(Copy)

I have lately received from America a Diploma constituting my late honoured and dear Father Dr. John Perkins a corresponding Member of the Royal Society of Medicine at Paris, which arrived there after his decease and has since been transmitted to me.

Recalling to mind the favours and Civilities You was pleased formerly to honor me with, resting on the Friendship formerly subsisting between You and my Father; and, above all, relying on that Benevolence, which makes so essential a part of your distinguished Character, I have presumed to commit to Your Patronage the inclosed account of the Influenza as I observed it here in England, and to desire the favour of Your Aid of my wishes to lay it before the Royal Society of Medicine at Paris. I have left it unsealed that it might be subject to Your inspection, previous to its being forwarded in case of your approbation.

In this essay to comply with the Intentions of the Society, I feel the highest satisfaction in having performed apart of filial duty, by endeavouring to discharge for aparent a part of those obligations, which had he lived to receive the honor done him, he would most certainly have held himself bound to fulfil.

If the Society should so far approve it as to honour it with a place amongst its publications, or think fit to transfer to me the honor intended for my Father, I should receive it as an obligation urging me to activity and zeal, in future, in my endeavours to contribute to their salutary and benevolent intentions.

I have only, Sir, to add my most ardent wishes, that to the honours attendant on your Name throughout the World, there may be continually added all that personal Comfort and Happiness, which can render Life a real Blessing. I have the Honor to be with the utmost Respect Your Excellency’s most obedient humble Servant