Dec 26th 

'85

My dear Mahon

I am afraid I I shall not be able to manage Jan: look here, engagements (League of various kinds) on 3rd 6th 10th 12th 17th 20th 24th 27th: that doesnt seem to leave much space for you. You had better arrange for a date in Feb: & book me at once: you must remember that going to Leeds & coming back means the heart of 3 days at least. I am glad to hear that you think things look well; I would by all means take a small room: you can't expect to increase the branch without it. If all your 12 men could speak, it would do pretty well: they will have to learn. I am glad also that you have found work: I didn't know that they made guns at Leeds. Yes I am pretty much all right again; can't go a long walk yet, but that will come soon I think. On Monday Bax produced his evergreen resolution of a weekly Commonweal, after some necessary chaff (Bax wanted it brought out in January) It was agreed that we would start it when we could raise £100: I really think we ought to start it as soon as we can, so I am busy writing cadging letters for cash to everybody that I think good for a guinea. This cadging doesn't concern the country branches as they have more than enough to do to keep themselves going: I think we may bring it out weekly by March. Keep your eyes open and write us things for it fresh and new. The Hyndman muck-heap is going on seething; I am not sanguine about getting rid of his lordship however; humbugs are as hard to kill as cholera-germs. 

Thanks for your greetings on behalf of myself—and the Council. The like from me to you and all friends. I thought we looked a little hopeful at our last Monday meeting. The Parliamentary mess could not be going better than it is considering the times. 

Yours fraternally

William Morris