My dear Farrer

I am delighted for Horace’s sake to hear that the marriage will take place early in the ensuing year.¹

He tells me that you would like to hear about his future & present income prospects.

William estimated carefully a few years ago the amount of my property (including some which I know to have been bequeathed to me) & from this it follows that after my death & Emma’s, Horace will receive about £40,000 a little more or less.² At present I allow him £300 annually, & I have made over to him property producing annually rather above £100. For the future I intend to divide annually the overplus of our income, amongst my children; & on an average from the last ten years, this amounts annually to £2728.³ This will give to Horace at least £400; so that his annual income will be at least £800;—always assuming that my income does not fall off, & none of my investments are speculative.

With respect to a marriage settlement, I think it w^d be the best plan, as I am not a man of business, for my Solicitor to call on your brother; & I understand that you concur in this.⁴ My solicitor is Mr Hacon⁵ of 18 Fenchurch St, whom I have long employed— He knows fully the state of my affairs, & my general notions about settlements. I have always found him a very sensible & just man; & I believe that he w^d advise what is best for all parties under all contingencies.

Your suggestion about Horace possibly becoming a partner in some business, seems to me a very wise one, which had not occurred to me, & which I will pass on to Mr Hacon, as it bears on the amount advisable to be settled.⁶ If you will authorize me, I will ask Mr Hacon to call on your brother in Lincoln’s Inn Fields to talk over the affair.

I shall always consider Horace as one of the most fortunate of men—

Believe me, my dear Farrer | Yours very sincerely | Charles R. Darwin