Dear M^r Darwin,

I write a line to say that, after seeing M^r. Litchfield this morning (& he was kind enough to call with the copy of the draft bill)² I went over with it to talk to M^r Simon,³ & told him what it was proposed to do. He made a number of suggestions which I will send to M^r. Litchfield.

M^r Simon thinks that it w^d. best promote the object, if you would see Lord Derby yourself & simply ask him to engage M^r Cross not to commit himself.⁴ For this purpose it would be sufficient merely to let Lord Derby know that such a bill had been prepared & that it had received the concurrence of scientific men, particularly of those interested in Physiology.

M^r Simon thinks that the next step would be to arrange a small Deputation to M^r. Cross, of which Deputation he w^d. be glad to be one.

I have received the adhesions of Sir R Christison and Prof Turner⁵

Believe me ever | yours sincerely | J B Sanderson