To J. S. Henslow   17 [September 1831]

My dear Sir

I arrived this morning from Plymouth & found your letter with six others on my table.— I mention this, as it will account for my writing to you a very short letter.— I called on your brother, but he was not at home, I heard there that you left London yesterday: How very unfortunate it was my being detained in Plymouth: I should have much enjoyed taking a walk in London town with you.— I am much obliged for your asking me to take up my quarters with you: I will most gratefully accept it in every point but one, viz sleeping at your house.— I shall arrive in the middle of the night by the Mail,¹ & after 2 or 3 days shall start very early in the morning to Birmingham: So I cannot think of turning your house upside down for merely one night.— Will you be kind enough to order a bed for me at the Hoops² for Monday night: as it is almost certain I shall come to Cambridge then.— You may tremble at my arrival,—for I shall not give you a moments peace. I have so many things to ask about & talk about.— Every thing goes on very well.— The SS Islands daily become more probable.— My cabin is more comfortable than I expected: & my only difficulty is about the disposal of my collection when I come back.— I have seen this very morning Cap. Beaufort & had some talk on the subject.— There is one other disagreeable thing, but of this in future.— The ballance however is quite on the prosperous side.—

Excuse this hasty letter & believe me dear Sir, with my best thanks, Yours ever most sincerely | Chas. Darwin.—