Dear Sir

The enclosed letter from your son will explain why I write.¹

I think that by all means it would be well that the old Deeds he mentioned should be examined, though I do not conceive that they would be likely to throw any light upon the points to which my researches are directed, viz. the identification of the first William Darwin of Cleatham & his ancestors.² But they would doubtless reveal much that would be of interest to the later history of the family.

I could not myself give the necessary attention to them for some time to come, for the reason that the Literary Department of the Will Office closes early in August for its annual holiday of six weeks, and until then I wish to give every day to an examination of the Wills, which is of primary importance.

If your son has the leisure, he can examine these Deeds &c as well as I can, making a precis of each, & it would perhaps be more satisfactory if it were done by a member of the family than by a stranger: I would any day come to his rescue, if he found himself involved in any difficulty. Or, if preferred, & the matter can rest till next month, I would then make the examination myself.

Permit me, as the present opportunity enables me to do so without impertinence, to assure you of my long and earnest sympathy with your invaluable labours, & my profound respect & gratitude, such as a humble disciple may entertain for his revered master.

Believe me | faithfully yours | Jos: L. Chester