The Complete Work of Charles Darwin Online

RECORD: Darwin, Emma. 1851. Last letter to Annie Darwin. [29 March]. CUL-DAR210.13.4. Edited by John van Wyhe (Darwin Online, http://darwin-online.org.uk/)

REVISION HISTORY: Transcribed by Christine Chua and edited by John van Wyhe 2.2020. RN1

NOTE: See record in the Darwin Online manuscript catalogue, enter its Identifier here. Reproduced with permission of the Syndics of Cambridge University Library and William Huxley Darwin.

This appears to be Emma's last letter to Annie. On 24 March, Darwin, Annie and Henrietta, together with Brodie (c.1792-1873), the children's Scottish nurse, had travelled to Malvern. Catherine Thorley, their governess (1849-1856), was despatched to join them on the 28th. Miss Partington ( Eliza Partington, 1806-?) was the landlady at Montreal House where the Darwins lodged.

[1]

Down Friday [28 March 1851]

My dear Annie

I was very glad to have your letter & to learn that you are at Miss Partington's. It is most unlucky Dr Gully being gone out & I do not feel at all sure

[2]

that Papa will be able to come away on Saturday so you must tell him we are all quite well & shall do very well without him till Mond Wednesday. I & Georgy still have coughs but we are quite well & have been doing some lessons now Miss Thorley

[3]

is gone. It is too windy for the little ones to go out. When Miss Thorley comes you had better ask her to take you to see Susy Scott. It is very nice for you Mrs Scott being there & I dare say Susy will often walk with you.

[4]

Give my love to Etty & Brodie

Your affectionate

Mamma

E. D

I should so like to see St Anne's well & the hills it makes me quite thirsty to think of it.

March 29th

Citation: John van Wyhe, ed. 2002-. The Complete Work of Charles Darwin Online. (http://darwin-online.org.uk/)