Letter (draft) from Friedrich Engels to Edward R. Pease, [London,] 27 January 1886. Manuscript preserved at the IISG (Karl Marx / Friedrich Engels Papers, inv. K 1373), transcribed from the digital facsimile by the Escuela de marxismo, 2026 (two independent readings and collation with the image). Written in English. Diplomatic transcription: spelling, capitals and punctuation as in the manuscript; deletions as text where they can be read, otherwise [ilegible]; interlinear additions inserted where marked, with a note; [?] after an uncertain reading; [ilegible] for an illegible word. Spanish translation

27 Jan 86.

Dr Sir I feel highly flattered[?] In answer to your kind note of yesterday I regret to say1 that my engagements time is so much entirely2 taken up, by urgent work on hand, for at least a year to come3 that I cannot undertake any[?] possibly4 Consideration undertake[?] enter[?] upon undertake5 any fresh engagements of whatsoever, kind.

This paramount[?] communication Having said this much, I this statement need not enter upon other considerations which would prevent me from might stand in the way of my writing the article you desire. But I may state this at all events that the party to which I belong, has no fixed [ilegible] ready made proposals to submit. Whatever[?] we are [ilegible] may be allowed to form Our views6 as to the difference[?] points of difference between a the future, non capitalistic Society & that of today, are strict conclusions from [ilegible] historical facts & developments, and of no value – theoretical or practical – unless presented in connection with these facts & developments. The economical aspect of these points of difference I have tried to establish & to7 explain in my pamphlet book Herrn E. D. Umwälzung der Wissenschaft 2nd ed p. 253 to 271; reprinted in my pamphlet Die Entwicklung des Socialism[?] &c[?] 3rd ed p. 28[?]–48. Shorter I cannot possibly do even this merely[?] economical partial abstract, where neither political nor any non-economic social questions are touched even. To give you a résumé in 100[?] words is therefore a task utterly beyond my powers.

I am yours faithfully

  1. «to say» written above the line. ↩

  2. «entirely» written above the line. ↩

  3. «for at least a year to come» written above the line. ↩

  4. «possibly» written above the line. ↩

  5. «undertake» written above the line. ↩

  6. «Our views» written above the line. ↩

  7. «establish & to» written above the line. ↩