My dear M^r Darwin

I beg to express my gratification on reading your letter of this day.¹ The place on the Sandhurst List won by Leonard is remarkably good: and is such as would ensure him, were he pass through Sandhurst, a Commission without purchase.² So high a place is rarely obtained without Classics—and considering that Leonard ‘took up’ no Classics³—and was somewhat doubtful in English, for half a dozen words mis-spelt might have seriously damaged him—considering also that he first turned his attention to Geology and Mineralogy during the last term—and that his Mathematics were specially shaped for Woolwich requirements⁴—I am highly gratified by his achievement—but particularly by the evidence of external authorities thus afforded of the sterling qualities of the boy’s mind and attainments.

He has much before him—but all will be comparatively easy to him with the student habits he has acquired and sedulously practised.

Permit me to express the pleasure with which I perused your letter respecting Horace.⁵

I am My dear Sir | Yours very sincerely | Alfred Wrigley

Charles R Darwin Esq^re. | &c &c &c