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8320 [[underlined]] Copy [[/underlined]]

[[Stamp: SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION AUG 1 1866]]

Quesnel Mouth. B.C.

May 24, 1866.

Dr. Ball.

It is fitting that I should give you a farewell line just before starting out into the wilderness.

You must know how deeply I regret not having been informed of Col B's wish that I should accompany him this year sooner, but how could I with courtesy leave Conway after all arrangements had been made between us for this coming year without his free consent and without the express wish from Col Bulkley that I should do so? I can only hope that the same offer will be made to me next year. I accompany Conway in the capacity of Secretary or Adjutant, a position that I feel competent to take as you know I have served as such before. I can do but little for Natural Science as the rush and bustle of a lively construction party will divert all my attention and will wait for a better opportunity but will have a good opportunity to fill my portfolio with sketches. Well I hope that [[strikethrough]] you [[/strikethrough]] I shall meet you alive and well next fall - you may look for me at the mouth of the Stickeen River. Please remember me to Col Bulkley, to Wright and Chappel, and believe me

Sincerely yours

Henry W. Elliott.

[[flourish beneath signature]]