Charles Darwin autograph letter signed, dated 1 December 1864 shortly after ''On the Origin of Species'' was published. Darwin writes to his land agent John Higgins, regarding rent collected from Darwin's farm at Beesby. Upon his Down, Bromley stationery, letter reads, ''My dear Sir / I beg leave to acknowledge & thank you for 262: 13: 5, being half-a-year's rent, placed to my account at the Union Bank. I am sorry to hear that you are still suffering from the most painful illness of gout. My dear sir / Yours...faithfully / Ch. R. Darwin / To John Higgins Esq''. Single page measures 5'' x 8''. Folds, light creasing and wear. Darwin purposely signs over a duty stamp at conclusion of letter. Very good condition.