My dear Fox

In passing through London two days ago² I heard from Erasmus³ with sorrow of your Father’s death.⁴ A few weeks since I had been much interested in hearing from Susan⁵ an account of your Fathers equable & apparently happy state, & of the surprising manner in which he retained his faculties & interests. In a note from Susan she expresses how very glad she now is at her last visit.— I grieve to hear that your health prevents you attending the Funeral: this was my case,⁶ & though it is only a ceremony I felt deeply grieved at this deprivation & you no doubt will feel this more.⁷ You have my sincere sympathy & very sorry indeed I am to hear that your health is not so good, even as formerly.

Hereafter, when at leisure, do let me have a line from you, my dear old Friend. I often think of our happy days at Cambridge; almost if not quite, the happiest part of my life & much associated in my memory with you.—⁸ Long continued ill-health has much changed me, & I very often think with pain how cold & different I must appear to my few old friends to what I was formerly; but I internally know that the inner part of my mind remains the same with my old affections.

Believe me, my dear Fox, I am & shall ever be your affectionate friend | Charles Darwin

I have brought my eldest girl here & intend to leave her for a month under D^r. Gully;⁹ she inherits I fear with grief, my wretched digestion. I return in a day or two home.—

When next you write to any of your Family pray express my sincere sympathy for M^rs. Fox¹⁰ & all your sisters.