From Frederick Behrens   3 December 1868

Honoured Sir,

I presume you are much plagued by applications for your autograph, and if, by adding one more to the list of your troublesome admirers, you deem it too great a liberty, pray excuse me—but grant my request.

I have long been a great admirer of your genius and ever since I have been a collector of autographs, it has been my ardent wish to have yours.

By conferring upon me this favour, you will greatly oblige,

Yours very faithfully | Frederick Behrens—

Charles Darwin, Esq^re | F.R.S. Etc.