From William Kemp   24 November 1843

Sir

I have examined the paper sent for my approval, and I beg to say that I am more than pleased with the manner in which you have drawn it up. I beleave that it embraces all that is worth notice in the case, I do not think more could have been done even had you been witness to all concerning it.— I have not an idea, or a word to add, or take from it.—¹

I thank you for a perusal of the Gardeners Chronicle, I have seen the article aluded to in the papers of the day but in that I admire the prudent caution given to su⁠⟨⁠b⁠⟩⁠stantiate by the clearest evidance any discovery of that nature. Doubtes may still be intertained in this case, that I cannot help; however, were it a case in Law it could be proven by the best of evidance. Fortunately a M^r. Bell of Melrose, the proprietor of the place, was at the sand-pit at the time of the discovery,² who is now sorrie that he had not kept a few of the seeds. You may rest satisfied that even the antiquety of the Egyptian Wheat³ is not more genuine than this is.

With this I hope you will receive the Chronicle safely.

I am Sir | With the warmest gratitude | your much Obliged and, | very Humble Servant | William Kemp Charles Darwin Esq^re.