My dear M^r. Fox

I had heard that your Father was out of health, but had not the least idea that he was seriously ill. Your letter grieves me much & you all have my deep sympathy.¹ It has touched & gratified me much that your Father should have thought of me at such a time, but he was always full of sympathy?

I saw a great deal of him in old days at Cambridge, & we used to breakfast together daily.² In the course of my life, now a long one, I can truly say that I have never known a kinder or better man.— I can therefore feel what a loss he will be to you all. I gather from your letter that he does not now suffer much, & this is some comfort.

Believe me my dear Cousin, for we are cousins though in a remote degree, that I am grateful to you for having written & I remain | Yours very truly | Charles Darwin