From Sara Darwin to Emma Darwin 3 April [1889]

My dear M^rs. Darwin,

This a word of farewell which will only reach you a few hours before I am off.

The weather is very thick, & I fear the "Aller" will be delayed in her trip from Bremen. I am so glad that George is saved the voyage this year. They are coming here to see William next week & I am sorry to miss them. W. goes to Hen^a this week on Saturday. Three months will be a horrid long time of separation, but the times for William will be broken up in various ways of business, & pleasure. I believe he hopes to go to see you in May, sometimes. Yesterday we dined with the Sellars to say farewell. He (M^r S.) has been in London, & says that Parnell is now in great demand socially but that would not be strange perhaps after Lord Spencer's Speech & reception of him on a certain occasion lately. I forget the dates the Commission is sitting again, & I shall be very eager to hear the results. Did you see that Gen^al Harrison, has appointed cdr Patrick Egans! as Minister to Chellis. What a way of correcting troubles with this country. M^r. Blaines is the master spirit now.

There is William coming in from his walk so I will say Goodbye with much love to you and Bessy. I trust I shall have good news of your all & of Horace while I am away— I am worthless as a correspondent, nevertheless I am as ever

Your devoted & most attached daughter | Sara D—