Transcription: "Dear Bates I congratulate you very sincerely on your marriage. Judging from my own experience it is the best & almost only chance for Show moreTranscription: "Dear Bates I congratulate you very sincerely on your marriage. Judging from my own experience it is the best & almost only chance for what share of happiness this world affords. I hope you may succeed, for the sake of science, in getting fixed near London. I am heartily glad to hear that your great labours over your Book are drawing to a close: I know that I for one shall read it with real interest. Pray thank Wallace when you see him about Melastomas; I have in truth given more trouble on this, than case deserves, & am truly obliged to you. The fact is I cannot endure being beaten by a beggarly flower to the degree, which these confounded Melastomas have beaten me. I am pleased to hear of discussion on species at Zoolog. Soc. With my renewed congratulations & hopes for your happiness, believe me, Yours sincerely, Ch. Darwin" Letter, signed by sender. Sent from Down House, near Beckenham, Kent, England. The Robert M. Stecher Collection of Charles Darwin Books and Manuscripts Show less
![Letter from Charles Darwin to [H. W. Bates] 3945](https://digital.case.edu/sites/default/files/styles/islandora_imagecache_image_style_medium/public/externals/ce024447b41624f55d2a5613cfed9892.jpg?itok=pdjQZt9D&pid=ksl:ditalldar00054&iic=true)