My dear Sir.

I have received the Newspaper which you kindly sent me, with the account of the meeting and this has deeply gratified me.¹ The whole affair is a quite unprecedented honour— If you think fit to come here to give me the Address I shall be extremely glad to see you, but is it not a pity that you should spend your valuable time in travelling here? Had you not better send it by post? I would offer to come to London to receive it, but even a short journey is apt to fatigue me much, and I am always very unwilling to undertake one. Should you decide to come to Down March 21^st. would not be quite convenient on two or three accounts; nevertheless I could manage it, but should prefer Wednesday, March 3^rd. if equally convenient to you.²

With my sincere thanks for all the extraordinary interest which you have shown in this affair. | I remain, my dear Sir. | Yours sincerely | Charles Darwin.