My dear Sir

I spoke to you when in London about some 30 slabs of slate with figures in wax, executed long ago for M^r. Wedgwood.—³ Might I trespass on your kindness to look at them, or show them to any judge, to see if they are valuable.— This will, I hope, not cause you much trouble, as you need not write or return them, for I shall be in London either this or next month.—

Several are more injured even than these; but most are less so. The majority are of the dark red colour. Some are on thicker slabs.— Some few are in white wax. The slate of some is broken right through. An engraver told me that they were done by hand. And a knowing clergyman said he believed they were executed in latter half of last century by a celebrated artist, whose name I have forgotten.—

I have picked out about 3 average specimens.— Some are prettier.—

Will you kindly forgive my begging this favour of you & believe me My dear Sir, with thanks for your assistance about the Barberini Vase.⁴ | Yours very sincerely | C. Darwin

They will be delivered by Carrier. (paid) on Thursday (tomorrow)