From Emma Darwin to W. E. Darwin [12 February 1872]

My dear W^m.

I suppose you did not go any where last Saturday. Poor old Skimp has continued very unwell. As soon as his sore throat went, his digestion became v. bad. His fellow worker Baker has had just the same— I hope he may be able to return to his job this week as he is very impatient to do

I will give your caution to John.

Frank got gt credit from his bassoon master on Sat. who was surprised at his progress. I suppose having learnt to play the flute helps him— he practices very hard— Did I tell you that Amy Lubbock is going to be married. See enclosed—

F. was expecting about this time (his birthday today) an album containing photos of German men of science, when yesterday arrived a most gorgeous purple velvet & silver Dutch album of the same sort w. 219 portraits— Some of youths, some girls & some fat women. I suppose any one who subscribed. However it shows a v. different state of feeling about him— You w^d not get boys & fat women in England to subscribe & send him their photos as a mark of respect. There are some men of science e.g. Donders but not many I think.

The German album is announced but not arrived. F. has to cudgel his brains to write 2 letters of thanks a little diversified

We have actually bought a horse from Uncle Frank £55— but I shall say no more till we have had it for 6 m— we found that to hire a horse for these next 6 m. cost £44—

Goodbye my dear old Man | E.D—

I think the bassoon is of gt service to Fr. however hideous it may turn out. It has given me more confidence that he will in time recover his former vigour of mind & youthfulness

No doubt we could hire horses to go to Croydon for the carriage—but it w^d not be easy.

Buckley is R's other name.

We think the carriage had better come to Orpington  Can the old one be sent there to go back by the empty Truck—