WCP5580

[1]

Macassar,

Celebes,

Dec. 6th. 1856.

My dear John and Mary,

Having luckily just heard of the birth of my Nephew, John Herbert Wallace¹, allow me to congratulate you on the happy event and wish you and him many happy years. I say "luckily", because a few days more and I start for a place near New Quinea [sic] from which there is no return or communication for at least six months, would have delayed my knowledge of the great event.

I must also thank you for your kindness in giving me a new title, that of Uncle, which I trust to repay in rind [sic], some of these fair days. When Johnny is three or four years old, and the others in proportion, you may expect to see me at Columbia. I presume the best time for me to arrive will be about February, so as to have the earliest Spring fine weather, and be able to elope as soon as it gets too hot and dry.

Excuse me writing more now as [I] am very busy preparing for my six months sojourn away among the natives of Arru [Aru Islands] (a place you never hea heard of) and have lots of letters to write previous to so long an absence from communication with civilezed [sic] humans, so Adieu, my dear Brother and Sister.

From your affectionate Brother | Alfred R. Wallace

To John and Mary Wallace.

P. S. Give Jonny a kiss each for me. A. W.