Dear Sir

On my return home from Oxford, I found your interesting & obliging letter, which by an unfortunate mistake had not been forwarded to me at Oxford, & consequently I did not make acquaintance with your friend & countryman. I have, also heard that the pamphlet,¹ which you have been so kind as to give me, has arrived at Park St. (my Brother’s house) & I shall get it at the end of this week.— I am very glad to hear that you purpose coming to England & I hope that your tour may be in every way successful. I fear that there will be few, or no geologists in London in the middle of August: M^r Lyell has gone into Scotland; Sir R. Murchison, I believe, starts soon for France, & the officers of the Geological Survey will no doubt be at work.— I have some hopes M^r Sharpe may be then in London, & he would be able to give you much information about N. Wales; & I will write to him tomorrow to enquire about his plans. Prof. Sedgwick, who knows more than anyone of Wales is scarcely ever in London for more than a day or two.—

My house is 18 miles from London; & if you can spare the time I shall be truly glad to see you here & will give you all the advice in my power. I shall be at home, I am almost sure, all August: early in September, I shall be absent though only for a short time. I am, however, sorry to say that you could not apply to a worse person for geological information respecting England than myself; shortly after my return from my long voyage, I had a tedious & severe illness, & I have never since recovered my strength & suppose I never shall. since I have never geologised in any part of England, not even near my own house. I appear quite well, but from being a strong man, I am become incapable of any continued muscular exertion; or indeed of much exertion of mind, for even conversation, if it excites me, tires me in a very short time, so that I am compelled to live a most retired life. What little assistance I can give, I will give with the greatest pleasure, & shall be able anyhow to introduce you to more useful guides. I must apologise for troubling you with so many particulars about myself, but I thought it better to forewarn you that I am incapable of being of much service.— If you will be so good as to write to me, as soon as you arrive in England, or soon before, telling me where I can address you in London, I will answer you immediately & if you would like to come here at once I will direct you the best way. In the mean time I will think of people to whom to introduce you.— I may, perhaps, be able to lend you some books on English Geology, to carry with you on your tour.— I hope you are able to speak some English, for I confess with very much shame, that I cannot speak, though able to read with perfect ease, French.—

With every good wish, pray believe me, dear Sir, Your faithful & obed sert. | C. Darwin