To George Gordon¹   11 September [1860]

Dear Sir

I hope that you will excuse the great liberty which I take in addressing you & begging a favour.—

M^r H. C. Watson informs me that you are the most likely man to be able to allow & willing to grant this favour.—² I have been examining the minute structure of the rostellum of all British Orchids & am in consequence extremely anxious to see Goodyera. Is it in your power to send me a few fresh specimens? I know that it is a mere chance whether this rare plant grows near you. But if it does, & you would pack up a few specimens, in bud & flower, with damp moss round the cut off stems, packed in an old tin cannister & sent by Post (allowing me of course to repay postage) it would be a great favour. I hope in any case you will forgive the liberty, which I take in troubling you & I beg you not answer this, unless you can kindly send me the specimens.—³

With many apologies | I beg leave to remain | Dear Sir | Your obliged servant | Charles Darwin on account of health of my daughter I shall be compelled to go to sea-side in about 9 or 10 days.