Sir

I have just heard from Sir John Herschel that my parcel of “Scientific Instructions” has not been received, or has been mislaid at the Admiralty.³

It was of such very large size & secured inside with string, that I think it quite impossible, that it can have been lost by the Post Office.— I have traced it into the Office at this place where it was posted, I believe on the 15^th inst.— The direction was very plain, & was exactly as follows

On H. M. Service To the Secretary (for Sir J. W. Herschel B) Admiralty London Scientific Instructions C. Darwin

I think it certain that it is at the Admiralty, or has been sent to some other person, instead of to Sir J. Herschel. Or is it possible that L^d. Auckland can have taken it?⁴ I beg sincerely to apologise for giving so much trouble, but I do hope that you will kindly take the trouble to have an accurate search made for it, as it would cause me the loss of some weeks of labour. The M.S extending to 50 M.S. pages.—

I beg to remain | Sir | Your very obedient ser^t | C. Darwin

I should be extremely much obliged by an answer after a search & then I will write to the Post Office⁵

To R A B. Hamilton Esq