WCP3098

[1]

1 Evelyn Road, Kew Road

Richmond. Surrey.

10^th May 1875

Dear Sir

While travelling on the Rio Negro in Brazil last year I met in with an Indian or rather Tapuys¹ who told us that he² had accompanied you as one of your hunters during your ascent of the Rio Negro, & of the Rio Uapes. He accompanied the expedition of which I was botanist for a few days as pilot of our steamer up to Santa Isabel, and was most particular in his inquiries about you.

Shortly before he left us he told me that he had received a letter³ from you soon after you left Brazil and that [2] he would like to send an answer as he had never been able to do so before, so I promised to take charge of a letter⁴ for him. It turned out that he could not write & he wanted me to write the letter for him which I did verbatim at his dictation, I promised to deliver it on my return home.

In fulfilment of my promise to him I now forward it to you.

I remain | yours sincerely | James W. H. Trail⁵ [signature]

A. R. Wallace Esq F. R. S. &c