From Richard Owen   22 September 1842

My dear Sir,

Your kind invitation would be most gladly accepted if I could quit my present charge, but since Mr. Clift’s retirement, I as resident Curator cannot be absent from the College during the night without special permission; now for this I am unwilling to apply again this year after the very enjoyable holidays from which I have just returned. I see little chance, therefore, of bringing my bones to Hitcham this year and suggest that the fossils be sent to me.

The requisite comparisons will be made before the 10 ^th October and you can have them when you visit London with the best account I can give of them. I have another motive– the hope of tempting you to visit our Museum & see its recent additions Mylodon & Dinornis. Will your engagements in London prevent your dining with me on Tuesday 10 ^th October? I hope not, and that you will be able to give that additional pleasure to

Yours very truly, |R.ich. ^d Owen