Regrets he cannot come to music meeting in Birmingham because he is very busy with the proofs of his book [Journal of researches]. A waste of life to spend a summer in ugly Marlborough Street.

CD has had an offer to go on a voyage of discovery for two years. RWD objects strongly, but will let CD make his case and if JW agrees with CD, RWD will change his position. In a postscript RWD adds, "Charles has quite given up … the voyage."

RWD had made up his mind to give up his objection to the Beagle voyage if JW did not take the same view. If Charles continues to want to go after further inquiry, will give him every assistance.

RWD’s happiness that Emma has accepted CD’s proposal of marriage.

Describes CD’s visit to Maer on his return from Beagle voyage.

They are impatient for CD’s arrival.

EW is reading F. Head’s "gallop" [Rapid journeys across the Pampas (1826)] "to get up a little knowledge for him".

CD has nearly settled in favour of living in Cambridge.

CD will not get to Maer that week. The Langtons are leaving and will meet him at Shrewsbury.

Tells of the pleasure that CD’s visit gave the family.

The Darwin family are anxious for FEEW’s and Hensleigh’s opinions of CD’s journal. EW is convinced that Henry Holland is wrong if he thinks it not worth publishing.

JW’s satisfaction in bestowing Emma on CD.

[A note from Emma on cover thanks RWD for the way the family have received her.]