From Emma Darwin to W. E. Darwin [13 February 1861]

My dear William

I approve of your new handwriting only don't let it grow any smaller.

Mrs Evans will be proud to hear of her brawn being so appreciated. Etty has been very well for a week, down every evg. & up in the middle of the day also. Your father has been a good deal below par. He is going to send you 25£ to encourage you. I will write or speak to M^r Wood but you had better tell me the exact question.

Mr Williams came rather tipsey the last time & was so silly Etty had hardly patience to listen to him.

The pony is quite charming & I believe any of your will like to ride him. Lenny rode home by himself the last time. He & Horace are to spend 3 days at Aunt Cath. next week when they are to to to Colleen [Bawn] & a multitude of sights under Parslows chaperonage.

We are reading aloud Gouger's Burmah which is very entertaining & full of horrors so you will be sure to like it. I am going to try to get Uncle Harry & Aunt Jessie & the girls to come on here from Shrewsbury. Aunt Eliz says that Carry sings very well. Etty is to be rubbed with Cod liver oil as she cannot drink it. It will not be so disagreeable as it sounds.

Goodbye my dear old Man. | yours E. D.

I hope George has got all his teeth done. I am afraid there is the same trouble to begin with Lizzy which will be a much more serious matter

I think you have decided wisely about your plans.