The following is in reply to a request that he would write a letter, as he describes it elsewhere, "about the wife's sister business—for the edification of the peers."
3 Jevington Gardens, Eastbourne, March 12, 1889.
My dear Donnelly,
I feel "downright mean," as the Yankees say, that I have not done for the sake of right and justice what I am moved to do now that I have a personal interest in the matter of the directest kind; and I rather expect that will be thrown in my teeth if my name is at the bottom of anything I write.
On the other hand, I loathe anonymity. However, we can take time to consider that point.
Anyhow I will set to work on the concoction of a letter, if you will supply me with the materials which will enable me to be thoroughly posted up in the facts.
I have just received your second letter. Pity you could not stay over yesterday—it was very fine.
Ever yours very faithfully,
T.H. Huxley.
[The letter in question is as follows:—]