From A. A. L. P. Cochrane   7 June 1873

Dear M^r Darwin—

You will doubtless be surprised to receive this note from one who is a stranger to you—

My admiration for your works must be my excuse for making the following proposal— I am just app^d. Commander in Chief on the Pacific Station and leave on July 2^nd. by Packet for Panama and Vancouver Island. The ship in which I shall hoist my Flag is the Repulse a large Iron Clad,— I am accompanied by my Flag Captain Lieut^t. & Secretary—¹ What I would propose to you is in case you should desire to visit Vancouvers Island with possible facilities for visiting Queen Charlottes Is^d.² the coast of California central America Guaquil, Galapagos Panama Peru & Chile to give you one of my Cabins and a free seat at my Table for such months as you shall honor me with your Company—you would see much of the Western coast of America &c &c   It is needless to recapitulate to so experienced a voyager and navigator as yourself the charms of such a voyage and I would do what I could to make it pleasant to you³

I take out a Photographic apparatus and other small matters for my own amusement and have for many years taken the greatest interest in all matters relating to soundings and temperature in the Sea

During such a voyage you would add many more laurels to those you have so greatly won and place the scientific world under yet more mighty obligations

Believe me to be | Truly Yours. | Arthur A. Cochrane | Rear Admiral

Such hospitality as I could render would take place on my joining ‘Repulse’ at Vancouver Is^d. and I should probably mention the circumstance of my having invited you at the Admiralty—on your acceptance