Letter 1162

[fol. 25] Worthy Sir When I arrivd here in April last from Cochinchina I took the opportunitie just to let you know that I was alive; and upon my arrival at Banjar I receivd yours of the date December 15. 1704 with a great deal of pleasure being the second I have had from you since I left England. Im obligd to you for remembring me with some Books, but only the Transactions come to my hands. After the Honble Companie was pleasd to conferr upon me the Chiefship of Banjar, I thought of staying there sometime to fetch up my losses, but now that place being likewise ruind, I begin to think it high time to make a trip home to visite mt friends which is the greatest raritie I can bring them after running of so many hazards (the relation whereof might bring me into the list with Mendez Pinto) which have deprivd me of the opportunitie I formerlie enjoyd of endeavouring to graitifie my Worthy Friends with what curiosities came in my way: Nevertheless the deep impression of Gratitude & my Inclinations continue still the same, & as a token thereof I send you a few minute Specimens of Cochinchinese Plants by the Surgeon of the Carleton, hoping to bring the rest myself upon the Bleinheim next year if we meet but a favorable of getting a loading here for her. I am with all imagineable respect Sir Your most Obliged & most Humble Servt Ja: Cuninghame Batavia Septr. 22. 1707