From Emma Darwin to Horace Darwin [18 August 1866]

My dear old man

I was glad to have your letter very well written too & spelt.

How happy Lenny must be to leave off classics.

This morning Geo. & Frank are in the German ocean & not so sick as I thought likely the last 2 days when it has been quite a high wind.

They set off on Thursday in high spirits, Hope going with them as far as Q. Anne S^t.

Yesterday we had the school feast which went off very well chiefly by the help of Anne & Bobby.

John & Bobby shewed off together leaping over a pole only Bobby wanted to worry John all the time. Bobby enjoyed the tea party sitting on his end & barking & remonstrating when they did not give him enough bread & butter. A great many interlopers came little Lovegroves &c. I mean to have the Down school as well. We have got Langham Reed’s horse on trial. It is ugly & coltish but very quiet & with good paces so we are puzzled.

I am glad you are got into harness. W^m writes a gorgeous account of his wedding, which I will send if you like the trouble of reading it. The hand is abominable— I sent Lenny s cricket shoes yesterday. Goodbye my dear Horace.

yours E.D.

Emily not Emerly

wear not ware.

I send a cap.