To William Wilson 9 April 1831

My dear Sir,

In spite of the many desiderata you were so good as to extinguish in my last year's petition - I still present a very formidable shew. Your packet was indeed a most valuable one to me. I can never repay your many kindnesses but will do as you request & provide some more of our local plants for you this season. Your account of the Major was sufficiently edifying. I will comply with your request of styling you Mr not caring for this sort of Etiquette myself I can easily understand your feelings upon the subject & laugh with you at the great trouble some people take to fill themselves with discontent about trifles. I hold it to be our privilege to take offence at nothing whatever, & therefore such gentry as you allude to are a good subject for a comedy in real life, to laugh at & care nothing about.

Yrs very sincerely

J. S. Henslow

[written on a printed list of desiderata]