BJS has just moved.
Gives the information he has of their old shipmates.
Tells of his brother’s misfortunes.
BJS was pleased to see CD’s son [William] and his wife at Charles Langton’s.
His own son is preparing for marriage.
Reports meeting a former Beagle shipmate.
Asks whether CD wishes to join other old "Beagles" in supporting an orphan grandson of Jemmy Button.
Scheme for Jemmy Button’s grandson has fallen through, as he has already been "adopted".
Encloses a letter [missing] on the progress of the Fuegians.
His eldest son has married.
Explains the occurrence of cattle on the Fuegian islands.
Discusses intentions with regard to missionary stations and steamers in the area.
Repeats extracts of a letter received from Bishop Stirling’s daughter containing anecdotes and observations of the Fuegian natives.
Reports on his family’s illnesses and other domestic matters.
The "Beagles" are, after all, to provide for Jemmy Button’s grandson [see 11501].
Thanks CD for the loan of a book;
discusses his family’s health and other domestic affairs.
Is collecting annual subscriptions for the support of J[emmy] FitzRoy Button. Has only just been told of the death of Miss [Sarah Elizabeth] Wedgwood.
Gives news of some former Beagle crew members.
Wonders whether CD can explain why white muscat grapes growing between two black grapevines have started turning black on ripening but retain the muscat flavour.
Reports the observations of Thomas Bridges on the Fuegian natives. Discusses especially the languages of the area.
Gives further details on his grapes.
Tells of his recent movements and state of health.
BJS is looking forward to reading the life of Lyell [K. M. Lyell, Life, letters and journals of Sir Charles Lyell, 2 vols. (1881)].
BJS’s son has seen six Fuegians being exhibited in Berlin; BJS hopes that they might be bought from their master and returned to Tierra del Fuego.
The only mainland vegetation he saw on Falkland Island shores were trees. Remembers no strange birds there, but on journey home saw a woodcock more than 500 miles from the nearest land.
J. C. Wickham and Arthur Mellersh are in town and BJS wonders whether there is any chance CD might join them.
Hopes to visit CD with Mellersh and Wickham the week after next.
If Wickham remains in town and CD is well enough, BJS thinks they might come about the 22d.