Transcribe Hornaday, W. T. Letter to Ward, H. A. (1876-04-01)

for the arduous work just before us. I must not omit telling you that Dr.. Alfredo Dalla Costa. a young gentleman of the best family in Venezuela is going to accompany us for two weeks on our cruise in the Delta. He is a good shot, and an agreeable fellow, and wii be of use to us in a thousand different ways. His brother has a friend at Sacupana to whom we are reccommended, which is another advantage. Dr Alfredo furnishes his share of provisions, pays his own passage, and goes merely for the sport of hunting. He is thoroughly businesslike in everything and his company & good services will be of the greatest use to us.

       We intend returning to Port of Spain on

the steamer of May 3rd. Will get on at the wood yard in the delta, and dismiss Mr Silver there. We have agreed Mr S. $10. per week for himself and large boat.

       Well, for the present I must close. Will

have no opportunity to write you for the next month as you will readily see.

       Mr Jackson joins me in sending kind

regards to Mrs Ward, Miss Eunice, Fred, and all the rest. Do not expect too many manatees But I trust you will not be disappointed in your "Great Expectations", and let us all hope for the best. You have many correspondents, but none who want to hear from you more than ourselves.

       Very truly yours,

Wm T. Hornaday.