[Enclosure]

Dec 19. 1874

My dear Hooker

I had no opportunity of talking to you about Mivart’s affair on Thursday But it came to a catastrophe that evening— I read the July article at the club and quite share Darwin’s opinion about it— It is scandalous & the apology is wholly insufficient— Smith ought to be ashamed of it & I shall let him know what I think, when opportunity serves¹⁰

Mivart was at the meeting in the evening; & while the ‘swell’ of my indignation was still on—he came & bothered me about the MS of my Linnean paper—¹¹ I told him I had settled all that with the President,¹² in the dryest of tones, & turned my back on him, to talk with someone else   Next morning I reflected that this sort of thing could not go on—and as his ghostly father, Roberts, is attending my lectures I called him aside after my lecture & asked him to give me a few minutes conversation¹³

I told him what had happened and asked him to let Mivart know my opinion about the article. I told him that I had neither right nor wish to ask if M. was the writer of the article—still less to influence the expression of his opinion—but that I had a right to regulate my own social relations—. That G. D. was a friend for whom I had every respect & that I desired Mivart to know, that I objected to have anything to do, with the writer of an article, which had so unjustifiably attacked a friend of mine—.

Father Roberts is a gentleman & quite appreciated my views & undertook my commission

He did not tell me in so many words that Mivart wrote the article—but his manner left no doubt of the fact in my mind.

I will let you know what turns up if anything does

In the meanwhile, I think Darwin had better let the matter rest. It is not worth his while to write to Mivart— The explosion will go down to the account of my short temper and all desirable practical results will be obtained.

The slavery humbug has had one dressing at my hands & he knows better than to provoke another & worse.

Ever | yours | THH