My dear Sir,

Although very busy I cannot refrain from giving myself the pleasure of congratulating you on George’s success.¹ I remember how pleased you said you should be to see him get a third or fourth place & therefore can imagine how you rejoiced that he got a second & in a year too when it really was the only place there was a chance for as I heard on every hand Moulton was certain—²

Tell him when he comes down I hope he will be able now to come & see me.³ I suppose after such a grind as he has had he will for a short time rest on his laurels— Did you get any intimation before the time of his being backed for so good a place or was it quite unexpected?

You would be very much gratified if you heard on all hands the feeling of sympathy displayed by people like our Chairman for example & members of our Board, without a tincture of science, that so distinguished a man of science should have so distinguished a son—⁴ I can quite imagine how heartily his mother & sister rejoice with you on the occasion⁵   pray congratulate them heartily on our behalf

Yours very truly | E Cresy

C Darwin Esq