From W. E. Darwin to Emma Darwin [6? May 1877]

My dear Mother,

I got your letters yesterday, it always seems an extraordinary short time for letters to reach here from Down

Alas my time is up, & I start down at 2.15 tomorrow getting to [illeg] at 1.30 on Tuesday, and breakfasting at Uncle Eras. We have not had a drop of rain yet; but horrid raw cold weather & some snow, but I think the change has picked me up [illeg]; the green has not advanced the least since last Saturday, and there is a regular panic among the farmers, as the ewes have nothing to eat & the lambs die for want of milk, we came across two poor little dead things by the river on Friday, and neither have they cows milk to bring them up by hand with. I am getting on with my trout fishing and have learned the first principle of casting my fly.

I am very glad to hear that babby is getting so cock-a-hoop it will be nice if you can bring him to Basset but I am very sorry to find you have not taken the Abinger offer.

I cannot help feeling that Gladstone has brought out his resolutions a month or two too late, it is locking the gate after the horse is stolen, otherwise I agree with the sense of them; I have here two Tasks to contend with.

It seems as if this complication might shew us that the Suez Canal could not be used by us in case we had difficulties with Russia & Egypt were neutral, it is another excuse for swallowing Egypt. I had a pleasant invitation from Godfrey to Barlaston on my way back, but I cannot afford the time.

I hope Hen. is not unwell as she talks of [illeg]

Your affect Son | W E Darwin

I think I should take the offer for the horse, but I cannot ask Barnes on Wednesday what he would do.