WCP3129

[1]

Alwington,

July 6,1889.

My dear Dr Wallace;

I dont [sic] know why you should be so kind to me. I think your being is a great compliment, and fancy there must be something in me which I never found these myself; for, though at one time of my life I did think there was something in me, yet my knowledge of [2] so many personally & by their writings and my calm impersonal judgment of myself and them has knocked the conceit out of me & I can see things in their truth in the dry light of the understanding. And now I have to thank you for ([illeg.] so much your book and the clear and most exhaustive way in which you have treated a subject you have mastered so thoroughly) your great kindness in thinking [3] of and sending it to me, for which, indeed, I am most grateful. I told a genteleman here — a Mr McArthur¹— about it and what were its contents generally & your views in particular & offered to lend it to him, but he replied, no; for, said he, I shall get it for myself, & he said all sorts of flattering things about you, as one of the great epoch making men of the world whom the world would be sure to remember. I say ^this because, during our intercouse, I doubt if you [4] ever value yourself sufficiently or know in how high a degree you are valued by the best and highest minds in the world. I see too many who are valued too highly & then I feel angry and indignant & am not slow to express my opinion of them. But when I see true ability I am always glad to acknowledge it — truly glad. Indeed, my daughters often say of me 'There now, Papa is going up his ladder.' Many, many thanks for your kindness and your book.

Very truly yours | J. A. Allen² [signature]

Alfred Russel Wallace Esq

P.S. I am only just recovered from a severe illness. M^rs Allen & daughters well & the likeness most excellent and characteristic. J.A.A.