WCP600

[1]

[in ARW’s hand] Ansd

132 Stow Hill,

Newport, Mon.

Jan 6^th.. 1913.

To:- Alfred Russell Wallace Esq— O.M., LL.D., D.C.L., F.R.S.,

"Old Orchard"— Broadstone— Wimborne— Dorset

Sir:-

Will you kindly pardon a youth’s temerity, in seeking your counsel; and—if possible—your help?

I am just twenty one years of age, have ‘acquired’, only a very limited amount of ‘education’, and have had no special training—with the exception of some four years intermittent experience, principally in the capacity of a clerk.

I am at present without employment, and foresee very little prospects of being able to earn a decent living (with my present trivial accomplishments) in dear old England; and I lack the percuiary means to enable migration to a less congested colony. Moreover, I possess a tendency to physical invalidism, which bars me ^somewhat from the labour market. On the other hand, I am fairly active, can carry out instructions thoroughly and carefully, and am not quite devoid of tact & initiative, when required to exercise my own discretion.

I dislike business pursuits, and - during the Summer of 1911— was temporarily, employed at a Colonial Training Homestead, in Surrey, where I acted as Clerk and factotum to, a Doctor Bertolacci, the Principal, and where I also availed myself of the opportunity of working, as a student, with a view to colonizing.

[2] Since leaving D^r.. Bertolacci, I have been irregularly, employed—by a local branch of Shipowners’—checking general cargo; but I lost this situation through no fault of my own, and am in search of a more congenial & healthful vocation. I fear I have never got over the birds nesting stage, and I have always had a most ardent desire to dwell and obtain my living, in the country. I am not religious, in the usually accepted sense of the term, but I certainly have no desire to enrich myself at the expense of my fellow being; nevertheless I have a very decided objection to becoming the tool of less scrupulous individuals, whatever may be the pecuniary inducements.

Would you, Sir, please be so kind as to offer me a home, and teach me such knowledge as will enable me to earn an independent existence? It is a great deal to ask of a stranger, I admit; but my excuse is, that I do not ask, what I would not gladly give. If you can befriend me in the way I suggest, I would gladly render such services as I am capable of, in return. I may mention that I can write very rapidly, type, and have had some experience of copying and revising manuscript, for publication. I gather that you are a practical land surveyor, and, considering my physique and love of outdoor pursuits; I should imimagine this to be an ideal occupation, for one ^possessed of my temperament.

Personally, I find no use for intoxicants or tobacco, have no objection (substitutes for) [3] a non flesh diet, if necessary; and the only luxuries ^(?) for which I crave are time and facilities, for mental and physical improvement.

Unfortunately, my poor father is an inebriate (himself in vari a very precarious ^pernicious circumstances) and I, myself, am literally on the verge of destitution. I am in need of change and rest; an ^being in an ill nurtured condition, but as far as I can ascertain (am) not infected with pulmonary phthisis.

Except that I am not ^very well clad, I know of no other reason, why any gentleman should object to my presence; and I think I can satisfy you as to my bona fides and integrity; if you feel any interest in my welfare.

I must apologize for my selfish obtrusion, and for having trespassed so much on your valuable time. In conclusion, may I, none the less sincerely, prematurely, wish you many happy returns of the date on wh anniversary of your birth day?

Believe me, (In haste) | very truly— | and respectfully— Yours’ | C. S. Williams.¹ [signature]

P.S. If you feel you can help me, will you kindly reply soon; if not, will you please pass my letter on to anyone whom you think, may do so?

C.S.W.