WCP3374

[1]

Waldron Edge, Duppas Hill,

Croydon.

Sept^r. 27th 1878

Dear Mr. Macmillan¹

Since I saw you the chance of an appointment which would exactly suit me has turned up, and I am working hard to get it. The enclosed memorials have been required by a large number of scientific men, M.P’s &c. almost all the larger are.

I should very much like to have the signatures of Gladstone,² Ruskin³ and Tennyson.⁴ The first you know. Could you ask him if he would sign either? I think I should ask Mr. Knowles⁵ about Tennyson. Any how you know lots of [2] important men & you know those who are likely to have read my books.

All the great scientific men I have got, but a few names which are known, even in the city, would be useful. The Duke of Argyll⁶ & Marquis of Ripon⁷ have agreed, but a Conservative peer or two might be useful. Do you know such a creature?

The Committee of the Corporation who have to manage the Forest & make all the appointments, will be chosen next week, so there is now no time to lose I enclose envelopes for return.

Yours very faithfully | Alfred R. Wallace [signature]

A. Macmillan Esq.

[3]⁸