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 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