<span>Letter talks about progress made in the restoration of the church at Down. Small talk about some of the families in Down. Emma writes that they are in mourning for Mrs. Henry Wedgwood. Transcription: "Down Beckenham Thursday Dear Mr Innes I should have answered your letter at once, but I have been laid up for a few days. The church seems to be making fair progress. The water pipes are finished + all the wood work (open news or benches) ready to be put up as soon as the plaistering is finished. The [] is to have sidelong beaches + the altar to be railed off all across. Mr Ff. has employed a regular architect + builder under him, but no committee. The parish has been all at peace since an alarming strike took place among the school girls about sweeping the school. We did not give way + some of little geese lost their school feast in consequence. But I believe it was entirely the mother's folly. More little Whiteheads are continuously appearing in the world, + as if she had not enough by producing them one at a time, Mrs Stephen W has just had twins, her 9th + 10th_ Every body likes Mrs Ff. + she is very kind + active about the school. She is very shy and reserved however, + I doubt whether I shall ever penetrate far beneath the surface, which is all very nice + tasteful. I expect that you will be entertained by the "Expression"- Mr </span><span>Darwin was very doubtful whether the public wd care about it, but it has been favourably noticed + sold well- We are in mourning for Mrs Henry Wedgwood a sad break up for my brother, who is old. Charles is tolerably well + deserves to be most kindly remembered to you. I think [Parslow] is one of the great institutions of Down. We have been afraid that he wd be obliged to give up service owing to a persistent lameness, but after some months rest he is quite well again. Mr Smith of Down Court is building a good house nearly on the site of Down Hall. It is a pity he did not push it further into the field. Mr J. Smith has been ill for a long time + always looks fearfully ill. We have some of the "boys" constantly coming from London. George's health has failed very much for a year + he finds it difficult to continue his law-reading The excellent Dowager, Lady Lubbock is, I am afraid, very unwell in London. When I saw her this summer she was as warm hearted + sympathetic as in old days I hope the rain is at last over + that you will enjoy rambling + shooting with your son who must find the change delightful after London. + with my kind love to Mrs Innes believe me yours very truly E. Darwin" Letter, signed by sender. Sent from Down House, near Beckenham, Kent, England.The Robert M. Stecher Collection of Charles Darwin Books and Manuscripts</span>
