1831.] DR. DARWIN'S OBJECTIONS. 197 



I must again state I cannot think it would unfit me here- 

 after for a steady life. I do hope this letter will not give you 

 much uneasiness. I send it by the car to-morrow morning ; 

 if you make up your mind directly will you send me an 

 answer on the following day by the same means ? If this 

 letter should not find you at home, I hope you will answer as 

 soon as you conveniently can. 



I do not know what to say about Uncle Jos' kindness ; I 

 never can forget how he interests himself about me. 

 Believe me, my dear father, 



Your affectionate son, 



CHARLES DARWIN. 



[Here follows the list of objections which are referred to in 

 the following letter : 



(i.) Disreputable to my character as a Clergyman here- 

 after. 



(2.) A wild scheme. 



(3.) That they must have offered to many others before me 

 the place of Naturalist. 



(4.) And from its not being accepted there must be some 

 serious objection to the vessel or expedition. 



(5.) That I should never settle down to a steady life here- 

 after. 



(6.) That my accommodations would be most uncomfort- 

 able. 



(7.) That you [i.e. Dr. Darwin] should consider it as again 

 changing my profession. 



(8.) That it would be a useless undertaking.] 



P 2 



