Ch. V.] 1831. 117 



of the time, and the chance of my not suiting Captain Fitz-Roy. 

 It is certainly a very serious objection, the very short time for 

 all my preparations, as not only body but mind wants making 

 up for such an undertaking. But if it had not been for my 

 father I would have taken all risks. What was the reason that 

 a Naturalist was not long ago fixed upon ? I am very much 

 obliged for the trouble you have had about it ; there certainly 

 could not have been a better opportunity .... 



" Even if I was to go, my father disliking 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." 



The following letter was written by Darwin from Maer, the 

 house of his uncle Josiah Wedgwood the youngor. It is plain 

 that at first he intended to await a written reply from Dr. 

 Darwin, and that the expedition to Shrewsbury, mentioned 

 in the Autobiography, was an afterthought. 



[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 tho 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 judgment, 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 uncomfortable. 



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 



* Josiah Wedgwood. 



