Suggestions and information helpful to CD in preparation for Beagle voyage. David Brewster’s meteorological papers. Suggests an oyster-trawl for collecting marine animals. Recommends CD see R. E. Grant. For meteorological observations suggests F. W. Beechey’s Voyage to the Pacific [1831] and an interview with J. F. Daniell of King’s College.
Family and Shropshire news.
Regrets he cannot take Francis Owen on Beagle as midshipman. RF thinks CD had better be on the books [for victuals], but CD should do as he likes. Refitting progress is slow.
JSH has been asked by Peacock to recommend a naturalist as companion to Capt. FitzRoy on Beagle voyage. CD the best qualified person; not a finished naturalist but amply qualified for collecting, observing, and noting.
Gives CD directions for sending him specimens from Beagle.
Writes of Cambridge politics.
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.
Asks CD to accept a Coddington microscope, which accompanies his anonymous note.
Compliments CD on talent and sincerity.
Is in London living in a garret, almost penniless, and has legal and marital difficulties. He hopes to sell some verse.
Accepted CD’s "generous remittance" rather than go to jail; has pawned his watch. Will stay one fortnight to see whether he can do anything; if he fails he will go home. If he succeeds he will ask his father to pay his debts and nothing else for a two-year period. Is proud of the attachment CD shows.
In London HM was too harassed by his wife to write; has gone home and is much bothered by his father. Looks for a place as a private tutor. Remains CD’s devoted friend.
Wants CD to come without fail on Monday, and to bring her a small bottle of oil colour, a half-dozen small brushes, and a "juicy" book of some kind.
Sends him a purse, which she asks him to use in remembrance of her.
Much disappointed that CD will leave home before she returns.
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.
Describes the wedding of her sister Sarah and related festivities. She misses CD very much.
She encloses a pin with "genuine hair" and is flattered that it will go around the world with CD.
Details about FitzRoy and proposed voyage of Beagle. CD invited to go on the voyage as naturalist.
Reports on his geological work in N. Wales since he and CD parted. Answers CD’s queries.
Is glad of CD’s appointment and hopes it will be a source of happiness and honour.
Answers a query about books.
Suggests CD go to Geological Society, present himself, as AS’s friend, to William Lonsdale and study the Society’s collection.
Tells CD of his work in Wales; includes a diagram and explanations.
Ramsay’s death a grievous loss.
Congratulates CD on his "very very good degree". Asks about friends; wishes him well.