International Working Men’s Association, 256, High Holborn, London. W.C.December 6th 1871My dear Engels

I am sure you and the members of the Council must feel surprised at my absence from our weekly meetings. Rest assured, however, that only business of great importance would detain me. Since I last saw you I have not had one leisure evening. Every night for weeks past I have visited some district of London to confer with good men about our work and in some instances to hold preliminary meetings. The prospects of success are now brighter than even I expected them to be. But I fear I will get into sad disgrace with the men in the provinces. The rules and resolutions supplied to me by Hales are not sufficient for the Bradford branch not to speak of all the other districts with which I am now in communication. Moreover I have not yet received any of the adhesive stamps and I do not see how I can act without them. I wrote to Hales but he has not replied to my letter, This is very bad. Will you write me on the subject. I expect I will not have occasion to be absent from the Council on any other Tuesday evening. I have not since heard from “Fox and Reed” although I wrote to them a week ago. If I do not hear before Friday next I will write and decline all further business connections with them. Every day confirms me in the belief that the English are the most unbusinesslike people in the world. If I can find time I will run over to see you. In the meantime please write.

I saw poor Daly last week.

My wife joins me in kind wishes to you and Mrs Engels and we sincerely trust that you are both quite well

Also Dr Marx and family.

I am my dear EngelsAlways yours faithfullyJP McDonnell

8 Southboro Terrace Carlton Grove Peckham. S.E.