My dear Sir

I thank you for your very kind expressions about my son, who would not presume at present to look to so high a post. Nevertheless what you are so good as to say has pleased me much.

It would me a real pleasure to give you a useful testimonial, but I labour under several difficulties.² Firstly I have already given one to M^r M^c.Nab, & it seems almost absurd to give 2 testimonials for the same office.³ Secondly I know nothing of systematic botany, & this clearly forms a highly important part of the duties of a Professor on Botany. Nor can I judge except on some few points of physiological Botany & on general Biology. I am writing this away from home (nor do I know when I shall return there) & cannot call to mind what I have read of yours relating to Botany.⁴ All that I could say w^d. be that I had a general impression that you have shown much ability & zeal in Science.— Considering that I have already given a testimonial, I really think such remarks w^d be of no use.—

I trust therefore that you will excuse me & believe me | Yours very faithfully | Ch. Darwin

P.S. On reflection it will perhaps save you trouble, if I enclose what I can say, but I strongly advise you to throw it into fire.—⁵