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Darwin, C. R. in correspondent 
Abbot, F. E. in correspondent 
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From:
Francis Ellingwood Abbot
To:
Charles Robert Darwin
Date:
11 May 1871
Source of text:
DAR 159: 1
Summary:

Wishes to inform CD that, contrary to CD’s impression, natural selection is widely accepted in U. S. by educated men; encloses copies of his lectures, papers, and the Index.

Contributor:
Darwin Correspondence Project
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From:
Charles Robert Darwin
To:
Francis Ellingwood Abbot
Date:
27 May [1871]
Source of text:
Harvard University Archives (Papers of F. E. Abbot, 1841–1904. Named Correspondence, 1857–1903. Folder: Darwin, Charles and W. E. Darwin (son), 1871–1883, box 44. HUG 1101)
Summary:

CD is surprised and gratified by the interest in his views in America.

Has read the extract from the Liberal Christian sent by FEA and also Truths for the times, which he admires.

Contributor:
Darwin Correspondence Project
From:
Charles Robert Darwin
To:
Francis Ellingwood Abbot
Date:
6 June [1871]
Source of text:
Harvard University Archives (Papers of F. E. Abbot, 1841–1904. Named Correspondence, 1857–1903. Folder: Darwin, Charles and W. E. Darwin (son), 1871–1883, box 44. HUG 1101)
Summary:

Sends subscription for the Index.

FEA’s article ["The intuitional and scientific schools of free religion", Index 15 Apr 1871] is one of the most striking CD has read.

Contributor:
Darwin Correspondence Project
From:
Francis Ellingwood Abbot
To:
Charles Robert Darwin
Date:
20 Aug 1871
Source of text:
DAR 159: 2
Summary:

Thanks CD for interest in FEA’s work and for money for Index. Sends 1870 volume of Index.

Praises CD’s services to free-thought.

Asks for CD’s view of the influence of his theory on religion, to use in lecture.

Contributor:
Darwin Correspondence Project
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From:
Charles Robert Darwin
To:
Francis Ellingwood Abbot
Date:
6 Sept [1871]
Source of text:
Harvard University Archives (Papers of F. E. Abbot, 1841–1904. Named Correspondence, 1857–1903. Folder: Darwin, Charles and W. E. Darwin (son), 1871–1883, box 44. HUG 1101)
Summary:

CD’s views [on religion] are far from clear. He cannot make up his mind how far an inward conviction that there must be some Creator or First Cause is really trustworthy evidence. Does not feel he has thought deeply enough to express himself publicly on religion.

Contributor:
Darwin Correspondence Project
From:
Francis Ellingwood Abbot
To:
Charles Robert Darwin
Date:
1 Nov 1871
Source of text:
DAR 159: 3
Summary:

For CD’s approval, cites passage from CD note he wants to quote in a lecture;

pleads for CD’s moral support for FEA’s work in free-thought movement.

Sends $50 [dollars or pounds!?] because he wants CD to become regular contributor to Index.

Contributor:
Darwin Correspondence Project
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From:
Charles Robert Darwin
To:
Francis Ellingwood Abbot
Date:
16 Nov [1871]
Source of text:
Harvard University Archives (Papers of F. E. Abbot, 1841–1904. Named Correspondence, 1857–1903. Folder: Darwin, Charles and W. E. Darwin (son), 1871–1883, box 44. HUG 1101)
Summary:

Explains why he must decline to write for the Index: his health is poor and he has never systematically thought much on religion. FEA may print his comments, "with qualifications", if he wishes.

Contributor:
Darwin Correspondence Project
From:
Charles Robert Darwin
To:
Francis Ellingwood Abbot
Date:
8 Jan 1872
Source of text:
Harvard University Archives (Papers of F. E. Abbot, 1841–1904. Named Correspondence, 1857–1903. Folder: Darwin, Charles and W. E. Darwin (son), 1871–1883, box 44. HUG 1101)
Summary:

CD is grateful for the eulogy in Index [no. 104]. Many would disagree. It is the fashion to say he is a good observer with "an utterly illogical mind".

Contributor:
Darwin Correspondence Project
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From:
Charles Robert Darwin
To:
Francis Ellingwood Abbot
Date:
2 July 1872
Source of text:
Harvard University Archives (Papers of F. E. Abbot, 1841–1904. Named Correspondence, 1857–1903. Folder: Darwin, Charles and W. E. Darwin (son), 1871–1883, box 44. HUG 1101)
Summary:

Renews subscription to Index.

Was interested in FEA’s lecture on "The God of science" [Index 24 Feb 1872].

Contributor:
Darwin Correspondence Project
From:
Francis Ellingwood Abbot
To:
Charles Robert Darwin
Date:
18 July 1872
Source of text:
DAR 159: 4
Summary:

Thanks CD for five dollars and two-year subscription to Index, and for permission to quote CD’s compliments on Truths for the times.

Contributor:
Darwin Correspondence Project
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From:
Francis Ellingwood Abbot
To:
Charles Robert Darwin
Date:
3 Mar 1874
Source of text:
DAR 159: 5
Summary:

Asks CD to read and comment, for publication, on his forthcoming essay in Index on the evolution of conscience and morals through action and reaction between man and the moral environment.

Contributor:
Darwin Correspondence Project
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From:
Charles Robert Darwin
To:
Francis Ellingwood Abbot
Date:
30 Mar 1874
Source of text:
Harvard University Archives (Papers of F. E. Abbot, 1841–1904. Named Correspondence, 1857–1903. Folder: Darwin, Charles and W. E. Darwin (son), 1871–1883, box 44. HUG 1101)
Summary:

FEA has expressed CD’s views on the moral sense with remarkable clearness and correctness; his eulogy is magnificent ["Darwin’s theory of conscience and its relation to scientific ethics", Index 12 Mar 1874]. Cannot give a judgment on the essay because he has had "no practice in following abstract and abstruse reasoning".

CD does not see how morality can be "objective and universal". No one would call the maternal bond in lower animals a "moral obligation". When a social animal "becomes in some slight incipient degree" a moral creature "capable of approving or disapproving of its own conduct" do not such obligations remain of a so-called instinctive nature rather than becoming at once moral obligations?

Contributor:
Darwin Correspondence Project