Sir

I beg to enclose you bill of lading for a Case of Specimens of Natural History which by direction of M^r Charles Darwin I forward to you p^r. Brig “Basenthwaite” Mitchinson Martin for Liverpool— This Case contains part of the Head of the “Megatherium”—¹ I regret that on the passage down the River it should have been broken; previous to this accident the Snout or nose extended 1$\frac{1}{2}$ to two feet more than at present— These are not the bones referred to in the accompanying Letter—² I expect them down shortly when I shall feel proud in forwarding them to you— Permit me this opportunity of offering my Services to you & to assure you that I shall feel highly gratified if by any Information, or Specimens I can obtain in this Country I can contribute to the advancement of Science in my native land—

My last letter from M^r. Darwin was from the Falkland Islands 30 March; at which time all was well— | I have the honour to be Sir | Your most ob^t Ser^t| Edward Lumb