To Charles Babbage   [October 1839 – August 1842]

My dear M^r. Babbage

I am very much obliged to you for your several cards which you have so kindly sent us, & which I should have had greater pleasure in accepting than any other parties, had not I found by dear-bought experience that my health will not at present stand going out in the evening.

I am going to take a liberty, which I trust you will excuse; it is to ask permission for my sister who is staying with us to accompany my brother, whom I understand you have also kindly asked, to your party tomorrow evening: M^rs. Darwin not being well enough to go out at present.—

Believe me | My dear Sir | Yours very truly obliged | C. Darwin