From William Colchester   21 February 1856

My dear Sir,

I am indeed very sorry that circumstances beyond my control prevented my having the pleasure of being present at your lecture at Ipswich Last Tuesday—

I should have written you but up to the last moment I was in hopes I should be able to get away – I could not however have given you any further information so the loss is all on my side[.] I hope that the Newspapers will have a long abstract – I often think what great results have proceeded from your selecting the little village of Felixstow for one of your seashore rambles and of the hundreds of people your discovery has provided with an industrious occupation to the labouring poor of the district it has indeed been a blessing furnishing them with abundance of work just at the season they most require it – I am sorry that you have not reaped any pecuniary benefit from your discovery – Great mental satisfaction you must feel

I remain dear Sir | faithfully yours | W. ^m Colchester