1831.] THE OFFER REFUSED. 195 



C. Darwin to J. S. Henslow. 



Shrewsbury, Tuesday [August 30, 1831]. 

 MY DEAR SIR, 



Mr. Peacock's letter arrived on Saturday, and I re- 

 ceived it late yesterday evening. As far as my own mind is 

 concerned, I should, I think certainly, most gladly have ac- 

 cepted the opportunity which you so kindly have offered me. 

 But my father, although he does not decidedly refuse me, 

 gives such strong advice against going, that I should not be 

 comfortable if I did not follow it. 



My father's objections are these : the unfitting me to 

 settle down as a Clergyman, my little habit of seafaring, the 

 shortness 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. 



***** 



My trip with Sedgwick answered most perfectly. I did 

 not hear of poor Mr. Ramsay's loss till a few days before 

 your letter. I have been lucky hitherto in never losing any 

 person for whom I had any esteem or affection. My ac- 

 quaintance, although very short, was sufficient to give me 

 those feelings in a great degree. I can hardly make myself 

 believe he is no more. He was the finest character I ever 

 knew. 



Yours most sincerely, 



My dear Sir, 



CH. DARWIN. 



I have written to Mr. Peacock, and I mentioned that I 

 have asked you to send one line in the chance of his not 

 VOL. I. P 



