To W. D. Fox    [23 April 1829]

My dear Fox

I have delayed answering your last letter for these few days, as I thought that under such melancholy circumstances my writing to you would be probably only giving you trouble.—

This morning I received a letter from Catherine informing me of that event, which indeed from your letter I had hardly dared to hope would have happened otherwise.—¹ I feel most sincerely & deeply for you & all your family: But at the same time, as far as anyone can, by his own good principles & religion be supported under such a misfortune, you, I am assured, well know where to look for such support. And after so pure & holy a comfort as the Bible affords, I am equally assured how useless the sympathy of all friends must appear, although it be as heartfelt & sincere, as I hope you believe me capable of feeling.—

At such a time of deep distress, I will say nothing more, excepting that I trust your father & M^rs. Fox bear this blow as well as under such circumstances can be hoped for.—

I am afraid it will be a long time, my dear Fox, before we meet. till then believe me, at all times | Yours most affectionately | Charles Darwin

Cambridge