My dear Sir

I am almost ashamed to write, as you will think me so very capricious; but the present low prices of Guaranteed Railway shares,¹ has put it into my head, that I should act wiser in investing the ^£14,000 in such shares;² for supposing I could get nearly 5 per cent, the extra interest beyond what I sh^d. get from land, would during the rest of my life (as I do not spend my whole income) make up a depreciation fund at compound interest, to compensate for any fall in Gold,³ which, as you are aware, led me to think of land. A relation, on whose advice in money matters I generally act, takes this view. But I feel I have much cause to apologise to you. Have you surveyed any Farm on my account? If so, I trust you that you will of course inform me & let me know what I am indebted to you. But for the interview you have granted me, & some letters you have written, I hope you will be so kind as to excuse the liberty I take in enclosing a five guinea Fee.—⁴

Please to observe that sh^d. the Railway market rise much before July, I sh^d go back to my old scheme of purchasing a Farm,⁵ & I will then communicate with you.— I hope you will forgive my changeableness, which has solely been induced by changed circumstances; & I sh^d. much like to hear what you think of my ideas on the subject in question:

My dear Sir | Your’s very faithfully | C. Darwin J. Higgins Esq^e