WCP4514

[1]¹

Parkstone, Dorset.

Feb^y. 7^th. 1890

Dear Mr. Cohn

I think the town of Macassar itself is perfectly healthy being on the sea, and all the drains &c being flushed with sea water at every tide. But the country round is I think unhealthy as I had fever twice there in two localities, but no doubt healthy spots for residence might be found within a few miles though the country is very flat, and wet in the wet season being all rice fields.

The northern part, Menado, is not such a business place but much more healthy and agreeable in every way — in fact there is hardly a prettier or more agreeable place in the Archipelago.

At the same time as your letter I received one from a young Dutchman in London who is in great distress, and it has just occurred to me that if your friend goes to Celebes he might require a clerk or secretary speaking Dutch and English, & also I believe French. Tho.[?] Na[?] Pollen also draws well & can stuff birds &c. [2]² and once out there would find employment. I do not know him personally but he has good recommendations & is of a good dutch family. I am sending him a few shillings to save him from starvation. I enclose his letter to me, which you can burn when read. It is a pitiable condition for a young man of Education to be in. Should your friend not be able to help him, have you any work you could give him? I am sure, as soon as he is well again he would be glad to do anything, even messenger’s work or anything [3] anything [sic] of that sort, to get a bare living.

Believe me| Yours very faithfully| Alfred R. Wallace

Hermann Cohn Esq.

over

P.S. I have just heard that Meldola is laid up with the Influenza — I am very sorry. Give him my condolences & best wishes.

A.R.W [signature]³