To T. H. Huxley   3 November [1858]¹

My dear Huxley

I most entirely subscribe to all you say in your note.— I have had some correspondence with Hooker on the subject.—² As it seems certain that a movement in the B. Museum is generally anticipated, my main objection is quite removed; & as I have told Hooker I have no objection whatever to sign a Memorial of the nature of the one he sent me or that now returned.³ Both seem to me very good. I cannot help being fearful whether government will ever grant money enough for Books. I can see many advantages in not being under the unmotherly wing of art & archæology; & my only fear was that we were not strong enough to live without some protection, so profound, I think, is the contempt for, & ignorance of, natural science amongst the gentry of England.—

Hooker tells me that I sh^d. be converted into favour of Kensington Gore, if I heard all that could be said in its favour but I cannot yet help thinking so Western a locality, a great misfortune. Has Lyell been consulted? his would be a powerful name, & such names go for much with our ignorant governors.—⁴ You seem to have taken much trouble in business & I honour you for it.—

Ever yours | C. Darwin