Transcribe Hornaday, W. T. Letter to Ward, Henry A. (1877-06-25)

Cotacamund, Neilgherry Hills Monday, June 25th 1877

Dear Prof Ward:

Well, the die is cast, and I am going to the Annamallies just as soon as I can geta way from here, which will be about day after tomorrow. I recd a letter from Theobald last night, which decided me at once to visit his locality. He assures me that I will not be disappointed in the Annamallies, and promises *two elephants* anyhow. I am to shoot the elephants over in the neighboring Rajalis territory, and the Rajah is willing *but* there is a bug-bear in the way at present. Theobald says the Rajah wants a fee of *£10* for each elephant shot, as he evidently thinks I want them for the ivory, which would be worth at least that much if not considerable [sic] more. But T. writes that he will try to beat the Rajah down from this fee, and thinks he can succeed in doing it. *I am going* anyhow, and between us I think we shall be able to fetch the Rajah down to our side. I will run the risk of his proving generous and go right on. The Annimallies are 80 miles S. of Coimbatore, which you will see is almost in my way to Mardras, as I should have to go to Coimbatore anyhow, I will go prepared to stay a month and to bring out 2 elephant skeletons as well as all the good smaller mammalia &c I can pick up. T. assures me that the entire cost of getting out the 2 skels will not be more than £20, or £25. You have been vainly offering £25 *each* for skels, so you see why I am so anxious to go to the Annimallies. I think this chance should not be let slip, under any account. If I find the Rajah insists on his £10 fee for each elephant I will get out as quickly & cheaply as I can, and strike for Ceylon. But he *must* give in on that fee. I have just sent my last circular note (for £25) to Madras to be cashed to meet the expenses of the expedition to the Annimallies. Besides that I have about Ro 150 in cash by me, which I intend shall go a good ways. I take a bullock cart from Coimbatore to the Hills at about Ro 6, and I intend to walk from here to the R.R. to save Ro 13 that a horse would cost.

Since mailing my last letter to you I have been cooped up in the house all the week. Last week it rained for *six* days