WCP6005

[1]

Broadstone, Dorset

Jan[uar]y 28th 1904

T. H. Thomas Esq.

Dear Sir

As I am about writing a kind of Autobiography or Recollection of my early life I should like to have a few illustrations of some of the scenes on Wales &Monmouthshire among which I spent some happy years. As Cardiff is I suppose the metropolis of Wales, there may be some photographers of art dealers there who have collections of all the photos of every part of the principality.

Should there be any list of these I should like to have a copy to choose a few to illustrate my book.

The localities I am most interested in are Usk, my birthplace, — Kington (Hereford) where I spent some years, and near which in Radnorshire is a cascade — "Water-break-its-neck" — I should like a good view of. Also of Rhaidr Gwy, where I lived some time; and Llandrindod showing the mountain.

In Brecknockshire, I lived several month in the village of Trallong about 5 miles W. of Brecknock, and also at Devysmoch[?] further up the valley; & I should much like a good view of the [3] Beacons, as seen from Brecknock or Trallong.

At and near Neath I lived several years — in Brynmawr, a farm-house, & latterly at Llantwit-Juxta-Neath, is a cottage close to the Church which my still exist &if so I should much like a photo of it. Also if some of the waterfalls up the Vale of Neath, & of the cavern where the river runs and is ground. Also the waterfall at Capel Coelbrew —

At Usk I should like a view of the Castle, and also of the cottage, on the road half-way between ^{the bridge and} [1 word crossed out illeg.] the village of Llanbadockm in which I was born. About 15 years ago when we visited Usk, the ^cottage was quite unchanged, & was the only house on that road [4] except one or two small labourers' cottages, as it had been when my father lived there. If you have any friend photographer living in Usk perhaps you could get me a photo of it.

I am not in the least hurry for any of these, and perhaps in the summer you may be going to some of them in which case I should be very glad of a photo of these which are not of public interest to be on sale.

Should be coming to Parkstone in the spring or simmer I hope you will come over & see us here, where we have a very picturesque bit of ground.

Believe me | Yours very truly | Alfred R. Wallace [signature]