My dear Mr Darwin,

I will at once tell my brother William that Mr Hacon will call on him about settlements.¹ These young ones will not starve even if Horaces designs do not prove very remunerative; as we trust they will.² He seems too to have what is worth a great fortune, prudence in dealing with money. So much the better for Ida has it all to learn.

My intention has been to give each of my younger children about £12,000 at my death and I would covenant to pay £300 a year to them at once.

Mr Hacon will find my brother a very sensible fellow on these matters, and I think you & I shall agree about them very well— I am not very fond of strict settlements especially where the people are prudent: and anything beyond a reasonable provision for a family I abominate.

Now that the matter is finally settled I do not think there is any good reason for delay. It is a trying time for everyone: and the sooner we can settle into new relations the better.³

Ever sincerely yours | T H Farrer

I mean to give your potato papers to Lord Sandon—but should like to have something definite to suggest.⁴ It is a good time for it— Agriculture wants press.