My dear M^r Darwin

Many thanks for your letter.¹ I had already seen Sanderson who supplied me with a copy of the Bill.² I think with a few alterations, especially with a more humanitarian preamble, it will do well. I am in communication with Lord Cardwell & Lord Shaftesbury who represent the more reasonable of the humanitarians,³ and if as I hope, their cooperation can be secured, I would suggest that the Bill should be introduced by the former into the House of Lords. If he do not consent to this initiation, it can be introduced into the Commons by who ever you deem best.

I spoke to the Home Secretary⁴ about the proposed Bill & showed him your letter. I think he is much inclined to support a reasonable Bill.

Yours Sincerely | Lyon Playfair