To Asa Gray   21 December [1859]

My dear Gray

I have just received your most kind, long & valuable letter.—¹ I will write again in a few days, for I am at present unwell & much pressed with business.— To day’s note is merely personal. I sh^d. for several reasons be very glad of an American Edition;² I have made up my mind to be well abused; but I think it of importance that my notions sh^d. be read by intelligent men, accustomed to scientific argument though not naturalists. It may seem absurd but I think such men will drag after them those naturalists, who have too firmly fixed in their heads that a species is an entity.— The 1^st Edit of 1250 copies was sold on first day, & now my Publisher is printing off as rapidly as possible 3000 more copies.— I mention this solely because it renders probable a remunerative sale in America.— I sh^d. be infinitely obliged if you could aid an American Reprint; & could make, for my sake & Publisher’s, any arrangement for any profit.— The new Edit. is only Reprint; yet I have made a few important corrections. I will have the clean sheets sent over in a few days of as many sheets as are printed off & the remainder afterwards, & you can do anything you like.— If nothing there is no harm done. I sh^d be glad for the new Edit to be reprinted, & not the old.—³

In great haste & with hearty thanks. | Yours’ very sincerely | C. Darwin

I will write soon again