From Adam Sedgwick   23 December 1849

My dear Henslow,

Thanks for your note. Your Servant drove me admirably; so I did very well, tho’ we had not so much talk as you & I might perhaps have kept up. Next day I called on the Marchesa who will I think come sometime with Maggie to see you; & the next \following/ day I called on Leonard – but he was flown away I found – I also have had a very lazy chat with a very old Lady, who lives on the N. side of Parker’s Piece, & who was rejoiced to have news of your family. Nor is this all my weeks work – Twice have I called on Fanny at Stapleford & both times she was out walking: but she is waxing plump & cosy I hear. Considering that I am not a calling man, this is I think very exemplary & wonderful & lest you & M. ^rs Henslow should not butter me for it I will butter myself – I have written to D ^r Clarke to tell him I will take two copies of John M[illeg.]’s book – The cost will be 10/0.– Pray lay the sum down for me – No! That is not worth while perhaps; for I may send a P.O. order. What nearly ready for the Press may mean I hardly know – I have a book in the Press & it has been advertised as nearly ready for about three years. It ought to be a full grown chicken after such an incubation. I was yesterday at a dinner in honor of Cuvier. It rose out of out of a bet, & was given by D. ^r Fisher – I left them at half past eleven making speeches. I suspect they are still speaking; for I have seen none of them today. M ^.rs Henslow is I trust gradually recovering from the effects of my Sermon Give my love to her, a kiss from me to my Goddaughter – & a merry Xmas to the lads

Your affectionate friend |A Sedgwick