[London,] Friday [22 October 1858]

Dear Engels,

I haven't a moment to lose today, for it's already 2 o'clock and
I've still not begun the article. I am just writing you these few
lines to inform you that you must send something next week. Two
articles a week means my spending an enormous amount of time
hunting for material. Write about China. Another subject might
be the ludicrous rifled cannons article in today's Times.

Yesterday, after ages of silence, a letter arrived from Pieper—
from the hospital in Dalston (London).

My mother has written me a fatuous letter. She has postponed
our discussion until such time as I 'shall' visit her. Obviously there
has been interference by a third party.

The manuscript has not gone off yet and, Lupus or no Lupus,
it will be weeks before I am able to send it.

Your
K. M.