Engels to F. Walter
in London
(Draft)

[London,] 21 Dec. 88

To Mr F. Walter,
47, Marshallst., Golden Sq., W.

Dear Mr Walter,

When you first wrote to me, you were entirely unknown to me, and I could therefore pay no more attention to your letter than to the many letters of similar content which reach me from strangers.

You now refer to Most, which leads me to conclude that you belong to the anarchists. As long, however, as the anarchists fight far more against our party fighting in Germany than against the common enemy, my resources belong to the victims of the persecution by the German governments, and it cannot be demanded that I should support people who adopt a hostile attitude towards my friends and party comrades in Germany and elsewhere.

Under all circumstances I am unable to get the broker! out of your house.

If, however, I should be mistaken as to your party orientation, you can easily establish your credentials with my old friend Leßner, 12, Fitzroyst., and I would then gladly do something for a genuine party comrade, although the repayment of a debt like yours far exceeds my means.

Respectfully and devotedly.

1 Bailiff.