From John Murray   9 March 1872

My Dear Dear

I shall be happy to give you for the present Edition of your work on Man, consisting of 1000 copies, the sum of Three Hundred Guineas, being as nearly as I can calculate, $\frac{2}{3}$^ds of the probable profits of the Edition, nearly half of wch are disposed of¹   Since however, greater part of these were sold so recently that I shall not be paid for them until Sept^r next—I propose to give you my note of hand for the above named sum, at 4 months date from the 1^st. March last— On receiving your assent to this proposal I will have the pleasure to send you the note

I remain | My Dear Sir | Yours very faithfully | John Murray

Charles Darwin Esq