1838-1839] Engagement of Charles and Emma 3 



fleeted from our families, and I think there are few fathers 

 who have on the whole more cause to be satisfied with the 

 conduct and present circumstances and future prospects of 

 our families. I could have parted with Emma to no one 

 for whom I would so soon and so entirely feel as a father, 

 and I am happy in believing that Charles entertains the 

 kindest feelings for his uncle-father. 



I propose to do for Emma what I did for Charlotte and 

 for three of my sons, give a bond for 5,000, and to allow 

 her 400 a year, as long as my income will supply it, 

 which I have no reason for thinking will not be as long as 

 I live. 



Give my love to your fireside and believe me, 



Affectionately yours, 



JOSIAH WEDGWOOD. 



MY DEAR U ^ 



I have ^ged a bit of Papa's letter to thank you 

 from my heart for the delightful way in which you have 

 received me into your family, and to thank my dear Marianne 

 and Susan for their affectionate notes, which gave me the 

 greatest pleasure. One of the things that gave me most 

 happiness is Charles's thorough affection and value for 

 Papa. I am, my dear uncle, yours affectionately, 



EMMA W. 



Charles Darwin to Emma Wedgwood. 



SHREWSBURY, Wednesday Morning 

 MY DEAR EMMA, t 14 Nov - 1838 3- 



Marianne and Susan will have told you what joy 

 and happiness the news gave all here. We have had in- 

 numerable cogitations ; and the one conclusion I exult in is 

 that there was never anyone so lucky as I have been, or so 

 good as you. Indeed I can assure you, many times since 

 leaving Maer, I have thought how little I expressed how 

 much I owe to you ; and as often as I think this, I vow to 

 try to make myself good enough somewhat to deserve you 



