WCP5537

[1]¹

Nov 26 / [18]80²

Dear Darwin

Huxley³ spoke to you yesterday about the pension for Wallace, which you proposed to me not very long ago, & which we both thought at the time would be a hopeless attempt under the circumstances of his Spiritualism, & the fact that he had obtained £500 by the bet on the Sphericality of the Globe⁴. —

H[uxley]. tells me that the bet tells all the other way, [2] for that he ^{believes he} gave the money to a charity: & if this be so, which I have no reason to doubt, though he certainly has the credit if the contrary — there remains only the Spiritualism: which should not I think be an objection to urging his claim, — though I am doubtful as to whether it should not be mentioned privately to the Minister. I am writing to Huxley to this effect. [3]⁵ i e. asking his opinion.

I need not add that if you & he think decide I will follow & do my best.

Ever aff[ectionately]. y[ou]rs | J. D. Hooker. [signature]