My dear Darwin

I have not been able to answer your letter² before in consequence of an attack of fever which has kept me in bed the last 5 days—& I am at present about as strong as a drowning kitten— I hope to be about again soon. I wish I was at Malvern under Gully.³

What you mention about your dear childs grave stone is to me, almost incredible.⁴ Is it possible you have overlooked it in consequence of its being buried up by surrounding trees & shrubs, as I can easily imagine it might be by this time.

It is very difficult to describe an exact locality—but either my wife⁵ or I could go to the spot, almost blindfold. A line drawn in line with East end of Church to the road—would nearly cut it I think.

Again—entering the Yard from the lower Gate—& following the path to the main entrance of Church—it is almost 1 third of way—no great distance to right (as to go to the Church)—among se- several tombs which have shrubs & trees thickly planted round them—& even when I last saw it—a good deal covering up this stone.

I am sure it was there in June 1859.⁶ It was a good strong upright stone—and I remember well “To a good & dear child”.⁷

If it has been taken away it is one of the most audacious and abominable villainies I ever heard of—& without object—as the digging up—carrying off & reworking the stone would cost more than its worth.

I must not write more— Pray rest yourself & give Malvern a fair chance— Our kindest regards to M^rs Darwin | Yours ever | W D Fox