Summary

Thanks WDF for his letter [on steel traps].

Gives a better report of CD’s health since he gave up water-cure.

Summary

CD too unwell to answer JvH’s letter.

He was interested in the "marvellous ground parrot"

and the report on "naturalisation of animals in New Zealand".

Honoured by election to the Philosophical Institute of Canterbury.

Summary

CD sends thanks for pamphlet.

He has been very unwell for three months; it will be long before he can apply himself to his usual pursuits.

Summary

CD would be pleased to sit for a bust by Thomas Woolner for JDH, but he is too ill now.

Emma’s views on slavery and the Civil War.

Summary

John Scott is gratified at Bentham’s proposal that he become an associate of the Linnean Society.

Summary

Writes lovingly of small events since he left Maer. Fears their opinions may differ on "the most important subject", religion, but is grateful for his openness about his "honest & conscientious doubts".

Summary

Request for plants.

CD’s continuing ill health.

Summary

Request for plant.

Receipt of Oliver’s letter.

Summary

Responds to items in CD’s letter, just received. Suggests parts of London where he might look for a house. Gives news of friends and relatives.

Summary

Has accepted the Hensleigh Wedgwoods’ invitation to go to London with them; can look at houses with CD. She wishes to avoid extravagance; asks him to choose three or four for her to see.

Summary

Emma prepares JDH for his visit to Wedgwood factory and Barlaston.

Summary

CD has been so ill they must discourage visit by WDF. Recovering slowly with new treatment.

Summary

She agrees that London is the place to settle. She is eager to see him and full of plans.

Summary

Urges WDF to send trap he has invented to the exhibition and competition of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Advertisement of Brailsford’s Patent Vermin Trap enclosed.

Summary

CD says Meneanthes is now in flower.

Summary

Describes the journey home and the long talks on their return. No maid has been found, so he should engage the one she saw, "for ten guineas & tea & sugar a year". She thought CD looked unwell and overtired.

Summary

Responds to his "business letter" about the maids, then chides herself for feeling dull and disagreeable when she has had everything all her life.

Summary

Is delighted to learn they have "Macaw Cottage" [12 Upper Gower Street] – their second choice; hopes they have disposed of the dead dog in the garden. Much family news.

Summary

Seeks to persuade CD to leave town at once, go to Shrewsbury for doctoring and some rest, then come to Maer for more rest, for he has looked "so unwell". She knows it must be hard for him to be unable to do his work.

Summary

Discusses CD’s religious doubts. Fears his work may lead him to discount what cannot be proved, and advises that there are some things which, "if true are likely to be above our comprehension" and "that there is a danger in giving up revelation".