From H. E. Darwin to W. E. Darwin [24 October 1861]

Dear William

Here we are, all alive after Elijah, & Mamma strange to say without a headach. I came up on Monday & Mamma Tuesday, not to let her headach have time to gather. I had rather an adventurous journey, 1^st the train very late, & then a cabman who drove me all about London. We found Captain John & Godfrey & Aunt Eliz. (the 2 last for Elijah). By the way I have got a great piece of news. Jenny is engaged to Harry Rawson. The only objection is that he is 45 & she only 20, which is rather a difference. Uncle Harry is rather low about it, & looks forward to 25 years of widowhood for her. They have already began to shower jewels upon her.

We both got through Elijah very well, I enjoyed it most thoroughly. Jenny Lind's singing was so infinitly superior to any thing I ever heard. Fechter has just began to act in Othello I am sorry to say, but I hope someone will go and explore, & see whether we may go.

The Joses are up here now, & are coming for a long day, which will be rather long I expect. I shall escape some of it by dentisting. Poor Uncle Ras has had a very bad attack agues yesterday, worse than he has ever had before I believe.

The poor riflematch had a horrid rainy day. Parslow won 3^d prize & Town 1^st  the boys came home very wet, papa said. What an odd chance it is the Stirlings coming to Southampton. Shall you get acquainted with them, & play croquet with the lovely green gowns?

Now Goodbye dear William   I hope you will let us know how much y^r. rooms cost. y^r affec H.E.D.