Volume I Part 13 (1/2)

Mr Peacock's letter arrived on Saturday, and I received it late yesterday evening As far as ladly have accepted the opportunity which you so kindly have offered ives such strong advice against going, that I should not be comfortable if I did not follow it

My father's objections are these: the unfitting , THE SHORTNESS OF THE TIME, and the chance ofCaptain Fitz-Roy It is certainly a very serious objection, the very short time for allup for such an undertaking But if it had not been for my father I would have taken all risks What was the reason that a Naturalist was not long ago fixed upon? I aed for the trouble you have had about it; there certainly could not have been a better opportunity

My trip with Sedgwick answered most perfectly I did not hear of poor Mr Ramsay's loss till a few days before your letter I have been lucky hitherto in never losing any person for whoh very short, was sufficient to give ree I can hardly make myself believe he is no more He was the finest character I ever knew

Yours most sincerely, My dear Sir, CH DARWIN

I have written to Mr Peacock, and I mentioned that I have asked you to send one line in the chance of his not getting my letter I have also asked hio, y, and I should want a good stock of that Again I must thank you, it adds a little to the heavy but pleasant load of gratitude which I owe to you

CHARLES DARWIN TO RW DARWIN [Maer] August 31, [1831]

My dear Father,

I aain very uncomfortable But, upon consideration, I think you will excuse e My excuse and reason is the different way all the Wedgwoods view the subject froiven Uncle Jos (Josiah Wedgwood) what I fervently trust is an accurate and full list of your objections, and he is kind enough to give his opinions on all The list and his ansill be enclosed But reatest kindness, if you will send me a decided answer, yes or no? If the latter, I should be rateful if I did not ience you have shown h my life; and you ain If your answer should be yes; I will go directly to Henslow and consult deliberately with hier appears to reat The expense cannot be serious, and the time I do not think, anyhoould be more throay then if I stayed at ho that I would for one SINGLE MOMENT hesitate, if you thought that after a short period you should continue uncoain state I cannot think it would unfit me hereafter for a steady life I do hope this letter will not give you ; if you make up yourday by the same means? If this letter should not find you at home, I hope you will answer as soon as you conveniently can

I do not knohat to say about Uncle Jos' kindness; I never can forget how he interests himself about me

Believe me, my dear father, Your affectionate son, CHARLES DARWIN

[Here follows the list of objections which are referred to in the following letter:--

1 Disreputable to yman hereafter

2 A wild scheme

3 That they must have offered to many others beforeaccepted there must be some serious objection to the vessel or expedition

5 That I should never settle down to a steady life hereafter

6 That my accommodations would be most uncomfortable

7 That you [ie Dr Darwin] should consider it as again changing ]

JOSIAH WEDGWOOD TO RW DARWIN Maer, August 31, 1831 [Read this last]

(In C Darwin's writing)

My dear Doctor,