WCP3360

[1]

Frith Hill, Godalming

May 4^th. 1885

T.H.S. Escott Esq.¹

Dear Sir

Yours returning my Mss. much surprised me. I feel sure there was nothing in my letter which could be construed into "imposing any conditions" on you. I merely inquired if you could publish it in June; and after having sent you an article at your request, and not even having heard whether you had read and accepted it, I think [2] it was not such an extravagant thing to make such an inquiry after three months. If you had told me you could not publish it till July I sh[oul]^d have been satisfied, or if you had returned it in a month ^{after receipt} as unsuitable, I should have been quite content, — but as it is I do not think I have been well-treated. Such an inquiry as I made to you I have often had occasion to make before, but never [3] have I had a reply such as yours.

I remain | Yours faithfully | Alfred R. Wallace [signature]