I am EXTREMELY glad to hear that you approved of my cirripedial volume. I have spent an almost ridiculous amount of labour on the subject, and certainly would never have undertaken it had I foreseen what a job it was. I hope to have finished by the end of the year. Do write again before a very long time; it is a real pleasure to me to hear from you. Farewell, with my wife's kindest remembrances to yourself and Mrs. Fox.
My dear old friend, yours affectionately, C. DARWIN.
CHARLES DARWIN TO W.D. FOX. Down, August 10th [1853].
My dear Fox,
I thank you sincerely for writing to me so soon after your most heavy misfortune. Your letter affected me so much. We both most truly sympathise with you and Mrs. Fox. We too lost, as you may remember, not so very long ago, a most dear child, of whom I can hardly yet bear to think tranquilly; yet, as you must know from your own most painful experience, time softens and deadens, in a manner truly wonderful, one's feelings and regrets. At first it is indeed bitter. I can only hope that your health and that of poor Mrs. Fox may be preserved, and that time may do its work softly, and bring you all together, once again, as the happy family, which, as I can well believe, you so lately formed.
My dear Fox, your affectionate friend, CHARLES DARWIN.
[The following letter refers to the Royal Society's Medal, which was awarded to him in November, 1853:]
CHARLES DARWIN TO J.D. HOOKER. Down, November 5th [1853].
My dear Hooker,