Walter Knight James an Ernst Haeckel, Nuneaton (England), 17. November 1884
Nuneaton
Warwickshire
England
Novr 17th 1884
My dear Professor,
A short time ago I was unfortunately obliged to leave Ceylon through ill health & come to Europe. I have been seriousley ill, but am glad to say that after a complete rest I am now quite restored. I had hoped to be able to send you several other embryonic sets of reptilia but I was not able to do so before I left. I was ordered on board a steamer at a few hours notice & had to leave many unprepared specimens in other hands, a large number of which I am sorry to say were allowed to perish.
Owing to the Ceylon Government policy of retrenchment it is very likely that the Colombo Normal Institution of which I am Principal will be abolished & that I may not have to return to the Island. Thus I wish to look out for something to do in England or some other country or British Colony. I thought perhaps as you were kind enough to take an interest in me you might very kindly advise me what course to pursue or perhaps || assist me to obtain a situation as Director or Curator of a Museum or some similar work. Could you give a letter to Dr Günther of the British Museum or any other Scientific men who might help me? I know that your great position & influence would place me at a considerable advantage.
Besides being Principal of the Normal Institution at Colombo, I was Inspector of Science to the Government & Science Lecturer and I wrote a number of School books in the Siṇhalese Language.
I have to thank you very much for the copies of some of your books which you so kindly sent me. I trust that your New Laboratory is progressing well & that you have found the time spent upon your Ceylon specimens interesting & profitable.
My student Abawira left me some time ago to take charge of a School, he was always anxoius to hear about you as were all the Belligama people.
I trust you will pardon me troubling you with personal matter, but I shall be deeply grateful for your kindness
I am dear Professor
Your obedient servant
W. Knight James.