WCP2625

[1]¹

North Waltham Rectory,

Micheldever, Hants^.2

July 7. 1879

My dear Sir

Your kind letter is one of many encouraging proofs that the scheme I have long had at heart is laying hold upon thinking men. I am especially glad to hear its treatment in my two articles has given you pleasure, as I feel that I have thus unconsciously made some little return for the enjoyment and instruction I have received from several of things hearing you name. [2]

The matter is not, I am glad to say, standing still. We have a Committee for the promotion of the subject, & which the enclosed refers, and which is daily increasing in members. I am sure I may rely upon your giving any aid you can, as opportunity may serve, to the advancement of the cause by pen or in conversation. we shall shortly issue a sort of summery of the subject, as a manifesto of our Society (which is totally apart from politics). If you will give us your name as a supporter of the principle of my proposals, we shall be [3] ³ glad to include it with those of many other eminent and influential adherents already gained[?] to the cause.

Believe me, | with cordial thanks for your sympathetic letter, | very truly yours | W[illia]^m L. Blackley [signature]

[4]⁴