WCP3078

[1]¹

Ehrenberg Hall — Torquay

1^st Novr 1865

My dear Wallace

I have to thank you for the two books² you sent me some time ago, but which have only recently reached me. I am substantially in accord with your view of Malay [2] character with some divergence of opinion on minor points — but the characters of Malay communities differ so much one from another, that it is difficult ^{to arrive} at a general estimate — There are now three Italian gentlemen³ in Sarawak, following your footsteps in [3] natural History & its collections — and I learn they are quite satisfied with the results of their labors. I hope soon to hear of their cavern excavations — our folks have not been zealous on the subject —

Sarawak is progressing rapidly— There is a good road to the Quop — & a path to the top of Matang [4] which is to be continued to Lundu— This speaks well— I hope you have been well all this time— I live quietly in my country cottage which this year have been enlarging. In the spring I hope we may meet in Town —

Yours very sinc[ere]ly | J Brooke⁴ [signature]

A. Wallace Esq