WCP4306

[1]

(Copy.)

Dear Sir¹

Commander Nolloth² having informed me today that he had received orders to cruise in the English Channel & that his Australian sailing orders had been recalled, I have left the "Frolic" this afternoon after being fourteen days on board, and beg leave through you respectfully to enquire whether the passage to Australia which the Lords of the Admiralty kindly granted me will be now given in any other ship.

I beg leave at the same time to mention that the Commander & Officers of H. M. S. Frolic have done everything to render my stay with them agreeable and I should prefer as shoul would Com. Nolloth, if a choice remains, to accompany them as at first arranged.

As my present situation is one of much inconvenience & suspense, I trust [2] their Lordships will favour me with a reply at their earliest convenience[.]

I have the honour to remain | &c &c. | Alfred. R. Wallace. [signature]

Capt: W. A. B. Hamilton R. N.

P.S. By all means propose me as a fellow of the R.G.S. I wrote to Reeve to send the Book. ARW