From William Kirby   22 June 1825

Dear Sir,

I trouble you with half a dozen lines to express my wishes for your success – Had I a vote it should be at your service but though my name is on the board, I have never kept the prescribed number of terms to entitle me to that privilege. Though I formerly felt anxious to succeed the late venerable Professor of Botany, I am now too advanced in life, & my eyes & memory fail me too much to render it desirable for me to become your opponent.

If you are unfurnished with a Willdenow’s Species Plantarum I have a copy which I could let you have at a smaller price I think than they ask for them in England – likewise Hedwigs Muscologia & Species Muscorum is 4 octavo 4 quarto- there are 10 of Willdenow. A friend procured them for me on the continent, & each cost me £5.00, at which price they are at your service.

I purchased at the Brookes sale at Elmstead his Hortus Siccus, both British and Exotic – they cost me £30, & I have added to the number of specimens. If you want anything of this kind, I have no objection to part with them.

If I can be of any service to you in your present object it will give me great pleasure.

I am | Dear sir | y ^rs very faithfully | W ^m Kirby

June 25. P.S. Since writing the above I have received information that Government has appointed you to the Professorship. If this is correct I sincerely congratulate you. I was not aware before there was any expectation that Government would interfere in the appointment. Will you have the goodness to send the Note to Mr Francis.