Sobraon
14 September 1888
Dear Chris,
I only got your letter this morning, so excuse a short reply as I want to catch the boat that leaves tonight.
It is too late now to think of coming out by the B I [British India Steam Navigation Company] as I have taken my old billet here as chief, and we sail on the 24th inst, so of course could not back out of it. I will however think seriously of it and let you have a line as to my future movements as soon as we arrive in Melbourne.
Shipping is looking up very well here at present but I don’t think it will be for long. It however makes one inclined to hang on. You might let me have a few lines on arrival the other end saying how things are there. I don’t know what the Commander will say to my leaving, at present he does not seem very keen on it.
We are as usual very busy now, and will leave here with a very good freight both of cargo and passengers.
Give my best love to Alec, and with the same to yourself old man, and also many thanks for your offer.
Your affectionate Brother
Archie Elmslie.