240 THE VOYAGE. ^TAT. 27. [1836. 



C. Da7-win to J. S. Henslow. 



Shrewsbury, Thursday, October 6, [1836]. 



My dear Henslow, 



I am sure you will congratulate me on the delight of once 

 again being home. The Beagle arrived at Falmouth on Sun- 

 day evening, and I reached Shrewsbury yesterday morning. 

 I am exceedingly anxious to see you, and as it will be neces- 

 sary in four or five days to return to London to get my goods 

 and chattels out of the Beagle^ it appears to me my best plan 

 to pass through Cambridge. I want your advice on many 

 points ; indeed I am in the clouds, and neither know what 

 to do or where to go. My chief puzzle is about the geologi- 

 cal specimens — who will have the charity to help me in de- 

 scribing their mineralogical nature ? Will you be kind enough 

 to write to me one line by return of post ^ saying whether 

 you are now at Cambridge ? I am doubtful till I hear from 

 Captain Fitz-Roy whether I shall not be obliged to start be- 

 fore the answer can arrive, but pray try the chance. My 

 dear Henslow, I do long to see you ; you have been the kindest 

 friend to me that ever man possessed. I can write no more, 

 for I am giddy with joy and confusion. 



Farewell for the present, 



Yours most truly obliged, 



Charles Darwin. 



C. Darwin to R. Fitz-Roy. 

 Shrewsbury, Thursday morning, October 6, [1836]. 



My dear Fitz-Roy, 



I arrived here yesterday morning at breakfast time, and, 

 thank God, found all my dear good sisters and father quite 

 well. My father appears more cheerful and very little older 

 than when I left. My sisters assure me I do not look the 

 least different, and I am able to return the compliment. In- 

 deed, all England appears changed excepting the good old 



