Section of a letter on a sheet torn from a letter-book, which is nearly illegible. It reads as follows: 'I think we were wrong in proposing Captain Wm Allen as a Commissioner - The letters published in the Nav. & [Military] Mag was the most flowery good-for-nothing story I ever read, in one place half boasting of his dexterity in making a native Chief drunk if I recollect right. I have been told also that he had a habit of eating and drinking without regard to the consequences, which nearly killed him the last time. It will probably finish him if he goes again. Though it may be true or false - but I wish we were well rid of him and had for our 3 Commissioners his brother Ben Allen and Cook and Trotter. I think that very good advantage would arise if McLean Gov[ernor] of G. Coast wd order to accompany the expedition Mr Jessop he understands the native character and gets on with the natives better than anybody. I send you Rev. Mr Pyne's recommendation etc. He wants an answer whether he is to be tutor to the Ashantees. I send you the copy of a letter which I wrote to James Stephen which will show how the matter stands. I send you a copy of Lord John's letter to me which will encourage our friends when they meet. As for the guarantee, Sam Hoare has promised to sign it and W[llliam] Evans will no doubt do so.'