Engels to Norris A. Clowes, London, 22 July 1881

Letter (draft) from Friedrich Engels to Norris A. Clowes, London, 22 July 1881. On the same sheet, Engels's German draft to the editors of the Freiheit of the same day (not transcribed here). Manuscript preserved at the IISG (Karl Marx / Friedrich Engels Papers, inv. K 324), transcribed from the digital facsimile by the Escuela de marxismo, 2026 (double reading and collation with the image). Diplomatic transcription: spelling, capitals, abbreviations and punctuation as in the manuscript; underlining rendered as italics; deletions as text where legible, otherwise [ilegible]; interlinear and marginal additions inserted where marked, with a note; [?] after an uncertain reading. Traducción al español

122 Regents Park Road N.W.
London 22nd July 1881.

Norris A. Clowes Esq

Dear Sir I am sorry impossible my time will not allow me¹ It would be an impossibility for[?]² me to write to you the statement you desire, as it would require entering into the history of the trade[?] British working Class & its action since at least 1824, if not since the industrial revolution caused by Steam, and to that my time will not allow. However, if you wish to make yourself acquainted with the present state of³ what is going on at present the Labour Movt in G. Brit.⁴, you will find the necessary information in the (weekly)⁵ „Labour Standard" published at 2 Whitefriars St. of which twelve numbers have up to now been issued. Most of the non-signed leaders are written by me.

If you wish to enter into Communication with Mr. Most, you had better write to the Editor of the Freiheit 252 Tottenham Court Road W. London, who will be able to tell you whether such communication will be possible under present circumstances.

I shall be glad to see you in case you should come to London

I remain Yours very truly
F. E.