WCP7141

[1]¹

4 Bryanston St. Portman Sq.

Home tomorrow or early on Tuesday²

Sunday Oct. 31. [1880]

Private

My dear Miss Buckley

Some time ago I spoke to Sir J. Lubbock about Wallace and a Government pension, and this morning I produced a decided effect on Huxley.³ — He has asked me to draw up a full, but condensed statement of Wallace’s claims; and he will then endeavour to talk over Hooker and Spottiswoode.⁴ — Therefore I think there is a fair chance of getting up a memorial to Government. — When I began to think over the case, I found myself very deficient in knowledge, and bethought me that you with your generous spirit would aid me. I have written down some questions, which ^will serve me as memoranda when I get home, and when I will lose no time. — If I were to ask Wallace any of these questions he would think me mad or impertinent. — (He perhaps would think that you intended writing sketch of his life in some [2] Journal.) Perhaps you can answer some, or get answers by some indirect manner from him. — Any hints or advice of any kind would be of greatest value. — Especially about his present circumstances. You will understand these materials are solely for Huxley, Hooker and perhaps 2 or 3 others’ consideration. The Government Memorial will be a separate consideration. I do most earnestly hope that we may succeed.

I know well, busy as you are, that you will help me as far as lies in your power.

Believe me, My dear Miss Buckley | Yours sincerely | Charles Darwin

Huxley feared that even if we could get a memorial signed by a few first-rate men, yet it might be extremely difficult to get a pension on account of the scandalous manner in which these pensions are jobbed. —

Therefore it seems very desirable that Wallace should hear nothing about it