WCP7112

proceed to the Sadong a road to the waters Edge from the mountain is to be made guide rails and carriages sent out from England. A Rail Road in Borneo what say you to that[?] I hope much Henderson of Mincing Lane¹will take it out of McEwen's [sic]² hands, & I have little doubt of it — This working [2] coal is a most important income & will of course add to our Revenues and develop the Country. Copper has just been discovered in the Rajah's³ Cocoa nut Island off Santubong but the location not yet examined by Europeans. I am daily Expecting Mr Wallace a Natural History Collector[,] Mineralogist — & Author [3] he is going to stay with us 3 or 4 months & will be of great service. The antimony ore we send from Sarawak is magnificent[,] infinitely superior to any thing Ever seen in Europe before & will lower[?] [1 illeg. word], of[?] the[?] [1 illeg. word], mines[?], so altogether our prospects as far as revenue go are very satisfactory [4] In 1860 they will be £20000 a year or nothing — — Write me a long letter soon[.] I particularly like besides all your Lackington⁴doings to hear Every detail of the family Aunts, Uncles & cousins particularly about poor Fee[?]⁵ who I sincerely feel for — ask to come and stay at Lackington she may be glad just now to be in the country — I love her very much and don't at all like [5]⁶ her being in trouble. I am going to send you and my Uncles Willes⁷ & Fred⁸a keg of Mango Pickles each from my Bombay friend Mr Ardaseer[?] Furdongee[?]⁹ Our store is filled with good things from Fortnum & Mason, & ladies[?] [1 illeg. word] from Bombay — I am by myself, & with [6]¹⁰ a damaged stomach so they are thrown away — A few days ago I was surprized¹¹ by 2 Boat loads of Men of wars men[;] they put in short of provision, I entertained them so much that on going away they gave me 3 Cheers.

I was delighted to learn Stuart¹² wishes [7]¹³ himself to go to school — he will repent all his life if he does not — but don't send him to those horrid Grammar Schools they are the worst of schools, with none of the advantages of Public or Private Establishments[.]

I must conclude — for be it known to you, that while I have been scribbling [8]¹⁴ to you 4 Royal personages (Borneo Pangerans) have been awaiting an interview in the Hall.

God bless you all & believe me | Y[ou]r affec[tionate] son | J Brooke Brooke [signature]

Look for me in <18>55 positively.