News of Cambridge: the recent examinations; memorial tablet for Marmaduke Ramsay.

Writes with great happiness about the first part of the voyage, after his misery from seasickness passed. He finds himself well prepared, the ship quiet, comfortable, and compact; he has already a "rich harvest" and finds the natural history (especially geology) exceedingly interesting. The tropics are full of great beauty.

Sends a short résumé of his trip on the chance that it will arrive in England earlier than longer letter [158] which he hopes to send by surer means.

He is "incessantly occupied by new and most interesting animals" and thinks he will be able to do some original work in natural history.

Chronicles the events of February, principally of the family and of a few friends: engagements, marriages, deaths, some visits.

Writes of his family and Shropshire events. Comments on the slow progress of the Reform Bill.

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

News from Maer and Shrewsbury of family, friends, and reports of reactions to CD’s first letters.

Sedgwick suggests he look for fossils in gravel banks of rivers.

Fanny Owen is married to R. M. Biddulph. Reform Bill prospects.

Has been away from parish because of a three-month illness. Refers briefly to events in England since the Beagle sailed.

Regrets leaving the tropics, despite interest in a land where Europeans have never been. They have experienced political turmoil at Montevideo. Natural history going well.

News of family and friends.

Brief summary of the voyage so far. His delight in the Brazilian forest; his trip into the interior; the turbulence at Rio; has grown a beard.

Reports on the commissions CD requested of him [in a missing letter]; comments on English political issues.

He is staying on the Isle of Wight because he has been unwell. He is thought to be in danger of contracting consumption, and the climate is beneficial. He is convalescent now, but will spend the winter there.

Offers to forward any natural history stores CD may want.

Notes for CD on a river trip to Mercedes on the Rio Negro [Uruguay].

Family news.

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

News of family and friends, much of it about forthcoming marriages: Fanny Owen and R. M. Biddulph, Fanny Mackintosh and Hensleigh Wedgwood. Charlotte Wedgwood will write to him of her own engagement to Charles Langton.

Writes about Hensleigh Wedgwood’s marriage to Frances Mackintosh and her own engagement to Charles Langton. Also gives news of other relatives and friends.

Writes affectionately of the good times they have had and of her friendship for CD. Tells him of her forthcoming marriage to R. M. Biddulph.

Describes the gathering at Maer and the events culminating in Charlotte Wedgwood’s marriage to Charles Langton.