Dear M^r. Darwin

I do not know whether you are personally acquainted with M^r. Judd. I hope that at least some of his works and, in particular, that his admirable paper in the Geol. Soc. Transactions on the Volcanoes of the Western Highlands and Islands of Scotland, are not unknown to you.¹ I have so high an opinion of him, as well of his personal character, as of the fine zeal and vigorous ability that impels his work, that I think he will honour the Royal Society as much as he will be honoured by being elected a fellow.

So I have taken in hand the setting forth his merits and the inviting a few distinguished men of Science to give lustre to his name by signing the certificate which will be suspended this year at the Royal Society.²

I venture to invite you to take your proper place by heading the list with your signature; if you know enough of M^r. Judd to feel justified in endorsing his certificate.³

My Wife has made your acquaintance (and she is much better worth knowing than I am); and I feel justified in writing to you as if I also knew you after the kind manner in which you received her.⁴

She desires me to remember her very kindly to you and joins me in taking advantage of the short days to wish you and yours many new years of valuable life and health for the enjoyment of them.

And I am with great respect | faithfully your’s | Nevil Story Maskelyne.

P.S. Would you kindly return the Certificate to me here, I hope my direction is not too vague on the envelope of this letter.