The Young Shetlander; Or Shadow Over the Sunshine, Being Life and Letters of Thomas Edmondston ... (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1868 edition. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER XI. 1845. AN proposes, God disposes." After all the eager desires and strenuous efforts to attain a situation where he might become independent of other resources than his own, after he had happily attained it, and had addressed himself so energetically to its duties, --duties which very few youths of his age would have attempted, --an aspect wholly unexpected was given to his future prospects by the following letter from Professor Edward Forbes. " 6, Craig's Court, Charing Cross, London, " 29th April 1845. " Dear Edmondston.--Before stating what I write about, I must request an immediate answer by return of post to this. " An expedition is going out to the Pacific and California. It sails in a fortnight. This morning I have been sent for to the admiralty to say whether I could recommend a naturalist at a moment's notice, as Prince Albert had desired that a naturalist should be appointed to accompany the expedition. The salary will be between 250 and 300 a year, finding mess out of it. This I consider good pay. Now it seems to me that this would be an admirable opportunity for you, both to pursue your scientific aims, and to lay the basis of a distinguished reputation. It is very short notice, but I went to the Oregon on a shorter, having got all ready in a week. It may lead to much better things than your Andersonian appointment could possibly do. " Now, if you write at once, saying that you would like to go (there is no time to consult friends at a distance), I will do everything in my power to get you appointed, and can almost promise you the appointment. Should it be so, you will have to come to London at once to prepare. " There will be no time to get any replies to any letter of yours to Shetland, but I feel sure...