To Thomas Salt   9 February [1861]

Dear Sir

You may perhaps remember that my Trustees lent Major Owen on mortgage 20,000£, On August 19^th 1850 for five years at 3$\frac{3}{4}$ per cent. I believe I agreed on August 1855 to lend on the same interest for a second five years; but from some carelessness I cannot lay my hand on the agreement. If my memory is correct, the term was up last August.— Now, will you be so good as to give me your advice, firstly, whether 3$\frac{3}{4}$ is a fair & sufficient interest to ask, and secondly whether I ought not to ask for a fresh agreement for a certain period of years.— Otherwise whenever the general rate of interest falls, I may be suddenly asked to reduce it for a new term. I will, however be guided by your advice, & should be much obliged if you would act for me.— But please observe that I am not certain that any fresh agreement was entered on Aug. 19. 1855, or if it was agreed on for five years.—¹

Whenever quite convenient, would you be so good as to let me hear from you,² & I beg leave to remain Dear Sir | Yours sincerely | Chas. R. Darwin

P.S. | To make quite certain that I have made no mistake about the rate of Interest, I may add that I received last August 359£ "7^s "6^d, income-tax having been deducted.—³