My dear Fox

Cambridge has been in such a state of bustle & excitement for the last week,¹ that I have done nothing but go gossiping about the town.— But thank goodness we are once again quiet: & I have had time to think about my plans.— I am very, very sorry to say I cannot pay you a visit at present. I really have no right to travel so many miles (& cost so many shillings) for my own amusement: the Governor has given me a 200£ note to pay my debts, & I must be economical.— Independent of paying you a nice quiet, snug visit, I should have put a scheme into practice which I have long wished to do to see the Pictures at Stamford:² But both schemes must die the same death from inanition.— On the per contra side of the question Henslows lectures come into play, & I should have been sorry to have missed even one of them.—

And now for our eternal accounts.— I find I made a mistake in my last letter.— I have of your money, 6"4"6 Orridge’s bill was 13^s. & what ⁠⟨⁠I⁠⟩⁠ have paid for you amounts in toto, 3^£"6"6 remains now 2^£18^s.— I have written to Baker & given him proper directions, & will pay hi⁠⟨⁠m⁠⟩⁠ his bill next time he comes to Cam.:—

Some goodnatured Cambridge man has made me a most magnificent anonymous present of a Microscope: did ever hear of such a delightful piece of luck? one would like to know who it was, just to feel obliged to him.—

My time here is very pleasant. I am very busy at 3 or 4 λογοι,³ & see a great deal Henslow, whom I do not know, whether I love or respect most.— M^rs. Henslow is hatching a young professor.—⁴ She will be confined very soon.— As for my Canary scheme, it is rash of you to ask questions: My other friends most sincerely wish me there I plague them so with talking about tropical scenery &c &c.— Eyton will go next summer, & I am learning Spainish.—

How I wish we could meet. You would soon be tired of the subject

Good Bye | Chas Darwin

PS. Aiken is not ill John Day wants to know what to do with your wine as the Hampers are rotting & something must soon be done.