Grieves over poor account of her health. Emma and Henrietta are also ill.
Discusses information about Dr Erasmus Darwin.
Was it Lady Charlemont or Charleville who remarked how agreeable their grandfather was?
Asks her to confirm story about Robert Darwin (father of Dr Erasmus).
Division of CW’s share [of E. A. Darwin’s estate]. Investment advice.
Recounts his memories of their mother and of her death. Remembers "her black velvet gown and her work table and the death scene", but cannot remember her face. Remembers that Caroline "always acted like a mother" to him and Catherine.
Questions about his college bills.
Describes the living conditions he will have on the Beagle.
The outfitting of the Beagle progresses.
CD has been dining out more than he wishes. He has met W. S. Harris of "Electricity" fame.
His fears and hopes about seasickness.
A new continent has been discovered "somewhere far South". "Perhaps we may be sent in search."
Describes the gathering at Maer and the events culminating in Charlotte Wedgwood’s marriage to Charles Langton.
CD’s enjoyment of the beauty of the tropics is worth all the misery of seasickness. His mail gave him great pleasure. For two weeks he will visit a large estate in the country, and on return live at Botofogo for some weeks, collecting and learning to know the tropics.
His trip to the interior was full of interest, but exhausting physically. Expects to stay at least a fortnight at Botofogo, because the Beagle returns to Bahia to correct a difference in the longitude measurements. Writes of his companions, of FitzRoy, and of his journal – which he has sent home.
Brings CD up to date on family and many friends. Describes the wedding of Fanny Owen and R. M. Biddulph. Sedgwick called on return from Wales. W. D. Fox has been very ill.
News of the Darwin, Wedgwood, and Owen families, including a report on Frances Wedgwood’s death.
During the past two months CD has been lucky with fossil bones, and he is also finding new specimens of living animals.
He describes an ostrich hunt.
Has received several letters from home.
He enjoys Buenos Aires and admires the señoritas. Tierra del Fuego is next.
Family news. Uncle Jos [Josiah Wedgwood II] has been returned to Parliament with a fine majority.
CD comments on lectures and lecturers at Edinburgh.
Sends her love and family news.
Account of the four-month voyage to Tierra del Fuego, Cape Horn, and return. The Fuegians are landed with Richard Matthews [the missionary in charge of them]. Storms, seasickness, hostile savages, and scenery are described. His increasing interest in all branches of natural history makes the hardships worth while. FitzRoy buys a schooner. CD will stay at Rio Negro while it is fitted.
News of family and friends.
News of family and friends. "I tell you all the gossip I can that you may know how the Shropshire world is going on."
With the help of General Rosas, CD has just finished an overland journey from Patagones to Buenos Aires; he tells of fossil finds at Bahia Blanca and Guardia del Monte. Spring reminds him of home.
Describes his trip to north of Santa Fé, his illness, and return by boat to Buenos Aires – which he found in the throes of a revolution. Covington is cut off from the town, which some expect to be plundered.