From:
George Simpson
To:
Charles Robert Darwin
Date:
[26] Jan [1831]
Source of text:
DAR 204: 41
Summary:
Congratulates CD on his "very very good degree". Asks about friends; wishes him well.
Contributor:
Darwin Correspondence Project
Showing 21–36 of 36 items
Congratulates CD on his "very very good degree". Asks about friends; wishes him well.
Is in London living in a garret, almost penniless, and has legal and marital difficulties. He hopes to sell some verse.
Accepted CD’s "generous remittance" rather than go to jail; has pawned his watch. Will stay one fortnight to see whether he can do anything; if he fails he will go home. If he succeeds he will ask his father to pay his debts and nothing else for a two-year period. Is proud of the attachment CD shows.
In London HM was too harassed by his wife to write; has gone home and is much bothered by his father. Looks for a place as a private tutor. Remains CD’s devoted friend.
Asks CD to accept a Coddington microscope, which accompanies his anonymous note.
Compliments CD on talent and sincerity.
Sends congratulations and good wishes; feels the Wedgwoods bear much responsibility, since he would not have accepted the Beagle appointment had he not been at Maer "that 1st. of September".
Sends him a purse, which she asks him to use in remembrance of her.
Much disappointed that CD will leave home before she returns.
Their letters crossed; she now knows he will be gone for three years, not two; does not know what they will do without him at the Forest, but wishes him well.
Questions about his college bills.
Describes the living conditions he will have on the Beagle.
The outfitting of the Beagle progresses.
CD has been dining out more than he wishes. He has met W. S. Harris of "Electricity" fame.
His fears and hopes about seasickness.
A new continent has been discovered "somewhere far South". "Perhaps we may be sent in search."
Describes the wedding of her sister Sarah and related festivities. She misses CD very much.
Wants CD to come without fail on Monday, and to bring her a small bottle of oil colour, a half-dozen small brushes, and a "juicy" book of some kind.
Had a pleasant week in London and is now enjoying Cambridge, where he is busy with work and social engagements.
Writes with great enthusiasm of his prospective trip to "the Tropics" [Canary Islands]. Henslow will cram him in geology. He is working regularly at Spanish.
She encloses a pin with "genuine hair" and is flattered that it will go around the world with CD.
Family and Shropshire news.