From William Spence   11 November 1858

My dear Sir

Thanks for your M. ^r Ralfs’ Case, which D. ^r Hooker had been so good as to send me & I have told him I will subscribe 5 guineas towards the fund to be raised for him. His fate is truly affecting & I hope & trust the small sum required to raise provide the annual pittances to keep him from starvation will be forthcoming.

I was very glad to see from the Times yesterday that so many young Botanists have passed a satisfactory examination at Cambridge. This looks well for the progress of Natural History with you.

I am | my dear Sir |yours very truly |W. Spence