# Sina Fosdick. My Teachers: Meetings with the Roerichs

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**July 22, 1926**

Went away the 22nd—a remarkable day—the funeral [of Felix Edmundovich Dzerzhinsky, chief
of the Soviet secret police] and crowds, music, the shouting of canons, great personages
passing by, [and] we on the balcony. Very nervous that we may be late getting to our
train; finally three automobiles arrived, and we, amidst tremendous crowds and the
military with banners [and] music received a most marvelous, unusual send off—friendly
crowd, very interested, watching us; people greeting, sending greetings to the far-off
friends in America. Processions on the way, parting to give us way as if magically;
everywhere we pass freely; more, with reverence. An unforgettable day, a great going
away. Mother remembering a dream: they, altogether five people going amidst crowds,
music, blue-capped soldiers, banners. And she was told that this was in Milton.

As they were making their way here, they received a three-day transit visa by telegraph
from Chambers and later a second cable asking about citizenship. But the consul in
Urumchi told them to go on, saying that he had not received the telegram—[which showed
up] later—and that they should go. And he sealed all their important papers with a
diplomatic seal, risking his position by this act, having not seen the papers before;
[but he did so] with complete faith and belief, having family [E.I. and N.K.] and
trusting them. For that, [he] received a ring and was brought closer.

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Astonishment of all in Milton, that such a tremendous amount of baggage was brought
without examination. Grabar said that usually two trunks at least are examined!