My dear Darwin

What an age it is since we have met, or even corresponded.² I have often thought of you and wished to write, but knowing how much you are engaged, I have not done so. D^r Hooker told me a few weeks since, that you are going to astonish us all very shortly by a new work.³ I shall anxiously look for it. There is such a freshness about your Books that I never tire of them, & when tired & worn out, take down a Volume, with the certainty that I shall soon be relieved from present troubles.

I now write in consequence of our having lost the direction of a Governess, which we believe M^rs Darwin applied to us to help. If we are right in M^rs Darwin being the Applicant—She will fill up the enclosed for 3 Votes at the proper place. We applied to several others I believe, & I hope they have kept the name & properly applied. Should we be wrong in imagining M^rs Darwin to be the applicant—you will kindly return the paper.⁴

We go next week to our Winter Quarters at Sandown in Isle of Wight—staying some days with M^rs Fox’s Father at Hampstead.⁵

Should you, by any accident be in London about that time I should greatly enjoy five minutes intercourse with you.

Tell M^rs Darwin, with our kindest regards, to reply to this letter, and Believe my old & much valued Friend to remain Yours always | W. D Fox