From Leonard Darwin to G. H. Darwin [29 February 1880?]

Dear George

I got a letter from Col. Chester this morning saying that he had sent off the narrative history in a reprinted letter, but it has not arrived yet. He also enclose a pedigree, which I suppose gives the pith of the "investigations". I am sorry to say that it is the least bit disappoint as the 2 first generations are rather washy. You may not hear from home from some time on this subject so I will give tell you what it comes to.

William of Cleatham, falsely called the I^st., was the great-great-grandson of William Darwin of Marton near Gainsboro Lincoln "who died before 1542" As that is all that is known about him he is rather a washy character, and his son is more washy than himself as his name was "(?William) Darwin" who died before 1542. Whether this man was his own father is like discovering whether Homer was written by Homer or by another poet of the same name. I dont see why we should not stick on another generation "(?) Darwin who died before 1542"— nobody can dispute it. However it is not fair to criticize until we get the "narrative history" (?William) Darwin had a son whom he named after himself, leaving out the bracket and the ?; this, William III was a yeoman of Marton who married Elizabeth, and whose (will) was proved in 1580. Richard Darwin the 3^rd. son of William III was our ancestor, he also lived at Marton, and his will was proved in 1584. He beget William [Whiloru] the 1^st. "of Cleatham, gent, yeoman of the Armory" will proved 1644. These are the main facts, though several other Darwins appear on the scene.

If you think (Jos) would care for these details, pass this letter on to him.

The parents are thinking of going to an hotel near the Crystal Palace for about 4 days; this seems to me about the most curious form of lark that I have heard of. I am sure they will hate it; they had much better go to London for a few days, especially as the Williams are there.

The accounts of Uncle Jos are still very bad; it will be wonderful if he recovers.

Yours ever | Leonard Darwin