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50, ALBEMARLE STREET, W.

June 9th 1909.

Dear Mr. Shipley,

I send you today by registered post my volume of Darwin's Letters. I need not ask you take care of it and let me have it back as soon as it is done with.

Many thanks for your kind invitation. I am afraid it would be quite impossible for me to get down, as it happens to be an exceedingly full week with me, both in regard to business, and in regard to the bazaar for the Hospital for Sick Shildren, of which I am Vice chairman. Our great summer Fair and Fête opens that week, and as the Queen is coming and much of the responsibility rests with me, I cannot leave London. For the same reason my son will find it very difficult to get away; as he is also on the council but if a chance should present itself I hope you will allow us to let you know.

Yours very truly,

John Murray

A. E. Shipley Esq.,