Ɛpsilon

From Henry Holland   20 April [1868]1

72 Brook Street

April 20th

My dear Charles

The little volume I send you—(one of some twenty copies printed) was drawn from me by the solicitation of my Children; frequently [renewed] but never till lately acceded to.2

Finding that a mere Manuscript would not suffice for the many family demands upon me, I have put it into this form; reserving half a dozen copies for as many old friends; who may be interested in the narrative for my sake— But do not consider yourself in any way pledged to read it through. The exceptions I have thought it needful to make, leave the narrative a dull one, save to my Children & Grandchildren, for whom it is chiefly intended.

I send this note, & the book, through Erasmus;3 that he may look at it, if he wishes, before transmitting it to you

I hope you like Lewes’ articles on your volumes.4 I think them excellent   I had a good deal of conversation with him on the subject, before they were written

Ever my dear Charles, yours affecty | H Holland

1
The year is established by the reference to Holland 1868 (see n. 2, below).
2
Holland refers to Recollections of past life (Holland 1868). CD’s copy is in the Darwin Library–Down.
4
Holland refers to George Henry Lewes and to Lewes’s review of Variation which appeared in the Pall Mall Gazette on 10, 15, and 17 February 1868 ([Lewes] 1868a).

Please cite as “DCP-LETT-6131,” in Ɛpsilon: The Charles Darwin Collection accessed on 5 June 2025, https://epsilon.ac.uk/view/dcp-data/letters/DCP-LETT-6131