Dear M^r. Darwin,

I have to thank you for a long kind letter, and will endeavour as far as I can to reply to your question about our mutual ancestor, Robert Darwin of Lincoln’s Inn— ¹

My Husband and I have looked over the Pedigree, and have come to the conclusion that the said Robert never was owner of Elston, he is described as of Balderton, and died 1754— his cousin William Morgan Darwin (who died in 1762.) being then owner of Elston— Rob^t. Waring Darwin his son, then got the Elston Estate—²

Robert Darwin of Lincoln’s Inn was buried at Elston, and we have a portrait of him by Richardson, if you would like it photographed—³ Our solicitor M^r. Dunning also, of Parliament S^t. has a number of old Darwin deeds & papers, which might throw some light upon the subject—⁴

I cannot but imagine however, as your son says, that it is a misconception of his descendants, to call him “of Elston”—⁵

I have great pleasure in enclosing a note of introduction for your son M^r. Leonard Darwin to our Tenant at Elston who I am sure will be most glad to shew him every attention.⁶ In regard to Cleatham, we have no property there at all now, nor do we know the name of the clergyman there—⁷ What an interesting discovery you must have made, in finding all those old letters, and the view of the house before it was restored & spoilt—⁸

We have seen lately mentioned that such an admirable portrait of yourself has been published, an etching, but that it is most difficult to procure, and we shall esteem it a great favour if you could kindly tell us, where one may be obtained—⁹

With kind regards, | Believe me | Y^rs. sincerely | Charlotte M C Darwin