Dear Sir William

I shall have the greatest pleasure in sending you my high opinion of your son; & if I c^d. flatter myself that any testimonial from one so little known as myself, could be of the smallest service, I really do not know anything which would so highly gratify me.— I will write tomorrow a letter addressed to you, & if it does not turn out the right thing, I will alter its form, in any way you can suggest. I am truly sorry to say, that my acquaintance with Sir John Herschel is not sufficient to allow me to write to him: I never saw him before at the C. of Good Hope;² & have dined only once since with him.— I have, however, taken a step, which I trust you will not think meddling or presumptuous; I have written to Lyell (with whom, I am very intimate) to ask him, whether he could write to Herschel, mentioning his own & my own high opinion of your son’s acquirements & talents.— I have not the smallest idea, how far Lyell’s acquaintance would allow him to write; but I feel sure he will excuse my suggesting it to him, if you will do the same. I have been sincerely sorry to hear of the illness in your family.

Believe me | Yours truly obliged | C. Darwin

P.S. | We are much indebted for your kind invitation to Kew, which at some future time, would afford the highest pleasure to M^rs. Darwin & myself.—