Friedrich Engels to James Knowles in London, [London,] 17 April 1883; draft. Manuscript preserved at the IISG (Karl Marx / Friedrich Engels Papers, inv. K 786-787), transcribed from the digital facsimile by the Escuela de marxismo, 2026 (double reading and collation with the image). Written in English. Diplomatic transcription: spelling, capitals and punctuation as in the manuscript; deletions as text where legible, otherwise [ilegible]; interlinear additions inserted where marked, with a note; [?] after an uncertain reading; [ilegible] for an illegible word. Traducción al español
17/4/83
Dear Sir
There exists a manuscript resumé critical resumé of the Das Kapital, by me, among the papers of the late Dr Marx, but up to today we have been unable to find it amongst the mass of papers left by him.
However, even if found, I should hesitate to lend it to you at least1 for the purpose you indicate. I am not aware of any literature the[?]2 that it is usual, in the literature of this or any other country, for one author to lend his manuscripts 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 & disfigured our actions. Their utter ignorance of our theory & practice has been equalled only by their presumption. The XIX C. I believe3, in July 1878, brought[?] published an article of George Howell on the Internl. full brimfull of untruths & inaccuracies4 distortions. 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 Kapital.
I know but one living Englishman capable of giving a correct account of the contents of Das Kapital. He is a barrister in Manchester. If you desire I shall be glad to ask him whether he is willing to undertake the task for you
Yours faithfully
Jas Knowles Esq The Hollies, Clapham Common S. W