My dear M^r. Nash.

I thank you cordially for your long & very interesting letter.¹ Your life sounds very prosperous & I am delighted to hear that you are all well & happy. We heard some time ago with much alarm of your illness, but I trust it was not as bad as it sounded.² I can well understand your enjoying your new life, for in old days I well remember thinking that a colonist’s lot, with children, was a happy one. I remember especially this in regard to Tasmania.³

Frank will tell you what little news there is to be told about this quiet place.⁴ But I must send my own kindest remembrances to M^rs. Nash. You will both ever be a heavy loss here.⁵

Believe me my dear M^r. Nash

Yours very sincerely | Ch. Darwin