She encloses a pin with "genuine hair" and is flattered that it will go around the world with CD.
Has collected [Phalli] in Shropshire and compared them with Barmouth species. Is convinced they are different.
Asks JSH for introductions to R. T. Lowe and Andrew Smith.
Has been given another week’s respite by FitzRoy.
CD’s luggage is frightfully bulky, though he has been as economical as possible. Has made financial arrangements for his expenses.
Plans to study mathematics during voyage.
Asks JSH to take charge of his consignments of specimens from the voyage.
Their letters crossed; she now knows he will be gone for three years, not two; does not know what they will do without him at the Forest, but wishes him well.
Has just heard Beagle sailing is delayed so he will remain another week in London. Asks whether RF has a good set of mountain barometers, which geologists tell him are important.
Gives CD directions for sending him specimens from Beagle.
Writes of Cambridge politics.
Hopes to be able to help Cambridge Philosophical Society with his collections, but thinks most will have to go to British Museum.
Describes Beagle quarters, the surgeon [Robert McCormick, M.D.], and officers.
Asks JSH’s advice on studying mathematics.
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."
Sailing date fixed for end of month. Beagle is beautiful. Details of instructions and route. Hopes voyage will not exceed four years. Quarters very confined. Considers Jenyns did wisely in not coming. If CD were longer out of college and some years older he never could have endured it.
Regrets that it will be impossible to visit Cambridge for some years. Reminisces about CW’s "classical Sunday evenings", the Glutton Club, and his friends.
"We spend about 2 years in S. America, the rest of time larking round the world."
Still delayed; will not sail until 5 December. Instructions have come, with proposed itinerary.
Is sending plates for R. T. Lowe’s paper [Trans. Cambridge Philos. Soc. 4 (1833): 1–70].
Adds advice on working the surd.
Agrees with CD that Beagle voyage would have been wrong for Jenyns, but assures him he (CD) is the right man. Warns CD against his "foible" of taking offence at rudeness or ungentlemanlike behaviour.
Describes the wedding of her sister Sarah and related festivities. She misses CD very much.
Confusion on board the Beagle at definite prospect of sailing. Gives directions for sending mail to Montevideo.
Family and Shropshire news.
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.
News of Cambridge: the recent examinations; memorial tablet for Marmaduke Ramsay.