{Algiers,| Friday, 28 April 1882 

Dear Frep, 

RECEIVED YOUR LETTER AND THE AGlnische Zeitungs. 
This note is simply to inform you that I shall be leaving Algiers on 

* Abdul Hamid II 

2 May (Tuesday) on the same Said and with the same commandant? 
Mr Mace, ‘lieutenant de vaisseau’,» as brought me to Algiers. Last 
Wednesday I paid a visit to a French squadron of 6 ironclads; natu- 
rally I inspected the flagship, Le Colbert, where a petty officer, 
a handsome, intelligent lad, showed me around and demonstrated 
everything in detail. As I took my leave he told me in typically 
French fashion that he was sick of his boring duties and hoped to get 
his discharge bientôt.. 1 and my companions .(3 co-locataires‘ from the 
Hotel Victoria) were not allowed on board until after ‘duties’. So we 
watched the manoeuvres of the flagship and the 5 other ironclads 
from our boat, alias skiff, as we rowed to and fro. There is to be 
a ‘ball’ on the Colbert tomorrow afternoon. I could have got hold of an 
invitation card for this, too, through Fermé, but there wasn’t time. 
For on Tuesday (25 Avril) I was given my final examination by 
Stephann; no more fatouement* with collodion; guo-ad‘ a recurrence of 
pleurisy ALTOGETHER ABSOLVED; however I’m to see him tomorrow (Sa- 
turday) at 3 o’clock to get his written diagnosis and take my leave of 
him. The weather is now very hot on occasion, but 1n racr a hurri- 
cane— with sirocco storms coming and going—has persisted (un- 
interruptedly at night, in repeated gusts during the day) throughout 
the week (including to-pay). That is the reason why my cough has not 
responded hitherto; Hence high time to flee Algiers. 
Best wishes to all. 

Your 
Old Moor 

Apropos; because of the sun, I have done away with my prophet’s 
beard and my crowning glory but (in deference to my daughters) had 
myself photographed before offering up my hair on the altar of an Al- 
gerian barber. I shall receive the photographs next Sunday (30 Ap- 
ril). Specimina will be sent to you from Marseilles. On inspection you 
will observe that, consiperinc the 8 whole weeks (during which I did 
not in fact have one day of complete repose) of painting with collo- 
dion (after the manner of Ludwig of Bavaria 3°°), 7’ai_fatt encore bonne 
mine a mauvais jeu.