WCP6296

[1]

Parkstone, Dorset.

Dec^r 31st 1893

Dear Mr. Slater

Your letter conveying the sad news of the death of my much esteemed old friend¹ grieved me greatly, although, of course, it has been to some extent expected for some years. Only a short time back I saw a notice of some article written by him which pleased me as showing he was still able to do the botanical work in which he found so much pleasure. To you who saw him so frequently the loss [2] must be a great one, since I hardly know anyone who was so intelligent, amusing, & loveable a companion.

If you could furnish me with a few dates of his early life, and a list of his various papers, which I dare say you have at hand, I should like to write a notice of him for "Nature," — unless Mr Clement Markham or Sir Joseph Hooker are likely to do it. Perhaps you know [3] if Mr Markham corresponded with him recently.

You probably know if he left any "Journals" or their literary Mss. he wished to have published, in which case I would do what I can in the way of editing. I always regretted he did not publish a condensed account of his observations & adventures in S. America.

Believe me | Yours very Sincerely | Alfred R. Wallace [signature]

M.B.Slater Esq.