My dear Sir.

In the absence of my father I have to acknowledge the receipt by this morning’s post, of your letter & a packet of author’s copy¹ The books you enquire after now stand thus—

We are now printing 2000 N^o. of Descent of Man.

With regard to the Expression I must explain that we have not as yet quite sold off the 7000 N^o. already accounted for—but we hope to do so, & to begin on the 2000 N^o. subsequently printed; at our Sale this year, we consider that the 9^th. thousand may fairly be quoted.³

I am Dear Sir | Yours faithfully | John Murray jun

Ch Darwin Esq | &c &c &c