To A. Y. Spearman   16 February 1838

Sir

In accordance with the plan proposed in the documents accompanying my letter September 20^th 1837, which received (October 11^th) the entire approval of the Lords Commissioner of Her Majesty’s Treasury, I beg leave to enclose the account of M^rss. Smith and Elder¹ for the first part of the work, entitled “The Zoology of the Voyage of H.M.S Beagle”, which is now published, and of which a copy has been forwarded to the Rt. Hon. the Chancellor of the Exchequer. I have myself superintended every expense and the terms agreed on with the different artists, and I trust the account will meet with the approval of their Lordships; in this case, might I beg, Sir, you would have the kindness to communicate to me, according to what form M^rss. Smith and Elder ought to draw on the Treasury.—

With the most respectful expression of thankfulness to their Lordships, for the great assistance, it has pleased them to render me in the completion of the above work, to which I have devoted several years of my life.—

I have the honour to remain | Sir— | Your obliged Servant | Charles Darwin

To | A. Y. Spearman Esq^re Treasury Chambers