To John Murray   8 November [1869]¹

My dear Sir

Will you be so kind as to inform me what were the exact terms, by which you granted for me to M. V. Masson of Paris the right of translation of my Origin of Species.—² M. Masson has brought out a 3^d French Edition, without having had the common courtesy to inform me, so that none of the numerous corrections in the 4^th & 5^th English Editions have been taken advantage of.—³

M. Reinwald of Paris now writes to me that he will at once bring out a new Translation of the Origin “if you have not already formally transferred to another publisher the right of translation for subsequent Editions”.⁴

You will now understand my motives. I have other & valid reasons (viz one blasphemous preface, & a second preface abusive of myself) for wishing that a new translation sh^d appear.—⁵

Lastly, if you have not granted for me the right of translation for all subsequent editions, will you have the kindness to send to me the proper form for granting permission to M. Reinwald to produce a translation of the 5^th English Edition.

I am very anxious on this subject, so pray forgive me troubling you & kindly inform me as soon as you can.

My dear Sir | Yours sincerely | Ch. Darwin