Tuesday 5th August 1879: London

URGENT POSTAL DISPATCH

Dear Baron; Sir,

May I suggest, after you have reviewed our report on the recent activity at the manor house and grounds in Birmingham, your eventual acquisition of said grounds, or by the Crown, recommended to be completed as soon as possible.

There are several rare living specimens on the grounds: Monkeys, Leopards, and a very large, very dangerous Anaconda.

It is important that the Royal Zoological Society be dispatched posthaste with the requisite cages and equipment to retain, if possible, these unique specimens.

Whilst most of the specimens can be captured with sensible procedures of those trained in as such, it should be noted that the anaconda is of great size, and highly familiar with the waterways on the grounds. It may be necessary to entrap the creature with bait such as a piglet or lamb that may be purchased from the local village, and secure netting.

My concern is that the region of Birmingham and environs has many canals used for transportation and as such, the snake must not be allowed to transit to such locations as it would be impossible to recapture. The one advantage I suspect, based on observation, is that currently the creature prefers aquatic environs and would not traverse large distances over land to reach such canals.

Your urgent assistance in this matter would be most appreciated.

Your loyal servant in arms, as always,

Jonathan