To John Lubbock   [25 May 1861]¹

My dear Lubbock

I have been thinking much of your communication about the Bank.²   I was so astonished at it, that I did not collect my wits enough to ask all that I might.— I have just written a long letter to William, & that has made me feel that I have hardly given him data for even a first impression. I know that it is quite likely that the place may be already filled up; but it seems so good an offer as to be well worth deliberation.—

I sh^d. very much like to ask you a few more questions. I do not like to ask you to call here, so if you will appoint any time whatever tomorrow I will drive down to High Elms, if you can see me.—³ Just send verbal message at what hour.

It was extremely kind in you to think of William, but whether he will be inclined to give up the Law (as I should do under his circumstances), which he thinks he shall like, I know not.—

Yours very sincerely obliged | Ch. Darwin

I can with entire truth say of William that he has excellent sound practical sense & judgment. Though not very clever he was in VI form at Rugby & has got scholarship at Cambridge;⁴ & has always borne good character at School. He has been steady & never extravagant. I never saw a shade of feeling bordering on untruthfulness or deceit in him. He is energetic in all his pursuits.—