My dear Mr Darwin—

Truth compels me to state that I was not in search of pure science when I came across the little pamphlet which leaves here for Down tomorrow morning—far from it—but as I looked vainly, alas! for a french novel what should I see but the words “War Goethe ein Darwinianer”?² Now I ask you, who are incapable of prejudice, if any better proof of German “fleissigkeit”³ is wanting than that these admirable pursuers of hidden truth have actually time enough & to spare to steal the best genius of other countries?— Being in true feminine style convinced, without knowing anything about the matter that Goethe was no Darwinianer—I have not read the pamphlet—but Mr Norton⁴ has & he tells me that the profound Schmidt is of my way of thinking— You shall decide whether yr great original was to have been seen some time since wooing the lovely sirens of Weimar⁵ rather than those most interesting inhabitants of warmer climes—

Writing you this nonsense gives me a pleasant opportunity of telling you that we have heard from my Aunts & Sister, most animated accounts of your sons’ visit to Cambridge.—⁶ They have left behind them many friends & the most agreeable impressions & what more can one ask to do in going to a foreign country?— My Sister & brother⁷ imply that there was an immense amount of laughing done— So I take it that my country furnished at least one very admirable element of enjoyment—Mirth.— I wish we might have been at home to return a little bit of your unbounded hospitality to us but perhaps one of these days you may be fired with the desire to see those monkeys which one of yr great novelists describes as gaily gambolling in the trees of Illinois!⁸ If such should be the case you will surely not overlook Cambridge, the home of all virtue & learning & at least for a time will rest at Shady Hill,—where novels and a most affectionate welcome will always await you⁹

You may be glad to know that we are most comfortably established in this dullest & most respectable of cities—& are all well— even Mrs. Norton¹⁰ may be called well now—but Germany is “langweilig”¹¹ & I shall be glad when I find myself on the lovely shores of the dear little Island.

We send to you & yours warmest messages of regard—& Mr Norton bids me remember him very especially to yrself & Mrs. Darwin | Pray give her my love— | & always believe me | dear Mr Darwin— | Affectionately yours | Susan Norton.

Forgive Donatis Comet—which has sprung out of space¹²