My dear Father,

Thank you for the cheque safely received.¹

I am extremely sorry to hear that Uncle Eras. is ill. I will hold the Certificate till I hear that he pretty well again.²

You will remember when I was at Beesby in the autumn Higgins consulted me about a pair of dilapidated thatched brick & plaster cottages on your farm.³ They were in a wretched state, & Higgins said he would have them examined to see if they done up by having a new end built to them, but he soon wrote condemning them. He now writes to me the enclosed asking me about building a pair of new ones.⁴ If they were mine I should agree as even if the ruined end could be built, the other end in a year or two would be in a very bad way. It would save you trouble if he sent me the plans and estimates, and I write a letter for you to sign in case you agree withou⁠⟨⁠t⁠⟩⁠ hearing further from Higgins. I would let you hear about estimate before it is concluded.

You will see he will like the reply quickly as M^r Young⁵ would like to do some of the carting as the weather is so bad.

Please thank Mother & Bessy for their cheques;⁶ I should be very glad of a card saying how Uncle Eras is.—

Your affect son | W. E Darwin