My Dear Sir

I have had the pleasure of receiving your Note this morning; and as regards the Game at Beesby, I have no wish whatever, than to carry out your Instructions and wishes.—¹

For several years after you purchased the Farm, M^r Yorke the former Owner continued to enjoy the Shooting; and upon his death, I handed it over to M^r Lister, a County Gentleman and Magistrate for the District, whose Estate it adjoins, and who is a friend of mine; and I shall have no scruples in asking him to give it up to M^r Huish;² altho’ I think that Gentleman’s object will be sufficiently gained, if he receives your permission to shoot over your Farm, when he visits the neighbourhood, without handing over to him the exclusive right and control.—

I have no desire for any Shooting ground, except that upon one or two days in the Season; I have happened to have a Visitor at my House, who has enjoyed the privilege of passing over a district including Beesby— I would therefore beg to suggest, as you are so kind and considerate as to ask my opinion; that you had better grant your full permission to M^r Huish to shoot over your Beesby Estate, when he goes into the neighbourhood, without altogether disturbing me from the occasional privilege which I have so long enjoyed—

I am | My Dear Sir | Yours faithfully | (signed) John Higgins

Charles R. Darwin Esq