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[F.D]

Oxford April 24.82.

Dear Darwin

I am as you know a most devoted member of the vast host of admirers and followers of your father. I am also one of the many to whom he has extended his universal kindness sympathy and encouragement. I never wrote anything truer

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than what I said concerning his Journal his Theory in the dedication of my book on the Challenger Expedition and their influence on me. I cannot therefor help writing you a line as the member of the family with whom I am best acquainted to express my extreme sorrow at his death and my sympathy with you and your family equally.

It is all very well to speak of his living still in his works. They will be the glory for science for ever, but his personal influence and life were a tower of strength for scientific truth and we all feel as if our champion was gone. I am sure I have always felt myself most deeply indebted

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personally to Mr Darwin for his constant kindness to me. It was only on the 7th last that he wrote me some very kind words of encouragement about my work here, and though he added that he was far from well I little suspected his end was so near.

Feeling as I do his loss I can well comprehend how very severe must be your bereavement.

Prof Lowell Dr Acland and I have been requested to attend the funeral by the council as representatives of the University. Before I had received notice of the request I had telegraphed to St James St for permission to attend. I mention this in case there should be difficulty as to numbers of admissions.

With kindest regards

yours truly

h n Moseley.