To A. R. Wallace   23 November 1881

My dear Wallace

M^rs. Lyell has sent me a copy of Lyell’s Life;¹ but as I did not in the least expect this, I have ordered a copy, which will arrive in a few days.— Accordingly I wrote to M^rs. Lyell, saying that no doubt there were many friends of Lyell, to whom she had found it impossible to send copies, & I asked her whom she would prefer that I sh^d. send my superfluous copy in her name, & she answered that she particularly wished it to go to you.—² I write now to know whether the postal address is the best for a Railway parcel, as the book is too heavy for the post.— Please answer by return of Post.—

I hope that you & all of yours are well & prosperous.— | In Haste to catch the postman | Yours very sincerely | Ch. Darwin