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