Charles Darwin an Ernst Haeckel, Down, 12. August 1876
Down, | Beckenham, Kent.
a
Aug 12. 76
My dear Haeckel
I am glad to hear that you are coming to England, & shall be delighted to see you here. But I am sorry to say it is in some degree doubtful whether I shall be then at home.
My eldest son who lives at Southampton has had severe concussion of the brain & is now in Scotland for health’s sake He returns to his home early in September, & shortly afterwards we are going to visit him. How long we shall stay at Southampton is quite doubtful, as it will depend on how far we are a comfort to him. Therefore as soon as you know within a few days at what time you could come to Down, be so kind as to write to || me & I will then tell you whether we shall be at home. You will see that we could not possibly put off our visit to my son, under these circumstances –
my dear Häckel
Yours very sincerely
Ch. Darwin
a gestr.: RAILWAY STATION ORPINGTON. S. E. R.