My dear Darwin

I am always glad of an excuse to ask how you and yours are, but the present one is one that will amuse you.

A very nice old Lady here will have it that you and M^rs Darwin are at the present time in an unknown part of America somewhere by the Yellow River.² That M^rs Darwin was the only lady except a M^rs Blackmore (I think) who unfortunately died just when the Expedition had got too far for her husband to return without having his throat cut, so he wisely buried his poor wife & went on his way.

Can you unravel this ⁠⟨⁠ve⁠⟩⁠ry cock & Bull story. It is so long since I have heard of you, that I cannot deny the truth of the above acc^t—and can only say, that I believe you are safe at Down.³

We are in our Winter Quarters, much enjoying the delicious healthy air of this place—I believe the very healthiest in England—and I have every reason at present to speak well of it, as I came here three weeks since a regular Invalid—& tho’ not yet strong, am in a most comfortable state of health whereas I was the reverse⁴   I shall rejoice if you can give a good account of your own health & that of M^rs Darwin & your family.

What an age it is since we have met. I should so much enjoy seeing you again. It is above a Quarter of a Century since I & my wife were at Down.⁵

I wish you & M^rs Darwin w^d now repay the visit by coming to us. With our united kindest regards to M^rs Darwin | Believe me my dear old Darwin | Ever yours | W. Darwin Fox