1831.] MR. DARWIN'S OBJECTIONS. 171 



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 mxay rely upon it I will never mention the sub- 

 ject 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 cannot 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. 



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. 



* Josiah Wedgwood. 



