8 Southboro Terrace, Carlton Grove Peckham S.E. Sept. 30th 1871 My dear Engels

I received your very kind note with the enclosed slipNicht überlieferter Brief von Engels an J. P. McDonnell, geschrieben vor dem 30.9.1871. from the “Pall Mall Gazette”. Need I say that it amused me much? No doubt if the “Irishman” sees the paragraph, it will have something more to say against me. I do not, however, fear anything the wretched scribes of that vacillating Journal can say or do. They are equal to anything, no matter how low or base but they evidently misjudge the resolution of the man whom they so infamously assail in private and in public. I am only awaiting my opportunity and then I will show them no mercy. These wretched unprincipled men, without principle or patriotism, dread me and would resort to anything to injure my reputation. But thank Goodness, I have a character, open to investigation at any time and this is more than they can offer. I had a letter yesterday from our mutual friend poor Daly in which he told me of a conversation he held in Dublin with one of Pigotts employees. He says that this person, denounced me to him and said I would be denounced in the Irishman (the infallible organ!!!) Daly asked him to bring any specific charge against me but that he could not do and finally Daly discovered the cause of his base antipathy. However when we meet next I will more fully explain this matter. In the meantime let me tell you that the Irishman denunciations can do me no harm and that nearly all the Irish newspapers have already chronicled my appointment. Their abuse will serve my purpose in establishing the International much better than their praise. You know they are incapable of praising anything that is upright or honest. I have received some very good letters from the Country but I cannot do much—indeed very little—until I have a full supply of the newly printed rulesDa auch nichtautorisierte Statutenfassungen zirkulierten und zudem die Kongresse der IAA die organisatorischen Bestimmungen der IAA weiter konkretisierten, beschloss die Londoner Konferenz (17.–23. September 1871) eine offizielle, durch den Generalrat revidierte Ausgabe der 1864 erstmal erschienenen Statuten zu veröffentlichen. Diese wurde von Marx und Engels in englischer, französischer und deutscher Sprache herausgegeben und enthielt im Anhang eine Analyse der gesamten Statutenentwicklung der IAA. (Siehe Karl Marx: General Rules and Administrative Regulations of the International Working Men's Association. Official edition, revised by the General Council. In: MEGA2 I/22. S. 361–378; derselbe: Statuts généraux et règlements administratifs de I'Association Internationale des Travailleurs. Édition officielle, révisée par le Conseil général ... In: MEGA2 I/22. S. 379–396; derselbe: Allgemeine Statuten und Verwaltungsverordnungen der Internationalen Arbeiterassoziation. Amtliche deutsche Ausgabe, revidiert durch den Generalrat ... In: MEGA2 I/22. S. 397–415.) and cards of membership—on the latter “Ireland” will of course be printed for my name. This is an important matter as the whole thing will look foreign and strange to the new Branches if I send the old cards upon which all the other countries but Ireland are mentioned. I am sure you will see the force of this. When I have all these things at my command, I will communicate with every club and trades society of the Irish people in Ireland & in England and Scotland. I was indeed truly sorry at being absent from the Conference & the Banquet and I thank you from my heart for toasting the Liberation of Ireland. I have been very ill but I am much better now and hope to be at the Council meeting on Tuesday eveningSiehe Minutes of the Meeting of the General Council October 2, 1871. In: MEGA2 I/22. S. 615–617..

As you are aware I made all arrangements with the type Founders—Miller and Richard—and on monday week finally came to terms. They were perfectly satisfied with my references, terms and all else. On the faith of this agreement I arranged with Farah the Publisher and took extensive premises out here for offices etc. What then do you think was my surprise on monday night last when I received a letter from M. & R. stating that

“In consequence of information which had reached them” they could not supply the type on the terms agreed on but that they would allow me an unsually liberal discount for cash. I need hardly say that this communication, after the loss of three weeks and making all my arrangements, including the engagement of a practical printer, sorely troubled and annoyed me. I wrote them a sharp and indignant letter, a copy of which I will read for you, the agreement was a perfectly legal one but I have no inclination to go law. I demanded, the nature of their information & the name of their informant but in their reply which is insolently English to the back bone they do not give either. I can only infer that it is the work of the Police and I have strong suspicions of one individual for putting them on the scent. However I will not & must not be defeated—more especially as I have taken premises etc etc. I have therefore communicated with another firm and if they seem agreeable, I will again take the liberty of giving you as one of my references. By the way if you see or write to poor Daly, please make no reference whatsoever to his great misfortune.

I hope Dr Marx & family are quite well. Kind regards to them. Mrs McDonnell joins me in kindest wishes to you and Mrs Engels andBelieve me to beAlways yours faithfullyJ P McDonnell