To Charles Lyell   [24 September 1848]

My dear Lyell

Emma has this minute read to me out of the Times what Her Majesty has pleased to do to you.—¹ I am delighted for your sake & for the sake of Geology.— Pray give our kindest remembrances to Lady Lyell; how well it sounds.!

I must, however, say that I have mentally for some years back most heartily abused the Government for not having long ago by so small an outward token marked your public estimation. I am sure I do not know whether I ought not to apologise for congratulating you on such an occasion, but I am sure you will forgive me for being thoroughily pleased. I am equally in the dark whether I ought to direct this to you as I have done. I must just see how it looks so my dear Sir Charles Lyell

Farewell | C. Darwin

(Don’t think of answering this.—)