WCP5304

[1]

Down,

Beckenham, Kent,

Railway Station

Orpington. S.E.R.

Dec[ember] 17/ [18]79

My dear Hooker,

I have had a letter marked private from Mis Buckley on the following subject, but please observe that she wishes her name not to be mentioned. She says that Wallace "is not strong & that literary work "tires him very much, & the "uncertainty of it is a great "anxiety to him". She adds that [2] she knows "that he pecuriaerily ^pecuniarily it is of importance to him to get a regular salary". He lately wrote to her " I want some regular "work either partially out-door "or if indoor then not more than "5 or 6 hours a day, & capable of "being partially done at home. This "I see no probability, hardly a "possibility of getting at my age" [3]

Miss. Buckley asked me to consult you Lubbuck, & others whether anything can be done for him. I can see no possibility of obtaining any scientific work for him. With a small regular salary; but it has occurred to me that it might be just possible to get him one of the government pensions. You can judge infinitely better than I can on this head; [4] and will you be so kind as to let me hear what you think. Of the presidents of the several leading scientific societies & some dozen other eminent scientific men were wiling to sign a memorial stating his claims, government would perhaps listen to it; especially if any influential men like yourself could say a word in his favour. It seems to me that a fairly strong claim might be made out — his travels in S[outh]. America & the Malay archipelago for [5] scientific purposes his large share in the decent theory, — his grand work on geographical distinction, — essays on protection &c. If you think ^{at all} favourably of the scheme, will you talk it over with any other leading men such as Huxley or Spottiswoode as soon as you meet them. I am in very bad position for doing much, but [6] should feel bound to undertake all the labor, if the plan is considered feasible by you and a few others. I hope & think that the cause justifies me in telling you about it.

My dear Hooker l ever yours sincerely | Charles Darwin [signature]