WCP3129

[1] ¹

Aldington, [?]

July 6,1889.

My dear Dr Wallace;

I don't know why you should be so kind to me. I think your being is a great compliment, and fancy there must be something in one 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 ([one word 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]² of and sending it to me, for which, indeed, I am most grateful. I told a genteleman here — a Mr McArthur — about it and what were its contents generally and your views in particular and offered to lend it to him, but he replied, no; for, said he, I shall get it for myself, and 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 you² [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 and 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. Allen [signature]

Alfred Russel Wallace Esq

P.S. I am only just recovered from a severe illness.