My dear Darwin

Many happy returns of the season to you and yours. I was very glad to hear a pretty good report of your health from your son who was here a short time since.¹ We have been very busy since our summer trip, in moving from our old house, which I sold, to one more suitable for old people, being of two stories only instead of four. I built it six years since and let it till we wanted it for ourselves.²

I have not heard of our old shipmates lately except Hammond—who had been very ill for a few days owing to a drain being foul but not found out in time.³ I heard from King about a month since— he and his wife very well.⁴

Poor M^r. Langton bears up very well under his heavy trial— his comfort seems to be taking care of the dear little children, M^rs. L having gone to Cannes.⁵

My youngest brother, late Captⁿ. of London. has just returned, having been dismissed his ship, because their Lordships think he did not show “consideration” enough for a chaplain who had been insulting him for a year because he would not allow the morning service to Ritualistic or vestments with crosses to be worn, though he allowed a second service later in the day with all these kind of things the parson chose to carry on.⁶ As all the insults were proved at a Court of Inquiry—and written falsehoods—as well as taking liberties with black girls also against this precious parson they were obliged to dismiss him—and to please their Ritualistic friends I suppose dismissed Captain also—without any offence or misconduct of any kind ever being alleged against him. A thing unheard of before.

Then to make it worse they superseed the Captain immediately, but only nominally dismiss the chaplain as he is still serving on the ship.⁷

My brother has applied for a Court Martial & will insist on it—

My wife⁸ joins me in kind regards to M^rs Darwin.

Believe me | very sincerely yours | B. J. Sulivan