Ɛpsilon

WCP3216

Letter (WCP3216.3184)

[1]1

LANDSCOVE VICARAGE,

ASHBURTON.

Oct: 16.03.

Dear Sir.

Will of you pray forgive a far away country Parson writing and pleading with that if it is possible you may of your charity — make him an offering of "This Wonderful century"2 –

My income is quite tiny. I am very poor, and have to be Parson, Doctor, Banker, [2] and all to my people.

I do so long to have a copy of your most excellent book — but beg I must not, nay cannot, and alas none of my neighbours have a copy.

Here I have many long & lonely hours — if it is possible will you pray of your charity — cheer these hours & fill me [3] with a very real pleasure & real help.

I should indeed be so truly grateful to you very.

If you cannot give may you forgive one whose longing & yearning has over stepped the ordinary bounds of custom.

I am dear Sir | yours truly | E. Darnley Smith3 [signature] | Vicar.

1
In ARW’s handwriting, "Sent copy".
2
Wallace, Alfred Russel. 1903. The Wonderful Century: the age of new ideas in science and invention. Revised edition and largely re-written. Swan Sonnenschein.
3
Smith, Edward Darnley (after 1918, Edward Whittington Darnley-Smith) (1862-1921). Church of England Clergyman. Vicar of Landscove.

Editorial information

Status: Draft transcription [Letter (WCP3216.3184)]

For more information about the transcriptions and metadata, see https://wallaceletters.myspecies.info/content/epsilon

Revision history

Transcribed by Benny, Ruth [2015-06-16] Transcription checked by Benny, Ruth [2015-06-16] Transcription checked by Sherwood, Danni [2020-08-10] Transcription checked by Chua, Christine [2026-04-18]

Please cite as “WCP3216,” in Beccaloni, G. W. (ed.), Ɛpsilon: The Alfred Russel Wallace Collection accessed on 5 June 2025, https://epsilon.ac.uk/view/wallace/letters/WCP3216