Sir

The Controller of the Savings Bank in the Post Office has sent me the enclosed form, desiring me to fill it up & transmit it to you, saying that he hears from you “that no names are recorded by you as trustees” of the Down Friendly Soc.¹ I cannot understand how this is, as within the last year, on the appointment of M^r Pearson as one of our trustees in the place of M^r Duck deceased, I wrote to you for the proper form which you were so good as to send. When this was returned I asked you to communicate with the National Debt Office, & this I presume you did, as the Commissioners did not object to the signature of M^r Pearson with reference to interest & the deposit of £120.² The Down Friendly Soc was enrolled in 1850 and as far as I can trust my memory the names of the trustees were then communicated to the Registrar. Any how it is certain that soon afterwards the National Debt Office and the Post Office received our deposits with the signatures of myself, the Rev: J: Brodie-Innes & M^r Duck.³

I hope the enclosed paper is properly filled up, and I will give any futher information that may be required, as far as lies in my power.

I have the honour to remain | Sir | Your obedient servant | Charles R. Darwin

To | The Registrar of Friendly Soc^y.