Darwin Correspondence Project

36 Great Marlborough St

February 16th—1838—

Sir

In accordance with the plan proposed in the documents accompanying my letter September 20th 1837, which received (October 11th) the entire approval of the Lords Commissioner of Her Majesty's Treasury, I beg leave to enclose the account of Mrss Smith and Elder for the first part of the work, entitled “The Zoology of the Voyage of H.M.S Beagle”, which is now published, and of which a copy has been forwarded to the Rt. Hon. the Chancellor of the Exchequer. I have myself superintended every expense and the terms agreed on with the different artists, and I trust the account will meet with the approval of their Lordships; in this case, might I beg, Sir, you would have the kindness to communicate to me, according to what form Mrss Smith and Elder ought to draw on the Treasury.—

With the most respectful expression of thankfulness to their Lordships, for the great assistance, it has pleased them to render me in the completion of the above work, to which I have devoted several years of my life.—

I have the honour to remain | Sir— | Your obliged Servant | Charles Darwin

To | A. Y. Spearman Esqre
Treasury Chambers