Dear Sir

I am much obliged for the favour of your letter, for the flattering terms in which you speak of my son and for your kind attention in sending the copies of the extracts from his letters.¹

We are all sensible how much Charles owes to you his success and the great advantage your friendship is to him. He feels and speaks of it.

I thought the voyage hazardous for his happiness but it seems to prove otherwise and it is highly gratifying to me to think he gains credit by his observation and exertion.

There is a natural good humored energy in his letters just like himself.

Dear Sir very faithfully | your obliged | R W Darwin *S 2

Professor Henslow