understand your place?

It is unwise to put much thought into labels. Individuals serve themselves. Let us not bother with the concept of grouping such a vast community into only a few categories. I've exchanged both pleasantries and irritation with all kinds who claim to hold one particular allegiance over another. It is a matter of personal honor. It is duty that keeps us unified.

It has always been a practice of mine to follow precedence. Only a fool would allow personal bias to effect business. I have favored allies and contacts in most circles. It is wise to keep your eyes and ears open for potential problems and opportunities. Never again will I give them the chance to surprise me.

If one is to properly run a city, one has to maintain a degree of tolerance. It is sound reasoning for both the weak and strong leader. Allowing other mindsets can help keep the peace. Power brokering can go either way but having an unaligned scapegoat nearby is priceless.

I have often been asked to comment on my past. History can be so dry to the young. I will not delve into former glories nor socially attack the many acquaintances I have encountered during my existence. I am like any man. I have loved and I have learned over time.

This is a journal of perspective and reflection. I claim that there is some truth in the allegation of being a servant to pride. I have had a fortunate experience of holding many titles over the vast amount of years I have given this world. I am a being of servitude. I've struggled for everything I've earned. I've just been given a little more time to polish my accomplishments.

You may wonder why I of all people would write in this fashion? I know it is of the current trend to blog. Members of my kind have to adapt or fall to the wayside as relics. I consider my survival dependent on staying current with the times. Computers and the internet? What so ever will the masses think of next?

I am perplexed by recent developments.

The years have not been kind to me. Even a decade of slumber has not removed my pain. I dreamt of anarchs and fools. I saw my city burn at the hands of children. The enemy danced in the flames I was unable to extinguish. The errors to which I reflect upon are grave. I have earned much scorn from my bretheren. Although my body has healed, my status has been revoked. I suspect future consequences for my actions to be numbingly severe.

It has been reported that Sutter Kincade has been slain. I am upset by this news for I knew him very well. I would assume that the information is accurate due to Lucinde's network. Her minions do not have the luxury of speculation. Though not a friend, I shall mourn his passing. His relentless pursuit and thoughtful acts of revenge filled many a cold night with an intrigue that will surely be missed.