WCP3282

[1]

6 Huntingdon Road

Cambridge

3^rd August 1905

Dear Sir

I regret extremely that I have to return to you the letter you had kindly sent me undeciphered. I have not found any one even among native Malays who could read it and my own efforts notwithstanding the smattering of the language I have acquired have proved unsuccessful. The reason is that the letter has been written by an illiterate person who does not form his letters properly and spells incorrectly.

I have felt it a great honour to receive an autograph letter from you and I only wish I had been of service to you. Being an old pupil of Professor Huxley's¹, I have long been an admirer your work and shall never forget the pleasure I derived from the perusal of your Malay Archipelago[.] [2]

Recently, through Mr Sharpe² I had the pleasure of reading your book on Spiritualism.

Hoping I may some day have the honour of meeting you.

Believe me, | Yours truly | Syed Ali Bilgrami [signature]

[3]³