From John Brodie Innes   16 January 1868

Dear Darwin,

I left you treasurer of the School, and hope you are still in office. I enclose cheque for my subscription for this year.¹

I hope Miss Darwin has carried out her laudable intention of giving some assistance in the Downe School.² A lady’s presence is valuable in many ways. They teach so nicely are so patient and their very presence has such a civilizing effect on savage boys. M^rs. Innes³ poor lady did what she could while at Downe and possibly I was enough of an old woman to approximate to the other sex by natural selection

I hope Miss Etty may more than supply the lady’s place without any variation from her own place in creation.

If you want mild weather you should come here instead of going to cold southern regions. We have had no snow, and the young folk are crying out there is no skating. I had a lot over here on Saturday last to disport themselves on a shallow piece of water, as no deep waters would bear. It rained before they left and we have had quite mild weather and occasional rain since

M^rs. Innes joins me in kindest regards to you and M^rs. Darwin and your family

Believe me Dear Darwin | Yours faithfully | J Brodie Innes.