I am very much obliged to you for the number of the "St. James's Gazette", which I had not seen. The leading article expresses exactly the same conclusions as those at which I had myself arrived from the study of the deed of 1878. But of course I was not going to entangle myself in a legal discussion. However, I have reason to know that the question will be dealt with by a highly qualified legal expert before long. The more I see of the operations of headquarters the worse they look. I get some of my most valuable information and heartiest encouragement from officers of the Salvation Army; and I knew, in this way, of Smith's resignation a couple of days before it was announced! But the poor fellows are so afraid of spies and consequent persecution, that some implore me not to notice their letters, and all pledge me to secrecy. So that I am Vice-Fontanelle with my hand full of truth, while I can only open my little finger. It is a case of one down and t'other come on, just now. "--" will get his deserts in due time. But, oh dear, what a waste of time for a man who has not much to look to. No; "waste" is the wrong word; it's useful, but I wish that somebody else would do it and leave me to my books. My wife desires her kind regards. I am happy to say she is now remarkably well. If you are this way, pray look in at our Hermitage. Yours very faithfully, T.H. Huxley. Hodeslea, Eastbourne, January 30, 1891. My dear Hooker, I trust I have done with Booth and Co. at last. What an ass a man is to try to prevent his fellow-creatures from being humbugged! Surely I am old enough to know better. I have not been so well abused for an age. It's quite like old times. And now I have to settle accounts with the Duke and the G.O.M. I wonder when the wicked will let me be at peace. Ever yours affectionately, T.H. Huxley. [Other letters touch upon the politics of the hour, especially upon the sudden and dramatic fall of Parnell. He could not but admire the power and determination of the man, and his political methods, an admiration rashly interpreted by some journalist as admiration of the objects to which these political methods were applied. (See Volume 2.)] Grand Hotel, Eastbourne, November 26, 1890. My dear Lecky, Very many thanks for your two volumes, which I rejoice to have, especially as a present from you. I was only waiting until we were settled in our new house--as I hope we shall be this time next week--to add them to the set which already adorn my shelves, and I promise myself soon to enjoy the reading of them. The Unionist cause is looking up. What a strange thing it is that the Irish malcontents are always sold, one way or the other, by their leaders. I wonder if the G.O.M. ever swears! Pity if he can't have that relief just now. With our united kind regards to Mrs. Lecky and yourself. Ever yours very faithfully, T.H. Huxley. Grand Hotel, Eastbourne, November 29, 1890. My dear Hooker,