Autograph letter signed : Peebles, to William Angus Knight, 1887 July 8.

Concerning his progress on Spinoza and his concern about Knight's expectations; saying "I feel in some perplexity as to the request you have so kindly made. I had other plans of work for the Summer, & I am in great doubt as to whether I could produce anything adequate to the importance of the subject. Moreover with two big books recently published on Spinoza (i.e. before mine can be out) the interest in the subject will be forestalled...but I will try to consider what resources, from past or future study, I am likely to bring to such a work, & let you know shortly - in a week or ten days - whether I can undertake it. Should you be compelled, however, to get a man at once & without further delay, don't hesitate a moment to put it in other hands. I am afraid, with other engagements incessantly worrying me & after leaving me little uninterrupted leisure for study, I would be unable to make any definite promise as to the time of publication."