[Draft] 
[London,] 17 April 1883 

Dear Sir, 

There exists a manuscript—~a critical résumé of Das Kapital by 
me*—among the papers of the late Dr Marx, but up to to-day 
we have been unable to find it amongst the mass of papers left by 
him. 

However, even if found, I should hesitate to send it to you at least 
for the purpose you indicate. I am not aware that it is usual, in the 
literature of this or any other country, for one author to lend his manu- 
scripts to another. 

As to our experience of English review-writers it has not been very 
encouraging. With the exception of a few clergymen of the Church of 
England, they have invariably distorted our views and disfigured our 
actions. Their utter ignorance of our theory and practice has been 
equalled only by their presumption. The XLX Century I believe, in July 
1878, published an article of George Howell on the International 

9 F. Engels, Synopsis of Volume One of ‘Capital’ by Karl Marx.- See this volume, 
p. 12.-° G. Howell, ‘The History of the International Association’, The Nineteenth 
Century, No. XVII, July 1878. 

brimfull of untruths and inaccuracies. Marx sent you a reply* 
but you refused to insert it. 

I am afraid, if you want to acquaint yourself with Marx’s views you 
will have to read the German, Russian or French edition of Das Kapi- 
tal. 

I know but one living Englishman capable of giving a correct ac- 
count of the contents of Das Kapital. It is a barrister in Manchester. ° 
If you desire I shall be glad to ask him whether he is willing to under- 

take the task for you. 
Yours faithfully 

Jos. Knowles Esq. 
the Hollies, Clapham Common 
S.W.