THE APPOINTMENT TO THE 'BEAGLE.' JETAT. 22. [1831, 



getting my letter. I have also asked him to communicate 

 with Captain Fitz-Roy. Even if I was to go, my father dis- 

 liking would take away all energy, and I should want a good 

 stock of that. Again I must thank you, it adds a little to 

 the heavy but pleasant load of gratitude which I owe to you. 



C. Darwin to R. W. Darwin. 



[Maer] August 31 [1831]!. 



MY DEAR FATHER, 



I am afraid I am going to make you again very 

 uncomfortable. But, upon consideration, I think you will 

 excuse me once again, stating my opinions on the offer of the 

 voyage. My excuse and reason is the different way all 

 the Wedgwoods view the subject from what you and my 

 sisters do. 



I have given Uncle Jos* what I fervently trust is an< 

 accurate and full list of your objections, and he is kind 

 enough to give his opinions on all. The list and his answers- 

 will be enclosed. But may I beg of you one favour, it will, 

 be doing me the greatest kindness, if you will send me a. 

 decided answer, yes or no ? If the latter, I should be most 

 ungrateful if I did not implicitly yield to your better judg- 

 ment, and to the kindest indulgence you have shown me all 

 through my life ; and you may rely upon it I will never 

 mention the subject again. If your answer should be yes ; I'. 

 will go directly to Henslow and consult deliberately with him,, 

 and then come to Shrewsbury. 



The danger appears to me and all the Wedgwoods not 

 great. The expense can not be serious, and the time I do- 

 not think, anyhow, would be more thrown away than if I 

 stayed at home. But pray do not consider that I am so bent 

 on going that I would for one single moment hesitate, if you: 

 thought that after a short period you should continue un- 

 comfortable. 



* Josiah Wedgwood. 



