1829.] CONDOLENCE. 1 53 



morning. Altogether it was a most awful sight. I cannot 

 conclude without telling you, that of all the blackguards I 

 ever met with, you are the greatest and the best. 



C. Darwin. 



C. Darivin to JV. D. Fox. 



[Cambridge, Thursday, April 23, 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 1 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. I feel most 

 sincerely and deeply for you and all your family ; but at the 

 same time, as far as any one can, by his own good principles 

 and religion, be supported under such a misfortune, you, I 

 am assured, will know where to look for such support. And 

 after so pure and holy a comfort as the Bible affords, I am 

 equally assured how useless the sympathy of all fiiends must 

 appear, although it be as heartfelt and sincere, as I hope you 

 believe me capable of feeling. At such a time of deep dis- 

 tress I will say nothing more, excepting that I trust your father 

 and Mrs. Fox bear this blow as well as, under such circum- 

 stances, 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. 



C. Darwin to JV. D. Fox. 



Shrewsbury, Friday [July 4, 1829]. 



My dear Fox, 



I should have written to you before only that whilst our 

 expedition lasted I was too much engaged, and the conclu- 



* The death of Fox's sister. Mrs. Bristowe. 



