My dear Sir

I should be sincerely glad to serve you in any way; I fear, however, I can do but little in the present case.— I have not seen Capt. FitzRoy for the last eight months, and should not like to write any request to him; but if, as I hope, I see him before his departure (& I have just written to ask him when he sails)¹ I will make a point of earnestly begging him to take your letter to me with him & to read it over carefully on his voyage when at leisure. I am sure I could say nothing better than the plain & very reasonable statement in your letter. If Capt. FitzRoy will read your letter, when not hurried, I think it may do your son² some service. I wish I could offer more effectual aid.— I will write & inform you whether I succeed.

I had already heard with much regret of your ill-health

Believe me | My dear Sir | Your’s very faithfully | C. Darwin