Darwin Correspondence Project

Linley Wood | Nr. Lawton | Cheshire

Nor. 27th

My dear Mr. Darwin

I long to say My dear Charles—but cannot venture upon that liberty with so renowned a man—

Rosamond is at present staying with the Corbets—at the nice place they have taken near Oxford—& she has just written to ask me by Mr. Corbets desire to write to you— He is the blind Mr. Corbet—who is I believe an acquaintance of yours—but any how he has sent to ask me to write—&, as one never denies that dear Mr. Corbet anything—I trouble you with this— He has been troubled now, for more than a year—with poor health—nothing very important the matter—I believe—only just the destruction of all his comfort from constant malaise—fits of sleeplessness—depression of spirit—dislike to mental exertion—even a dread of those scientific & intellectual conversations in which he used to take all his delight— in short every one who has been thoroughly out of order knows the whole horrid dragons of such a state— Hearing from Rosamond what diet has done for you—in which all to your most distant friends so heartily rejoice—he has desired her—``to ask if you would mind to Mr. Charles Darwin to ask what was the diet he pursued— he is an old friend of Mr. Corbets but they have not corresponded for some years— he would be glad if you would tell him— he has often thought of his old friend & felt for his sufferings— I have told Mrs Corbet how much better Mr Darwin has been for diet—& he is anxious to know the particulars— I am convinced a great part of his miserable feelings arise from his inattention to these matters—&lldots; Poor man he suffers very much— if Mr Darwin or Mrs. Darwin would write to him straight—he would be very glad—& would like so much to hear from his old friend'' So far Rosamond—& if you or Mrs. Darwin would be so kind as to write direct to him—I am sure that the letter would be a great gratification—as well as far more likely to have its due effect— I must beg of you not to give one moment of your precious strength to acknowledging this letter— I have just heard from Elizabeth W how well you are & heartily heartily rejoice

Kindest love to Emma (Mrs. Darwin) I mean— I did so grieve to lose my own share—in sweetest Susan—but they go away so sadly fast—those I loved in early happy days

Always believe me to be | very truly yours | Anne Marsh Caldwell