Napier April 17, 1868 Dear Sir, I wish before finally committing my self to our long contemplated project - and devoting the next three or four months to the completion of my literary labours to make a few statements that will define exactly my position in the matter. In the first place it has been no fault but sheer necessity that has prevented my being already in a position to bring my manuscript to press - At the outset I explained that I was wholly unable to give the Time and incur the expence until I had somewhat advanced my position. Since which date I have earned by surveying something like 600£ of which I have received say 250£ leaving 350£ still due to me - I am therefore easier in circumstances prospectively if not at this present. You propose to assist me in the publication - Let us first count the cost. Mr. Wood estimates that the printing and binding of a thousand copies will cost from 160£ to 200£ and that their sale would realize 300£ Were I able to do so I would complete the entire thing and afterwards ask you for the promised aid - I cant do this simply because that I have systematically devoted every shilling that could be spared either by my Father or myself to the paymt. of former liabilities, which task I set myself and for which reason I so obstinately refused to leave this province spite of the pressure brought to bear upon me; and which task please God to give me health and strength I will fulfill to the letter, so that no man shall say I shrunk from a lawful obligation of whatever nature. I ask pardon for this egotism but the explanation may render many things in my conduct clearer to your eyes - Again to Business - Mr. Wood will require to be paid one half the expence upon the Publication of the Work, the remaining half to be recouped to him by its sale. In myself I consider £200 as the smallest sum I ought to receive as compensation for the loss of time it will necessarily entail upon me. And moreover for the reasons before stated I must have 100£ paid to me at once in advance - the other 100£ to be a final charge. Without this I cannot possibly proceed so it is better to be explicit. My Father and myself will be jointly responsible for the advance untill the publication - The matter stands thus - Debit as by expences Mr. Wood £200 (of which 100£ shall be payable in 6 mos:) Worgan 200 - of wh: 100£ shall be paid at once - credit by sale £300 leaving 100£ to be made up either by second edition or by grant in aid - I have now done having nothing to add save to ask pardon if I have written too freely and to request an answer by tomorrow - I enclose extract from Independent - I have only one other request that is that the whole matter remain strictly private and that you give me all the assistance I may need in matters of statistics etc. The manuscript will be handed to you before going to press - I beg to remain Dear Sir Your most obedt. Servt. Geo. B. Worgan To His Honor D. McLean Esq.