Problems with Mr Robinson, who has suddenly departed for Ireland for a month. The parish urgently needs some respectable man to hold the living permanently.
Full background on the difficulties of the vicarage of Down.
Describes a supposed cross between a cow and a red deer or doe.
Does not think the supposed cow–deer hybrid worth investigating.
John Robinson [the curate at Down] reported to be walking with girls at night.
Will try to get more information about the supposed hybrid [of cow and deer].
The rumours about John Robinson [curate of Down] cause JBI concern. He will seek to get the facts – will try to protect Robinson against malicious rumours, but if he is immoral he must go forthwith.
Hopes Miss [Sarah Elizabeth] Wedgwood will sell part of her land for a parsonage at Down. Recounts his futile efforts to obtain land in the past.
Encloses news item about the supposed hybrid [of cow and deer].
Describes an animal that is said to be a hybrid between a cow and a deer.
Has received JBI’s two letters; agrees with him, but does not know what to do about [the alleged misconduct of] John Robinson. Reports in a long postscript on vain efforts to confirm rumours. Suggests JBI come to Down to see how affairs stand.
Has forwarded a veterinary surgeon’s description of the supposed hybrid [of cow and deer, see 6504]. A neighbour who has seen it is convinced it is genuine.
JBI can do no more about John Robinson.
R. H. Hutton has given a paper about CD at Liverpool Church Congress.
JBI has seen four milk-white partridges among brown ones this year.
CD gets so many foolish letters from foolish people he has little heart to write to friends.
Gives Down news.
R. H. Hutton, editor of the Spectator, is a clever man.
CD has been much abused, praised, and chaffed by newspapers lately.
Sends Guardian containing Hutton’s paper on CD.
Discusses Henry Powell, the new vicar of Down, and plans for the parsonage.
JBI sends clipping about a hybrid between a deer and a cow, from the same parish as the one reported in 1868.
CD has forgotten about S. J. O. Horsman and the church organ and asks for any information that will help him inform his solicitors in connection with a document he has received and encloses. Will not apologise for what he said, but is ignorant of what it was.
CD’s anxiety about being examined in court if Horsman [former curate at Down] brings suit. He doubts it will happen, but if so will defend himself to utmost.
Has pleasant recollections of his relations with JBI.
JBI regrets his part in appointments of his successors.
His friendship with CD and its effect on his fellow clerics.
CD’s health has been poor.
Appreciates JBI’s letter and his expression of friendship.
In the opinion of a Q.C., Horsman has no case.
Has finished Descent, which charmed but did not convert him.
Sends examples of dogs’ reasoning.
Has given up his farm.
Not surprised that JBI does not agree with him. Many professed naturalists do not. But there has been a great change since publication of Origin, and CD believes agreement on man will come soon, "as far as his corporeal frame is concerned".
Horsman has not been heard from.
On Down parish matters.