From H. E. Darwin to W. E. Darwin [March 1864]

Dear W^m

If your mid. styled has the stigma pretty near the same height with the anthers Papa w^d be very glad if you w^d measure it. as the one he sent you was not a very middling one. but approached the long-styled. He is very much obliged to you for all your trouble. He is pretty bad this morning, after a wretched sleepless night. but his cold makes him feel more weak & uncomfortable. There is a Bromley ball here on the 31^st, but I spose you are not very likely to be here & I think it is equally unlikely I shall get a chap. if Papa is no better I don't feel as if I had much heart to go. I will tell you what time Geo. means to be here so that I hope you will be able to meet him. I suppose Lenny is on his way home now. Doesn't it seem a short time.

Ever your affec. | H.E.D.

Mama pretty weak???