My dear Charles,

Though writing on ⁠⟨⁠    ⁠⟩⁠ subject, I must say a few wor⁠⟨⁠ds⁠⟩⁠ in expression of my sympathy ⁠⟨⁠for⁠⟩⁠ M^rs Darwin & yourself, in the loss y⁠⟨⁠ou⁠⟩⁠ have just sustained.² I was led to ex⁠⟨⁠pect⁠⟩⁠ the event as too probable, from the account that had before reached. It must be some comfort to you all, that it should have occurred without any increase of suffering. I shall be anxious now to hear of M^r. Langton.³

My purpose in writing is to speak of Lord Tankerville. I believe him to be at Chillingham, whither I directed my letter, enclosing the papers⁴

⁠⟨⁠I⁠⟩⁠ have heard nothing during the ⁠⟨⁠    ⁠⟩⁠ that has since elapsed; as I ⁠⟨⁠    ⁠⟩⁠ to have done   I fear it is too ⁠⟨⁠  ⁠⟩⁠able an explanation, that he ⁠⟨⁠  ⁠⟩⁠dy sent the package, ⁠⟨⁠  ⁠⟩⁠ing to the directions & address given ⁠⟨⁠    ⁠⟩⁠ may be that he is not actually at ⁠⟨⁠Chillin⁠⟩⁠gham—or that he is waiting an ⁠⟨⁠occa⁠⟩⁠sion for procuring the object required, ⁠⟨⁠    ⁠⟩⁠ of the wild cattle having been lately killed   It may be again (but I unwillingly admit this idea) that he has taken offence at the Instructions, which were a little downright in their tone, & not perhaps suff^y apologetic for the trouble given:⁵ A Nobleman living a good deal alone, on a property bequeathed to him in very encumbered state, is apt to be somewhat irritable & fastidious. Nevertheless I am not disposed to consider this the cause of delay.

If it be that the package has already been sent, I shall gladly hear of this. If not, I will let you know, when I hear of, or from, Lord Tankerville, or if I see him in Town.

There is another supposition, that my letter may have been lost in transitu but this is not likely.

Let me see you, if you come to London., & believe me your’s ever aff^ly | H Holland