Dear M^r. Darwin,

I do not know if the news of D^r. Gray’s resignation has reached you but he has now retired from the head of this department and will no doubt be succeeded by D^r. Günther.² I am reccommended for the vacancy by several ornithologists and zoologists and I believe that most of my colleagues on the continent will support me. I have received assurances from Sclater, Newton Gould³ and others and also from some of the officers in the Museum, so that my chance is most favourable.

On the last occasion of my candidature here, although I was successful, I very much regretted that Salvin was before me with so many of my friends, and particularly I regretted not being able to apply to you, who have always been so kind to me.⁴ I am not aware of any other candidate for the post at present, and therefore I shall value most highly any testimonial you can send me with regard to my ornithological works, my papers the Kingfishers and especially the catalogue of accipitres just published by the Trustees.⁵

Believe me, | dear M^r. Darwin | Very sincerely yours | R Bowdler Sharpe