My dear M^r. Darwin,

I sent my Certificate for the Royal Society to Professor Newton for his signature of recommendation¹   He has signed and returned it, but writes at the same time as follows: “are you not transgressing the usual etiquette in yourself soliciting signatures?. I have always understood that candidates for the R.S. left that task to their Godfather, and I should advise you (if I may be allowed to do so) to consult Darwin in the matter. In my own case it certainly was so, and I never even saw my certificate, or knew who had signed it until after it had been read and suspended in the meeting room.”

I would much like your opinion in the matter; though I would like to note, that when I asked you to propose me, I had no intention of giving you so much trouble.

Your’s very truly, | Robert Swinhoe.