March 15th 1847
Pulo Pinang
Dear Sir
I write to you to inform you of my misfortune after so long An Absence from England and since the last time I saw you In London – after being In Numerous places and succeeding In obtaining A large Collection of Specimens and Seeds, I lost the Whole of them at the Celebees – Close to Borneo, the Native at whose House they Where In, made way with them –no Doubdt [sic] thinking they where something more useful to him. I then gave up all thoughts for present – after staying there some time, I got A passage to Macassa on the same Island and from there to Batavia, In A Dutch Steam vessel and from Batavia to Singapore In A [sic] English Mertchant [sic] Ship and from there to Pulo Pinang where I joined the H.E.I. Co’s War Steamer Nemesis, not Expecting to Exceed 12 Months, Excuse me Sir, but so much for my not having A Vessel of my own or yours sir
I Hope Sir that you will Write to me. I therefore Conclude, with wishing you Health and Happiness –
Yours Truly Faithful
W. H. Burden <1>
N.B.
Direct W. H. Burden Seaman, on Service on Board the H.E.I. Co’s Steamer Nemesis
Singapore, Pinang, or elsewhere
[address panel:]
From Wm Burden, Seaman on Board the H.E.I. Cos War Steamer Nemesis
[line drawn across panel
H. Frye 2nd Commanding Officer [illegible] Steamer Nemesis – Pinang March 11th 1847 –
[line drawn across panel]
To W Talbot Esqr
Laycock Abbey
Cheltenham [illegible deletion]
England
[address corrected in another hand]
Chippenham
Wilts
Notes:
1. His father, Richard Burden, was an Excise Officer for a long time had been a factotum for both the Feildings and for WHFT. See Doc. No: 03731 and Doc. No: 04268.