From J. S. Henslow   7 February 1839

My dear Brother Benedict,¹

Whewell assures me that you are certainly twin, though I have seen no account of the important event in the Gazette or elsewhere— I must therefore take it for granted that the Queens Speech or something else has so much occupied the thoughts of all the Printers that they have forgotten you— I need not tell you how heartily I wish you all health & happiness in your new estate—nor I trust assure you that I know no one beyond the circle of my own family in whom I feel a more hearty interest. Should it please God that we & our better halves are to see many days, I hope our friendship will go on increasing & our intercourse be more & more frequent— Mrs H. hopes with myself that you will accept a trifling wedding present for M^rs C. Darwin’s table. It is only a little silver candlestick for a wax taper; but the use of it will occasionally remind you of us, if we should never meet again— I don’t know how to send it to you, but as I shall be in town in 2 or 3 weeks I can at all events bring it up with me—

With our united heartfelt good wishes to you & M^rs D, believe me ever | My dear Fellow | Y^r. affectionate friend | J S Henslow