My dear Sir

I enclose the Dean’s note to me;² you will see that he does not believe that there is going to be any appointment. I do not know whether he mentioned this to you in conversation,—you do not refer to it in your note received this morning. I know M^r. Hutton³ and Sir Henry⁴ and could write to them, if you wish it and if you are sure that there is going to be appointed an Assist. Surveyorship. Neither M^r. Hutton, nor Sir Henry (certainly not the former) are likely to bring forward themselves anyone for the place, and I am doubtful whether the strong letter, which I have already written would not have its effects weakened by similar applications to other Members of the Board.— I think I have noticed that when a recommender shows too keen an interest in a candidate, his evidence is thought less of, as biassed by personal feelings. Think this over and ask your father’s opinion—if you still wish me to write to M^r. Hutton and Sir Henry, I will with pleasure do it; I should not, however, in that case write at such length. I hope the Dean’s notion of there being no place will turn out a mistake.

Yours very sincerely | C. Darwin

I do not think I shall have any Cirripedial drawings made till next summer.