Dear Sir

You will think me very dilatory in acknowledgeing the kindness I received from you on March 26^th But the reason is, I wished to return you the same kindness with a many thanks.¹

Also I am glad to say that my health is very good considering that I am 65 years old.

And now I am going to give you a description of my career since I left the Beagle.²

I purchased my Discharge from the Royal Marines, and whent to Stockport in Cheshire, my native place, Admiral Si^r. Sailsbury Davenport³ was then living at Bramhall near Stockport, and he—got me appointed as an Officer in the Cheshire Constabulary force, in which I remained in 32 years and am now Pensioned at thirty two pounds per year. Since then I have sought for no other employment.

I am only sorry that the Distance is so great between us, and my means so limited, or I whould come and see you which I should like to do.

I can at times picture to myself very clear some of the sights whe had in the Beagle, for instance, the coast of Patagonia and TerradelFuego Falkland Islands, Straits of Magallan with Port Famine and Wigwam Cove and Otahite with Dolphin Bay, and Point Venus.⁴

I fancy at times I can see them. I have not seen one of the crew since I was paid off.

I have often heard your name mentioned, and have felt proud that I could say I was with you in the Beagle. But I have never had the pleasure of Reading one of your Works, I should like to have the opportunity in my Lifetime which cannot be so long as the Longest.

If you would condesend to send me one with your name as a present to one of the Beagle’s Crew I should think it a small fortune

I feel honured by you—sending me your Pothograph and shall Prize it whilst I Live and should you be so kind as to send me a Book and it being too Large for Post, you may convay the same per Rail in the Parcell Department writing me before.

With my kind and Best thanks to you I enclose my Likness | Remaining | Yours Ever truly | Thomas Burgess

To Doctor Darwin | Beckenham | Kent