In all money affairs it is better to have a memorandum in writing. I thought it so hard a case that your Father should be told that the £200 would be given him & then the offer partially retracted, that I, under these circumstances alone, offered to give the £200, which I have now done:³ but I understand that if Miss Davies kept to her original intention, then, as I know perfectly well, you would repay me the £200;⁴ under any other circumstances, I must freely & cordially give you the £200. This note is ill expressed but is written in a hurry.

My dear Miss Ludwig | yours very sincerely | Ch. Darwin