My dear Cousin

I have been very neglectful in not having sooner thanked you & your sister Emma for all the very valuable assistance which you have given me.—¹ But my excuse is that experiments in progress have kept me at extra hard work.

I am particularly glad to hear the curious story about D^r. Warren, as it shows how D^r. D was esteemed by his contemporaries. I return it now instead of hereafter with your other property: a copy has been made of it.— ²

Reginal D. has been most kind & has lent me the great book; & Violetta has likewise helped me & has made a drawing of Priory for wood cut.³

I wrote to M^r Moilliet, but he has not answered me.⁴ I made a few days ago a curious discovery of two Boxes marked “Deeds, Settlements” & which I had never opened since my Father’s death.⁵ I have now done so & they contain many scores, hundreds, I believe, of D^r. D^s letters & other odd old letters about the Family. Also a drawing of Elston before it was altered about the year 1750.⁶ This discovery has been of considerable use, but I have not yet looked through all the letters. But yesterday I found a very long one from M^r Keir to my Father with an excellent character of D^r. Erasmus.—⁷

Whether I shall succeed in making my Preliminary sketch of his life & character of any interest I am sure I do not know; but I will do my best.⁸

Yours affectionately obliged | Charles Darwin