From Eleanor Corbet   13 December 1866

Dear M^r. Darwin

M^r. Corbet¹ does not like y^r kind letter to remain unnoticed, and therefore I promise to write and thank you for it, & at the same time I am to tell you, that tho’ something better than he has been, yet he is so far from well that he does not feel equal to dictating a letter—²

Irritation of the mucous membrane is thought to be the cause of his distressing sensations, & there is no doubt that a very great deal is done by the strictest care in diet—& we endeavor as far as possible to get him to persevere in exercising every precaution.

He desires to send his best regards & believe me dear M^r. Darwin | Y^rs. very truly | Eleanor Corbet

Headington Hill | Oxford

Dec. 13^th | 1866