From Emma Darwin to Leonard Darwin [24 November 1877]

My dear Leo.

You will have seen in the paper the terrible misfortune of the poor Nashes. It was scarlet fever & little Oscar (Bernard's contemp.) was only ill 2 days— The two others rallied a little so that there were some hopes even on the last night but they both died in the morning (quite unconscious all of them— They have 2 little boys left & in a few days time they will feel them to be safe & go away with them. They had sent them at once to the gardener's house. I have seen Mrs Desborough who speaks of Mr Nash being utterly knocked down; but I think their deep religious feeling keeps them from despair.

Uncle Harry was here on Wed. night when Arthur came to tell him of Major K's death which he had heard by telegram.

He was unusually well the evening before & enjoying his children's company— In the mg pain came on & he said something had burst in his throat & death came very soon  Uncle Harry will be but a feeble support for poor Louisa as he has no spirits & no decision. I am glad you had a pleasant visit at the Lewins' & I am also glad you threw such a bomb shell, among the officers—

R. has been downstairs twice w. little fatique; but he is rather pulled back by frequent headaches & loss of appetite. His nurse leaves him in about a week. You will come next Sat, & hear about the wedding.

yours my dear old man | ED