My dear Henslow

I am sure you will congratulate me on the delight of once again being home. The Beagle arrived at Falmouth on Sunday evening, & I reached Shrewsbury yesterday morning.— I am exceedingly anxious to see you, and as it will be necessary in four or five days to return to London to get my goods & chattels out of the Beagle, it appears to me my best plan to pass through Cambridge. I want your advice on many points, indeed I am in the clouds & neither know what to do, or where to go. My chief puzzle is about the geological specimens, who will have the charity to help me in describing their mineralogical nature?— Will you be kind enough to write to me one line by return of post saying whether you are now at Cambridge.— I am doubtful, till I hear from Capt. F. R. whether I shall not be obliged to start before the answer can arrive, but pray try the chance.— My dear Henslow, I do long to see you; you have been the kindest friend to me, that ever Man possessed.— I can write no more for I am giddy with joy & confusion.— Farewell for the present.— | Yours most truly obliged | Chas. Darwin *S 2

Thursday Morning.—