Your kind letter has given me very great pleasure and I write at once to thank you for it, and for the portfolio of your last work for science. In was very much gratified to see that it contained a fine portrait || of yourself, which I am very pleased to have. I was very sorry to hear of your accident which at your age must have been very distressing.
In June 1896 I received an order from Saxe-Weimar Knight of the White Falcon 1st class, which was no doubt owing to your kidness, and in July 1896 I received another, knight of the Prussian crown, || neither of which I obtained permission to accept and wear from the British Government. I was living in the jungle and had no opportunity of obtaining that permission.
Now I have retired and am living in England. I should much like to get the necessary permission granted, would you be able to help me in this matter through the German || Ambassador in London. I would take the documents up to London if required. I value this kind recognition from your Government very much, and would like to be able to wear them on occasions.
I was a guest at the Royal Society’s dinner a few weeks ago, at where the German Ambassador was present.
