Darwin Correspondence Project

2 Coley Hill | Reading

Christmas Eve.

Dear Darwin,

We have concluded that our little party shall remain together till we are near the time of our departure, and that Quiz must celebrate my birthday here. Johnny wants his portrait taken before he goes so we will arrange to send him to you next week, ie on Thursday 2nd. Janry 1862   he shall go by the South Eastern train hence at 9.50. He will arrive at the London Bridge station at 1. This will be quite time to secure his conveyance by Snow to you. I will direct him fully. He travels in a hamper—

Thanks for all your kind wishes for us. I shall certainly not be anything like a chieftain, hardly to say a laird— A small house and a little land hardly make any <    > I retain my <    > where there are to <    > recollections; and <    > be lightly par<  > <    > it is by no me<ans> <    > that after a loo<  > <    > we may return <    > <es>pecially if I can <    > to get a house <    > one. But I do not w<ant> to disturb the present arrangement, it is so desirable to leave Stephens in peace. It has been the greatest comfort to me <    > <  >nt a cu<  > <    > <m>y best wishes <  >y Christmas & <    > you all | Dear Darwin | <    > faithfully | J. B Innes