This letter appears to be a draft copy, it is not signed by Joseph Dalton Hooker, though it is written in his hand, & it contains extensive corrections & struck through text. JDH writes to [William Henry] Smith regarding a potential conflict over the HMS 'Challenger' expedition collections, which he fears may arise between the scientific staff of the expedition & the British Museum. His fears stem from correspondence sent to the Royal Society by the Admiralty & Treasury. JDH offers his services as a mediator to head off this dispute as he knows the parties involved & has experience dealing with scientific expeditions. He asks to be put in contact with anyone at the Treasury who takes an interest in the matter.