My dear Sir

I am writing in a great hurry on account of Sunday Post.— I am much pleased that you will answer M^r Butler— I have been advised not to do so.—³ What you say in your letter is perfectly true.— Your conduct towards me has been in every respect & at all times most generous.— I think that your answer had better be short.—

Butler has written an abusive letter about me to the newspaper & I have written to a friend to send it you as soon as possible.⁴ I have not read & do not intend to read a word which he writes— I really think that he is half insane & a lady who knows him well, says it is extreme vanity—

Pray send me a corrected proof of your answer.

Yours ever gratefully | Ch. Darwin

In great Haste