My dear Catherine

I have only $\frac{1}{4}$ of an hour to write this—Sullivan¹ will put it in his parcel, so that it will only cost common postage.— I have received your letter directed Monte Video & previous to it one from Caroline from Maer.— Tomorrow we sail for Mon: Video.— If the wind is not directly against us, we shall touch at Cape Frio, the celebrated scene of diving for the Thetis wreck.—² They have fished up 900000 dollars.— If we are lucky enough (& it is very probable) to have a gale off St Catherines we shall run in there.— I expect to suffer terribly from sea-sickness—as we are certain to have bad weather.— After lying a short time at MV: we cruize to the South—but not I believe below Rio Negro— The geography of this country is as little known as interior of Africa.— I long to put my foot, where man has never trod before— And am most impatient to leave civilized ports:— We are all very anxious about reform; the last news brought intelligence that Lord Grey would perhaps re-continue in.— Would ask Erasmus to add to the books—Pennants quadrupeds³ (if not too late) in my bedroom.—& Humboldt tableaux de la nature.—⁴ You cannot imagine what a miser-like value is attached to books, when incapable of procuring them.—

We have been 3 months here: & most undoubtedly I well know the glories of a Brazilian forest.— Commonly I ride some few miles, put my horse & start by some track into the impenetrable—mass of vegetation.— Whilst seated on a tree, & eating my luncheon in the sublime solitude of the forest, the pleasure I experience is unspeakable.— The number of undescribed animals I have taken is very great—& some to Naturalists, I am sure, very interesting.— I attempt class after class of animals, so that before very long I shall have notion of all.— so that if I gain no other end I shall never want an object of employment & amusement for the rest of my life.— (Sullivan only gives me 5 minutes more—).— I am now writing in my own snug corner.—& am as comfortable as man can be.— I am only obeying orders in thus writing a short letter.— When on the deserts coasts of Patagonia.—you will be a long time before hearing from me.— My journal is going on better; but I find it inconvenient having sent the first part home on account of dates—

Give my very best love to my Father & all others. | Most affection | Chas Darwin.—