From William Lyons   12 March 1824

Sir

I fear I shall appear neglectful in not having sooner acknowledged your very Polite and obliging Letter dated the 29. ^th of October last with the little Box of Land and Fresh Water Shells that accompanyed it, did not reach me until about the middle of January at which time I was preparing to leave Home on Business and did not return until last week. I feel extremely thankful to you for indulging me with some of the Shells from your Neighbourhood tho’ I am sorry to add that they are mostly old friends but being fresh and good specimens make them very acceptable. I beg leave to assure you that I will not omit any opportunity which may offer of procuring Animals or Shells on this coast and put them by for your Philosophical Society that appear to me worthy conveyance to Cambridge.

With Respect I am Sir | your Obedient Servant | William Lyons