My dear Sir

If you still remember my name, I once had the honour of corresponding with you from the Isle of Wight at the time when I was beginning the study of Natural History—and I made a few observations at your request upon British Orchids¹

Since that time Natural History has become my profession, and I have been for the last fifteen years employed in this Museum as Assistant Curator, always in the hope of succeeding some day to the post of Curator which is now vacant through the death of my chief, D^r Carte²

During the 15 years I have resided in Dublin I have especially occupied myself with the Natural History of Ireland and (with the late D^r. Moore) am the Author of the “Cybele Hibernica”.³ I have also published on the Natural History in general of the Isle of Wight on the Distribution of British Birds⁴ and other papers, which I can scarcely suppose have come under your notice—but I still venture to hope that, as a former correspondent I may be allowed to ask the favour of a few lines from you, such as I might forward together with my other testimonials to the Department of Science and Art, in whose hands the appointment lies—⁵

May I hope that I have not taken too great a liberty in venturing to trouble you in this matter.

I think I should perhaps add that my introduction to you was given by the late M^r. H. C. Watson⁶—and I remain dear Sir | Yrs very truly | A. G. More

To Charles Darwin Esq F.R.S. | etc etc.