To J. C. Dale 10 December 1825

My dear Dale,

I have been requested by Lord Palmerston to write to as many of my friends as I could take the liberty with, to ascertain their intentions at the next election. If therefore you have determined upon whom to bestow yr. vote perhaps you would not object to oblige me by the information. The Attorney General & Mr Bankes are both here as well as Ld. P. & actively canvassing, tho' I believe Ld. P. to be perfectly secure yet it is of course of consequence to him to ascertain his actual strength. I have raised a very fine Sphinx Atropos from Devonshire lately. They seem to have been extremely abundt. this year. I have heard of & seen at least 20 specimens that have been taken either in the Caterpillar or Imago state.

Believe me

Yrs most truly

J. S. Henslow