Autograph letter signed : London, to William Angus Knight, 1872 December 1.

Apologizing that he is not in Leeds to host him; mentioning the strained relationship between Alexander Strahan and The Contemporary [Review] and saying "Thus you will see that the Editor's office is a 'house divided against itself!' I can well believe, therefore, that you have found difficulty in dealing with Mr. Strahan;" adding that he hopes to leave London en route to Alexandria via Marseilles; saying "...if this journey does not set me up for good, I shall have to seek some less trying labour in a quieter circle; this will be indeed a trial, but I have no reason to anticipate it; on the contrary, I have every hope that I shall finally outgrow every weakness, and be relieved of all apprehension as to my future. I trust you will pass a pleasant winter, and that all agitation will die away, leaving you to consolidate your position. I would that we were nearer; it does me good to speak with you: I hope, however, to find fresh stimulus in Egypt - spiritually no less than physically."