Dear M^r. Darwin

I have been thinking much of what we spoke of: and it occurs to me that if John either has not time, or does not feel sufficiently intimate with our friend to propose anything, M^r. Hirst would do it gently, & with delicate tact. Or M^r. Spottiswoode: but I think M^r. Hirst is a nearer friend.²

Of course, I can answer for John in other ways, & will see that he writes to you tomorrow: but I do think that when it is suggested, it ought to be quietly placed before our friend that not only for his own sake, or for that of his family, but for the sake of Science, he should be above the pride which might lead him to reject what we should feel it a privilege to offer.

With thanks to you for coming, I am y^rs. most truly EFL