Falconer had proposed Darwin for the Copley Medal of the Royal Society (which was awarded to him in 1864), but being detained abroad, he gave his reasons for supporting Darwin for this honour in a letter to Sharpey, the Secretary of the Royal Society.

A copy of the letter here printed seems to have been given to Erasmus Darwin, and by him shown to his brother Charles.) Montauban, October 25th, 1864.
Busk and myself have made every effort to be back in London by the 27th inst., but we have been persecuted by mishaps--through the breakdown of trains, diligences, etc., so that we have been sadly put out in our reckoning--and have lost some of the main objects that brought us round by this part of France--none of which were idle or unimportant.
Busk started yesterday for Paris from Bruniquel, to make sure of being present at the meeting of the Royal Council on Thursday.

He will tell you that there were strong reasons for me remaining behind him.

But as I seconded the proposal of Mr.Darwin for the Copley Medal, in default of my presence at the first meeting, I beg that you will express my great regrets to the President and Council at not being there, and that I am very reluctantly detained.

I shall certainly be in London (D.V.) by the second meeting on the 3rd proximo.