Summary

Has collected [Phalli] in Shropshire and compared them with Barmouth species. Is convinced they are different.

Asks JSH for introductions to R. T. Lowe and Andrew Smith.

Has been given another week’s respite by FitzRoy.

Summary

CD’s luggage is frightfully bulky, though he has been as economical as possible. Has made financial arrangements for his expenses.

Plans to study mathematics during voyage.

Summary

Asks JSH to take charge of his consignments of specimens from the voyage.

Summary

Their letters crossed; she now knows he will be gone for three years, not two; does not know what they will do without him at the Forest, but wishes him well.

Summary

Has just heard Beagle sailing is delayed so he will remain another week in London. Asks whether RF has a good set of mountain barometers, which geologists tell him are important.

Summary

Gives CD directions for sending him specimens from Beagle.

Writes of Cambridge politics.

Summary

Hopes to be able to help Cambridge Philosophical Society with his collections, but thinks most will have to go to British Museum.

Describes Beagle quarters, the surgeon [Robert McCormick, M.D.], and officers.

Asks JSH’s advice on studying mathematics.

Summary

Questions about his college bills.

Describes the living conditions he will have on the Beagle.

Summary

The outfitting of the Beagle progresses.

CD has been dining out more than he wishes. He has met W. S. Harris of "Electricity" fame.

His fears and hopes about seasickness.

A new continent has been discovered "somewhere far South". "Perhaps we may be sent in search."

Summary

Sailing date fixed for end of month. Beagle is beautiful. Details of instructions and route. Hopes voyage will not exceed four years. Quarters very confined. Considers Jenyns did wisely in not coming. If CD were longer out of college and some years older he never could have endured it.

Summary

Regrets that it will be impossible to visit Cambridge for some years. Reminisces about CW’s "classical Sunday evenings", the Glutton Club, and his friends.

"We spend about 2 years in S. America, the rest of time larking round the world."

Summary

Still delayed; will not sail until 5 December. Instructions have come, with proposed itinerary.

Summary

Is sending plates for R. T. Lowe’s paper [Trans. Cambridge Philos. Soc. 4 (1833): 1–70].

Adds advice on working the surd.

Agrees with CD that Beagle voyage would have been wrong for Jenyns, but assures him he (CD) is the right man. Warns CD against his "foible" of taking offence at rudeness or ungentlemanlike behaviour.

Summary

Describes the wedding of her sister Sarah and related festivities. She misses CD very much.

Summary

Confusion on board the Beagle at definite prospect of sailing. Gives directions for sending mail to Montevideo.

Summary

Family and Shropshire news.

Summary

Valediction only.

Summary

Congratulates WDF on passing his examination for the curacy; hopes he will find it comfortable.

CD is pleased at his own good showing.

Asks about WDF’s examination, books, etc.

Summary

Congratulates CD on his "very very good degree". Asks about friends; wishes him well.

Summary

Is in London living in a garret, almost penniless, and has legal and marital difficulties. He hopes to sell some verse.