Summary

Brings CD up to date on family and many friends. Describes the wedding of Fanny Owen and R. M. Biddulph. Sedgwick called on return from Wales. W. D. Fox has been very ill.

Summary

News of the Darwin, Wedgwood, and Owen families, including a report on Frances Wedgwood’s death.

Summary

Describes the gathering at Maer and the events culminating in Charlotte Wedgwood’s marriage to Charles Langton.

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

Thanks for her letter of March, which gave him his first explanation of the interest in the [Megatherium] head he had sent.

Wants E. A. Darwin to tell William Clift not to remove numbers or markers on any specimens. The British Museum has first claim on any of his specimens; CD cannot at present say where any should go.

Summary

Describes his trip from Coquimbo to Copiapò, where he rejoined the Beagle – a hard and wearisome journey, but geologically interesting.

FitzRoy piloted the [Blonde] to rescue crew of wrecked Challenger.

CD has received letters that were missing, and others; for ten months there will be none to or from him.

Summary

Describes his routine for a typical day – writing Coral reefs, studying German.

FitzRoy’s "Deluge Chapter" [Narrative 2, ch. 28] will amuse her.

His opinion of Carlyle’s Critical and miscellaneous essays [1839].

Summary

Account of the four-month voyage to Tierra del Fuego, Cape Horn, and return. The Fuegians are landed with Richard Matthews [the missionary in charge of them]. Storms, seasickness, hostile savages, and scenery are described. His increasing interest in all branches of natural history makes the hardships worth while. FitzRoy buys a schooner. CD will stay at Rio Negro while it is fitted.

Summary

Informs EAD of Anthony Rich’s proposal to bequeath his property to CD.

Summary

Arranges for HdeV to call.

Summary

Asks CD if he would screw himself up to inviting A. Newton to Down.

Summary

Agrees to read manuscript if short.

Summary

Thanks WDF for interesting letter about turkeys. Would be grateful for information on fertility of the hybrids.

Summary

Tells of the pleasure that CD’s visit gave the family.

Summary

CD has never doubted probability of Bering Strait land connection.

Family illness.

Summary

Thanks for report on J. V. Carus’ lecture.

Glad to hear suspicion about J. H. Stirling groundless.

CD has not seen R. W. Emerson. In last two or three years has seen several Yankees. Saw a good deal of the Nortons [Charles Eliot and Susan Ridley Sedgwick].

Summary

Experiments on effects of removing "bloom" from leaves and fruit.

Summary

CD is pleased that EK will answer Butler. Thinks Butler is half insane.