172 JACK'S LETTERS TO WALLICH, 1819-1821. 



April 12th. — Xo opportunity has occurred of writing till 

 now; a vessel has arrived from China and proceeds to Bengal. I 

 send by her a box of specimens, to which I have added some 

 fruits and seeds, which may not be unacceptable. I enclose a 

 list of the present dispatch, and also, one of the principal contents 

 'of the former ones. Some of the things now sent, will I think be 

 interesting. 



Sir Stamford has not yet returned, but we are in hourly ex- 

 pectation of him. I think we shall leave this immediately on 

 his return, and I shall not be sorry: new plants begin to get 

 scarce, but on the whole I think the Island has not been unpro- 

 ductive. I have 130 descriptions/ about 40 drawings &c; i shall 

 have employment when I get to Bencoolen, in investigating these 

 further than my present means of reference allow, and above all 

 in comparing them with the information I expect from you. 



Have the goodness to remember me very kindly to Mrs. 

 Wallieh. 



Do you see my friend Lindsay 91 occasionally? I must write 

 him if possible before I leave this. 



Believe me ever, 



My dear Wallich, 



Yours very affectionately, 



William Jack. 

 P.S. Write soon. 



Pulu Penang 



May 7th, 1819 



[Eeceived June 23rd] 



My dear Wallich, 



Sir Stamford did not return from Aeheen till the 29th ult. 

 the business there having proved more difficult and tedious than 

 was anticipated. It will take him some days longer to close the 

 affair altogether, and then we shall bid adieu to this Island of 

 delay and obstruction. You will I am sure be happy to learn, that 

 the cause of honour and justice has been triumphant over that 

 which was in every way the reverse. Every person here rejoices 

 in the result, from regard to the British character, except the 



80. Jack's published writings contain only 54 descriptions of Penang 

 plants. 



81. Who this Lindsay was, has not been ascertained. Dr. F. G. Gravely, 

 Hon. Secretary of the Asiatic Society of Bengal, has been so good as ta 

 search his records in Calcutta, and does not find his name as a member. 



Jour. Straits Branch 



