To T. C. Eyton   [6 January 1840]

Dear Eyton

You must have been surprised at my not having sooner answered your letter; but I have not been very well for the last week, having had a headach every day, which has not left me now.— I am delighted to hear what progress you have made— the results you briefly mention, appear very curious.— I am exceedingly glad, & obliged to you, that you undertook the task.—¹

I cannot say when the next (& last) number of Birds will appear, as it does not depend upon myself.— It may be 1^st of March or 2 or 3 months later.—²

With respect to the plate of engravings, the drawings for which you so kindly offer to execute, I must leave it to yourself to decide—with this statement, that I am anxious to spend the government grant in the best way for science, & I think I have already given rather too much proportionally to the birds & Mammalia.— But, if you think the details require illustration, most decidedly they shall have it.— Will you have the kindness to decide for me, and if in the affirmative I need not say how much obliged I shall be to you for the drawings.—³

With respect to the bones, & scraps—if you set much value on them, undoubtedly the museum of the describer has the best claim for them.— otherwise I should present them to Coll. of Surgeons, with references to your description.— Please to decide this for me, & excuse my briefness, as I am not very well

Ever y^r. C. D.

P.S. Perhaps you have not heard, that I am become a Father: the event occurred last Friday week: it is a little Prince⁴