My dear Lubbock

I am much obliged to you for so kindly seeing M^r. Hacon from whom I heard this morning.—² It was entirely M^r Hacon’s wish & suggestion that William should from the first have the power of giving one year’s notice.— Having heard from him what you say I have written to him to agree to the seven years.— So little do I understand the advantages & disadvantages of the several points, that I had got to wish for a longer term than seven years.— So I felt forced to put myself into M^r Hacon’s hands. I consider now that in fact everything is settled; & I am heartily glad to think that you will have no more trouble.³ William has never for an instant fluctuated in his strong wish to join. Pray repeat my sincere thanks to Sir John.—⁴

I am enjoying myself & can walk a couple of miles out; & am doing a very little work in drawing up my Orchis paper.— Whether we shall stop here long I am very doubtful, for it is excessively damp & does not seem to suit Etty or my wife, which is a terrible evil & what to do & where to go Heaven only knows.

My dear Lubbock | Yours gratefully | Charles Darwin