CD wants to request the assistance of Government to support the expense of the numerous engravings necessary for the publication of the results of the extensive collections in various departments of Natural History during the Beagle voyage. To what quarter should he apply?

Upon the advice of Captain Beaufort and with embarrassment to himself CD asks JSH whether he would be perfectly willing personally to take the letter requesting government assistance directly to Thomas Spring Rice [Chancellor of the Exchequer].

With the encouragement of several scientific gentlemen and supported by the opinions of the Presidents of the three Learned Societies, CD ventures to request a grant of £1000 from Government to cover the cost of 150 engravings to illustrate results of his Beagle collections.

Encloses a statement [see 377a] from Smith, Elder & Co., which appears to provide the best plan for the expenditure of the grant. Asks that it be presented for their Lordships’ consideration. Also encloses a prospectus.