My Dear Sir,—I read with much interest the details of your project for a tour through America, Britain, and Europe; and much regret that I have no sons old enough to participate in such an interesting and instructive expedition. From my knowledge of you for so many years past, I can safely say that to any "young fellows" placed under your charge, you will prove a much better "conductor" than any of the leaders of Cook's tours I have ever met. The terms you propose are very moderate; and such an amount so laid out would, in my opinion, be money very well spent.

I am somewhat out of the world up here (Hergott Springs), where I am now Resident Engineer of the Railway to Primrose Springs, a 150-mile section of the Trans-Continental Railway to Port Darwin, else I might be able to find one or two for your company in this colony.

Wishing you success, believe me, yours very truly,