Dear Sir

I have not been very well of late & fear that I could not sit out the Harveian oration on the 26^th.¹ Would there be any objection to my coming in quietly a little before 6 oclock & sitting down at the end of the Hall near the entrance, & when the President is ready to confer the great honour of handing me the medal, advancing to receive it? Ought I to return thanks for the medal in a few words, for I am quite incapable of making a speech, or ought I to receive it silently, as is (or at least was) the fashion at the Royal Soc^y.—²

Living in the country & seeing few persons, I am ashamed to say that I do not know who your President is, & should be much obliged if you would inform me.³

Pray excuse me for asking so many questions & I remain Dear Sir | Yours faithfully | Charles Darwin

P.S. I may possibly be prevented from attending by giddiness to which I am liable, & without the possibility of giving notice; but I trust that this may not occur.