Lists letters received and those sent; comments on family happenings.
The Beagle is back [from Bahia]; two sailors and "little [Charles] Musters" died of fever. In 14 days they sail for Montevideo, then to Rio Negro, then on to where no man is known to have been before.
Sailing next day to Montevideo. He has taken many hitherto undescribed animals. Describes the glories of the Brazilian forest.
Mentions his concern over the Reform Bill.
Longs to be on the other side of the Horn; tired of these countries. Natural history makes him continue. He now knows it will remain his favourite pursuit for the rest of his life.
Comments on slavery.
Will have additional space on board and a servant [Syms Covington] who will help him with the collection of birds and quadrupeds.
Asks for books, a lens, and four pairs of shoes.
Describes Patagonia and its inhabitants.
Writes of his pleasure in geology.
Predicts that Falklands will become an "important halting place". Outlines Beagle’s future itinerary.
In the past six months he has done much geology and natural history. His geological pursuits are a source of high pleasure. Has lately determined to work chiefly on corals.
Spent three weeks going up the Santa Cruz with a party; they ran out of provisions 20 miles from the Cordilleras. Winter at present prevents his doing much natural history.
CD has recovered from his illness.
Fatigue and depression had almost decided Captain FitzRoy to turn over his command, but he was dissuaded.
Beagle will now go no further south than Cape Tres Montes and will finish survey in five months.
CD experiences his first earthquake.
Slow and tedious trip through miserable country, but geology prospers, and CD will have a good general idea of the structure of Chile by the time he leaves the country. Will send a last large cargo of specimens to Henslow.
All prefer Hobart Town and its society to Sydney. CD’s view on emigration to colonies. All on board are homesick.
Will call on Sir J. Herschel, then take short trip in the African desert.
Horrified at the publication of "the little book of extracts" from his letters to Henslow ["Letters to Professor Henslow" (1835), Collected papers 1: 3–16].
Describes the village of Down and the house they are thinking of buying.
Emma and Doddy [W. E. Darwin] like Down. CD has met, and plans to employ, the local surgeon. "I feel sure I shall become deeply attached to Down, with a few improvements".
Concerned about Father’s health.
Forwards a letter from FitzRoy.
Dr Erasmus Darwin’s scientific prophecies are the talk of London.
Family and Shropshire news.
Writes, while visiting the Wedgwoods at Maer and Parkfields, to thank CD for his "entertaining letter".
She misses him and the laboratory.
Asks "how Mineralogy, Botany, Chemistry and Entomology go on".
Shrewsbury news.
Glad he likes Edinburgh.
They have been going to plays performed by a travelling company he knows.
Family news.
Family news. Visits to the Owens at Woodhouse and the Parkers at Overton.
Family and Shrewsbury news. Visits of relatives and friends.
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 chiefly of family affairs: Erasmus’ visit, further delay in Fanny Owen’s marriage, Sarah [Owen] Williams’ illness, Arthur Owen’s sad departure for India; cholera.