From W. S. Dallas   6 October 1880

Dear M^r. Darwin

I don’t know whether you are aware that owing to poor Kippist’s ⁠⟨⁠re⁠⟩⁠signation, there is to be an election of a new Librarian at the Linnean Society shortly.— Murie will of course be a candidate, but owing to his position, (he having already served the Society in nearly the same capacity for several years) he can hardly be expected to get up Testimonials as if the whole business was a new thing.—¹

Under these circumstances it has occurred to some of us, both on & off the Council, that a joint Testimonial in the form of that enclosed would be a good thing, & if you approve of his candidature, or rather of his appointment, I shall be much obliged if you will sign & return it to me.— Perhaps M^r. Francis Darwin will also be good enough to add his signature.—²

Should you prefer to give D^r. Murie a personal testimonial, rather than to take part in a joint expression of opinion, I am sure he would be highly gratified,—but in that case be so kind as to send it to me.—

I hope that you are well & strong for the coming winter— It is to be hoped that it may be a rather more favourable one than the last, but we are already suffering from fogs here in London.—

With kind regards, | Believe me | Yours very truly | W. S. Dallas