[Hugh Low, colonial administrator and naturalist; Sir John Pope-Hennessy] A substantial Autograph Letter Signed responding (biographically & fully) to a 'libellous' newspaper article (also present).

Seven Pages, 12mo, two bifoliums, first page a little grubby but letter in good condition. Text: Dear Sirs [solicitor?] | I enclose a cutting from a newspaper called 'Society' [perhaps London Society?] which appeared in the Edition of the 2nd Inst | As the greater part of the statements there made is inaccurate & calculated to give pain, I shall be v[er]y much obliged if you will kindly advise me as to the steps which should be taken to [?] an ear[l]y contradiction to these misstatements. 1. With regard to the marriage referred to I am assured that this is not contemplated [inaccurate!] & that the reports are unauthorised. | 2. Lady Hennessy's mother was the daughter of Mr W. Napier, Lieut Governor of Labuan, and was married to me in St Andrews Church in Singapore on the 12th Augt 1848 by the Revd C. Hannen, Chaplain to H.M.S. Maeander [see Note c.], in the presence of the late Sir James Brooke [the White Rajah] - the gentleman [...] whom I [may?] mention the present Rajah of Sarawak, And the Hnble Sir H. Keppel [Wikipedia] and Sir Spencer St John [Wikipedia]. | 3. I am the son of Mr Hugh Low, head of the firm of Hugh Low & Co. nursery gardeners of Upper Clapton - I went to Borneo in 1844 & not to Perak, as alleged, taking with me letter of introduction to Sir James Brooke with whom I spent the next two years, by whose advice I applied for & received my first Government appointment as Secretary in the Colony of Labuan & to whose example & friendship I am proud to owe my success which may subsequently have attended me in my dealings with the Mal[a]y race - | I went to Perak as Resident in 1877 after the murder of the Late Mr. Birch [James Wheeler Woodford Birch; see Wikipedia] | 4. Lady Hennessy [now?] had a daughter [?] involved legal proceedings between myself [?] Ever took place respecting a[n]y child whatever. The differences between myself and Sir John Pope-Hennessy from our divergent views as to the conduct of public business [?] Should further explanation be necessary, I could call upon you on any morning convenient to yourself. NOTES: a. Catherine Kitty Elizabeth Low (1850-1923), daughter of Hugh Low; b. The respondent has added a few words saying that he has sent Low a letter advised no notice S.H.; c. HMS Maeander served in the East Indies, cooperating with James Brooke in the suppression of piracy