From S. B. J. Skertchly   17 March 1878

My dear Sir—

I beg to thank you most deeply for your present of The Origin of Species, which came yesterday.¹ I look upon it as the greatest honour that has fallen to me, and shall use your sympathy and congratulations as a panacea for all the harsh criticisms that may be in store for me.²

Sincerely trusting your health is better—

I am, My dear Sir | Yours very gratefully | Sydney B. J. Skertchly

C. Darwin, Esq. F.R.S.