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To John Lubbock   29 [May 1860]1

Down.—

29th

Dear Lubbock

I enclose Innes answer. It is evident that he will not speak to Mr Stephens.2 If on reflexion you still much wish to give up accounts I would ask Mr Stephens for you; for I could make good reason, saying that you had asked me, & that I refused as I keep the Friendly Club (which is no joke) Coal Club & Saving Bank accounts.—3 Or you might say this.— This fact, by the way, is an answer to Mr Innes’ remark on all being thrown on the Clergyman’s back.—

You will see query about E. Town answered & I quite agree.—4

I hope that you agree that the Report shd. be sent to Mr Stephens for approval & signature

Etty keeps very ill, & though we were anxious yesterday, I think she is better to day.—

Dear Lubbock | Yours most truly | C. Darwin

P.S. 10s is due from you this day for annual Subscription to Friendly Club.— I am glad to say Mr Stephens, without asking has become Subscriber to Friendly Club.—

Endorsement: ‘1860’

1
Dated by the relationship to the letter to John Lubbock, 25 May [1860].
2
Probably Thomas Selwood Stephens, a resident of Down who was apparently acting as curate. See letter to John Lubbock, 25 May [1860].
3
CD had been treasurer of the Down Coal and Clothing Club since 1848 (see Correspondence vol. 4, letter to John Innes, [8 May 1848]). In 1850, the administration was expanded to include a Friendly Society, a mutual insurance and benefit club, of which CD was treasurer for thirty years (LL 1: 142).
4
Possibly a relative of Daniel Town, carpenter, who is listed as residing in Down in the Post Office directory of the six home counties 1859.

Manuscript Alterations and Comments

1.5 Or you might say this.—-] interl

Please cite as “DCP-LETT-2817,” in Ɛpsilon: The Charles Darwin Collection accessed on 5 June 2025, https://epsilon.ac.uk/view/dcp-data/letters/DCP-LETT-2817