My dear George

We have both been very sorry to hear of your illness. You must have had a miserable time. I always thought that the journey in your state of health was a rash one. We are particularly glad to hear that you intend seeing a doctor & do follow his advice. We gather from your note this morning that the worst of the attack is over.—² Now that you have got so far I hope that you may get on so as to see M^cLennan;³ but I pray you not to stay long there. You have perfect reason in your state of health.—

By the way if M^cL. sh^d. say, or you sh^d hear from M^rs L. anything about his book, & if he leaves his materials in a form which could be worked up by anyone, tell him from me, supposing that he knows no better man, that Wallace I think w^d do the work well & conscientiously, but he would require liberal payment as he is poor.—⁴ He writes admirable English & knows a good deal about anthropology & I think w^d work conscientiously.— Pray give my kindest sympathy to him & say how grieved I have been for the sake of science as well his own sake at his long & terrible illness.—

Poor Frank^s5 is in bed with rheumatism & very bad cold & has to give up his Lecture on Saturday.

My poor dear old George | Your affect Father | C. Darwin