Transcription:
I have not carried out my resolution. Today, while on my way to Hong Kong, to have a bullet extracted from my leg, where
it was lodged by a party of chinese pirates, I picked up a magazine to while away the time; and the first thing I saw was
a photograph of Yourself and the President. And I thought with shame of my neglect in not writing; so I have started at once
to do so. I would have liked ever so much to have had you make the trip I made into Kwang-Si, and be with you to have you
explain the formation of the hills, and the different forms of vegetation in the way you were good enough to do, when, by
lucky chance I was your fellow passenger. If you ever received the things mentioned kindly let me know, if not; and you will
write what you want I will send another lot. Remember I am ignorant of these things, but you can surely explain so that I
will get the right things. If you can spare the time to write a few lines I should be more than pleased to read them, Let
me know something of