My dear Huxley,

Hooker has sent me your note to him to read, and I must write a few lines to say again how I honour you both for being willing to undertake so disagreeable a job for our sakes and pro bono publico.² Scarcely anything in my life has made me so indignant and pained me so much as this attack on George. If Mivart sends any answer I should not be surprised if he says the article was much altered. He said this about the article in the “Month” in which I was attacked as an atheist, &c.:³ in this case I will see that Murray hears that the responsibility of the libel is thrown on the Editor’s shoulders.⁴ I cannot think what you will do if Mivart takes no notice. I do not believe that Mivart will put down the whole affair “to the account of my short temper,” as you are pleased to say;⁵ he must know you too well for that. Hooker is still inclined (after he hears the result of your move) to write direct to Mivart,⁶ and I think this has some advantages. I shall be very anxious to hear the result. From what you say I shall not write until the ground is clear, so when I know that he admits the article or will give no answer, I shall write in very plain terms, and so come to a dead cut

Yours very gratefully | Ch. Darwin