My dear Sir

There has been a little delay in the transmission of your papers, as I was unable to go to town for some days after receiving them, & then the Director General had to obtain the sanction of the War Office to send them to India &c, as the rules are very strict against sending any but official letters in the Gov^t. bag.¹

However you will see by the enclosed that the authorities have sanctioned the papers being sent out.²

On talking the matter over with the Director General (D^r. Gibson C.B.) he thought it better that the papers should come back to him instead of to you direct. The great reason for this is that then the Surgeons abroad can send them home officially & without expense to themselves.

I hope some good returns will come of it.

D^r. Gibson has been so kind in this matter & so desirous of meeting your wishes, that I venture to suggest you should write a note to him to thank him for his compliance with your request.³

Excuse my suggestion | & Believe me | My dear Sir | Very sincerely yours | E A. Parkes.

Charles Darwin Esqre