My dear Sir

On my return from my wedding tour I found the life of D^r. Erasmus Darwin which you had so kindly sent to me.¹ For it I beg to return you my best thanks and at the same time to express my regret that I was unable to get the information you wished.² I must also apologise for my delay in thanking you but I can assure you that it was not because I did not appreciate your gift   Indeed to tell the truth it was the difficulty I felt in expressing myself rightly which led me to delay writing to you while I finished off the small letters which required no thought.

Again I thank you most sincerely & remain | Yours faithfully & obliged | T Lauder Brunton

C. Darwin Esq