Summary

Recalls student days at Cambridge and microscope JMH gave him.

Discusses his children, health, and work.

Summary

Summarises experiences since leaving England. "How intimately what may be called the ""moral part"" is connected with the enjoyment of scenery." The loneliness of the voyage.

Summary

Thanks JMH for book of poems.

Recalls early days together. He cannot visit due to health.

Summary

Defers a visit with Lieutenant Blakiston; "my wife is out of health & expects her confinement in a few weeks, & I cannot possibly receive any one here or leave home . . ."

Summary

Describes Tierra del Fuego and Cape Horn; was reminded of hours at Barmouth; chafes at the length of the trip.

Hopes the Whigs will do away with slavery – has seen enough of it and Negroes to be disgusted with the lies heard in England.

Summary

Enjoyed the merry evening with JMH.

Summary

Asks JMH to collect some insects at Barmouth.

Reports on his shooting luck.

Summary

Suggests the names of two bird-preservers for JMH’s friend.

In reference to an earlier letter, replies: "As for Birds of Paradise from the West Indies, tell that to the marines, as we used to say on board the Beagle".

Summary

CD obliged for JMH’s labours in "the science". He reports having spent a pleasant month. Entomological pursuits succeeded.

Looks forward to receiving beetles and butterflies from JMH when he passes through Shrewsbury.

Summary

Contributes to a memorial for Richard Dawes.

Describes his health.

Summary

Writes to find whether the date of the event [JMH’s marriage?] has been fixed.

Has been unwell and does not yet feel up to work.

Summary

Thanks JMH for his congratulations.

Recalls gift of microscope [from JMH in 1831]. [See 99].

Summary

Sends Expression.

Remarks on student days and old friends.

Summary

Is slaving at South America – ¾ finished.

Has discovered geologists never read each other’s works – "the only object in writing a book is a proof of earnestness … Geology is at present very oral".

Summary

News of JMH’s second marriage.

Death of Charles Whitley’s wife.

Thinks CD’s fame in Europe is greater than that of Cuvier.

Summary

Thanks for Earthworms.

Condolences on death of Erasmus.

Summary

Writes news of Cambridge friends, professors, music, the Reform Bill, and cholera. Expresses belief that CD will take his place with Cuvier and Humboldt.

Summary

Sends news of himself and CD’s friends. Discusses changes in England, the coming elections, Cambridge politics.

Summary

A letter full of news of Cambridge and friends: the BAAS meeting at Cambridge; charges of corruption in the University; the Cambridge petition on behalf of Dissenters.

Summary

Welcomes CD; has tried to find him. May see him in Cambridge. Reminisces about CD’s musical taste and memory. Describes Charles Whitley’s wedding and wife. Mentions friends.